British Columbia Basic Security Training Practice Exam

Approximately what percent of communication is verbal?

1. 1%

2. 14%

3. 7%

4. 35%

The correct answer is: 7%

Verbal communication is indeed a significant part of communication, but it's not the majority. In fact, only about 7% of communication is verbal according to the widely accepted study by Albert Mehrabian in which he concluded that in any communication, 7% of the message is conveyed through words, 38% through vocal elements like tone and inflection, and 55% is conveyed through nonverbal elements such as body language and facial expressions. This concept emphasizes the importance of nonverbal cues in communication and often applies in scenarios where personal attitudes and feelings are being communicated. So while the specific percentages may vary depending on the communication scenario, it's generally accepted that a significant part of communication happens non-verbally.