I haven't been on the blog for a long time.     I know someone who does not hear my words but receives my nonverbal communication and it drives me crazy.  Granted there is non verbal communication going on, but it often seems as if the words are totally ignored.  Now, on to your article.  I did read "What you say" and I am wondering if there is a difference between verbal communication and written communication.  The people doing the study said verbal.  Concerning verbal I think it's not just 7% but who knows for sure how much it is?  Written communication gives us time to review it and meditate on it, which is a great benefit above verbal communication. also the one writing needs to be sure he/she is communication his/her intent solely with words.  Of course if it's saved on tapes review can take place--oh well, not sure what I think about all of this.  This is my opinion such as it is.

Denise

Hi Denise!  Misspellings don't count on forum comments. :)

Good observation about verbal being audible and wondering how that relates to Scripture.  Two comments.  1) Scripture contains an abundance of conversations which were originally spoken audibly.  2) Scripture is God's means of communicating to us as part of our living relationship with Him.  We pray, He often illumines our hearts with His Word, a way of responding to us. 

Regarding point 1), if 93% of the meaning of verbal (spoken) conversation is really non-verbal, then 93% of the meaning is lost to us when Scriptures record those conversations.  I find this improbable, as I do not believe that God would waste time recording something that is virtually meaningless.  Everything that He has recorded is rich in meaning and always accomplishes everything He intended it to accomplish when we read it.

Point 2), His Word is a light to our path, how dim would be that light if only 7% of its meaning is available to us.  His Word divides joint and marrow, spirit and soul, how dull is that cutting instrument if only 7% of its meaning comes through because we cannot see the hand gestures of the surgeon. 

Concentrate first on the precision of the words you use, carefully crafting them to be edifying, kind, gentle, encouraging, corrective, and loving (benefiting the hearer) in nature.  This is where the core meaning lies.  After you have given thought to the words and what you want them to do, it is acceptable to think about voice tone and hand gestures, but know this, your words are where the lion's share of the meaning resides.

Denise, thanks for the observations!