Verbal communication, although we sometimes think of it as only spoken language, by many people's definition often includes more than that. It encompasses Oral communication (which is the term more often used for spoken communication), including things like rate, volume, pitch, articulation, and pronunciation. It can also include sign language, visual communication, and written communication... although sometimes these other things are listed separately, depending on who is defining the terms.
Non verbal communication includes those important but unspoken signals that individuals exhibit, specifically: body language (encompassing carriage/posture, appearance, listening, eye contact), hand gestures, and facial expressions. Non-verbal communication makes up the majority of the communication that we engage is, although it isn't always conscious.
A very good example is: A man comes home late, hears from the kitchen the slamming of pots and pans and cupboard doors. He enters the kitchen, asks his wife "What's wrong, honey?" She answers, "Nothing!" as she slams another cupboard door and rolls her eyes toward the ceiling.
She has spoken the word "Nothing", but it is her unspoken communication that tells him that "nothing" is not the real answer. It is clearly communicated by her actions.
A truly effective communicator will train him or herself in nonverbal communication as well as other types.
