What percentage of our message is communicated through the words we use?

The idea that a significant percentage of communication is conveyed through the words we use emphasizes the importance of verbal language in our interactions. While some theories suggest that as much as 95% of communication can be interpreted through nonverbal means, the percentage assigned to words specifically highlights their crucial role in conveying meaning, intent, and information.

In effective communication, the words chosen can express clarity and intention, allowing a listener to understand more straightforwardly what is being communicated. This percentage underscores the weight of lexical choices in conveying messages accurately. Although body language, tone, and other nonverbal cues also play critical roles in communication, the 95% figure reflects an understanding that the words themselves are fundamental in the first layer of message delivery. Thus, the emphasis is placed on the primary role of verbal language in effectively communicating a message.