What percentage of communication is typically delivered through the words we speak?

The correct answer reflects the findings of research on communication, specifically the widely referenced study by psychologist Albert Mehrabian. According to Mehrabian's research, the breakdown of communication is that only a small percentage—approximately 7%—of the message is conveyed through the actual words spoken. Instead, a majority of communication relies on non-verbal components, including body language and tone of voice, which account for 55% and 38% of the message respectively. This highlights the significance of non-verbal cues in effectively delivering a message, emphasizing that what people say is only a fraction of the overall communication process. Understanding this distribution is essential for educators and communicators to engage their audience more effectively, recognizing the importance of both spoken words and the way they are presented through body language and tone.