According to Albert Mehrabian's theory, what percentage represents paralinguistic communication?

Albert Mehrabian's theory emphasizes the importance of non-verbal elements in communication, specifically identifying how much of our communication is conveyed through various channels. In this theory, paralinguistic communication— which includes factors such as tone of voice, pitch, speed of speech, and other vocal nuances— is stated to account for a significant percentage of our overall communication. Mehrabian found that paralinguistic cues convey 38% of the meaning in face-to-face interactions. This highlights how much our vocal qualities can influence the perception and interpretation of the message being communicated, serving as an essential component in understanding the nuances of verbal communication.

The overall breakdown according to Mehrabian is that 7% of communication is derived from the words spoken, 38% from vocal qualities, and 55% from body language. This illustrates the relative importance of non-verbal elements in conveying emotions and attitudes, making the understanding of paralinguistic communication vital in effective interactions.