Characteristics
The verbal learner is anything but shy. They are naturally given to conversation, and they may be very ready to speak their minds when given the opportunity. Whether oral or written, they are all about communication. And as you will see, that can happen in a variety of ways — and they rarely leave anything unsaid. Verbals, therefore, are often individuals of influence among their peers and beyond. This tendency is natural for them, and can intimidate others if they don’t know how to steward that innate ability.
Assimilation
Their memory is stimulated by concepts, whether written or oral, which come via three primary methods: speaking, reading, and writing. They assimilate information through the use of vocabulary. Their interest and fascination with words and language facilitates the understanding of concepts. When words are not understood, or when a concept is unclear, the vocal learner will commonly bring everything to a screeching halt to clarify the meaning or definition before proceeding further.
Motivation
Verbal learners are motivated by persuasion. They need and want to be heard, earnestly desiring to contribute, and they are generally the first ones who will respond to others. Their ultimate intrinsic desire is to motivate and activate others. One of their primary motivations is to bring clarification and comprehension to their peers or audience — in which they excel. Verbals believe they have something valuable to say, which often proves true in generating interest from, and interaction among their audience or peers. Any opportunity or outlet afforded them is likely to be met with enthusiasm and vigor.
Method
Verbal learners employ three primary methods: speaking, reading, and writing. Regardless of personality, style, or method, Verbals may go in a direction their peers did not anticipate. They have an ability to spark the interest, curiosity, fascination, and intrigue of others. They can also be quite persuasive with regard to topics they are passionate about. Verbals are known to speak their minds, and they will dare to say what others often refrain from speaking.
Means
• Conversation (group or individual)
• Books
• Journalism (all forms)
• Diaries
• Letters
• Public Speaking
• Conferences
• Lectures
• Story-telling
• Teaching
Strengths
Verbals are excellent communicators in any given arena, and are typically very passionate people. They are extraordinarily gifted at explanation, and they enjoy helping others understand concepts. In this they are an excellent asset to any classroom where comments and questions are welcome. Their use of words and their manner of speaking not only captivate, but enlighten and entertain. They are wonderful conversationalists, and they are gifted orators.
They are often bold personalities. They love to generate conversation in the classroom, and they can easily dominate the setting if they don’t practice discretion. They can be confrontational, and they can also be candid. They will speak up when others remain silent. Their gift in conveying thoughts and emotions is an ability that serves them very well in personal relationships. Where others may be reticent to come forth, the Verbal will prove to be valiant with great clarity and persuasion. They are able to clarify just about anything because they understand words and can skillfully use them. Their vocabularies are often larger than average. They can also help others communicate their thoughts and emotions effectively. When friends are tripping over their tongue, the Verbal will happily fill in the blank — and do so accurately.
They are often multi-lingual. The art of linguistics is something that comes naturally for them, and they find the mastery of languages stimulating, fulfilling, and satisfying. Many are artists through their prose and poetry. They may have various literary voices and styles depending on what they are writing or speaking, and the audience they are determined to reach.
As for reading, the Verbal will be the one who can read the textbook cover to cover and glean the information they need without faltering. Words do not bore them — rather, they stimulate them. Reading, where study is concerned, is a primary means by which the Verbal will learn. Leisure reading is more than likely something they enjoy. Many are avid readers.
If they’re not given to speaking, they may be given to writing instead. Oddly enough, many Verbals can be quiet individuals who actually have a written voice that is much different than their personal manner of speaking. Once read, few would say those voices match. In fact, the Verbal who is a writer may not speak well at all — yet they will pen a work that leaves people breathless with awe. This is where their artistry with words is manifested. Regardless of the written work or its style, their use of words will prove to be profound and powerful, capturing their audience with ease.
The Verbal can easily contend, debate, and confront without batting an eye. Verbals have been known to pin people to the wall and call people to the carpet very easily, and with great skill. Their bold personalities enable them to say and write things that others would be reticent to verbalize. For this reason alone, they are able to accomplish things and resolve matters that would otherwise be neglected. Their personality, voice, style, and skill — when fully developed — in contrast to their own, can leave people utterly speechless.
If you need something communicated — a Verbal is what you need. They will get the job done beautifully. The key is finding the person with the appropriate voice and style for your particular message.
Weakness or Dysfunction
Verbals will always have something to say, and they are commonly those who are given to interruption, either mentally or verbally. Because if they’re not saying it, they’re often thinking it. They can be intimidating people when they have no intention or awareness of being this way. Because they say too much or speak so well and so readily, others may be unable to reciprocate at their level, finding it difficult to relate to them. Their mastery of words is one that leaves others coming up short in conversations and in the classroom. Peers may find it difficult to contend with a Verbal. And instructors may find them elaborate and time consuming.
Typically, they are not the greatest listeners. While others are speaking, the Verbal finds it hard to silence inner thoughts and formulated responses. Verbals must learn how to listen more than any other learning style. With that said, they can miss information from others speaking to them unless their interest is fully piqued, and their questions may seem to recycle the subject. Their greatest challenge is to silence themselves.
They readily speak their minds. Verbals are often those individuals with their foot in their mouth if their personality is given to ill discretion. If they have not learned to restrain themselves and develop a strong filter they will inevitably embarrass themselves or offend others. They can live with many regrets, and because of this trait, relationships may suffer. For the Verbal who is mature, measured, and has learned to hone their gift and skill, this problem is often abated.
Personalities vary, making Verbals an interesting but challenging style. Their most common weakness, quite simply, is their inability to keep their mouths shut. Christ’s declaration that “out of the heart the mouth speaks” is especially true for the Verbal learner.
Interactions
VISUAL: The visual learner is a great asset to the Verbal and vice-versa. Although these styles are entirely different, they are very complementary. Where the Visual needs to see, the Verbal is able to explain in the absence of imagery. Reading and writing are common ground for both.
AUDITORY: A Verbal will stimulate the Auditory, keeping their interest for hours. These get along quite well. However, the Auditory learner may not reciprocate to the Verbal’s liking. The biggest problem will be the Verbal’s ability to listen, and the Auditory’s ability to aptly respond. This can be grounds for frustration.
KINESTHETIC: A Verbal will explain satisfactorily, but demonstration may not be their flair, leaving the Kinesthetic frustrated and left out. Verbals will appreciate the Kinesthetic’s ability to demonstrate and perform, but they may not find be apt at doing likewise, making this pair inconvenient.
LOGICAL: Verbals often lean strongly toward the Logical learning style. It’s a common secondary style for them. With their use of words, the logical style provides them the ability to discern, discover, and implement their work. Again, Verbals enjoy bringing clarity and understanding for others. They can easily explain concepts to a Logical that bring the comprehension they so desire. And for a Verbal, the Logical will offer the information they desire to discuss, converse, and write about any given topic of interest. They’re a powerful team.
SOCIAL: Verbals who are social creatures will always provide a spark for conversation. They will be the ones who tutor, lecture, and take notes with exemplary proficiency, making them a vital asset to their peers.
INDEPENDENT: Verbals in this category are a force to be reckoned with. Watch out. They are voices that demand to be heard — whether oral or written. They are eagles who often fly alone.
CREATIVE: Many Creatives have strong Verbal traits. These are the authors, writers, speakers, and poets. Where words, language and communications are concerned, the Verbal who is also Creative will always excel, opening new portals of opportunity for all with whom they interact.
Suggestions
• Read your text.
• Take excellent notes.
• Join discussion groups on your subject of interest.
• When appropriate, ask your instructor for papers instead of projects to demonstrate your knowledge.
• Ask questions that will stimulate the classroom.
• Learn to listen.
• Consider what others contribute and respond accordingly.
• Develop your verbal boundaries.
• Join clubs that will allow you to share and express yourself on a particular subject of interest.
• Consider a debate team.
• Join a literary or journalism club/group.
• Keep a journal.
• Dialogue with classmates.
• Consider tutoring others to refine your personal knowledge and skills and your interaction with others.
Prominent Traits
• Passionate & bold
• Influential
• Persuasive
• Conversationalist
• Given to interruption
• Poor listener
• Apt to speak when others refrain
• Bring clarity to others
• Larger than average vocabulary
• Ready to confront and debate
• Difficult to refrain from speaking
• Strong desire to bring understanding
• Fascinated with words and languages
• Gifted with writing
• Excellent orator
• Artistry with words
• Speak up in the classroom
• Willing to say what others are not
• Can appear domineering in conversations
• May intimidate others unwittingly
• Desire to be heard and contribute
Required for Success
• A listening ear from parents and instructors
• Peer conversations
• Must learn to listen to others without mental or verbal interruptions
• Balance in conversation instead of dominance
• Consideration of peers
• Opportunities to write and demonstrate oration
• A proper medium for expression (journal, creative writing, debate, etc.)
• Must learn proper verbal boundaries
