Child Welfare License (CWEL) Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Study Resource

Paraverbal communication refers specifically to the aspects of spoken communication that accompany the actual words being said. This includes elements such as tone, pitch, volume, and speed of speech. How words are delivered can dramatically influence their meaning and the emotional context of the message. For example, a statement can appear as a neutral fact if delivered with a calm tone, but if expressed with a loud or harsh tone, it can convey anger or urgency. Therefore, understanding paraverbal communication is crucial for interpreting the nuances of spoken language in various contexts, especially in child welfare settings where conveying empathy and understanding is vital.

While the actual words spoken are important, they are complemented by these paraverbal elements. Similarly, body language represents non-verbal communication, and silence may convey messages as well, but they fall under different categories of communication.