Verbal communication and the brain.

In summary, the brain plays a complex role in turning thoughts into verbal communication. Two specific language centers, Broca's Area and Wernicke's Area, are involved. Fluency of speech can be affected by various factors, including impulse control issues and emotional and memory problems. There are neurological tests that can accurately pinpoint areas of malfunction without the need for brain scans or EEGs. It is unclear whether these malfunctions are caused by genetic factors or outside influences.
  • #1
Simetra7
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What part of the brain is involved in turning thoughts and ideas into verbal communication, and why are some people able to communicate their thoughts easily and fluently while others become tongue tied and find it difficult to put their thoughts into words?
 
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  • #2
A difficult question because I think any realistic answer would have to admit that a great deal of the brain is involved.

The two specific language centers of the brain are pretty well known, though, and these are Broca's Area on the left side of the left frontal lobe, and Wernicke's Area on the left temporal lobe.

Fluency of speech can be affected by many things, from impulse control problems in the right frontal lobe, to many different sorts of emotional and memory problems stemming from the limbic system.

I, personally, am not a very fluent speaker, and frequently have a hard time finding the word I want. Sometimes this seems to be a memory problem, and at others the result of being overly cautious about how my words will be recieved. It's hard to know how much of this is psychological, and how much is neurological.

There are batteries of neurological tests they can give people which are remarkably accurate indicators of some kind of malfunction in certain brain systems.
They can locate the specific area in which you have some kind of problem simply from how you perform on these tests, no kind of brainscan or EEG needed.
 
  • #3
Just a small note. You can learn more about the roles of different areas by studying what happens when they are damaged. Here's an intro to aphasia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphasia
 
  • #4
zoobyshoe said:
Fluency of speech can be affected by many things, from impulse control problems in the right frontal lobe, to many different sorts of emotional and memory problems stemming from the limbic system.



There are batteries of neurological tests they can give people which are remarkably accurate indicators of some kind of malfunction in certain brain systems.
They can locate the specific area in which you have some kind of problem simply from how you perform on these tests, no kind of brainscan or EEG needed.


Is it possible that these types of malfunctions could be something that is passed on genetically, or are they more likely to be caused by outside influences.
 
  • #5
Simetra7 said:
Is it possible that these types of malfunctions could be something that is passed on genetically, or are they more likely to be caused by outside influences.
I haven't done much looking into genetic causes. I can't say anything definite about that.
 

1. How does verbal communication affect the brain?

Verbal communication involves the use of language to convey thoughts, ideas, and emotions. When we engage in verbal communication, our brain processes and interprets the words and tone of the speaker, and generates a response. This process involves various regions of the brain, including the language centers in the left hemisphere, the auditory cortex, and the prefrontal cortex responsible for decision-making and emotion regulation.

2. Can verbal communication improve brain function?

Yes, studies have shown that engaging in verbal communication can improve brain function in multiple ways. Regularly engaging in conversations and using language stimulates the brain, leading to increased neural connections and improved cognitive abilities. It can also enhance memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.

3. How does the brain process speech?

The brain processes speech in a complex and coordinated manner. First, sound waves from speech are received by the ear and transmitted to the auditory cortex for interpretation. The language centers in the left hemisphere then analyze the words and their meaning, while the right hemisphere processes the tone and emotional cues. The brain also integrates visual and nonverbal cues from the speaker to fully understand the message.

4. Can verbal communication be affected by brain injuries or disorders?

Yes, brain injuries or disorders affecting the language centers or other areas involved in verbal communication can impact a person's ability to communicate effectively. For example, damage to the Broca's area can result in difficulty producing speech, while damage to the Wernicke's area can lead to difficulties understanding language. Disorders such as aphasia can also affect verbal communication.

5. How can we improve our verbal communication skills?

Improving verbal communication skills involves actively practicing and honing various aspects of communication, such as listening, speaking, and nonverbal cues. It also involves being mindful of one's tone and word choice to effectively convey the intended message. Seeking feedback and being open to constructive criticism can also help improve verbal communication skills.

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