PARALINGUISTICS AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN NON-VERBAL VOCAL COMMUNICATION AND EMOTIONAL COMPETENCE

Abstract

Human communication is a multimodal process in which verbal language represents only a fraction of the conveyed message. Among the nonverbal dimensions of communication, paralinguistics—the vocal elements that accompany speech—play a critical role in signaling emotional states, intentions, and attitudes. Closely linked to this is the construct of emotional intelligence (EI), which encompasses the capacity to perceive, interpret, and manage both one’s own emotions and those of others. This paper explores the intricate relationship between paralinguistics and emotional intelligence, highlighting how paralinguistic competence supports emotional awareness, empathy, and effective interpersonal communication.