A Comprehensive Guide to Verbal Linguistic Intelligence

Verbal-linguistic intelligence involves the capacity to understand and reason with words and language. People with strong verbal-linguistic intelligence are skilled in reading, writing, listening, and communicating. They are adept at getting their messages across in words and often enjoy doing things like reading books, writing stories, or solving word problems.

"Verbal-linguistic intelligence is the ability to understand and effectively explain concepts through language or words," explains Courtney Morgan, LPCC, a licensed therapist and founder of Counseling Unconditionally. "A person with high levels of verbal-linguistic intelligence is able to comprehend and verbally explain things effectively."

This concept is part of Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, which suggests that there are several different forms of intelligence based on specific strengths and abilities. Verbal-linguistic intelligence refers to the capacity to understand the nuances of written and spoken language. People with this capacity are great communicators and often excel in writing, editing, teaching, journalism, or law careers.

Characteristics of Verbal Linguistic Intelligence

Some of the traits and characteristics of people who are high in verbal-linguistic intelligence include the following:

Appreciate the Power of Words

The verbal linguistic type of intelligence is all about having a love for words. People who excel in this area love using, hearing, and expressing themselves through language. They live for their Libby app to download books from their public library, have a stack of journals on their desk, and love to have a good debate over the correct use of a specific word.

When it comes to psychotherapy, people with this type of intelligence may find bibliotherapy particularly helpful. This type of therapy utilizes literature to help people connect what they read in stories with what they are experiencing in their own lives.

Strong Vocabularies

They also have an extensive and diverse lexicon that allows them to effortlessly inject daily conversations with sometimes esoteric terms that might send others running to the nearest dictionary. Their vocabulary is rich and varied, and they are great at picking up the meaning of new terms based on context.

Love for Reading and Writing

People with high verbal linguistic intelligence are skilled at understanding and communicating with the written word. They are often described as bookworms and often prefer to express themselves through writing (which is why you might find them texting rather than returning phone calls).

Strong Memory for Words, Phrases, and Quotes

People with this type of intelligence are often good at pulling up a specific word, quote, or phrase. For some, this might mean recalling important details of what someone has said or something they read. In other cases, it might mean being able to recite their favorite Shakespearean soliloquy years after reading it.

Passion for Word Games

Their favorite type of games are often word games, puns, or other linguistic puzzles. Wordle, Scrabble, and Words with Friends are just a few that they probably play on a regular basis.

Strong Powers of Persuasion

Because they are so skilled with words, people with this type of intelligence are also skilled at crafting arguments. They are able to utilize their mastery of the written and spoken word to persuade others to see things from their point of view or even change their own perspective.

Examples of Verbal Linguistic Intelligence

Verbal linguistic intelligence isn't just something that people utilize in academic settings—it's an ability that suffuses every aspect of a person's life. For example:

In relationships...

Someone with this type of intelligence is able to communicate effectively. This helps strengthen their connection with other people by conveying information clearly, avoiding miscommunications, and minimizing conflicts.

In the workplace...

Verbal linguistic intelligence often gets a chance to shine. From writing reports to crafting emails to presenting during meetings, language skills often give these individuals an edge that helps them stand out.

In everyday life...

Strong verbal and linguistic abilities often translate to hobbies and activities that center on the written or spoken word. People with this type of intelligence might spend their leisure time reading the latest bestsellers and sharing their thoughts with BookTok (the TikTok community dedicated to reading), or even writing their own original articles, fiction books, non-fiction works, blog posts, or poetry.

Developing Verbal Linguistic Intelligence

According to Gardner, people often naturally have high levels of one or more of the nine types of intelligence he described. However, there are also plenty of things you can do to nurture and strengthen your verbal linguistic abilities.

"People can develop and strengthen verbal-linguistic intelligence by reading, writing, participating in speaking engagements, listening to podcasts, and playing word games," Morgan suggests.

She also recommends a few specific strategies that can help people sharpen their verbal linguistic proficiency.

Set Some Reading Goals

One of the best ways to develop your verbal linguistic intelligence is to go back to the basics–read, read, read. Focus on reading widely and consume a diverse range of materials, whether it's books, online articles, poetry, non-fiction books, and essays.

Widening your horizon and exploring different formats, writing styles, and genres can increase your vocabulary and help you gain a greater appreciation for the written word.

Start Writing More

You don't need to become a novelist to be a great writer! Get more writing practice in each day by taking small steps. Start keeping a daily journal where you write down a few thoughts or respond to specific prompts. Consider starting a blog on a subject you enjoy talking about or are interested in learning more about.

Build Your Vocabulary

Work on strengthening your knowledge and use of different words and their meanings. Sign up for a word-of-the-day course that delivers a new term to your inbox daily. You can also try vocabulary apps, flashcards, or desktop calendars that feature a new word each day.

Strike Up Conversations

You can also put your budding verbal-linguistic skills to good use in your daily conversations. Participate in conversations with your friends, family, co-workers, and others. It's a great way to practice putting your thoughts and ideas into words in a way that is clear, coherent, and meaningful.

Join a Club, Workshop, or Class

There are various informal and formal opportunities to broaden your verbal and linguistic skills. Some ideas to consider include:

• Book clubs, which encourage both reading and discussions
• Writing workshops, where you can work on specific writing skills and get feedback from your peers
• Language and writing classes, where you can receive formal instruction on aspects of writing and language, including grammar, style, and structure
  

Using Verbal Linguistic Intelligence in the Real World

Whether you have a natural born inclination toward verbal linguistic intelligence or it’s a skill you’re still working to develop, it’s a talent you’re likely to utilize in many different real-world situations. Some professionals who rely heavily on these abilities include:

• Teachers: In academic settings, educators use verbal linguistic skills to communicate information and help students learn effectively. Teachers use these abilities to convey information and explain concepts to students.
• Journalists: Writers use verbal linguistic intelligence to create material for newspapers, websites, magazines, and other media outlets. These abilities allow them to craft compelling stories, essays, reports, and articles that help inform and entertain their readers.
• Customer service: Those who work in customer service roles rely on their verbal linguistic intelligence to help them listen and interact with customers, communicate the right message, and provide useful assistance.
• Attorneys: Legal professionals rely on their verbal linguistic skills during courtroom proceedings, while creating legal documents, and during client negotiations.
• Advertisers and marketers: Professionals who work in areas like copywriting, digital marketing, and advertising rely on their verbal linguistic abilities to create messaging that grabs consumers' attention and interest.
• Politics: Politicians and public officials need strong verbal linguistic talents to help articulate their stances, craft public policy, and engage in political dialogues.
• Mental health professionals: Verbal linguistic abilities are vital for therapists and counselors as they work with clients during sessions and assist their clients in learning to express their own thoughts and feelings effectively.
  

Enhancing Verbal Linguistic Intelligence in Children

Parents can also take steps to foster strong verbal linguistic skills in their children. Reading to them is one important way to help build this type of intelligence.

"Parents and teachers can promote verbal-linguistic intelligence in children by reading to them, encouraging them to participate in social clubs and activities, and engaging in conversations with them regularly," Morgan suggests.

Some specific strategies that can help kids strengthen these abilities include:

• Let kids explain how to do things: Morgan suggests asking kids to explain or teach something to you. It’s a great way to practice their verbal skills, express themselves, encourage critical thinking skills, and build effective communication skills.
• Have kids introduce themselves to peers: Morgan recommends encouraging kids to introduce themselves to other children. This is great practice and allows kids to practice skills like taking turns, listening actively, and responding appropriately.
• Writing thank you cards: After a birthday or other event, Morgan suggests helping your child write and send thank you cards. This gives kids a chance to express themselves in a thoughtful way and encourages them to work on things like vocabulary and sentence structure.
• Talk to them: Engage your kids in meaningful conversations. Listen to what they have to say and encourage them to listen to what you have to say.
• Try word games: Games like Scrabble and other word association games are a fun way to encourage your child's budding verbal-linguistic abilities.
  

Takeaways

It's important to remember that verbal linguistic intelligence is just one type of strength that you might have. If you are high in this ability, you probably excel in tasks that require verbal abilities, such as reading, writing, spelling, grammar, and language. 

Even if this isn't one of your main strengths, there are things you can do to exercise your verbal skills. Remember, however, that everyone has their own talents. There's no single way to be smart, so it's important to recognize your own abilities and strengths. Examples of other types of intelligence you might possess include naturalistic intelligence, intrapersonal intelligence, and visual spatial intelligence.