Ambiguous verbal communication occurs when someone says something that can be interpreted in more than one way. This type of communication is often done on purpose, when someone does not want to answer a question directly or when they don't want to be perceived by others as lying. Ambiguous messages are often unsuccessful because they create confusion that hinders communication. Instead, speakers should use direct language that demonstrates exactly what they mean to say and leaves no room for the listener to question the meaning of the message.
Euphemisms occur in verbal communication when a speaker waters down the substance of a message, often in order to spare someone's feelings or to avoid being perceived as blunt. This type of verbal communication can sometimes create confusion about exactly what a speaker means. For example, when someone says that the victim of a crime was attacked, it's sometimes difficult to know exactly what that victim experienced.
Figurative verbal communication occurs when people use one word to represent another. By using figurative language, people are able to explain difficult or abstract concepts. One example of this is when people talk about love. Although this is a complex and abstract the idea, people use language that describes the experience in a way that others can relate to.
Inferences occur when a speaker makes an assumption about another person's message. Although many of these educated guesses may be correct, in some cases a speaker makes incorrect inferences that can lead to miscommunication. In order to avoid this, a speaker should ask the person exactly what they meant. This will ensure that the person won't make and incorrect assumption about the intention of the messages they've heard.
Metacommunication occurs when people talk about the communication that they're having with someone else. These messages can take place when people discuss the state of their relationship, the conflicts that they have with each other or displeasure about the words that are being used to communicate certain ideas.