What percentage of meaning is conveyed through word choice in communication?

In communication, it is often suggested that a significant portion of meaning is conveyed through nonverbal cues and tone rather than just spoken words. Studies in communication theory, particularly those by Albert Mehrabian, indicate that when it comes to the expression of emotional content, approximately 7% of meaning comes from verbal components (the actual words used), while 38% is derived from vocal tone, and 55% comes from body language. Thus, if we interpret the choice with 10% referring specifically to word choice, it aligns with the understanding that words alone carry only a small fraction of the overall message being communicated, especially when emotions or attitudes are involved. This underscores the importance of nonverbal communication in conveying meaning effectively.