Final answer:
Listening to a lecture involves engaging primarily in verbal communication, which is centered on spoken words and language to convey information.
Step-by-step explanation:
When listening to a lecture in class, you are most likely listening to verbal communication. Verbal communication involves the use of words and language, which is the primary method of delivering information in a lecture setting. Unlike nonverbal communication, which includes body language such as gestures and facial expressions, verbal communication is centered on spoken words, which in this context would be the instructor's speech.
It is important to recognize that effective verbal communication is a balance between being clear and direct, which is valued in most educational and workplace settings, and being polite and diplomatic to maintain a respectful and conducive learning environment.