Which aspect of communication is a component of verbal communication?

Intonation refers to the variation in pitch while speaking and is a crucial element of verbal communication. It conveys emotions, emphasizes certain parts of the message, and can alter the meaning conveyed through words alone. For example, saying "That's great!" with a rising intonation can express sarcasm, while a flat intonation may indicate boredom or indifference. This aspect of vocal expression significantly impacts how a spoken message is received and understood by others.

Posture, personal space, and eye contact are important aspects of nonverbal communication, which complements verbal exchanges but does not form a part of verbal communication. These nonverbal cues can convey emotions and attitudes that may align with or contrast the spoken words, but they do not involve the use of language itself. Therefore, intonation stands out as the correct answer, highlighting its vital role in the verbal communication process.