Verbal defamation, also known as slander, occurs when someone makes false spoken statements about another person that damage their reputation. This can happen in various settings, such as conversations, speeches, or broadcasts. The key element is that the statements must be untrue and harmful to the individual's character or standing in the community. To prove verbal defamation, the affected person typically needs to show that the statements were made with negligence or malice. Additionally, the statements must be presented as facts rather than opinions. Legal consequences can arise if the defamed individual decides to pursue a lawsuit against the person making the false claims.