Types of Communication
In Business, clear communication is very essential. Improper communication skills may lead to
confusing or incomplete instructions, data or other information to pass to the intended audience.
Hence it is very essential to develop strong communication skills.
Report Writing
Email Writing
Formal Letter Writing
Article Writing
Communication Skills
A deep understanding of the process of communication and communication skills is essential. It
is vital to the success of any individual in any business. Here we shall see some of the many
types of communication.
Communication styles change from person to person. During the process of communication, a
person may invoke several channels or modes or methods to convey a message. But, the process
of communication doesn’t only depend on the source producing or relaying information.
It also equally depends on the communication method and the manner in which the receiver
understands the message. Let us first understand the method by which we communicate.
Communication begins at a given point. The first step is the generation of information. The
second step is to put this information or data into a medium for transmission towards the
intended audience.
During this process, the initiator of the communication must pay extra attention to the nature of
the information. The communication skills will determine the effectiveness of their
communication. Let us now see what are the different types of communication below.
Browse more Topics under Communication
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Characteristics of Effective Communication
Barriers in Communication
Interpersonal Skills, Listening Skills and Emotional Intelligence
The Broad Categories of Communication
On the basis of the communication channels, types of communications are:
A. Verbal
B. Non-Verbal
C. Visual
Verbal
This involves the use of language and words for the purpose of passing on the intended message.
In general terms, Verbal Communication means communication in the form of spoken words
only. But, in the context of types of communication, verbal communication can be in the spoken
or the written form. Thus, the verbal form may be oral or written as discussed below.
Written Communication: This kind of communication involves any kind of exchange
of information in the written form. For example, e-mails, texts, letters, reports, SMS,
posts on social media platforms, documents, handbooks, posters, flyers, etc.
Oral Communication: This is the communication which employs the spoken word,
either direct or indirect as a communication channel. This verbal communication could be
made on a channel that passes information in only one form i.e. sound.
You could converse either face to face, or over the phone, or via voice notes or chat
rooms, etc. It all comes under the oral communication. This form of communication is an
effective form.
Non-Verbal Communication
In this type of communication, messages are relayed without the transmission of words. The
messages here are wordless messages. This form of communication mainly aides verbal
communication. It supplements it with gestures, body language, symbols, and expressions.
Through these, one may communicate one’s mood, or opinion or even show a reaction to the
messages that are relaying. One’s non-verbal actions often set the tone for the dialogue. You can
control and guide the communication if you control and guide the non-verbal communication.
Some of the modes of non-verbal communication are:
Physical Non-verbal Communication
This is the sum total of the physically observable. For instance, hand gestures, body language,
facial expressions, the tone of one’s voice, posture, stance, touch, gaze, and others. Several
researchers have revealed that physical nonverbal communication constitutes about 55% of our
daily communications.
These are subtle signals that are picked up as part of our biological wiring. For example, if you
rest your head on your palms, it will mean that you are very disappointed or angry. Similarly,
other subtle hints will convey your reaction to the presenter or your audience’s reaction to you.
Paralanguage
This is the art of reading between the lines. The main kind of such communication is done with
the tone of one’s voice. This kind of communication amounts to almost 38% of all the
communication that we do every day. Along with the tone of voice, the style of speaking, voice
quality, stress, emotions, or intonation serves the purpose of communication. And, these aspects
are not verbal.
Aesthetic Communication
Art is an important means of communication. Through the paintings or other forms of art, an
artist can covey the strongest messages. Several times in the history of the world, art has been
used as an effective form of nonverbal communication.
Appearance
The first impression sets the tone. People will react to your appearance and this is a fact of life.
Your clothes, the color of the fabrics, etc. all determine the reaction of your audience.
Visual Communication
This is communication through visual aids like drawings, placards, presentations, and
illustrations, etc
Formal & Informal Communication
Apart from the above types, we have formal & informal types of communication. Formal
communication is of following types:
Vertical: The information or data flows up and down the organizational structure.
Horizontal: This is the communication between two similar levels of the organization.
Diagonal: This is the communication across the cross-functional levels of employees
from various departments of the organization.
