Types of
Communication
Verbal Communication
It is the most general type of communication that
involves the use of language and words to convey a
message.
Verbal communication can be subdivided again into
the following four categories:
Intrapersonal Communication
Intrapersonal communication, also known as internal communication,
is the communication within us through self-analysis,
self-thinking, reflection, solo talking, self-awareness, assessment, etc.
It connects us with our inner state of mind, and a second person is not
required as a receiver.
Interpersonal Communication:
Interpersonal communication, also known as one-on-one verbal
communication, takes place directly between two individuals, using/not
using any technological device.
It includes face-to-face conversation, online modes of communication,
telephonic conversation, and so on.
Communication
The communication that employs spoken words, voice, and sound to
share messages is called oral communication.
This type of communication uses only one channel, i.e. sound, to transfer
information. It provides means of getting quick feedback and a scope of
clearing doubts immediately.
Public Communication
In this type of communication, one sender (or the speaker) sends a
message (or speech) to a mass of people or audience, face-to-face or
using technological devices such as radio, television, etc.
However, the chances of receiving verbal feedback are limited in public
communication, although non-verbal feedback can be expected.
Examples of Verbal
Communication
Face-to-face conversation
Giving a speech
Telephonic conversation
Sending voice note
Taking interviews
Group discussion in the workplace
Advantages of Verbal
Communication
It saves a lot of time, money, and energy.
There are fewer chances of confusion because of the clarity of the method.
The information conveyed in verbal communication is easy to understand,
as the doubts are cleared immediately.
Feedback is got quickly once a message is delivered.
It is a very reliable form of communication and thus people prefer it
worldwide over other types of communication.
Verbal communication is the most convenient method of communication for
its straightforward and understandable quality.
Any person who can speak a language can easily communicate verbally
and does not need any material to convey messages.
Disadvantages of Verbal
•Communication
Language differences
If the receiver is unaware of the sender’s language, then communication cannot be carried out. So, the difference in
language and dialect is a big barrier in the path of effective communication.
• Lack of records
There is no means of recording the information permanently unless any modern device of storage is used.
Hence, one cannot refer to the communication later on.
Communication gap
While conveying messages orally several irrelevant and unimportant information may get included.
This may cause a communication gap and thus retard the effectiveness of the communication.
No rectification
Speaking is a spontaneous process and several mistakes can happen in the process if not taken into consideration.
There is no place for rectification once a message is sent.
Unsuitable for long messages:
When a lengthy message is to be imparted, then this form of communication is not at all suitable. The
important points may be missed out and the lengthy paragraphs may cause misinterpretation by the
Non-Verbal Communication
Non-verbal communication is a passive form of communication where information, thoughts, and feelings are conveyed through
gestures, body language, tone of voice, facial expressions, signals, and symbols. It is wordless communication which mainly aids
verbal communication by giving clues and additional information. Non-verbal communication is sub-divided into the following
different types
Kinesics or Body Movements:
The interpretation of non-verbal behaviour associated with any part of our body or the whole body, such as facial expressions,
hand gestures, nodding of the head, etc, is called kinesics. It is one of the key and easiest elements of non-verbal communication.
Paralanguage:
The study that focuses on ‘what we say and the way we say it’, is called paralanguage. It includes non-verbal elements of
communication such as pitch and intonation of the voice, rate of speech, and stress on words to impart the meaning of the
information and the related emotion. The same message can convey different meanings according to the difference in the tone
and pitch of the voice.
Proxemics or Physical Space:
The term ‘proxemics’ was coined by the American anthropologist, Edward Hall, who tried to understand and explain how humans
use space around them in communication. It determines the level of comfort or intimacy of a person with other people. It is
Types of Noon verbal
communication
Haptics:
Interacting or exchanging information through the sense of touch is known as haptics. It is a very essential form of
communication, especially non-verbal communication. It is very impactful and can convey the feelings and
intentions of a person. For example, ‘handshakes’ give a sign of a positive attitude and confidence; ‘hugging’ gives a
friendly and warm feeling.
Example of Non-Verbal Communication
Nodding head in approval
Showing a ‘thumbs up sign to express positive feelings
Smiling at someone
A confident handshake as a welcoming gesture
Giving a hug to show affection
To talk in a raised voice while in anger
Advantages of Non-Verbal Communication
Complementary:
Non-verbal communication complements verbal communication by adding clues and
additional information for a better understanding of the message.
Easy Presentation:
The use of gestures, facial expressions, signs, and other audio-visual means of non-
verbal communication makes the presentation very easy. This leads to faster and
more effective communication.
Helpful for illiterate people:
Spoken or written methods of communication become complex and hard for illiterate
people. So usage of gestures, signs, and facial.
Disadvantages of Non-Verbal
Communication
Imprecise and unreliable:
The gestures, expressions, and signs may have different interpretations for different people. They
are highly culture, context, and intention-specific and thus don’t have a fixed, accurate, or
universal meaning. Therefore, many people find non-verbal communication to be unreliable due to
its lack of precision.
Difficult to understand:
All people may not have the same mental bend to be able to understand the signs, symbols, and
other non-verbal elements. So they find it difficult to understand and thus need a lot of repetition
in non-verbal communication.
No room for long conversations:
Non-verbal communication may take place in a flash to transfer a short and quick message. But
long conversations cannot be possible using kinesics, proxemics, signs, and symbols as lengthy
explanations and discussions can not be done.
Written Communication
• The act of transferring and exchanging information
through written letters, symbols, and words is called
written communication. It is the most common and
effective form of business communication.
Example of Written Communication
• Letters and applications
• E-mails
• Memos and reports
• Bulletins and advertisements
• Brochures, handbills, and leaflets
• Instant online messages
• Forms and questionnaires
• Invitations
Advantages of Written
Communication
Permanent Record – The written documents can be recorded and stored permanently as
proofs and evidence for future reference.
Accuracy – Written documents are most likely to be accurate as there is a wide scope of
repeated checking, rectification, and authentication.
Allows lengthy and complex communication – Long messages can be conveyed very
easily through written communication. It also facilitates the transmission of complex official
orders, agendas, manuals, assignments of responsibilities, and the like.
Acceptability – The written form of information is accepted widely as it is considered
authentic and removes any misunderstanding and conflict.
Multitudinous and uniform approach – A large number of people can get information at
the same time through written communication. The written document also ensures
uniformity of the information sent to each and every person.
