Types of Communication

Definition of Communication

• Successful transferring or sharing of information, ideas, or feelings between two or more people using a medium.

1. Verbal Communication

• Most general type of communication using language and words.
• Subcategories:
  1. Intrapersonal Communication: Self-analysis, reflection, self-awareness.
  2. Interpersonal Communication: Interaction between two individuals (face-to-face, online, telephonic).
  3. Oral Communication: Spoken words and sounds to share messages (voice only).
  4. Public Communication: One sender conveys a message to a large audience (limited feedback).
• Examples: Face-to-face conversations, speeches, telephonic conversations, group discussions.

Advantages of Verbal Communication

1. Saves time, money, and energy.
2. Clarity reduces confusion.
3. Easy to understand; doubts cleared immediately.
4. Quick feedback after message delivery.
5. Reliable and widely preferred.

Disadvantages of Verbal Communication

1. Language barrier can hinder understanding.
2. Not suitable for lengthy messages.
3. May include irrelevant information.
4. No chance for correction once sent.

2. Non-Verbal Communication

• Passive form of communication using gestures, body language, tone, etc.
• Subcategories:
  1. Kinesics: Body movements and gestures (e.g., facial expressions).
  2. Paralanguage: Non-verbal elements like pitch, tone, and rate of speech.
  3. Haptics: Communication through touch.
• Examples: Nodding, thumbs-up, smiling, handshakes.

Advantages of Non-Verbal Communication

1. Complements verbal communication with additional clues.
2. Makes presentations easier with gestures and expressions.
3. Helps illiterate individuals communicate.
4. Physically impaired individuals can use signs and touches.

Disadvantages of Non-Verbal Communication

1. Often seen as unreliable due to lack of precision.
2. Difficulty in understanding non-verbal cues.
3. Not suitable for lengthy discussions.
4. Less formal than written/oral communication.

3. Written Communication

• Transferring information through written letters, symbols, and words.
• Examples: Letters, emails, memos, reports, advertisements.

Advantages of Written Communication

1. Permanent record for future reference.
2. Greater accuracy through repeated checking.
3. Capable of conveying long messages easily.
4. Widely accepted format.
5. Allows creativity in writing.

Disadvantages of Written Communication

1. More time-consuming than speaking.
2. Ineffective for illiterate individuals.
3. Lacks emotional tone, which can lead to miscommunication.
4. Lacks immediate feedback.

4. Visual Communication

• Transmitting information using visual elements (drawings, colors, graphics).
• Examples: Advertisements, PowerPoint presentations, charts.

Advantages of Visual Communication

1. Simplifies complex information (e.g., statistics).
2. Breaks cultural and language barriers.
3. Accessible to illiterate receivers.
4. Saves time in encoding and decoding messages.
5. Instantly grabs attention.

Disadvantages of Visual Communication

1. Can be expensive to produce.
2. Risk of misinterpretation of the message.
3. Time-consuming to create effective visuals.
4. May require additional written or oral information.

5. Listening Communication

• Ability to receive and interpret sounds and information attentively.
• Examples: Face-to-face conversations, class lectures, news listening.

Advantages of Listening Communication

1. Reduces chances of missing information.
2. Enhances understanding and avoids misunderstandings.
3. Builds connection and goodwill through active listening.
4. Increases awareness of surroundings.

Disadvantages of Listening Communication

1. Time and energy-consuming.
2. Requires significant effort.
3. Weak listeners may disrupt speakers.
4. Not everyone is skilled in listening, leading to unclear understanding.

Conclusion

• Further details on types of communication available through a link in the description.
• Upcoming video on the seven C's of effective communication.