Types Of Communication: Importance And Tips For Effective Communication

Communication styles differ from one person to another as some converse

by speaking out the words aloud while others use hand gestures to get their messages across.

No matter the mode, as long as the message is given properly by the sender,

the receiver is able to understand it, ergo making the communication a success.

In this article, we are going to discuss types of communication and how we can use them to communicate effectively in both our private and professional lives.

Communication Definition

What is communication? Well, communication is the process of passing on information or a message from the sender to the receiver. The sender or senders could try to convey the message(s) to one person or a group of people.

Although considered to be a simple process, in actuality, communication is more complex as there are many factors

to be taken into consideration to ensure that the message is properly delivered to the receiver. You see, while we may have many means of communication like print, the radio, or the television, among others, there can still be many barriers to communication between the sender and the receiver

. Moreover, besides the more common communication barriers such as language barrier, channel, etc., the receiver’s emotions or cultural or political stance could play an important role in whether the message is successfully delivered to them.

Hence, effective communication skill is imperative to ensure that

the message is successfully delivered to the receiver without arousing potential misunderstanding and avoiding conflicts.

There are four types of communication that we should all try to excel at.

Verbal Communication

One of the most common methods of communication, verbal communication is when two or more people converse

with each other – face-to-face, via phone, conference, or video calls, etc, – with words coming out of their mouths. Depending on the person you are speaking to or with, the tone of your voice changes.

For instance, with your boss or supervisor at work,

the tone you use to communicate with them would be professional,

while with your family or close friends, it would be casual.

Nonverbal Communication

Among the 4 types of communication, nonverbal communication is wherein people communicate without words

but instead use their body language such as maintaining eye contact

and using hand gestures to convey their thoughts and feelings.

This passive form of communication also allows one to send a message through the way they dress.

Written communication

Considered by many as one of the best techniques of communication

as it helps to record information in written form for future reference,

written communication happens in the form of writing or typing words,

drawing symbols, and printing them to deliver messages to the receivers.

Books, blogs, newspapers, texts, emails, memos, among others, are all different types of written communication.

Visual Communication

As it results in better retention of the information,

visual communication is a form of communication conveyed with the help of images.

Wouldn’t it be so much better if you were shown a picture

or video of how beautiful a sunset is rather than someone describing it

to you in words as a visual aid?

Visual communication is the key to promoting brands via social media platforms such as Instagram, Youtube, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Facebook.

Difference Between Formal and Informal Communication

The table below shows 10 differences between formal and informal communication.

Formal Communication	Informal Communication
It is known as official communication	It is known as grapevine communication.
Formal communication occurs through formal or official channels/routes.	Informal communication does not take place through official channels
It has to adhere to the organization’s standards, processes, policies, and regulations.	It does not have to follow any standards, processes, policies or regulations.
The information or message has more reliability.	The information or message has less reliability.
The process is usually slow.	The process is usually fast and rapid.
The information or message passed on is usually written as they are mostly documents.	The message or information can be passed on both verbally and non-verbally.
As they are usually documents, there is always evidence for formal communication.	The communication is sometimes verbal, there isn’t always evidence of the communication.
There is a systematic flow of information, communication often proves to be effective.	As there is no systematic flow of information, communication is not always effective.
The purpose of formal communication is to meet organisation objectives.	The purpose of informal communication is to meet personal interests.
Information or message moves through pre-defined or official channels.	Information or messages move freely.

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it ladies and gentlemen – the 4 types of communication,

along with their importance and tips for effective communication in your organization.

We hope this article helps you in enhancing your communication skills and in achieving your professional and organizational goals.