Types of communication (2023)

Are you trying to brush up on your basic communication skills? We've Got Your Back: Read all about the five types of communication: verbal, nonverbal, written, visual, and auditory. Yes, listening is also a type of communication! Communication takes place between the sender and the receiver and can also take place in groups. People often take this for granted, but it is an essential part of being human.

(Video) Forms of Communication

Learn all about the five types of communication below.

importance of communication

Variety in communication: choose wisely

We are fortunate as human beings to have a whole range of types of communication within our reach. But with great variety comes the responsibility of choosing your method wisely!

For example, the best way to apply for a job is a written message (preferably by email) to the hiring manager, not a verbal message spoken in passing. Similarly, you may not want to deliver bad news using a written over text form, but rather a verbal/visual form in which you can accurately represent your message on a sensitive topic. More on these guys below!

Interpersonal communication

When referring to types of communication, people often talk about interpersonal communication, as opposed to intrapersonal communication. The difference is simple. Interpersonal communication is the communication that takes place between people or between groups, while intrapersonal communication is the communication that takes place within one's own mind.

A common form of interpersonal communication is that which takes place among a small group of people. Group members are often face to face and engage in dialogue with one another, which may be directed, planned, or spontaneous. Having open interpersonal communication with others helps break down barriers and increase understanding. It is important for intercultural communication, communication in the workplace and also for personal relationships.

(Video) Types of Communication

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Types of communication

The fivetypes of communicationWhat you need to know are verbal communication, non-verbal communication, written communication, visual communication, and listening.

1. Verbal Communication

Verbal communication encompasses all communication that uses spoken or unspoken words, such as sign language. It is important to understand how to effectively communicate your ideas verbally to avoid misunderstandings and maximize interest while speaking. Make sure you use the right kind of language, speak clearly, know your audience, respond in the right way, and use an appropriate tone when speaking.

Types of communication (2)Photo byAnna VanderStelaboutUnsplash

2. Non-verbal communication

What is actually said is only half the battle; the rest is in what is not said. That means your tone of voice, facial expressions, body language, hand movements, and eye contact. When you notice what the rest of you are doing as you speak, you can make corrections and eventually use all the right nonverbal cues to get your point across.

3. Written communication

Written communication is a form of verbal communication, but it is so different from spoken verbal communication that this form has its own separate type.written communicationIt can take the form of anything you write or write, such as letters, emails, notes, texts, billboards, and even a skywritten message. With written communication, it's important that you know your audience, your purpose, and maintain consistency throughout your written message.

4. Visual Communication

You may not have heard of visual communication, but it is one that complements other types of communication well. Visual communication is delivering information, messages, and points through graphic representations or visual aids.

(Video) TYPES OF COMMUNICATION

Some common usage examples are slide shows, diagrams, physical models, drawings, and illustrations. By using visual communication in addition to verbal, non-verbal, and written communication, you create a very effective way of getting your message heard and understood.

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5. Listen

Listening is a surprisingly important part of communication, and to be a great communicator, you must master the art of listening. Remember that listening does not mean simply listening or politely waiting your turn to speak. When others are speaking, you should practice active listening, which means that you are engaging your mind while the person is speaking, focusing intently on what they are saying.

Formal Communication x Informal Communication

Another way that the types of communication can be divided is into formal and informal communication. There are times when one should be used over the other, such as when giving a speech (formal) or planning brunch with a friend (informal).

In formal communication, where the interlocutors are part of a group, organization or society, there are three types of communication:

  • Vertical:Information flows freely up and down the organizational structure. For example, your boss's boss talks to you, you talk to your boss, and you talk to the employees below you.
  • Horizontal:This is where information or communication flows through a structure. For example, you and your coworkers talk to each other.
  • Diagonal:Finally, there is formal diagonal communication where all levels communicate with each other in any direction.

online communication

Communication over the Internet involves special considerations. When you combine anonymity with a broad reach, the messages can get confusing. Think about how communication works on social media platforms.

(Video) What are the Communication Behavior Types?

Aspeople's universityHowever, we make sure to provide the most effective online communication possible; after all, we are 100% online. Through its discussion forums and peer reviews, students communicate thoughts and ideas wherever and whenever they want.

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Emotional awareness in communication

One of the less covered but very important aspects of communication is emotional awareness. Emotional awareness is the ability to understand the feelings of others, as well as your own, and realize how this might be affecting a current situation. It is imperative that you have a high emotional awareness to be an effective communicator. Here are some ways to improve your emotional awareness in communication:

  • Use empathy:Empathic people are able to understand the emotions of others. Once you understand this, you can start to bond with them during the conversation.
  • Consider your own emotions:Your own feelings can get in the way of getting the message across clearly. Monitor how you feel and be aware of how this may affect your ability to communicate.
  • Think about the emotions of others:Remember how your moods and emotions affect your ability to communicate and apply that to others. Take time to consider that someone's mood or past experience may be affecting their actions.
  • Gain confidence:CanBuild trust by having open and honest conversations., as well as matching your nonverbal cues such as tone, facial expressions, and body language with your verbal ones.
  • Recognize and correct misunderstandings:Misunderstandings are the barrier to good communication. The quicker you figure them out and correct them, the more relaxed everyone will be and the quicker you'll be on the right track.

Communication in difficult situations

One of the hardest parts of communication is when you have to give not-so-great information. It is important to choose the best type of communication in this case, be it face-to-face, written, formal or informal: only you know the message and who you should deliver it to.

When you communicate in difficult situations, it can be overwhelming or emotional for both the sender and the recipient of the message. Try to remember emotional awareness in difficult situations and you will do just fine!

Conclusion

It is important to know and understand all types of communication so that you can learn to use them effectively and become a great communicator. You are already on the right track after reading this guide - good communication!

(Video) AMAZE: Communication Styles

FAQs

What are types of communication answers? ›

In previous years, I have outlined four types of communication, but I believe there are actually five types of communication: verbal, non-verbal, written, listening, and visual.

What are the 4 main types of communication? ›

There are four basic communication styles: passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive and assertive. It's important to understand each communication style, and why individuals use them.

What are the 5 types of communication? ›

The five types of communication you need to know about are verbal communication, nonverbal communication, written communication, visual communication, and listening.

What are the 7 types of communication? ›

What are the different forms of communication?
  • Verbal communication.
  • Non-verbal communication.
  • Written communication.
  • Listening.
  • Visual communication.
Mar 18, 2022

What is communication for answer? ›

Communication is a process that involves sending and receiving messages through the verbal and non-verbal methods. Communication is a two-way means of communicating information in the form of thoughts, opinions, and ideas between two or more individuals with the purpose of building an understanding.

What are the 3 main types of communication? ›

When communication occurs, it typically happens in one of three ways: verbal, nonverbal and visual. People very often take communication for granted.

What is the most common type of communication? ›

Let's start with verbal communication, which is the most common form of communication.

What are the four 4 basic steps to good communication? ›

Four Steps to Clear Communication
  • Clarity. Clear, direct communication along with an understanding of how it is valued will create a better working environment. ...
  • Maintain composure. ...
  • Develop trust. ...
  • Speak the same language.
Aug 6, 2020

What is the basic of communication? ›

These basic communication skills are speaking, writing, listening and reading. The way you communicate with others and present your ideas makes a lasting impression on people.

What are the 5 main functions of communication? ›

Functions of Communication Basically, there are five functions of communication. These are control, social interaction, motivation, emotional expression, and information dissemination.

What are the 8 levels of communication? ›

The communication process involves understanding, sharing, and meaning, and it consists of eight essential elements: source, message, channel, receiver, feedback, environment, context, and interference.

What are the 6 keys to communication? ›

Six keys to effective communication
  • Communicate persuasively. Refer to objective criteria such as industry practice, regulations, policy and precedent. ...
  • Use simple language. ...
  • Prepare to present your ideas clearly. ...
  • Be curious, listen and ask questions. ...
  • Make requests, not demands. ...
  • Body language and tone of voice are important.

What are the six 6 levels of communication? ›

Six Levels of Human Communication
  • Mass Communication. — one source communicating to a large. audience through media. ...
  • Organizational Communication. — members of an large group (business, ...
  • Public Communication. — one person speaking to an audience.
  • Small Group. — three to twelve. ...
  • Interpersonal. — ...
  • Intra-personal. —

What are the 10 types of oral communication? ›

Examples of oral communication within an organisation include:
  • staff meetings, business meetings and other face-to-face meetings.
  • personal discussions.
  • presentations.
  • telephone calls.
  • informal conversation.
  • public presentations such as speeches, lectures and conferences.
  • teleconferences or videoconferences.
  • interviews.

What are examples of communication? ›

Examples of communication can include face-to-face discussion, emails, facial expressions, videos, and presentations. Communication is important for success in the workplace through networking and effective communication of ideas.

What is effective communication? ›

Effective Communication is defined as the ability to convey information to another effectively and efficiently. Business managers with good verbal, nonverbal and written communication skills help facilitate the sharing of information between people within a company for its commercial benefit.

Why is communication an important answer? ›

In our daily life, communication helps us build relationships by allowing us to share our experiences, and needs, and helps us connect to others. It's the essence of life, allowing us to express feelings, pass on information and share thoughts. We all need to communicate.

What are the 3 most important parts to good communication? ›

Every human communication interaction, be it face-to-face, written, by telephone, or by other means, has three critical components: Sending Communication, Receiving Communication and Feedback. These are the elements of good communication.

What are communication styles? ›

There are four main styles of communication: passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive, and assertive.

What are different levels of communication? ›

There are five forms of communication: intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, public, and mass communication.

What is the best type of communication and why? ›

1. When face to face is the best means of communication. Face-to-face communication is often an effective strategy for managing conflicts at work and having difficult conversations. After all, taking time to talk to someone in person can convey integrity, honesty and authenticity.

Which communication is best? ›

Verbal communication makes the conveying of thoughts faster and easier and is the most successful method of communication.

Which communication type is most better why? ›

1. Assertive communication style. This is considered to be the most effective communication style. A person using this style is confident in their convictions but makes sure that they do not belittle or steamroll others in the conversation.

What is good communication skills? ›

Top 11 Communication Skills for Any Job
  • #1. Written And Oral Communication. Verbal communication is using words to convey information and it includes both written and oral communication. ...
  • #2. Presentation. ...
  • #3. Active Listening. ...
  • #4. Nonverbal Communication. ...
  • #5. Feedback. ...
  • #6. Respect. ...
  • #7. Confidence. ...
  • #8. Clarity.

How do I describe my communication skills? ›

Here's a sample answer: “Through my work experience and education, I have developed strong communication skills, and I'm able to clearly convey points to different audiences. I'm also a good listener which aids in my ability to intimately understand a situation and prepare an appropriate response.

Why is communication skills important? ›

Good communication skills are essential to allow others and yourself to understand information more accurately and quickly. In contrast, poor communication skills lead to frequent misunderstandings and frustration.

What are the 4 key elements of communication? ›

The communication process is made up of four key components. Those components include encoding, medium of transmission, decoding, and feedback.

What 5 components are required for successful communication? ›

Successful Communication Strategy: Five Elements
  • Target audience(s)
  • Context.
  • Intended outcomes.
  • Key messages.
  • Appropriate medium.
  • Preferred messenger(s)
Mar 21, 2017

Why is simple communication best? ›

Keeping it simple will mean that not only are your communications faster to write, they are also faster to read and sound more friendly – a win-win-win!

What is communication process? ›

The communication process refers to a series of actions or steps taken in order to successfully communicate. It involves several components such as the sender of the communication, the actual message being sent, the encoding of the message, the receiver and the decoding of the message.

What are the 7 steps of the communication process? ›

All communication tends to follow this framework, which provides detail on every step of the process.
  • Developing the Message.
  • Encoding the Message.
  • Selecting the Channel.
  • Message Transmission.
  • Decoding the Message.
  • Feedback.
  • Learning Effective Communication.
Oct 18, 2021

What are types of communication explain? ›

Communication can be categorized into three basic types: (1) verbal communication, in which you listen to a person to understand their meaning; (2) written communication, in which you read their meaning; and (3) nonverbal communication, in which you observe a person and infer meaning.

What are the types of communication quizlet? ›

Terms in this set (5)
  • Intrapersonal Communication. Communication with one self and occurs only inside our heads. ...
  • Interpersonal Communication. Communication between two or more people whose lives mutually influence one another. ...
  • Group Communication. ...
  • Public Communication. ...
  • Mass Communication.

What are the 6 types of communication explain? ›

As you can see, there are at least 6 distinct types of communication: non-verbal, verbal-oral-face-to-face, verbal-oral-distance, verbal-written, formal and informal types of communication.

What are the basic communication? ›

These basic communication skills are speaking, writing, listening and reading. The way you communicate with others and present your ideas makes a lasting impression on people.

How do we communicate? ›

Talking is often seen as the most common method of communication but most communication is silent. Gestures, tone of voice, grins, grimaces, shrugs, nods, moving away or closer, crossing arms and legs tells us far more than words.

What are the types of communication essay? ›

There are four main types of communication: verbal, non-verbal, written and visual. Each of these have there own way of passing on information from one person to another. They each have there own advantages and disadvantages.

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5. Communication Styles and Assertive Communication
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6. Forms of Communication
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