Types of Communication

Types of Communication (According to Mode)

Verbal communication

Non-verbal communication

Visual communication

Verbal communication

Is the transmission of information through spoken words or written language.

Written communication

Is primarily used to convey information in a permanent manner.

True

True or False

Technological advances have increased the use of written communication over recent years.

Written communication

Examples of this type of communication include emails, text messaging, electronic medical records, reports etc.

Oral communication

Also known as spoken communication.

Oral communication

Examples of this type of communication include telephone calls, face-to-face interactions, video conferencing, etc.

True

True or False

Both verbal and non-verbal communication can be influenced by a range of factors, including the volume and pace of interaction, the spatial proximity, the style of communication (e.g. friendly vs. authoritative), and the degree of physical contact.

Non-verbal communication

Is the expression of information through the body, face or voice.

Non-verbal communication

It provides a way to convey emotion and information without using words.

Non-verbal communication

It can give the listener additional information, sometimes contradicting the spoken message.

Non-verbal communication

This type of communication includes a wide range of physical sign.

Physical Sign (Non-verbal communication)

Facial expression/gestures

Body/language/posture

Eye contact

Shrugging

Pointing

False

True or False

Listeners don’t tend to display non-verbal cues and should not consider how others might interpret or perceive them.

Non-verbal communication

It encompasses paraverbal communication.

Paraverbal communication

Example of this includes voice attributes such as the inflection of voice, tone, rhythm, intonation, and verbal flow.

Paraverbal communication

Can have an emotional effect.

False

True or False

Individual and cultural differences does not impact non-verbal communication as different cultures and people may have different norms and conventions for non-verbal cues.

Visual communication

Delivers messages through visual cues such as illustrations, videos, charts, and diagrams.

Visual communication

Can be an effective tool, especially when it is difficult to relay messages through words.

True

True or False

A single diagram illustration or photograph can relay information more complex succinctly than words.

Visual cues

Can act as a universal language if there is a language barrier between the provider and patient.

Visual cues

May allow patients to understand more easily and retain more information than written or spoken words.

Types of Communication (According to Context)

Intrapersonal communication

Interpersonal communication

Extended communication

Organizational communication

Intercultural communication

Intrapersonal communication

Can be defined as communication with one’s self, and that may include self-talk, acts of imagination and visualization, and even recall and memory (McLean, 2005).

Intrapersonal communication

From planning to problem-solving, internal conflict resolution, and evaluations and judgments of self and others, we communicate with ourselves through _____

Intrapersonal communication

What type of communication is this?

You read on your phone that your friends are going to have dinner at your favorite restaurant. What comes to mind? Sights, sounds, and scents? Something special that happened the last time you were there? Do you contemplate joining them? Do you start to work out a plan of getting from your present location to the restaurant? Do you send your friends a text asking if they want company? Until the moment when you hit the “send” button, you are communicating with yourself.

Intrapersonal communication

All interaction takes place in the mind without externalization, and all of it relies on previous interaction with the external world.

Interpersonal communication

The information, ideas, and feelings being exchanged verbally or non-verbally between two or more people.

Face-to-face communication

Often involves hearing, seeing, and feeling body language, facial expressions, and gestures.

Interpersonal communication

Is exchanging information, meaning, feelings, and opinions between two or more people via verbal and non-verbal means.

Extended communication

Refers to the use of various means and channels to convey messages beyond face-to-face interaction.

Extended communication

This type of communication often leverages technology to bridge distances, facilitate asynchronous exchanges, and reach a broader audience.

Digital communication

What is the 1 form of Extended communication?

Types of Digital Communication

Emails

Instant messaging and texting

Social media

Video conferencing

Emails

Formal and informal written exchanges for professional, academic, or personal purposes.

Instant messaging and texting

Quick, real time communication through platforms like WhatsApp, Messenger, or SMS.

Social media

Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram use for personal expression, marketing, networking, and information dissemination.

Video conferencing

Tools like Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet used for virtual meetings, webinars, and online classes.

Organizational communication

Refers to the various forms, channels, and processes of communication that occur within and between organizations.

Organizational communication

It encompasses the ways in which information is shared, messages are conveyed, and relationships are managed to achieve organizational goals.

Organizational communication

This type of communication is vital for effective coordination, decision making, problem-solving, and fostering a positive organizational culture.

False

True or False

Effective organizational communication is not crucial for the smooth functioning of an organization.

True

True or False

Effective organizational communication ensures that everyone is aligned with the organization’s goals, values, and strategies, and it promotes transparency, trust and engagement among employees and stakeholders.

True

True or False

By fostering open and clear communication channels, organizations can improve productivity, innovation, and overall success.

Intercultural communication

Refers to the process of exchanging meaningful information and ideas between individuals or groups from different cultural backgrounds.

Intercultural communication

It involves understanding and navigating cultural differences to effectively communicate across diverse cultures.

Intercultural communication

This type of communication is crucial in a globalized world where people frequently interact with others from various cultural contexts.

Intercultural communication

Is essential for promoting mutual understanding, respect, and collaboration in an increasingly interconnected world.

True

True or False

By developing intercultural communication skills, individuals can enhance their ability to interact effectively and harmoniously with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, leading to more successful personal, academic, and relationships.

Types of Communication (According to Style and Purpose)

Formal communication

Informal communication

Formal communication

Refers to the structured, official, and often hierarchical exchange of information within an organization.

Formal communication

This type of communication follows predefined channels and protocols, ensuring that conveyed professional, in messages are a and systematic, documented manner.

Formal communication

Is critical for maintaining order, clarity, and consistency in organizational operations.

Characteristics of Formal Communication

Structured and systematic

Official and documented

Hierarchical

Clear and consistent

Structured and systematic

Follows established organizational protocols and channels.

Structured and systematic

Adheres to a predefined format, tone, and style.

Official and documented

Often involves written documentation, ensuring records are kept.

Official and documented

Used for official matters and decision-making processes.

Hierarchical

Typically flows along the organizational hierarchy, either top down (from management to employees) or bottom-up (from employees to management).

Clear and consistent

Aims to convey messages clearly and consistently misunderstandings.

Clear and consistent

Ensures that information is standardized across the organization.

Informal communication

Refers to the unofficial, casual, and spontaneous exchange of information between individuals within an organization or group.

Information communication

This type of communication often occurs naturally and without adherence to formal protocols or hierarchical structures. _____ communication is essential for building relationships, fostering collaboration, enhancing the overall and work environment.

Characteristics of Informal Communication

Spontaneous and unstructured

Casual and personal

Flexible and dynamic

Fast and efficient

Spontaneous and unstructured

Occurs naturally and without predetermined rules or formats.

Spontaneous and unstructured

Often initiated by individuals rather than being directed by organizational procedures.

Casual and personal

Uses a relaxed and conversational tone.

Casual and personal

Often involves personal interactions and social bonding.

Flexible and dynamic

Adapts quickly to changing situations and needs.

Flexible and dynamic

Can occur in various settings, both in person and through digital means.

Fast and efficient

Allows for quick information exchange and immediate feedback.

Fast and efficient

By passes formal channel, speeding up communication process.