Types of Communication
➦ On the basis of methods used, for the purpose, communication may be oral, written, and nonverbal. The choice of a particular method for a particular purpose depends upon the audience, the nature of the message (its urgency/secrecy), and the costs involved.
1. Oral Communication:
➦ It is also called verbal communication done with the help of spoken words. It is the most popular method. Oral communication may take place: by face-to-face conversation, and through mechanical devices.
➦ Sometimes face to face communication is desirable because of the confidential nature of message and satisfying feelings, sentiments, and sense of belongingness. This method of communication has the following types of merits and demerits.
Advantages of Oral Communication:
➨ Least expensive, least time consuming and is more direct and simple.
➨ It offers a cooperative and friendly spirit.
➨ It helps in avoiding delays, red tape, and other formalities.
➨ It allows feedback and spontaneous thinking so there is more clarity and a two-way response.
➨ The spoken words can be more easily understood than written words.
Disadvantages of Oral Communication:
➨ No formal record, so it lacks proof and may generate conflict.
➨ Lengthy and distance communication cannot be conveyed verbally.
➨ Physical and personal barriers communication may remain incomplete.
➨ Oral communication is typically limited to the individuals present at the time of the communication.
➨ Oral Communication lacks clarity.
2. Written Communication:
➦ It is another most widely used method of communication. It is the most comprehensive type.
➦ It is generally done in the form of instructions, memos, letters, formal reports, rules and regulations, policy handbooks, information bulletins, circulars, and so on.
➦ It is used to give, receive, and record information. It ensures everyone has the same information.
Advantages of written communication:
➨ Formal, authoritative and serves as evidence of events and activities
➨ It is permanent in nature so it can be used for future reference.
➨ Most useful for the comprehensive nature of the information. It can save time.
➨ It reduces the chances of misinterpretation, misrepresentation, and distortion of information.
Disadvantages of written communication:
➨ It is time-consuming and expensive.
➨ There is no certainty whether the receiver has understood or not.
➨ It may give rise to excessive formality and rigidity in organizational operations.
➨ There is a lack of immediate feedback.
3. Nonverbal Communication:
➦ This method of communication includes all the elements associated with human communication except oral and written communication.
➦ Nonverbal expressions include facial expression and physical movements. Physical movement or body language is known as “kinesis”.
➦ Our facial expression can show frustration, fear, shyness, anger, and other characteristics which can be better communication than voice or words.
| For example, a handshake smile, eye contacts are probably the most common form of body language. |
Advantages of Nonverbal Communication:
➨ Nonverbal cues such as facial expressions and body language are understood across cultures, making them a universal means of communication.
➨ Nonverbal cues often enhance verbal messages, providing additional context and clarity to what is being conveyed.
➨ Nonverbal communication allows individuals to express emotions more accurately and vividly than words alone, leading to a deeper understanding of feelings.
➨ Nonverbal cues can convey messages quickly and efficiently, especially in situations where time is limited or verbal communication is difficult.
➨ Nonverbal signals often convey subconscious thoughts and feelings, providing valuable insights into individuals’ true intentions and attitudes.
Disadvantages of Nonverbal Communication:
➨ Nonverbal cues can be ambiguous and open to interpretation, leading to misunderstandings or misinterpretations.
➨ Nonverbal cues may carry different meanings in different cultures, potentially leading to confusion or offense if not understood correctly.
➨ Nonverbal communication lacks the precision and specificity of verbal language, making it difficult to convey complex or detailed information.
➨ In some situations, such as formal presentations or written communication, nonverbal cues may be limited or absent, reducing their effectiveness.
➨ Nonverbal cues can be manipulated or falsified, leading to deception or misrepresentation of true intentions or feelings.
References
- Five types of communication – Graduate College of Drexel University. (n.d.). Graduate College of Drexel University. https://drexel.edu/graduatecollege/professional-development/blog/2018/July/Five-types-of-communication/
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I am Smirti Bam, an enthusiastic edu blogger with a passion for sharing insights into the dynamic world of business and management through this website.
I hold a MBA degree from Presidential Business School, Kathmandu, and a BBA degree with a specialization in Finance from Apex College,
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