LESSON 2. TYPES OF COMMUNICATION

Types of Communication

As aforementioned, communication is a process of exchanging information, ideas, thoughts, feelings and emotions through speech, signals, writing, or behavior.

In communication process, a sender (encoder) encodes a message and then using a medium/channel sends it to the receiver (decoder) who decodes the message and after processing information, sends back appropriate feedback/reply using a medium/channel.

People communicate with each other in a number of ways that depend upon the message and its context in which it is being sent. 

Choice of communication channel and your style of communicating also affect communication. 

Types of communication based on the communication channels used are: There are two types of communication based on channel; verbal communication and nonverbal

communication. 

Verbal Communication

Verbal communication refers to the form of communication in which message is transmitted

verbally; communication is done by word of mouth and writing. Objective of every communication is to have people understand what we are trying to convey. In verbal communication always remember the acronym KISS - keep it short and simple. 

When we talk to others, we assume that others understand what we are saying because we know what we are saying. But this is not the case. Usually people bring their own attitude, perception, 

emotions and thoughts about the topic and hence creates barrier in delivering the right meaning.

In order to deliver the right message, you must put yourself on the other side of the table and think from your receiver's point of view. Would he understand the message? How will it sound on the other side of the table.

Verbal Communication is further divided into, two oral /spoken and written communication.

a. Oral/Spoken Communication 

In oral communication, Spoken words are used. It includes face-to-face conversations, speech, 

telephonic conversation, video, radio, television, voice over internet.

Examples of spoken communication that is used in the workplace include conversations, interviews, counseling/helping colleagues, meetings, conferences and so on (Wenbin Nah, 2008).

In oral

communication, communication is influenced by pitch, volume, speed and clarity of speaking.

The following are the advantages of communication:-

Advantages of Oral/spoken communication

i. Oral communication allows for immediate feedback such as the opportunity to ask
questions when the meaning is not entirely clear. 

ii. The sender is able to check and see whether if the instruction is clear or has created
confusion. 

iii. There is high level of understanding and transparency in oral communication as it is
interpersonal. 

iv. There is no element of rigidity in oral communication. There is flexibility for allowing
changes in the decisions previously taken. 

v. Spoken instructions are flexible and easily adaptable to many diverse situations.
vi. The feedback is spontaneous in oral communication. Thus, decisions can be made quickly without any delay. 

vii. Oral communication is not only time saving, but it also saves upon money and efforts. 

viii. Oral communication is best in case of problem resolution. The conflicts, disputes and many issues/differences can be put to an end by talking them over. 

ix. Oral communication is an essential for teamwork and group energy. 

x. Oral communication promotes a receptive and encouraging morale among organizational
employees. 

xi. Oral communication can be best used to transfer private and confidential information/matter.

 xii. In a face-to-face conversation, by reading facial expression and body language one can guess weather he/she should trust what's being said or not.

Disadvantages of Oral/spoken communication

i. Poor presentation of the message or the instruction can result in misunderstanding and

wrong responses. 

ii. Relying only on oral communication may not be sufficient as business communication is formal and very organized. 

iii. Oral communication is less authentic than written communication as they are informal and not as organized as written communication. 

iv. Oral communication is time-saving as far as daily interactions are concerned, but in case of meetings, long speeches consume lot of time and are unproductive at times. 

v. Oral communications are not easy to maintain and thus they are unsteady.

vi. There may be misunderstandings as the information is not complete and may lack essentials. 

vii. It requires attentiveness and great receptivity on part of the receivers/audience. 

viii. Oral communication (such as speeches) is not frequently used as legal records except in investigation work. 

ix. Spoken communication is influenced by both verbal and non-verbal communication such as tone or body language which may twist the meaning of your message in the mind of

the receiver.