What different types of communication are there?

Answer 1

Communication is a process that involves exchange of information, thoughts, ideas and emotions. Communication is a process that involves a sender who encodes and sends the message, which is then carried via the communication channel to the receiver where the receiver decodes the message, processes the information and sends an appropriate reply via the same communication channel.

Types of Communication

Communication can occur via various processes and methods and depending on the channel used and the style of communication there can be various types of communication.

Types of Communication Based on Communication Channels

Based on the channels used for communicating, the process of communication can be broadly classified as verbal communication and non-verbal communication. Verbal communication includes written and oral communication whereas the non-verbal communication includes body language, facial expressions and visuals diagrams or pictures used for communication.

Verbal Communication

Verbal communication is further divided into written and oral communication. The oral communication refers to the spoken words in the communication process. Oral communication can either be face-to-face communication or a conversation over the phone or on the voice chat over the internet. Spoken conversations or dialogs are influenced by voice modulation, pitch, volume and even the speed and clarity of speaking. The other type of verbal communication is written communication. Written communication can be either via snail mail, or email. The effectiveness of written communication depends on the style of writing, vocabulary used, grammar, clarity and precision of language.

Nonverbal Communication

Non-verbal communication includes the overall body language of the person who is speaking, which will include the body posture, the hand gestures, and overall body movements. The facial expressions also play a major role while communication since the expressions on a person's face say a lot about his/her mood. On the other hand gestures like a handshake, a smile or a hug can independently convey emotions. Non verbal communication can also be in the form of pictorial representations, signboards, or even photographs, sketches and paintings.

Types of Communication Based on Style and Purpose

Based on the style of communication, there can be two broad categories of communication, which are formal and informal communication that have their own set of characteristic features.

Formal Communication

Formal communication includes all the instances where communication has to occur in a set formal format. Typically this can include all sorts of business communication or corporate communication. The style of communication in this form is very formal and official. Official conferences, meetings and written memos and corporate letters are used for communication. Formal communication can also occur between two strangers when they meet for the first time. Hence formal communication is straightforward, official and always precise and has a stringent and rigid tone to it.

Informal Communication

Informal communication includes instances of free unrestrained communication between people who share a casual rapport with each other. Informal communication requires two people to have a similar wavelength and hence occurs between friends and family. Informal communication does not have any rigid rules and guidelines. Informal conversations need not necessarily have boundaries of time, place or even subjects for that matter since we all know that friendly chats with our loved ones can simply go on and on.

Radio Broadcasting

Radio Broadcasting is the distribution of audio signals that transmit programs to an audience. There are wide varieties of broadcasting systems, all of which have different capabilities. It can vary from limited area coverage to national and can be used to transmit signals globally too, using retransmitted towers, satellite systems, and cable distribution. Satellite radio revolutionaries the entire scenario, it could cover even wider areas, such as entire continents, and Internet channels can distribute text or streamed music worldwide. In the late 1990s, digital transmissions began to be applied to broadcasting.

A broadcast may be distributed through several physical means. If coming directly from the studio at a single radio station, then it is simply sent to the transmitter from the antenna on the tower. Programming which comes through a satellite, played either live or recorded for transmission later. Different stations may simulcast the same programming at the same time. Usually analogue or digital tapes or CDs/DVDs are included in another broadcast. The final stage of broadcasting is to get the signal to the audiences. It is done via radio station to a receiver or through cable. Internet also brings radio to the recipient

Following are some of the points which should be taken into consideration for making the communication effective:

Speaking through eyes

The first thing that a good speaker does is first looks at the audience and takes a pause before beginning his speech. This helps to create good impression on the audience. While making the way through speech one must take care that he is not too lengthy. One must break his lengthy speeches to short and interesting ideas. A link should be maintained between consecutive statements. This helps to maintain the rhythm of flow of speech and keep the ears of audience towards him. Throughout the speech speaker should have maintain eye contact with the audience. Every reaction has equal and opposite reaction. So if the speaker doesn't maintain eye contact with the listeners they will feel that they are being ignored and it is quite likely that they also ignore whatever he is trying to convey.

Voice level

One more important thing while communicating is the level of voice that is he must be clear and audible to audience. A good voice can be strong point for being an effective speaker, although it's a natural gift but one can improve by skillful training and practice. Generally a good speaker knows with what tempo he should speak so that it's not too loud or too weak voice while speaking through amplifiers. Proper variation in pitch and tempo of the voice improves the quality of speech. Accurate pronunciation of words with due stresses wherever required must be done.

The speed with which the words are thrown must be such that audience can keep pace with them and are able to understand him. A thing that unknowingly happens with most of us is that we keep on repeating the words like "I mean"," you see"," etc. This may distract the audience.

Audience Awareness

To make our communication successful get the clue about the audience their interests. Following points should be noted:

1) Get the rough idea of the strength of the listeners.

2) Think over the age, sex, background and interest of the listeners.

3) See whether the audience is patient enough to handle you for hours. Check out if they are friendly or hostile.

4) Choose the approach that suits the audience.

5) Create a feeling such that each individual feels that the speaker is trying to talk with him and sharing the joy and sorrow of events with him.

6) Let the audience know depth of your knowledge regarding the subject.

7) Show your sincerity and whole heartedness for the subject.

8) To keep the communications healthy do keep cracking jokes in between such that the jokes should not be appeared to be deliberately told. They should relate to topic.

9) Concentrate on your ideas and do not get distracted by the activities performed by the audience e.g. smiling, whispering.

Facial expressions

Face is mirror of an individual's personality. Facial expressions reveal what thoughts are running through a persons mind. For e.g. a smile expresses friendliness and affection. Raised eye-brows show surprise and furrowed forehead conveys fear and anxiety. All the emotions and various types of human behavior bring different expressions on face. So while communicating see that the facial expressions reveal your interest for the subject on which you are communicating.

Postures

The body movements while speaking must coordinate with your convincing power. They must be such that they add to the things which are more effectively caught visually than verbally. For e.g. A head down shows the completion of a statement, raising of head indicates the end of the question. More frequent body movements reveal a state hurry or confusion in mind.

Dress Sense

The clothing plays an important role in presenting ourselves to society. The people who wear dress suitable to their body structure look attractive. A person's physical appearance and dress creates a definite impact on the communication process. A dress should be such that it is not too modern for the people whom we are interacting yet be able to create a positive impression on them.

These were the few things which many of us overlook but these small things contribute for effective communication. Regular follow up of these things will enhance the skill of communicating.

Answer 2

well there is the telephone, telegraph, landline phone, mobile phone, e-mail, picture call, video call, social networking services such as facebook, msn, twitter, but aside from all of the new things there were things used in the old days like drawings, hieroglyphics, smoke, braille, Morse Code and the simple old letter in the post. don't forget things like catalogs, brochures and stuff which are also classed as forms of communication.

hope that helps... :) katiie

no this is all wrong!!

Answer 3

Some types of electronic communication are:

Telephone

Fax

Email

Teleconferencing

Instant Messaging

Bulletin Boards

Threads

Social Networking

News Group

Skype

Text messaging

Video Conferencing

Chat Lines

Electronic Communication

Discussion Groups

Answer 4

The different types of modern communication technology have helped improve communication in all sectors. Some of the common types of modern communication include text messages, social networking, email, video conferences and so much more.

Answer 5

mobile phones,

internet (emails)

skype

PDA (personal digital assistant)

facebook

msn

bbm

radio

TV

Text

Fax

Answer 6

E-Mail

Instant Messaging

Microblogging, Status Updates, and News Feeds

Conferencing

Answer 7

computers phones ....