Have you ever wondered what types of communication are most effective? In simpler words, is there a difference between particular types of communication in terms of their effectiveness? Are there some that are more likely to succeed in getting the intended message across? If yes, then keep reading. We’re going to take a break from discussing general thoughts about engineering services and share with you our insights on the different types of communication out there.
What are the types of communication skills? By definition, they are the ways to engage others through using words, language, and symbols. In other words, communication skills entail the ability to effectively and proactively communicate with another person or people. And that is something we all need to do in one way or another, right?
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Different types of communications
1. VERBAL COMMUNICATION
Everyone should know by now that communication and productivity depend on each other. Changes that happen in one part of the organization need to be communicated
to other employees in order to keep them updated. Communication helps deliver messages quickly, helping employees receive clear directions and rewards good performance with prompt appreciation.
All this boosts the morale and, hence, productivity of employees.
Did you know that active listening is a set of all the things we do with our bodies,
eg. facial expressions, eye contact, physical gestures and posture,
that communicates to the speaker that we’re paying attention?
The active listening body language described in Harappan Education’s course shows you
how to send the right messages with your actions. As an example, you might nod your head (a physical gesture),
keep eye contact and reply “uh-huh” (both verbal communication skills) while the speaker is speaking.
You can communicate that you are actively listening to the speaker by doing this throughout his/her speech.
This technique is especially important if you are an employee and need to follow instructions or suggestions from a senior.
2. NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
Nonverbal communication is the transmission of information through the use of visual aids and cues. Body language plays an important role in nonverbal communication
and can help convey feelings, intentions, and emotions such as happiness, sadness and anger.
These signs can be interpreted by anyone regardless of language or culture.
This type of communication has been widely discovered to be different
from verbal communication that delivers the message using words only.
There are various cues and signals used in nonverbal communication and each one of them has different meanings. A nod of the head can mean many things as there are various gestures attached with nodding.
3. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Written communication is one of the most trusted types of communication. Emails, business letters, project proposals, blog posts, books, brochures and websites are examples of written communication. A lot of written communication can be edited to optimize the quality. It can also be kept as a record or proof for further reference.
The type of communication that comes under written communication is speeches,
reports and leaflets. Most of the businesses give importance to this form of communication
because it can be edited, revised and changed to optimize quality.
4. VISUAL COMMUNICATION
Have you ever tried to put a thought or picture into words? I must say it has always been a difficult task and when I imagine doing it,
it turns out to be a very lengthy process. However, what do we do in our daily lives?
We communicate. We write emails, texts, and make phone calls to pretty much everyone we know. Well here is where communication acts as the visual link. When we communicate, pictures and drawings can be used as mediums for the receiver to get your point across.
Visual communication is easy to read and understand because the use of colors is unlimited
and the visual aids tend to be quite fascinating for people regardless of age and education level.
What is even more amazing about visuals is that they can be used for almost any concept under the sun:
from business practices, sports events to scientific discoveries or company reviews.
The extent and breadth of its application can be as broad as your imagination.
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What are Communication Barriers?
Communication is one of the most important functions for any organization. Communication helps in enhancing productivity, building effective collaboration and maintaining a healthy relationship with others. Effective communication adds more value to the organization. Here, in this article, we will look at some of the most common communication barriers that happen within an organization.
Types of communication barriers
1 Cultural communication barriers
A communications barrier can be any type of obstacle that hinders the flow of information from one culture to another. Cultural communication barriers are often one of the most common communication barriers that impact the flow of information.
2 Language Communication Barriers
Do you know that language plays a vital role in communication? It is one of the reasons why before achieving a successful communication,
you must be aware of the various difficulties that may face you in sharing and understanding the information.
The most profound evidence to this is present when there are language barriers
despite the effort implemented by all parties involved in being able to communicate with each other.
Though individuals may have an interest in being able to communicate efficiently with other people,
they fail because of such barriers to communication.
3 Emotional Communication Barriers
Emotions and communication are highly related to each other. Individuals relate their experiences, feelings, and needs through a method of communication known as message. There are different types of communication that promote conflict and getting the individual’s needs met. In the workplace, emotions play a major role in communication especially when they are negative emotions such as Fear, Anger, Mistrust and Ignorance defined by Boundaries & Boundary Violations: Awareness through Communication .
4 Physical Communication Barriers
Before talking about the physical factors affecting communication
let’s have a quick look at the development of telecommunication as a whole. If you are reading this, then you must be having a device that is connected to the internet.
Now imagine how different it would have been if everything wasn’t inter-connected with each other.
What is Formal Communication?
When it comes to formal communication, everything has to be professional. In formal communication, the messages or official information are usually carefully drafted by upper-level managers
or owners and passed down to mid and lower-level managers and employees and vice versa. As it travels down or up the various levels of the organisational hierarchy,
it has to adhere to the organisation’s standards, processes, policy and regulations. This type of strategic communication leaves not many rooms for errors and can be rather effective.
What Is Informal Communication?
Informal communication takes place when information or message is passed
on from one person (or more) to another without following any pre-determined channel for the transmission. Also known as grapevine communication, informal communication may include speaking to someone face-to-face or texting or emailing. The topic can range from professional to personal life.
Final Thoughts
Communication is the most important skill you can master. In today’s fast-evolving world,
whether you aspire to be a valued employee,
a successful businessperson, a good orator or a revered influencer, it’s imperative to sharpen your communication skills.
