Types of Communication

There are four types of Communications as discussed below:-

1. Verbal Communication
2. Non-Verbal Communication
3. Visual Communication
4. Written Communication

1. Verbal Communication

Verbal communication uses language to transfer/share information through speaking. It is widely used during presentations, video conferences, phone calls, meetings and one-on-one conversations.

Advantages of Verbal Communication

• It is a fast way of communication and saves time.
• It gives immediate feedback and clears doubts quickly.

Disadvantages of Verbal Communication

• It has no permanent record for future reference.
• There is a chance of misunderstanding due to noise or wrong tone.

2. Non-Verbal Communication

Non - verbal communication is the use of body language, gestures and facial expressions to convey information to others.
Body language is an aspect of non-verbal communication where physical gestures are used to convey information. It’s also known as kinesics/ kinaesthetics. It’s important that our body language synergizes with our words.Body language includes:

• facial expressions
• posture
• gestures
• touch
• the use of space
• eye movement

Advantages of Non-Verbal Communication

• It helps to show emotions clearly without speaking.
• It adds interest and attraction to communication.
• It is useful when language is a problem.

Disadvantages of Non-Verbal Communication

• Different cultures may understand gestures differently.
• It is not recorded as proof.
• It cannot be used to explain long or complex ideas.

3. Visual Communication

Visual communication is the act of using photographs, videos, art, drawings, sketches, charts and graphs to convey information. Visuals can be used as an aid during presentations to provide helpful context alongside written and/or verbal communication.

Advantages of Visual Communication

• It makes information easy to understand through pictures, charts and diagrams.
• It attracts attention and improves memory.

Disadvantages of Visual Communication

• It takes more time and cost to prepare visual materials.
• It may be misunderstood if visuals are not clear.

4. Written Communication

Written communication is the act of writing, typing or printing symbols like letters and numbers to convey information. It is helpful because it provides a record of information for reference. Writing is commonly used to share information through books, pamphlets, blogs, letters, memos, e - mail, SMS and more.

Written communication has been proved to be a boon to regulate the daily operations of an organisation. However, as there are many advantages associated with this medium of communication, there are also multiple disadvantages as listed below:

Advantages of Written Communication

1. Permanent Record: A written communication helps to maintain a permanent record of the information exchanged or shared.
2. Easy Circulation: A written document can easily be circulated in an organisation, unlike the oral communication medium. Thus, this attribute of written communication comes handy in equipping the masses with the necessary information.
3. Suitable for Statistical Data: Statistical charts and figures are difficult to be interpreted verbally, thus, circulating a document allow people to examine such intrinsic detail with ease.
4. Promotes Goodwill: When conducting business, a well-crafted written document speaks volumes about the competence of a particular organisation. Therefore, written communication helps to promote goodwill, if performed wisely.

Disadvantages of Written Communication

1. Time Consuming: In order to craft the document, one has to invest an ample amount of time which is indeed difficult in constrained timelines.
2. Non-flexible: A written document cannot be altered once circulated. This makes written communication non-flexible as every written word is concrete and final.
3. Demands Writing Proficiency: In order to deliver the message adequately across the other end, one should have competencies in the writing sector.
4. Probability of Wrong Interpretation: If there are complex words or difficult sentences included in the written document, one may interpret a wrong/no meaning out of it. Thus, in order to use written communication, one should make use of easy language.