Types of communication

 TYPES OF COMMUNICATION

Communication can be classified as follows

1) According to organisation channel

• Formal communication
• Informal communication

2) According to direction

• Download communication
• Upward communication
• Horizontal communication

3) According to way of expression

• Verbal communication
• Nonverbal communication

1) According to organisation channel of communication

 A channel of communication is a path through which messages are transmitted from sender to receiver. These channels of communications are two types- Formal and Informal.

A)Formal Communication

Formal communication refers to exchanging of official information between the people of same organisation by following some pre defined protocols and using formal languages. Formal communication enforce the relationship between different positions, it follows the organization's chain of command with top-down structure. Example; Business emails, official letters, records etc

Advantages of formal communication

1) It reduces the chances of misinterpretation or misunderstanding of information.

2)Formal Communication is more authentic and reliable.

3) Formal Communication is done in written form so it can serve as a evidence in legal disputes.

4) Establishing a professional tool.

Disadvantages of formal communication.

1) More time consuming.

2)Lack of flexibility.

3)Formal languages can be a barrier for employees who are not familiar with the specific terminology.

B)Informal communication

Informal communication refers to the exchanging of information, ideas, or messages without following any official structure. It is often known as a grapevine Communication. Informal communication often used for social purpose such as chatting, gossiping, phone calls etc.

Advantages of Informal communication

1) Informal communication exchange the ideas and information more faster than formal communication as it is not supposed to follow a particular path.

2)It is flexible in nature.

3) Encouraging open Communication.

4)It provides immediate feedback.

Disadvantages of informal communication

1)Lack of documentation making it difficult to track or reference of important information later

2) Lack of structure and formalities

3)More chances of creating the romours since the people fabricating the truth.

2) According to direction: 

Communication can be flow Downward, upward and horizontal.

1) Downward Communication

Downward Communication is type Communication which flows from the superiors to subordinates( from higher levels of management to lower level). Downward channels follow the authority or the chain of command. There are certain reasons for downward hall communication are 

• To provide job instructions
• To inform policies and procedures
• To offer feedback about performance

2) Upward communication

Upward communication is another important aspect of organisational skills communication,  it flows in the opposite direction of downward communication. It involves the transmission of information, feedback, suggestions, and reports from lower levels of the organisational hierarchy to higher levels.

3) Horizontal Communication

Horizontal communication sometimes called as lateral communication. Here the communication occurs between  people at same level in an organisation. An example of horizontal communication is the meeting between the marketing manager and finance manager to sort out a problem of slow moving product in the market.

4) Vertical Communication

Vertical communication refers to the exchange of information, messages, and feedback within an organization that flows up and down the hierarchical structure. 

3) According to way of expression

1)Verbal communication

Verbal communication is the use of spoken words to convey the information, thoughts,ideas and feelings from one person to another person.

TYPE of of verbal 

1)Oral Communication

Oral communication refers to the process of conveying information, thoughts, or messages through spoken words. It involves speaking and listening and can take various forms, including face-to-face conversations, phone calls, presentations, and interviews. Effective oral communication is essential in both personal and professional settings for clear and efficient information exchange.

Advantages of oral communication

1) Quick exchange of ideas

2) Immediate feedback

3) It is flexible

4)More clarity and understanding

5) Build the strong relationship among the people.

Disadvantages 

1) Lack of documentation.

2) Misunderstandings.

3) Limited reach.

4) Difficulty in complex information.

2) Written Communication

A written communication means sending of messages, ideas, instructions in writing through letters, circulars,memos, bulletins etc. This type of communication is very common in every business situation so it is very important every organisation from employees to top level management.

Advantages of written Communication

1) The lengthy messages can be communicate clearly with the help of written communication.

2) written communication can creates a permanent record, which can used for future reference.

3) Message can be easily distributed to a wide audience.

4) Distortion of message is not possible.

Disadvantages

1)Not suitable for uneducated person.

2) Immediate feedback is not possible.

3) Cost of written communication is higher than oral communication.

4) Less flexible.

2)Non verbal communication

Non verbal communication refers to communicate the information without use of words. This type of communication takes place through body language, facial expressions, eye contact etc.

1)Facial Expressions: These convey emotions like happiness, sadness, anger, and surprise.

2)Gestures: Hand movements and body gestures can add emphasis or provide context to spoken words.

3)Body Language: Posture, stance, and overall body movements can reveal information about a person's confidence, interest, or discomfort.

4)Eye Contact: The duration and intensity of eye contact can communicate interest, confidence, or deception.

5)Tone of Voice: The way words are spoken, including pitch, tone, and intonation, can convey emotions and meaning.

4) Other types of communication

1) Visual Communication

Communication is done through by using charts,graphs, diagrams and presentations etc.

2)Digital Communication

Communication through digital channels, such as text messages, instant messaging, social media, and video conferencing.

3)Interpersonal Communication

This involves one-on-one or small group interactions, emphasizing face-to-face or direct communication.

4)Mass Communication

Communication to a large audience through mass media, including television, radio, newspapers, magazines, and online news sites.

5)Cross-Cultural Communication 

Communication between individuals or groups from different cultural backgrounds, which requires sensitivity to cultural norms and differences.

6)Intrapersonal Communication: 

This is the communication that happens within an individual's own mind, including self-talk, thoughts, and introspection.