What is communication?

Basically, the thing that we do daily, i.e. expressing our ideas or thoughts by speaking, writing, or using some other medium (television, radio, newspaper, etc). Without communication, there will be a whole lot of chaos. People will not understand what the other person is trying to say, there will missed opportunities, mistrust, misunderstandings, etc.

So we have established that communication is pretty important, but what about the different forms of communication? Let us learn a bit more about them!

Verbal communication is the use of language to transfer information through speaking or sign language. It is one of the most common types, often used during presentations, video conferences and phone calls, meetings, and one-on-one conversations. Some verbal engagements are informal, such as chatting with a friend over coffee or in the office kitchen, while others are more formal, such as a scheduled meeting.

Verbal communication helps deliver messages quickly and is the most common form of communication. You can also improve your verbal communication skills by developing active listening skills and confident body language.

Gone are the days when the only form of written communication through post mails. Now, written communication is almost everywhere- the text messages you send over your fancy mobile, your Facebook and Twitter updates, personal and professional emails, heck, even the blogs you read and write!

Written communication is using the written word to convey information. The best attribute of written communication is that it can send large amounts of information without the risk of someone forgetting because it can be referred back to for reminders.

This type of communication can be edited, revised, and changed to optimize quality. It can also be kept as a record or proof for further reference.

Visual communication is the act of using photographs, art, drawings, sketches, charts, and graphs to convey information. Now, social media such as Instagram and Facebook are using exactly this kind of communication. In presentations also, this type of communication is utilized because people have different learning styles, visual communication might be more helpful for some to consume ideas and information.

Visual communication can be characterized as a helper. Whenever a heavy amount of information is presented, a visual aid can help the message receiver comprehend the message.

Non-verbal communication includes facial expressions, posture, eye contact, hand movements, and touch. For example, you might smile unintentionally when you hear a pleasing or enjoyable idea or piece of information. Nonverbal communication is helpful when trying to understand others’ thoughts and feelings.

A shrug of the shoulders could indicate indifference while waving of hands could be enough to say goodbye and a simple nod may show acceptance.

Generally, while we are speaking, we also give non-verbal cues that such when we are lying, we don’t look the other person in the eyes. So it can be said that non-verbal cues are actually more accurate than verbal ones!

So these were the different forms of communication. We can do all these types of communication but I want you to look and find out what kind of communication you are best at? Can you easily give a speech? Or are you very good at writing emails? What nonverbal cues do you use when you are disinterested?

Understanding how you communicate is the first step to communicating more effectively. After which you can slowly improve yourself.