Course: BBA Part 1

Paper III

Topic: Types of Communication

Teacher’s Name: Prof. (Dr.) Reyazuddin

School: Commerce and Management

Date: 20/06/2020

Types of communication

There are several different ways we share information with one another. For example, you might

use verbal communication when sharing a presentation with a group. You might use written

communication when applying for a job or sending an email.

There are four main categories or communication styles including verbal, nonverbal, written and

visual:

1. Verbal

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. Verbal communication is important

because it is efficient. It can be helpful to support verbal communication with both nonverbal and

written communication.

Here are a few steps you can take to develop your verbal communication skills:

• Use a strong, confident speaking voice. Especially when presenting information to a few

or a group of people, be sure to use a strong voice so that everyone can easily hear you. Be

confident when speaking so that your ideas are clear and easy for others to understand.

• Use active listening. The other side of using verbal communication is intently listening to

and hearing others.Active listening skills are key when conducting a meeting, presentation

or even when participating in a one-on-one conversation. Doing so will help you grow as a

communicator.

• Avoid filler words. It can be tempting, especially during a presentation, to use filler

words such as “um,” “like,” “so” or “yeah.” While it might feel natural after completing a

sentence or pausing to collect your thoughts, it can also be distracting for your audience.

Try presenting to a trusted friend or colleague who can call attention to the times you use

filler words. Try to replace them by taking a breath when you are tempted to use them.

2. Nonverbal

Nonverbal communication is the use of body language, gestures and facial expressions to convey

information to others. It can be used both intentionally and unintentionally. 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.
If they are displaying “closed” body language, such as crossed arms or hunched shoulders, they

might be feeling anxious, angry or nervous. If they are displaying “open” body language with

both feet on the floor and arms by their side or on the table, they are likely feeling positive and

open to information.

Here are a few steps you can take to develop your nonverbal communication skills:

• Notice how your emotions feel physically. Throughout the day, as you experience a

range of emotions (anything from energized, bored, happy or frustrated), try to identify

where you feel that emotion within your body. For example, if you’re feeling anxious, you

might notice that your stomach feels tight. Developing self-awareness around how your

emotions affect your body can give you greater mastery over your external presentation.

• Be intentional about your nonverbal communications. Make an effort to display

positive body language when you feel alert, open and positive about your surroundings.

You can also use body language to support your verbal communication if you feel

confused or anxious about information, like using a furrowed brow. Use body language

alongside verbal communication such as asking follow up questions or pulling the

presenter aside to give feedback.

• Mimic nonverbal communications you find effective. If you find certain facial

expressions or body language beneficial to a certain setting, use it as a guide when

improving your own nonverbal communications. For example, if you see that when

someone nods their head it communicates approval and positive feedback efficiently, use

it in your next meeting when you have the same feelings.

3. Written
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

and more. Emails and chats are a common form of written communication in the workplace.

Here are a few steps you can take to develop your written communication skills:

• Strive for simplicity. Written communications should be as simple and clear as possible.

While it might be helpful to include lots of detail in instructional communications, for

example, you should look for areas where you can write as clearly as possible for your

audience to understand.

• Don’t rely on tone. Because you do not have the nuance of verbal and nonverbal

communications, be careful when you are trying to communicate a certain tone when

writing. For example, attempting to communicate a joke, sarcasm or excitement might be

translated differently depending on the audience. Instead, try to keep your writing as

simple and plain as possible and follow up with verbal communications where you can

add more personality.

• Take time to review your written communications. Setting time aside to re-read your

emails, letters or memos can help you identify mistakes or opportunities to say something

differently. For important communications or those that will be sent to a large number of

people, it might be helpful to have a trusted colleague review it as well.

• Keep a file of writing you find effective or enjoyable. If you receive a certain pamphlet,

email or memo that you find particularly helpful or interesting, save it for reference when
 writing your own communications. Incorporating methods or styles you like can help you

to improve over time.

4. Visual

Visual communication is the act of using photographs, art, drawings, sketches, charts and graphs

to convey information. Visuals are often used as an aid during presentations to provide helpful

context alongside written and/or verbal communication. Because people have different learning

styles, visual communication might be more helpful for some to consume ideas and information.

Here are a few steps you can take to develop your visual communication skills:

• Ask others before including visuals. If you are considering sharing a visual aid in your

presentation or email, consider asking others for feedback. Adding visuals can sometimes

make concepts confusing or muddled. Getting a third-party perspective can help you

decide whether the visual adds value to your communications.

• Consider your audience. Be sure to include visuals that are easily understood by your

audience. For example, if you are displaying a chart with unfamiliar data, be sure to take

time and explain what is happening in the visual and how it relates to what you are saying.

You should never use sensitive, offensive, violent or graphic visuals in any form.