4 Types Of Communication: Importance And Tips For Effective Communication

It is an effective communication skill, which is highly valuable in both our personal and professional lives.

As long as the message is given properly by the sender, the receiver is able to understand it, ergo making the communication a success. 

In this article, we are going to discuss types of communication and how we can use them to communicate effectively in both our private and professional lives.

Communication Definition

What is communication? Well, communication is the process of passing on information or a message from the sender to the receiver. The sender or senders could try to convey the message(s) to one person or a group of people. 

Although considered to be a simple process, in actuality, communication is more complex as there are many factors to be taken into consideration to ensure that the message is properly delivered to the receiver. You see, while we may have many means of communication like print, the radio, or the television, among others, there can still be many barriers to communication between the sender and the receiver.

Effective communication skills will urge you to get to know your audience and choose the model, type, and tone to communicate with them carefully. 

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Different Types Of Communication

In the world of business, where work colleagues converse daily via emails or face-to-face in meetings or conferences, good communication skill is necessary for the work culture to be healthy. 

Good communication skill also goes a long way in building a wholesome relationship with our loved ones in our professional lives. 

Now, there are four types of communication that we should all try to excel at. They are 

• Verbal communication
• Nonverbal communication
• Written communication
• Visual communication

Let’s dive deeper into these 4 types of communication. 

Verbal Communication

One of the most common methods of communication, verbal communication is when two or more people converse with each other – face-to-face, via phone, conference, or video calls, etc, – with words coming out of their mouths. Depending on the person you are speaking to or with, the tone of your voice changes. For instance, with your boss or supervisor at work, the tone you use to communicate with them would be professional, while with your family or close friends, it would be casual. 

Nonverbal Communication

Among the 4 types of communication, nonverbal communication is wherein people communicate without words but instead use their body language such as maintaining eye contact and using hand gestures to convey their thoughts and feelings. This passive form of communication also allows one to send a message from the way they dress. 

Written communication

Considered by many as one of the best techniques of communication as it helps to record information in written form for future reference, written communication happens in the form of writing or typing words, drawing symbols, and printing them to deliver messages to the receivers. Books, blogs, newspapers, texts, emails, and memos, among others, are all different types of written communication. 

Visual Communication

As it results in better retention of the information, visual communication is a form of communication conveyed with the help of images. Wouldn’t it be so much better if you were shown a picture or video of how beautiful a sunset is rather than someone describing it to you in words as visual aid? Visual communication is the key to promoting brands via social media platforms such as Instagram, Youtube, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Facebook. 

Read more: Email writing format

Importance Of Communication In An Organisational Structure

Why is communication important in an organizational structure? Well, for one thing, communication is important to get the job done right as strong communication skills help in avoiding crises and removing errors within the organization. Lack of proper communication in the team can lead to misunderstanding and frustrations among the team members which can hamper their productivity and workflow. 

There are many reasons why communication is important in a workplace and for organizational growth. Take a look at some of the importance of communication in the workplace. 

• It Increases Productivity

Proper communication between employees and higher-ups help in increasing both the individual and organisation’s productivity.

You see, when employees communicate with each other effectively and when supervisors give the right directions, the lack of misunderstandings,

crises and directions will make more time for them to be more productive in their work and strengthen the teamwork.

This will eventually lead to the success of their projects and the organisation itself. 

• It Creates A Good Work Environment

Lack of communication in a workplace can alienate employees,

which can lead to the disintegration of and distrust within the team. Without strong teamwork and trust between the members, conflicts and crises tend to arise. And in such an environment, good work ethics rarely exist.

However, if the employees are comfortable enough to discuss their opinions, views, and thoughts with their colleagues and supervisors,

they become more agreeable and motivated to do their best in a company of good people and a safe place.

So, communication can bring people closer and create a good work environment. 

• It Helps In Making The Right Decision For The Organisation

In a workplace where opinions, views and thoughts are shared with one another because communication flows easily and respectfully,

making decisions even in the midst of crisis becomes easier as all hands are on deck.

During team meetings and conferences, when employees and the higher-ups discuss various topics,

fresh perspectives and innovative thinking are contributed, which can help in the decision-making process.  

• It Improves Managerial Efficiency

It is always under the right leadership that a team functions

the best and the ladder must possess all the right leadership qualities, including communication skills.

And when the manager who depends on his team for work efficiency,

encourages his team to communicate with him and each other more, the workflow improves as well. 

• It Creates Job Satisfaction

Be it in the team or between an employee and the boss when communication flows freely with respect and coherence,

people are satisfied in their jobs because they feel

that they are kept in the loop and part of the team.

Effective communication builds trust and gives the employees a sense of belongingness, which is important to boost morale and teamwork. 

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Conclusion:

Well, there you have it ladies and gentlemen – the 4 types of communication, along with their importance and tips for effective communication in your organization.