Communication
There are several types of communication to define and discuss. The purpose of communication is to transfer
information between two or more different parties, and is most successful when it is a two-way process
between sender and receiver. This transfer can occur in many ways and those can be categorized along several
lines. Interaction and exchange with those around us a fundamental component of maintaining a healthy
lifestyle. One of the primary benefits of communication is collaboration and cooperation between parties,
allowing for idea team building and idea building. It allows individuals to work together towards a common
objective more effectively. The context in which communication is taking place is often the primary driver of
which communication type is used.
Verbal Communication
Verbal communication is the most common and most important form of communication, and is associated
with the transmittance of language or words between two or more parties. This type of interaction is primarily
comprised of spoken words and written words however it also includes any interaction that results in words
being communicated. For verbal communication to be effective the sender and receiver must share the same
language and, less importantly, the same syntax. In some cases the interacting parties will share the same root
language but have difficulty communicating due to differences in accent, grammatical structure, or use of
slangs. Verbal communication can vary in form; for instance it can be formal or informal, or personal or
impersonal.
Oral Communication
Speaking is considered the best way to coherently and quickly communicate information, yet problems can
still exist with orally transmitted messages unless effective speaking skills are developed. When speaking the
sender must be mindful of tone, pitch, volume, diction, and annunciation. It is quite possible that the receiver
may misunderstand or misinterpret what was said unless particular care is taken. Of course, the importance of
the information being transmitted dictates the level of emphasis the sender should place on its effectiveness.
When speaking there are also nonverbal elements that may an integral role in how effectively the message is
transmitted, including voice quality, pitch, volume, and intonation. These elements are known collectively as
para-language.
Written Communication
Using written language or words to convey a message is another prevalent type of communication. The
prehistoric use of pictographs, prior to the creation of alphabets, is the earliest known form of written
communication. The adoption of standardized alphabets allows for consistency and uniformity in written
communication. Like the oral type there are formal and informal forms of written communication; for
example, a curriculum vitae constitutes formal use of written language, while SMS-texting is a prevalent
example of informal written communication.
Sign Language
Sign language is another form of verbal communication because of its use of words to convey a message.
While no words are spoken or written, individual signs are assigned to a specific word in a language, and then
signed appropriately to convey structured, coherent information.
Advantages
Uniformity of meaning when utilizing a common language
Fast and typically inexpensive
Specific to speaking: direct and immediate feedback
Dis-advantages
There are sometimes cultural differences in what certain words in a common language mean. Certain cultures
apply additional meanings to some words, which becomes prevalent and dominant associations.
Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal communication is the process of transmitting wordless signals between two or more parties.
Despite not using words and in some cases sound, nonverbal communication can result in an immediate
connection between sender and receiver. Examples of nonverbal communication include a) reading facial
impressions including eye contact, b) body language including posture, stance, and movement, c) gestures and
touch, handshakes, ‘high fives’, d) grunts, sighs, sounds used to convey a meaning, e) para-language, and f)
Space and time language; the concept that we can communicate something without writing it, speaking it, or
showing it. For instance, buying a big house communicates social status.
Advantages
A large proportion of non-verbal communication is universal across different cultures. For example, facial
gestures expressing feels of anger, fear, and happiness are almost universal throughout the world.
Develops intimacy with other parties beyond the standard message being conveyed; demonstrates interest in
the interaction
Disadvantages
Nonverbal cues can sometimes contradict the intended meaning of the verbal communication
It is difficult to conceal at times when the individual would like to disguise it
In most of its forms it can only be used if those individuals you are communicating with can see you
Difficult if not impossible to convey complex ideas
Other Communication
Visual Communication
Visual communication is the conveyance of a message and information in forms that can be seen by the eye,
primarily involving two-dimensional images. It is a powerful accompaniment to text or spoken word when
attempting to convey a message. Studies have shown that individuals respond more positively when visual
communication is combined with other forms of verbal communication, and are more likely to be educated or
influenced by the message. The most common examples of visual communication are typography and
illustration. An interesting concept within the visual communication type is the use of clothing and sense of
style to communicate a statement, feeling, or sentiment.
The Four Most Used Types of Communication
Human to human interaction can be accomplished in many ways. There are certain types of communication
that are used more often than others. The most important ways people communicate is either through, facial
expressions, their body language, the words they use, or HOW they use those words.
Verbal Communication- This is the most obvious form of communication. Through the use of words, and
the meaning behind them, people can exchange information. But the common adage “actions speak louder
than words” sheds some light on the fact that there are many other, more subtle forms of communication.
Facial Expressions- Nervous ticks, the type of eye contact someone uses, especially dismissive eye
contact, or the posturing of their lips, are all different types of expressions people make when conversing.
This is the outward manifestation of how they feel on the inside, which may be in conflict to what they are
actually saying.
Body Language- Body language is another nonverbal indicator of a persons headspace, and can give a good
understanding of what the person is trying to convey, or trying to hide.
Tone and Volume of Voice- Another subtle indicator is analyzing the TONE of voice of the person
communicating. The sloping up, or sloping down of their sentences can demonstrate if they are trying to gain
rapport with the other person, or trying to deject them and shut them down.
Also, the quality and loudness of their voice can be an indicator of how comfortable they feel in an
environment. If the person is insecure, shy, or uncomfortable in a given environment, their voice is more
likely to be subdued, quiet and trembling. But if they feel secure, joyful, and are having fun, they are more
likely to have a loud boisterous voice because they feel comfortable in the environment.
Summary:
There are many subtle types of communication that aren’t easily recognized but can be MORE important than
what is verbally being exchanged between two people. All forms of communication need to be taken into
consideration, and most are, unconsciously, between the 2 active participants.
Four Principles of Interpersonal Communication
These principles underlie the workings in real life of interpersonal communication. They are basic to
communication. We can't ignore them
Interpersonal communication is inescapable
We can't not communicate. The very attempt not to communicate communicates something. Through not
only words, but through tone of voice and through gesture, posture, facial expression, etc., we constantly
communicate to those around us. Through these channels, we constantly receive communication from others.
Even when you sleep, you communicate. Remember a basic principle of communication in general: people are
not mind readers. Another way to put this is: people judge you by your behavior, not your intent.
Interpersonal communication is irreversible
You can't really take back something once it has been said. The effect must inevitably remain. Despite the
instructions from a judge to a jury to "disregard that last statement the witness made," the lawyer knows that
it can't help but make an impression on the jury. A Russian proverb says, "Once a word goes out of your
mouth, you can never swallow it again."
Interpersonal communication is complicated
No form of communication is simple. Because of the number of variables involved, even simple requests are
extremely complex. Theorists note that whenever we communicate there are really at least six "people"
involved: 1) who you think you are; 2) who you think the other person is; 30 who you think the other person
thinks you are; 4) who the other person thinks /she is; 5) who the other person thinks you are; and 6) who the
other person thinks you think s/he is.
We don't actually swap ideas, we swap symbols that stand for ideas. This also complicates communication.
Words (symbols) do not have inherent meaning; we simply use them in certain ways, and no two people use
the same word exactly alike.
Osmo Wiio gives us some communication maxims similar to Murphy's law (Osmo Wiio, Wiio's Laws--and Some
Others (Espoo, Finland: Welin-Goos, 1978):
If communication can fail, it will.
If a message can be understood in different ways, it will be understood in just that way which does the most
harm.
There is always somebody who knows better than you what you meant by your message.
The more communication there is, the more difficult it is for communication to succeed.
These tongue-in-cheek maxims are not real principles; they simply humorously remind us of the difficulty of
accurate communication. (See also A commentary of Wiio's laws by Jukka Korpela.)
Interpersonal communication is contextual
In other words, communication does not happen in isolation. There is:
Psychological context, which is who you are and what you bring to the interaction. Your needs, desires, values,
personality, etc., all form the psychological context. ("You" here refers to both participants in the interaction.)
Relational context, which concerns your reactions to the other person--the "mix."
Situational context deals with the psycho-social "where" you are communicating. An interaction that takes
place in a classroom will be very different from one that takes place in a bar.
Environmental context deals with the physical "where" you are communicating. Furniture, location, noise
level, temperature, season, time of day, all are examples of factors in the environmental context.
Cultural context includes all the learned behaviors and rules that affect the interaction. If you come from a
culture (foreign or within your own country) where it is considered rude to make long, direct eye contact, you
will out of politeness avoid eye contact. If the other person comes from a culture where long, direct eye
contact signals trustworthiness, then we have in the cultural context a basis for misunderstanding.
Four Styles for Effective Communication.
Have you ever met someone that you just couldn't get through to?
While there could be many reasons for this, one of the most common reasons is that your communication
"style" is different than the other person's communication style. This means that one of the best ways to
quickly improve the effectiveness of your communication is to adapt your communication style to match
theirs. Let me illustrate what I mean.
My wife and I have quite different styles of communication. She loves details and I just want the bottom line.
When I get home from work at the end of the day and she asks me "How was your day?" I am likely to respond
with a simple "fine," or maybe give her a quick summary of one or two of the most important events.
But when I ask her the same question, I had better be prepared to hear the story of her entire day in
excruciating (for me) detail. Because of my communication style, I don't need nor want the details, but
because of her communication style, she needs and wants to give them.
Of course this is just an example, as we all face the challenges of communicating with people who have a
different style of communication than our own. In this short article we'll look at the four "styles" of
communication and learn how to communicate with each one more effectively.
Research which began in the 1940s and continues today has revealed there are four major styles of
communication. Some people combine two of these styles, but we all have a natural style of communication
that we prefer to use.
Remember, our natural tendency in communicating is to use our own style because it is what comes naturally
and automatically to us. But if we want to be better communicators, we need to adapt our style to that of the
other person.
Here are the four types. After you read each one stop for a minute and write down the names four people
who you know that have that style.
Style #1: The bottom line person. (also known as the "D")
The bottom line person is easy to spot because they just want the facts and nothing but the facts. Because of
this, many times they can be perceived as bossy and insensitive. The bottom line person is extremely goal
oriented and their major motivation is to get things done. They'll take a project and run with it. Many times
they won't even have a plan when they begin. They'll just forge ahead with an attitude of "we'll figure it out as
we go."
The bottom line person paints with a broad brush and has little use for details, so don't give them any more
details than are absolutely necessary to get your point across. Here are some tips for communicating with a
bottom line person:
Be efficient and businesslike.
Get to the point.
Set and clarify goals and objectives.
Give them conclusions. Only provide details if asked.
Solve problems and objections.
Talk in terms of results not methods.
Style #2: The people person. (also known as the "I")
You know the people person...they're the life of the party and lots of fun. They love people and love to talk.
Their natural sociability allows them to talk for long periods of time about almost anything. They have an
attractive personality and are the life of the party. They are enthusiastic, curious, and expressive.
Here are some tips for communicating with the people person:
Leave plenty of time for talk and social niceties.
Ask them about their family, children etc. And be prepared to talk about yours.
If possible, let them "experience" what you are communicating.
Talk in terms of people and stories.
Use lots of examples.
Style #3: The "can't we all get along" person. (also known as the "S")
The person with a "get along" communication style typically has a low key personality and is calm, cool and
collected. They tend to be patient, well balanced and happily reconciled with life. "Get along" people are the
largest percentage of the population and they are typically competent and steady workers who do not like to
be involved in conflict. When there is conflict they may be called upon to mediate the problem. They are good
listeners and usually have many friends. One of their major motivations is to avoid offending anyone.
Here are some tips for communicating with the "can't we all get along" person:
Don't come on too strong.
Earn their trust in small steps.
Don't ask for big decisions fright away.
Provide plenty of reassurance.
Talk in terms of security.
Style #4: The detail person. (also known as the "C")
These are the "facts and figures" people. They love to gather details and organize things. They tend to be
deep, thoughtful, analytical, serious and purposeful. Because their communication style includes a need for
details, they sometimes hesitate to make decisions if they feel that they don't have enough facts. They love
lists, charts, graphs and figures. Because they pay so much attention to details, they can sometime be seen as
being pessimistic. Many times they are frugal or economical.
Tips for communicating with the detail person:
Make sure you are well prepared.
Have plenty of facts and figures.
Be prepared for skepticism.
Answer all of their questions.
Go relatively slow.
Give them time to think.