Describe the modes of communication
The modes of communication are:
- Formal and Informal,
- Oral and Written,
- Internal and External, and,
- Verbal and Non-verbal Communication.
1.Formal and Informal
Communication can be both formal and informal. It depends on one's relationship with the sender or receiver. The first social meeting between two individuals tend to be very formal, but as they get familiar the communication becomes friendly and informal. When working directly for the goal of the organization, formal communication is used. Both formal and informal communication modes are equally important. Informal communication within any set-up is known as the grapevine referring to rumour. Written communication can be either formal or informal.
2.Oral and Written
Any communication can be divided into two equally important categories: oral and written.
| Oral forms | Written forms |
| Face-to-face conversations | Memos |
| Telephone conversations | Letters |
| Meetings | Emails |
| Seminars | Faxes |
| Conferences | Notices |
| Dictation | Circulars |
| Presentations | Newsletters |
| Group discussions | Reports |
| Interviews | Proposals |
| Video conferences | Research papers |
| Bulletins | |
| Brochures | |
| Manuals | |
| In-house journals |
THE ADVANTAGES OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
The written mode is very convenient to send lengthy messages with a lot of information that cannot be shared orally. In written communication, the response can be well prepared because the medium gives ample time to the receiver to analyse the message and its implications.
THE DISADVANTAGES OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
It takes longer to draft and convey a written reply, thus it will not work in places where time matters, e.g. , when discussing an urgent business deal. In a negotiation-like interaction, which requires a lot of exchanges between two parties, written communication can take a long time. Written communication cannot be supplemented with non-verbal gestures and postures, which are sometimes essential for a message to be properly interpreted.
3.Internal and External
THE DISADVANTAGES OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
It takes longer to draft and convey a written reply, thus it will not work in places where time matters, e.g. , when discussing an urgent business deal. In a negotiation-like interaction, which requires a lot of exchanges between two parties, written communication can take a long time. Written communication cannot be supplemented with non-verbal gestures and postures, which are sometimes essential for a message to be properly interpreted.
3.Internal and External
Internal ; Communication within an organization is known as internal communication. It usually is formal. Here interactions take place through pre set formats, and are usually not ad hoc or unplanned.
External ; All official, technical, or professional communication with people outside the organization is known as external communication. This is mode is equally important as Internal communication.
4. Verbal and Non-verbal Communication
Verbal communication includes both oral and written communication.
Non-verbal communication refers to all communication that occurs without the use of words spoken or written. Non-verbal communication is concerned with body movements (kinesics), space (proxemics), and vocal (paralinguistic) features. It includes all unwritten and unspoken messages, both intentional and unintentional.
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