Member-only story
The Five Types of Communication
Have you been meaning to review your fundamentals of conversation? We’ve got you covered; here you’ll learn about the five modes of communication (verbal, nonverbal, written, visual, and listening). Listening is an integral part of any conversation. The act of communicating involves not just a sender and a recipient, but also, in some cases, a group. Despite how much of a necessity it is to the human condition, it is often taken for granted.
In this article, we will discuss the five main categories of interpersonal interaction.
Communicating Effectively: Why It’s So Vital
There Are Many Ways to Express Yourself
As humans, we’re really fortunate to have a plethora of different methods of communication at our disposal. But with so many options, it’s important to make an informed decision.
Applying for a job, for instance, is best done by a written communication (ideally via email) to the hiring manager, rather than a casual verbal exchange. Similarly, you might prefer to deliver bad news orally or visually, where you can more precisely communicate your message in a sensitive fashion, rather than in written form over text. Here’s more on these subcategories!
Relational Communication
Interpersonal communication, as opposed to intrapersonal communication, is the sort of communication most commonly discussed when the term “communication” is used. The distinction is straightforward. Communication between individuals or organizations is known as interpersonal communication, whereas communication within an individual is known as intrapersonal communication.
Small-group conversations are a common example of interpersonal interaction. Members of the group often sit face to face and engage in conversation, which may be led, improvised, or guided. Interpersonal communication that is both honest and open is a key factor in reducing prejudice and fostering mutual understanding amongst people. The ability to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries, in the job, and in personal relationships is crucial.