3 Main Types of Communication (2024)

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  • Published On:September 26, 2016

When communication occurs, it typically happens in one of three ways: verbal, nonverbal and visual. People very often take communication for granted. Communicators constantly exchange information, meaning people always seem to be either receiving or giving information. Understanding the different methods of exchanging information is important especially in business and professional settings. Many adults have chosen to go back to school and pursue a communication degree online to ensure they have strong communication skills for a competitive job market.

1. Verbal Communication

Verbal communication seems like the most obvious of the different types of communication. It utilizes the spoken word, either face-to-face or remotely. Verbal communication is essential to most interactions, but there are other nonverbal cues that help provide additional context to the words themselves. Pairing nonverbal communication with the spoken word provides a more nuanced message.

2. Nonverbal Cues Speak Volumes

Nonverbal communication provides some insight into a speaker’s word choice. Sarcasm, complacency, deception or genuineness occur within nonverbal communication. These things are often communicated through facial expressions, hand gestures, posture and even appearance, all of which can convey something about the speaker. For instance, a disheveled speaker with wrinkled clothes and poor posture would communicate a lack of confidence or expertise. A speaker with a nice suit, who stood up straight and spoke clearly, may appear more serious or knowledgeable.

3. Visual Communication

Visual types of communication include signs, maps or drawings as well as color or graphic design. These typically reinforce verbal communication, and they help to make a point. Visual aids can help a speaker remember important topics, give the audience something to look at, and generally help convey the message being presented.

Learn All 3 Types of Communication by Studying in a Communication Degree Program

By utilizing all three types of communication, a speaker ensures he or she has the necessary tools to avoid miscommunication and misconceptions. The different types of communication are all part of a communications degree program. Adults may choose to complete their communication degree online because of the convenience and flexibility offered by the online classroom. There is no commute to and from class and no inflexible schedule to work around, and students can attend school without disrupting family or social obligations.

The best way to ensure effective communication is with a good understanding of the types of communication, which you can study and fine-tune in a communications degree program.

Learn about the Arkansas State online Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies program.

Sources:

http://psychology.about.com/od/nonverbalcommunication/a/nonverbaltypes.htm

http://www.study-body-language.com/Verbal-and-non-verbal-communication.html

http://www.brighthubpm.com/methods-strategies/79297-comparing-various-forms-of-communication

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3 Main Types of Communication (3)

3 Main Types of Communication (2024)

FAQs

What are the three 3 main types of communication? ›

Communication can be categorized into three basic types: (1) verbal communication, in which you listen to a person to understand their meaning; (2) written communication, in which you read their meaning; and (3) nonverbal communication, in which you observe a person and infer meaning.

What are the three main types of communication styles? ›

In Messages (The Communications Skills Book), Dr. Matthew McKay writes that there are three styles of communication: passive, aggressive, and assertive. We all employ all three styles in different situations.

What are the types of communication answers? ›

Five Types of Communication
  • Verbal Communication. Verbal communication occurs when we engage in speaking with others. ...
  • Non-Verbal Communication. What we do while we speak often says more than the actual words. ...
  • Written Communication. ...
  • Listening. ...
  • Visual Communication.
Jul 12, 2018

What are the 3 basic elements of communication? ›

Put all three elements together — sender, receiver, and message — and you have the communication process at its most basic.

What are the main types of communication? ›

What Are the 4 Types of Communication? The four types of communication are verbal, non-verbal, visual and written communication.

What are the 3 Vs of language communication? ›

In conclusion, the three V's of communication - voice, visual, and verbal - are a critical framework for effective leadership communication.

What are the 4 types of communication? ›

Types of communication
  • Non-verbal communication.
  • Verbal communication.
  • Written communication.
  • Visual communication.
Jan 19, 2021

What are the 5 basic communication skills? ›

5 ESSENTIAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS
  • WRITTEN COMMUNICATION. Convey ideas and information through the use of written language.
  • ORAL COMMUNICATION. Convey ideas and information through the use of spoken language.
  • NON-VERBAL AND VISUAL COMMUNICATION. ...
  • ACTIVE LISTENING. ...
  • CONTEXTUAL COMMUNICATION.

What are the 8 major forms of communication? ›

INTRODUCTION
  • Intra-personal communication.
  • Interpersonal communication.
  • Group communication.
  • Mass communication.
  • Non-verbal communication.

What are the means of communication class 3? ›

Means of Communication. Means of communication are different ways that we use to send messages or talk to other people. They help us stay connected and share information with others. There are three common means of communication: Mass Communication, Postal Communication and Telecommunication.

What are the 6 types of communications? ›

What are the 6 types of communication? The six types of communication are oral, interpersonal, nonverbal, written, visual, and listening. Oral includes any spoken speech and interpersonal involves verbal and nonverbal communication.

What are 4 most common communication styles? ›

Four types of communication styles include passive communication, aggressive communication, passive-aggressive communication and assertive communication. Communication allows us to express our thoughts, share information and connect with other people.

What is communication and its types? ›

Communication means transferring thoughts, information, emotion and ideas through gesture, voice, symbols, signs and expressions from one person to another. Three things are most important and essential in any communication process they are Sender, Receiver and the Channel (medium).

What are the 7 types of communication PDF? ›

These are, the formal types of communication, informal types of communication, oral communication (face-to-face), oral communication (distance), written communication, non-verbal type of communication, grapevine communication, feedback communication, visual communication and active listening.

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