1. Verbal and Nonverbal Communication.
Usually, when we think of communication, we think of spoken messages. However, communication includes both verbal and nonverbal symbols.
Verbal communication refers to symbols that have universal meanings for all involved in the process. These spoken or written verbal symbols are known as language.
Symbols other than written or spoken words are known as nonverbal symbols. These include gestures, body actions, tone of voice, use of space, and touch. Nonverbal messages usually complement verbal messages. The teacher may say “yes” and nod head at the same time to respond to a student seeking entry to the class. At other times nonverbal symbols replace verbal messages completely. Teachers with cold, fixed stares can easily tell students to be quiet without uttering a word. It is important to note that when nonverbal messages
contradict what you say verbally, others usually believe the nonverbal message. For example, when a husband tells his wife verbally that he is interested in hearing about what happened at a political rally as he continues to read the newspaper, he communicates disinterest nonverbally.
2. Oral and Written Communication
Oral communication refers to the messages transmitted “out loud” from one person to another. Most messages are verbal, with complementary nonverbal messages. Each day we participate in oral communication either as speakers or as listeners when we answer the telephone, listen to a lecture, watch television, or turn on a radio.
Written communication is taking place right now as you read this write-up. Written communication is primarily verbal, but nonverbal characteristics can affect written messages. We get a different feeling when we receive a personal handwritten greeting card than when we receive a mass-produced printed one. Oral and written communications serve different purposes and are used both independently and in combination. Written reports or term papers use a formal style, while oral reports are usually more conversational, with more informal language. Many television commercials use written reinforcement of an oral message when stressing the effectiveness of a new cold capsule, and a typed resume presents an applicant more professionally than does a handwritten one.
3. Formal and Informal Communication
We have all been involved in formal and informal communication situations. In formal communication such as public speaking or mass communication, we pay more attention to both verbal and nonverbal messages. Language use is more precise, with careful attention paid to grammar. Also, people are more concerned with items such as dress, posture, or eye contact. Formal communication is also used with persons with higher perceived status. For example, during an appointment with the Head of Department, a student would probably avoid the use of slang, sit up straight, dress neatly, and make eye contact.
In informal communication such as interpersonal and small group communication, people are more at ease and can be themselves. We would notice more hesitations and slang in verbal messages and less attention to nonverbal messages such as clothing, posture, and eye contact. When going to a party at a friend’s house, you probably wouldn’t hesitate to sit on the floor, go to the refrigerator for something to eat, or use the telephone. At a party at your boss’s house, however, you probably would be hesitant to sit on the floor, go to the kitchen, or use the phone without asking permission.
4. Intentional and Unintentional Communication
Most communication that takes place has a purpose, but sometimes we take part in communication without realizing it. Intentional communication occurs when messages are sent with specific goals in mind. Comedians tell jokes to get laughs and entertain audiences. Radio spots are designed to persuade people to vote for local candidates, buy products, or donate time and money. Other communication takes place unintentionally, that is, without the communicator being aware of it. The greatest number of unintentional messages are nonverbal. Often our nonverbal behaviors speak louder than words. Students or employees who are continually late for class or work might be communicating that they are moonlighting, are irresponsible, or have unreliable alarm clocks.
Sometimes intentional communication is made to appear unintentional. Many lawyers tell their clients how to dress for the courtroom. You may also have seen celebrities having unarranged hair all the time which may make it appear that they are not conscious about their look.
Communication Contexts (Forms/levels of communication)
There are many forms of human communication. It can vary from one-person communication (in which you talk to yourself) to communication with billions (as in public speaking, mass communication, and computer-mediated communication). In some of these cases, there’s no or very limited room for feedback or it’s indirect while in some other cases room for feedback is plenty and it’s instantaneous. The figure below presents the major forms/levels of communication at a glance: