Communication

Communication is a process of exchanging information, ideas, thoughts, feelings and emotions through speech, signals, writing, or behavior. In
communication process, a sender(encoder) encodes a message and then using a medium/channel sends it to the receiver (decoder) who decodes the
message and after processing information, sends back appropriate feedback/reply using a medium/channel.

Types of Communication

People communicate with each other in a number of ways that depend upon the message and its context in which it is being sent. Choice of
communication channel and your style of communicating also affects communication. So, there are variety of types of communication.

Types of communication based on the communication channels used are:

1. Verbal Communication
2. Nonverbal Communication

1. Verbal Communication

Verbal communication refers to the form of communication in which message is transmitted verbally; communication is done by word of mouth and
a piece of writing. Objective of every communication is to have people understand what we are trying to convey. In verbal communication
remember the acronym KISS(keep it short and simple).

When we talk to others, we assume that others understand what we are saying because we know what we are saying. But this is not the case. usually
people bring their own attitude, perception, emotions and thoughts about the topic and hence creates barrier in delivering the right meaning.

So in order to deliver the right message, you must put yourself on the other side of the table and think from your receiver’s point of view. Would he
understand the message? how it would sound on the other side of the table?

Verbal Communication is further divided into:

 Oral Communication
 Written Communication

Oral Communication

In oral communication, Spoken words are used. It includes face-to-face conversations, speech, telephonic conversation, video, radio, television,
voice over internet. In oral communication, communication is influence by pitch, volume, speed and clarity of speaking.

Advantages of Oral communication are:

It brings quick feedback.
In a face-to-face conversation, by reading facial expression and body language one can guess whether he/she should trust what’s being said or not.

Disadvantage of oral communication

In face-to-face discussion, user is unable to deeply think about what he is delivering, so this can be counted as a

Written Communication

In written communication, written signs or symbols are used to communicate. A written message may be printed or hand written. In written
communication message can be transmitted via email, letter, report, memo etc. Message, in written communication, is influenced by the vocabulary
& grammar used, writing style, precision and clarity of the language used.

Written Communication is most common form of communication being used in business. So, it is considered core among business skills.
 Memos, reports, bulletins, job descriptions, employee manuals, and electronic mail are the types of written communication used for internal
communication. For communicating with external environment in writing, electronic mail, Internet Web sites, letters, proposals, telegrams, faxes,
postcards, contracts, advertisements, brochures, and news releases are used.

Advantages of written communication includes:

Messages can be edited and revised many time before it is actually sent.
Written communication provide record for every message sent and can be saved for later study.
A written message enables receiver to fully understand it and send appropriate feedback.

Disadvantages of written communication includes:

Unlike oral communication, Written communication doesn’t bring instant feedback.
It take more time in composing a written message as compared to word-of-mouth. and number of people struggles for writing ability.

2. Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal communication is the sending or receiving of wordless messages. We can say that communication other than oral and written, such
as gesture, body language, posture, tone of voice or facial expressions, is called nonverbal communication. Nonverbal communication is all
about the body language of speaker.

Nonverbal communication helps receiver in interpreting the message received. Often, nonverbal signals reflects the situation more accurately than
verbal messages. Sometimes nonverbal response contradicts verbal communication and hence

affect the effectiveness of message.

Nonverbal communication have the following three elements:

Appearance
Speaker: clothing, hairstyle, neatness, use of cosmetics
Surrounding: room size, lighting, decorations, furnishings

Body Language
facial expressions, gestures, postures

Sounds
Voice Tone, Volume, Speech rate

Types of Communication Based on Purpose and Style

Based on style and purpose, there are two main categories of communication and they both bears their own characteristics. Communication types
based on style and purpose are:

1. Formal Communication
2. Informal Communication

1. Formal Communication

In formal communication, certain rules, conventions and principles are followed while communicating message. Formal communication occurs in
formal and official style. Usually professional settings, corporate meetings, conferences undergoes in formal pattern.

In formal communication, use of slang and foul language is avoided and correct pronunciation is required. Authority lines are needed to be
followed in formal communication.

2. Informal Communication
Informal communication is done using channels that are in contrast with formal communication channels. It’s just a casual talk. It is established for
societal affiliations of members in an organization and face-to-face discussions. It happens among friends and family. In informal communication
use of slang words, foul language is not restricted. Usually. informal communication is done orally and using gestures.

Informal communication, Unlike formal communication, doesn’t follow authority lines. In an organization, it helps in finding out staff
grievances as people express more when talking informally. Informal communication helps in building relationships.

Communications Process
Communications is a continuous process which mainly involves three elements viz. sender, message, and receiver. The
elements involved in the communication process are explained below in detail:

1. Sender
The sender or the communicator generates the message and conveys it to the receiver. He is the source and the one
who starts the communication

2. Message
It is the idea, information, view, fact, feeling, etc. that is generated by the sender and is then intended to be
communicated further.

3. Encoding
The message generated by the sender is encoded symbolically such as in the form of words, pictures, gestures, etc.
before it is being conveyed.

4. Media
It is the manner in which the encoded message is transmitted. The message may be transmitted orally or in writing. The
medium of communication includes telephone, internet, post, fax, e-mail, etc. The choice of medium is decided by the
sender.

5. Decoding
It is the process of converting the symbols encoded by the sender. After decoding the message is received by the
receiver.

6. Receiver
He is the person who is last in the chain and for whom the message was sent by the sender. Once the receiver receives
the message and understands it in proper perspective and acts according to the message, only then the purpose of
communication is successful.

7. Feedback
Once the receiver confirms to the sender that he has received the message and understood it, the process of
communication is complete.

8. Noise
It refers to any obstruction that is caused by the sender, message or receiver during the process of communication. For
example, bad telephone connection, faulty encoding, faulty decoding, inattentive receiver, poor understanding of
message due to prejudice or inappropriate gestures, etc.
Completeness
The message must be complete and geared to the receiver’s perception of the world. The
message must be based on facts and a complex message needs additional information and/ or
explanation. A good subdivision of subjects will clarify the message as a result of which there will
be a complete overview of what is said.
Concreteness
Concrete business communication is also about a clear message. This is often supported by
factual material such as research data and figures. The words used as well as the sentence
structure can be interpreted uni-vocally. Nothing is left to the imagination.
Courtesy
In addition to considering the feelings and points of view of the target group, it is also important
to approach the audience in a friendly and courteous manner. Use of terms that show respect for
the receiver contribute towards effective communication. The same goes for the manner in
which you address someone. Not everyone will be charmed if you use a familiar form of address
and use of a formal address could come across as too distant. By using the word ‘they’ a larger
audience is immediately addressed.
Correctness
A correct use of language has the preference. In written business communication, grammatical
errors must be avoided and stylistic lapses or a wrong use of verbs are not sufficient either in
verbal communication. A correct use of language increases trustworthiness and the receiver will
feel that they are taken seriously.
Clarity
Clear or plain language is characterized by explicitness, short sentences and concrete words.
Fuzzy language is absolutely forbidden, as are formal language and cliché expressions. By
avoiding parentheses and keeping to the point, the receiver will get a clear picture of the content
of the message. Briefly-worded information emphasizes the essence of the message.
Consideration
Communicating with the target group (Consideration). In order to communicate well, it is
important to relate to the target group and be involved. By taking the audience into account, the
message can be geared towards them. Factors that play a role in this are for example:
professional knowledge, level of education, age and interests.
Conciseness
A message is clear when the storyline is consistent and when this does not contain any
inconsistencies. When facts are mentioned, it is important that there is consistent, supporting
information. Systematically implementing a certain statement or notation also contributes to
clear business communication. When statements are varied, they will confuse the receiver.
Variations throughout the years
The 7 C’s of Effective Communication have two more variations that are often overlooked,
namely Creativity and Credibility.
Creativity
A text will only be lively when the words and sentence structures are used creatively and when
short sentences are alternated with longer sentences. Creativity is especially important in texts
in which search words are used, it is essential that the search words are constantly used in a
different setting.
Credibility
By creating an atmosphere of trust in a conversation or text, you add credibility to the message.
This can be achieved by a clear and striking ‘tone’, which indicates that the information you are
discussing contains the right information.

The time where we live is 21st century and this period is very well known for its development in science and information technology. Nowadays
emails, internet, fax, phones, mobiles, television are very common. And these are the tools that have made communication easier, faster, and
reliable. At present it takes no time to communicate from one corner of the world to other. In this relation, the whole world is being looked at as a
single community that is connected by electronic communication systems. Thus, globalization can be defined as the integration and
democratization of the world’s culture, economy, and infrastructure through the transnational investment, rapid proliferation of communication
and information technologies, and the impacts of free-markets on local, regional, and national economies.

Globalization mainly deals with the interconnectedness of the people in a global manner. It is due to the globalization that we are so much adapted
and accustomed to not only the western cultures but other cultures as well. The influence of Hollywood, McDonalds, and change in language,
culture, and dressing are such examples of globalization. Globalization is a two way process. If there was no mass media, globalization would not
have been possible. The information disseminates from one part of the world to other part in seconds, this miracle is just due to the mass media.
Hence we can say that globalization and mass media are interdependent. Globalization is only possible because of mass media and on the other
hand mass media gets advanced due to globalization. Globalization has helped the people to be updated with each and every happenings of the
world. The thoughts and ideas of individuals now work in wider perspective. Despite having many advantages many people still argue that
globalization cannot always be useful to individuals since working technically is not always proper. It may confine an individual to just himself being
self centered. Other critical issues may arise due to the globalization. So globalization can be seen both positively and pessimistically.