Just talking to someone isn’t going to work anymore. You must understand the different types of communication.
I can strike up a conversation with anyone, to be honest. But this doesn’t mean I’m utilizing a healthy form of communication. Some types of communication do not work as well as others, and this is why we have to learn how to master the right words, phrases, and attitudes in order to be successful in life.
Being able to communicate effectively is an art. We start with nothing and then move on to transfer knowledge and feelings to another.
First off, there are two basic forms of communication, or rather categories. One type is based on different channels and the other is based on purpose and style. But let’s break it down a bit further.
Let’s talk about all these types in more detail and also discuss the ways we can master them.
One of the most basic types of true communication is verbal form. Verbal communication is simple and straight forward, and most people prefer this method. Why? Because verbal communication allows you to get your point across quickly and with fewer misunderstandings.
Take, for instance, scheduling a business meeting can be done by email but would work more effectively in a face to face situation. This choice is professional and can even be done via skype or any other form of online verbal or visual communication tool.
So, I would say it’s one of the most common and popular forms of getting your message across.
There are a few ways you can master your words. Remember, there is great power behind what you say. So, let’s practice a few ways to control what comes out of your mouth:
Non-verbal forms of communication are also considered interpersonal. These are seen as body language, basically. It’s how you appear when you walk into the room or sit in your chair during a meeting.
Do you slouch or sit up straight? Do you walk with your head up and with confidence? These are different ways to communicate great meaning to others.
If you understand how visual aids are used in presentations, then you will understand this message transference. The use of visual communication is seen in video representations of products and even brochures.
When a company wishes to get a quick message across about some product or service they sell, visual communication is best. It’s done without words or letters at some times and brings a striking message to customers.
Visual communications can also be seen in informal settings like between friends. If someone wants to tell a friend about a problem, taking a picture of broken objects or injuries can get more across than words. It’s a quick way to understand the urgency of the situation.
No words are needed when a serious visual communication is used.
With written communication, there are two subtypes. One is formal and the other is informal.
With formal communication, you see the use of professional emails, memos, and reports. This form of communication must be taken seriously and acted upon immediately.
The workplace uses written communication to save time by sending an important message to multiple people. You can clearly see the advantages of such an exchange.
With informal communication, this means sending messages via social media platforms.
Although businesses may use this mode of communication as well, many others can send humorous statements and quick reminders with these tools. It’s like the old music lyric, “ I heard it through the grapevine”.
Yes, in some ways, this is a type of transference that isn’t always reputable but many times entertaining.
Understanding the types of communication is just the start. It’s also important to communicate in general instead of keeping things bottled up. It’s important to be open about what needs to be done, what needs to be said and just presenting a friendly greeting every now and then.
Without communication, we lose a great deal of credibility in our actions and appearance. So, first, let’s learn the different types of successful communication, and then let’s learn to master them as well. I know you can do it, so let’s give it a shot.
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