A Project on

Types Of Communication

Submitted To: Mrs. Alka Mehta

Faculty: English

Submitted By: Hemant Verma

B.A. LL.B(Hons.), Batch-XIV, Semester-I

Roll No: 58

HIDAYATULLAH NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY

RAIPUR (C.G.)
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Gratitude is the noble response of one’s soul to kindness or help generously rendered by
another and its acknowledgment is a duty and joyance. So it is that I express briefly my debt to
those who have made the creation of this project possible.
I thank my parents for their blessings and prayer they have showered upon me without
which, I stalwartly believe that the completion of this project would have been impossible.

I thank the almighty, Lord on whom I believe and depend on. My each and every
achievement is nothing but a look of the God on me.

I extend my thankfulness to the IT Committee without which my project would have had
no life. I also thank all my friends and all my well wishers who had helped in the completion of
this project.

I thank my English teacher for her constant support and advice.

Last but never the least I extend my wholehearted thankfulness to the librarians & to the office
bearers for their backup.

The views expressed in this project are purely that of the author and the same are not
intended against any one personally, any suggestions, corrections and alterations would be
treated with extreme obligations.

HEMANT VERMA
 OBJECTIVES

 To understand what is ‘COMMUNICATION’.

 To know its importance.
 To know its different types.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This doctrinal research is rigrous and indicative in nature and approaches the subtle issue in an
objective, non-prejudiced way leaving no span for any unrequited inquiry on the subject at hand.
 Types Of Communication

Defining communication is not easy. It means many things to many people. Unlike definitions of
a theory or some scientific term ‘communication’ has no definition accepted by all experts. One
definition could be “Any act by which one person gives to or receives from another person
information about that person's needs, desires, perceptions, knowledge, or affective states.
Communication may be intentional or unintentional, may involve conventional or
unconventional signals, may take linguistic or nonlinguistic forms, and may occur through
spoken or other modes.”1 Another definition could be “A process by which information is
exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior”2

In the very start, communication was viewed as a process where the speaker builds an idea in the
form of message to be sent to the recipient to create a desired outcome. Understanding types of
communication vary and are equally important in human interactions. Communications is about
giving, receiving, developing and understanding of data, information, and other output. It’s a
process of sending information, ideas, and perceptions by using symbols, actions, pictures,
words, and data from the giver to the receiver with the intention of influencing with purpose.
Understanding types of communication could be broadly split into two classes Verbal and Non-
verbal Communication. Verbal communication is when language is used as methods of
conversation involving several individuals. It could either be spoken or written words. Scientific
study has discovered that, on the average, an individual devotes 10 up to 11 hours each day for
verbal communication. These processes include speaking, hearing, writing or reading. Some
typical types of verbal communication include speeches, letters, conversations, magazines,
newspapers, telephone conversation et al.

As humans, we have the need to communicate that is very important for us personally to lead a
regular life. Information is conveyed from one to another by different means and different types

1
National Joint Committee for the Commurrnicative Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities, 1992, p.
http://www.asha.org/policy/GL1992-00201/
2
Merriam Webster
of communication. The numerous methods of interacting also permit individuals to exchange
feelings and thoughts. Consequently, these relationships are unavoidable and therefore are an
essential component of socialization, an inseparable part of everyday life. The various methods
of interacting aim to make it easier to understand what is being said. Even though there are lots
of indicates of transferring ideas and suggestions with numerous sorts of messages, we will find
particular hindrances that may produce a hurdle to achieve the level of comprehensibilityweare
aiming at. The primary barriers would be the complexity from the message and also the
capability from the recipient to decode the content. Moreover, different types of communication
can be split into three components, viz. words, tone of voice, and physique language. These
components are available in various chunks, based on particular elements and circumstances.
Along with that, the three may be utilized with each other in creating a point as well as in
improving the various types of communication. There are lots of various kinds of
communication, but the significant ones tend to be verbal communication, non-verbal
communication, as well as visual communication. The verbal communication, because the name
might recommend, will be the use of voiced words to make a dialogue in between two
individuals. To create this much more efficient, it ought to be combined with a few of the other
types of communication.

Communication also occurs without words; Once the alarm rings each morning, it conveys a
message that it’s time to get up. The human senses, such as touch ears, eyes, and smell act as
codes of connection. We gaze from the window; the eyes inform us of the weather and condition
outside the house. When we hold a coffee mug with our hands, the touch informs us if the tea is
hot or not. By smelling, it tells us what’s being cooked in the kitchen. Images, models, pictures,
expressions also are oral ways of communication. An easy nod of one’s head can communicate
‘yes’ or ‘no’ having a wave in the hand, one can exhibit the disinterestedness. Eyes could
transmit emotions such as hate, anger, love, sorrow etc. Performers use their art as a way of
communication. Painting is a painter’s method, an image is actually a photographer’s and dance
is the dancer’s channel of communication particularly non-verbal. Peaceful thinking can be
considered as a non-verbal conversation with oneself. A Communication involving man with
animal is mainly non-verbal. When a dog wags its tail and riffs his owner’s hand; when a cat
hugs its master to demonstrate its love. Non-verbal type of communication involving man with
his surroundings is an occurrence we discover each day but don’t don’t realize it. In the summer
season, a warm sun and hot wind pass around a sense of comfortableness to us, while a cloudily
sky sends a feeling of joy. This really is communication involving us and the environment in the
form of non-verbal way. Communication in different types of relationships is essential. A lot of
couples find this once they enter into relationships. Nevertheless, there’s been lots of discussion
on communication with no action. It is essential thatweshould understand how to communicate
efficiently with your companion. Speaking with each other doesn’t suggest that you’re on the
same footing. It merely implies thatwehave spoken. Efficient communication may bring people
on the same page as well as script, to be able to have the harmony in all your concerns.

Verbal Communication

Verbal communication refers to the form of communication in which the message is transmitted
verbally; communication is done by word of mouth or by writing. It includes face-to-face
conversations, speech, telephonic conversation, video, radio, television, voice over internet.
In oral communication, communication is influenced by pitch, volume, speed, clarity of
speaking, accent and choice of words. Objective of every communication is to have people
understand what we are trying to convey. In verbal communication it is always recommended to
use the rule of KISS3 i.e. 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 create barrier in delivering the right meaning.

So in order to deliver the right message, we 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? And if we are ambiguous, how would he interpret it?

Oral communication has several pros and several cons. A pro is that it brings quick feedback. In
a face-to-face conversation, by reading facial expression and body language one can guess

3
Jacquie Ream Kiss: Keep It Short and Simple
whether he/she should trust what’s being said or not. A con of oral communication would be the
inability of a user to deeply think about what he is delivering.

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 the 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 email 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. Just like oral communication, written communication has its own advantages. Written
messages can be edited and revised many time before they are actually sent. Written
communication provides record for every message sent and can be saved for later reference. A
written message enables receiver to fully understand it and send appropriate feedback.

Oral Communication

Oral 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 oral communication. Oral communication is all about the
body language of speaker. Oral communication represents two-thirds of all communication. Oral
communication can portray a message both verbally and with the correct body signals. Body
signals comprise physical features, conscious and unconscious gestures and signals, and the
mediation of personal space. The wrong message can be established if the body language
conveyed does not match a verbal message. Oral communication strengthens a first impression in
common situations like attracting a partner or in a business interview: impressions are on average
formed within the first four seconds of contact. First encounters or interactions with another
person strongly affect a person's perception.4 When the other person or group is absorbing the
message they are focused on the entire environment around them, meaning the other person uses
all five senses in the interaction: 83% sight, 11% hearing, 3% smell, 2% touch and 1% taste.5

Oral communication helps the receiver in interpreting the message received. Often, oral signals
reflects the situation more accurately than verbal messages. Sometimes oral response contradicts
verbal communication and hence affects the effectiveness of message. Unlike oral
communication, written communication doesn’t bring instant feedback. It takes more time in
composing a written message as compared to word-of-mouth. And a number of people struggle
with their writing ability.

Oral communication has the following three elements:

Appearance of the speaker matters a great deal. Clothing, hairstyle, neatness, use of cosmetics
are included in the appearance of the speaker. The surrounding also plays a major role. Room
size, lighting, decorations and furnishings comprise of the surroundings. Body language is
another very important factor and it depends on
facial expressions, gestures and postures of the speaker. Sound is the most basic and most
important aspect and voice Tone, volume and pitch. Based on style and purpose, there are two
main categories of communication and they both bears their own characteristics.

4
Demarais,A., White, V. (2004). First Impressions. New York, NY: BanTam Books
5
Pease B., Pease A. (2004). The Definitive Book of Body Language. New York, NY: Bantam Books.
Style and Purpose

Communication types based on style and purpose are:

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.

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.

Horizontal And Veritcal Communication

Horizontal Communication is also known as Lateral Communication in which people on the

same level relay information, give feedback, cascade updates, and provide helpful tips to one
another that may or may not be assisted or moderated by a third-party who may be someone
higher. While Vertical Communication, on the other hand, is any communication that is upwards
or from up down. In other words, from the subordinates to their immediate supervisors or the
bosses to their down lines.
Non Human Communication

Non human communication is also a widely used form of communication. Two excellent
examples to illustrate it could be:

Animal Communication

The broad field of animal communication encompasses most of the issues in ethology. Animal
communication can be defined as any behavior of one animal that affects the current or future
behavior of another animal. The study of animal communication, called zoo semiotics
(distinguishable from anthroposemiotics, the study of human communication) has played an
important part in the development of ethology, sociobiology, and the study of animal cognition.

Plants and fungi

Communication is observed within the plant organism, i.e. within plant cells and between plant
cells, between plants of the same or related species, and between plants and non-plant organisms,
especially in the root zone. Plant roots communicate in parallel with rhizome bacteria,
with fungi and with insects in the soil. These parallel sign-mediated interactions are governed by
syntactic and pragmatic rules, and are possible because of the decentralized "nervous system" of
plants. Plants also communicate via volatiles when exposed to herbivory attack behavior, thus
warning neighboring plants. In parallel they produce other volatiles to attract parasites which
attack these herbivores. In stress situations plants can overwrite the genomes they inherited from
their parents and revert to that of their grand- or great-grandparents.
Bibliography

 Glen Matthes Techniques of Communication Seventh Edition

 P. Leelakrishnan Communication in Modern World Lexis Nexis Third Edition