WMSU-ISMP-GU-001.
00
Effective Date: 7-DEC-2016
I. Language and Communication
Lesson 2: Types of Communication
Introduction
Communication is generally defined as the exchange of thoughts, ideas, concepts,
and views between and among two or more people. Communication happens when both
interlocutors have their minds analogous, meaning, both the sender and the recipient have
the so called “meeting of their minds.” Communication is categorized according to types.
The manner on how messages are communicated to the recipient/s are also investigated.
It should not surprise you to know that language is not limited to verbal manner. Keating
(1994) writes, Communication is powerful: It brings companion to our side or scatters our
rivals, reassures or alerts children, and forges consensus or battle lines between us.” What
she is saying is that, communication—your ability to share your beliefs, ideas, and
feelings—is at the heart of all human contact. Whether people live in a city in Zamboanga
or Canada, in a village or barangay, they all employ the same activity when they attempt
to share their thoughts and feelings with others. While the results when sending messages
may be different, the reasons people communicate tend to be the same.
Objectives
At the end of this lesson, you can:
1. Identify the types of communication in relation to communication mode, context,
purpose and style;
2. Differentiate verbal, non-verbal, and visual communication and their sub-forms in
relation to communication modes;
3. Explain the differences between formal and informal communication in relation to
purpose and style;
4. Evaluate the differences among intrapersonal, interpersonal, extended,
organizational, and intercultural communication in relation to communication context.
5. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different communication types in
various communication settings.
Topic Outline
1. Types of Communication according to MODE
2. Types of Communication according to CONTEXT
3. Types of Communication according to PURPOSE
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Try this!
Activity 1
What do the following gestures, facial expressions, and body language mean to you?
1. Pouting of lips 4. Wagging the head
2. Winking an eye 5. Sticking the tongue
3. Nodding the head 6. Raising your shoulders
Think ahead!
Analysis of Activity 1
1. What do the above gestures, facial expressions, or body language mean to you, to
Filipinos in general?
2. Does the meaning of the non-verbal cue mentioned above vary from culture to culture?
Why so?
3. How do people of different cultures maintain goodwill or harmonious relationships with
each other?
Read and Ponder
Types of Communication according to Mode
A message may be conveyed via these types: verbal, non-verbal, and visual.
Though communication is often thought of as verbal, the non-verbal mode is equally
essential as it enhances one’s message.
Effective communication calls for the blending of these two types. Verbal
communication makes use of words tailored by the speaker to let the recipient decode the
message. Non-verbal communication makes use of gestures, facial expressions, and
body language to reinforce the verbal cues. Visual communication, moreover, is the type
of communication that makes use of visuals or images to convey information and/or
messages. Some examples include signs, symbols, imagery, maps, graphs, charts,
diagrams, pictograms and photos, and even various forms of electronic communication
like emojis and emoticons.
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Types of Communication according to Context
Context in communication is referred to as a composite of people interacting with
each other, Communication according to context may include: (1) intrapersonal; (2)
interpersonal; (3) extended; (4) organizational; and (5) intercultural.
Intrapersonal communication is labelled as inner talk, inner monologue or talking
to oneself. Psychologists call this self-verbalization or self-statement. Moreover,
interpersonal communication may occur in dyads or small groups, where it is meant to
deepen one’s relationship with others. However, if the objective is to achieve something
at the end of the conversation, it becomes transactional. While the former is characterized
by less seriousness and formality, the latter is more formal and profound. In addition,
extended communication involves the use of electronic media.
Extended communication encompasses tele, audio, or phone conferencing, video
conferencing, Skype calls, and other technological means. Since extended
communication is public in nature, speakers are expected to be prepared when they
speak, making their language more formal.
Organizational communication comprises the type of communication among
individuals working for the company where hierarchical structure is apparent. It has a
system of communication put in place where standards of communication protocols are
made clear so that interaction patterns are established. Formal structures allow
communication to take place via designated channels of message flow between positions
in the organization. Four approaches may be used such as: (1) downward communication,
(2) upward communication, (3) horizontal and (4) crosswise communication.
Finally, the last but not least is intercultural communication. As the term implies, it
is communication between or among people having different linguistic, religious, ethnic,
social, and professional backgrounds.
Types of Communication according to Purpose and Style
The types of communication according to purpose and style are formal and
informal. However, rather than focusing on the transmission of message and message
flow, the focus here is on communication setting and the mode of delivery. Formal
communication employs formal language delivered orally or in written form. Lectures,
public speeches, research and project proposals, reports, and business letters among
others are all considered formal situations and writings. On the contrary, informal
communication involves personal and ordinary conversations with friends, family
members, or acquaintances about anything under the sun. The mode may be oral as in
face to face, ordinary or every talks, and phone calls, or written in the case of e-mails,
personal notes, or text messages. The purpose is to simply socialize and enhance
relationships.
See if you can do this!
Comprehension Check
Directions: Match column A with the items in column B. Write the letter on the space
provided for on the blank before the number.
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Column A Column B
1. Non-verbal communication A uses refined, polished language
2. Organizational communication B useful for people of diverse backgrounds
3. Intercultural communication C uses electronic media
4. Extended communication D applicable for people in the hierarchy
5. Formal communication E kinesthetic, & kinesics are examples of this
Deepening
1. In the school where you are enrolled, draw the organizational structure of the top
leadership. Next, describe how the flow of communication works by citing the actual
approach to the line of communication that is practiced by people in authority. How do
you characterize the flow of communication?
2. Applying your knowledge on visual communication, secure a copy of the school’s data
of enrolment posted in your school’s website. Print-out the copy of the graph of the
number of enrollees for this school year. Write a data commentary or report to your
teacher describing the enrolment trend.
3. Since people have different linguistic, religious, ethnic, social, and professional
backgrounds, how do you pay attention to intercultural communication to avoid
miscommunication or communication breakdown.
Synthesis
1. There are various types of communication. These types can be divided according to
mode, context, purpose and style.
2. Verbal and non-verbal codes should complement each other. With visual
communication, interpretation of signs and symbols is crucial since people have
different ways of interpreting them.
3. In any organization, a system of communication should be put in place. Transmission
of message and message flow also play an important role in effective organizational
communication.
4. Intercultural communication needs to be studied because people have diverse
backgrounds—linguistic, ethnic, religious, professional, and others. It is then
necessary to pay attention to intercultural communication to avoid communication
breakdown.
5. Formal and informal communication have different uses depending on the situation.
Both types may be in oral or written mode.
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