Lesson 2

TYPES OF COMMUNICATION
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge about the role of language in human communication;
2. Identify the types of communication in relation to communication mode, context, and purpose and
style;
3. Differentiate verbal, non-verbal, and visual communication and their sub-forms in relation to
communication mode;
4. Evaluate the differences among intrapersonal, extended, organizational, and intercultural
communication in relation to communication context;
5. Explain the difference between formal and informal communication in relation to purpose and style;
and
6. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different communication types in various
communication settings.
What is Communication?

Depending on what is being considered, communication as a term takes on different contexts resulting in
people having different view on communication types. Since communication is generally defined as the
exchange of thought, ideas, concepts, and views between or among two or more people, various
contexts come into play. Context is the circumstance or environment in which communication takes
place. Such circumstance may include the physical or actual setting, the value positions of a
speaker/listener, and the relevance or appropriateness of a message conveyed. It focuses on certain
communication processes and even groupings of people that constitute a communication situation.
Different contexts can impact one’s communication. Each communication type is governed by a particular
circumstance. Thus, it is essential to pay attention to the interplay of factors surrounding the context of
communication which may be physical, cultural, social, and psychological in nature. Communication may
then be classified according to: (1) communication mode, (2) context, and (3) purpose and style.
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. One cannot be separated from the other.
For instance, door-to-door salespersons who demonstrate product knowledge can only be effective if they
know how to properly punctuate what they say with proper gesture and facial expressions. Their
communication with customer begins upon greeting him/her with welcoming smile then assessing customer
needs and answering customer queries enhanced by gestures and a friendly, happy, and pleasant
disposition. It is only through this mode that salespeople with excellent communication skills are able to
provide the best information needed, thereby convincing the client to patronize their products.
When you were in Senior High School, you were trained to blend verbal and non-verbal modes of
communication. In fact, when meeting people for the first time, as what you may have experienced many
times, the initial meeting when you speak during the first few minutes is significant as it leaves a lasting
impression on your listeners. You show interest in meeting these people by acknowledging their presence
through an amiable, congenial disposition, and a smiling face. Rather than just speaking, it is to use the
non-verbal code through a handshake, an approving facial expression, and a kind disposition or character.
VISUAL COMMUNICATION

Visual communication, on the other hand, is the type of communication that uses visuals to convey
information and/or messages. Some examples are signs, symbols, imagery, maps, graphs, charts,
diagrams, pictograms, photos, drawings or illustrations, and even various forms of electronic
communication, some examples of electronic communication. Some examples of electronic
communication symbols or images are the emojis, emoticons, and animation among others to convey the
writer’s emotions or clarify the intent of the message sender. These are achieved through digital mode or
text.
How these symbols are interpreted is very crucial in visual communication. There ae some instances when
visual communication is classified under non-verbal communication. Whatever the classification is, note
that this type has now become persuasive in communication. It is then important that the receiver of the
message is able to decode the meaning correctly by contextualizing the information received.
Visual communication now occupies an important place in any work environment. For instance, during
presentations, instructors, managers, doctors, lawyers, legislators, and the like use visuals to transfer data
into digestible information. Very likely, they will have greater success in catching the attention of the
audience, making the latter easily recall the information. What makes visual communication even more
advantageous is that it makes use of technology that provides apps (applications), videos, and images that
rely less on the printed word making presentations more interesting. This leaves a powerful effect on the
audience and prospective clients. Speakers /presenters should, however, be mindful of the content of their
presentation since wrong and irrelevant information may lead to miscommunication or communication
breakdown, thereby defeating the very purpose for the use of visuals. Likewise, they should pay attention to
graphic elements, such as position, color, size, shape, and orientation as all these play an important role in
the preparation of slides. Audiences size should be considered as well when preparing slide presentations or
other forms of visuals.
Types of Communication according to Context
In this sub-section, context in communication is referred to as a composite of people interacting with each
other. Communication may also be classified according to context: (1) intrapersonal; (2) interpersonal;
(3) extended (4) organizational communication; (5) intercultural communication.
Types of Communication according to Context
INTRAPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
The Latin prefix intra- means within or inside. Intrapersonal communication then means talking to oneself.
Some label it as self or inner talk, inner monologue, or inner dialogue. Psychological call it with other
names such as self-verbalization or self-statement.
Do you find it normal to talk to yourself? Some say it is, some say it’s not. The gauge, however, rests on
the frequency of the occurrence and how you handle such. For instance, if you find yourself talking to
yourself, there is really no need for you to answer back. You talk to yourself because you think that there I
the need to boost your confidence when you re nervous to speak in front of an audience, apprise yourself
that you performed a good job, or console yourself that you did a task poorly. Moreover, engaging in inner
speech such as fantasizing or daydreaming is not bad as long as you are able to distinguish it from reality.
Self-talk can be advantageous as it can enable you to practice what you ought to say in times when you lack
the motivation and confidence to speak. One magic statement that you can try is: “I can do it!” Saying this
over and over again will give you positive reinforcement that you can do things courageously and that it is
not impossible to do so. Furthermore, as you respond to life’s challenges, you my also find yourself
verbalizing your thoughts and feelings. It is then important that as you introspect, you are able to improve
on your decisions in life and likewise enhance your-worth as a person.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

As opposed to intra, the Latin prefix inter- means between, among, and together. An interactive exchange
takes place s interpersonal communication takes place. However, as it occurs, a transaction does not
necessarily take place since it can only be a simple interaction such as greetings, getting to know a person,
or ordinary conversations that happen between or among the interactants. This may occur in dyads or small
groups, also known as group communication.
A communication situation is interpersonal if it is meant to establish or 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. Whereas interpersonal talks are meant for maintaining social relationships, transactional
talks aim to accomplish or resolve something at the end of the conversation. Note the example below.
Analyze the following two situations:
1. Speaker A: Hello! I am Kaesselle Ramos. And you?
Speaker B: Oh, I am Venice Mendoza. Glad to meet you.
How are you related to the bride?
Speaker A: She is my cousin. Her mom and mine are sisters.
How about you?
Speaker B: She was my high school classmate. I never knew anything
 about her personal life so we were kind of surprised when she sent us
the invitation. As always, she is very quiet person.
Speaker A: I see. Well, she’s really like that. Ever since we were kids, she has always been a
very quiet person
2. Speaker A: Excuse me. Would you know how to get to the nearest mall?
Speaker B: Yes. In fact, you may go there on foot or simply take a jeepney. If you walk,
it will take you about 20 minutes to get there. You can just take the exit gate
near the hospital then turn left and walk straight ahead. You won’t miss it
because of the big sign. Jeepneys take the same route and it should not take
you more than 10 minutes even with the traffic.
Speaker A: Thank you very much. I think I will just take the public transportation as I
am running out of time. You have been really helpful. Thanks again.

Could you tell which is interpersonal and which I transactional in the two situations above? Explain
the objective, the language, and the nature of the conversation.

EXTENDED COMMUNICATION

Extended communication involves the use of electronic media. Unlike before when it only called for
the use of television and radio, nowadays, the description of extended communication may be
expanded as to include tele, audio, or phone conferencing; video-conferencing; Skype calls; and
other technological means. For example, linked by telecommunication system, people who are far
apart, or are far from the venue, can participate in a meeting or a conference. In an e-conference like
this, participants may not be physically present but are still able to track down the lectures and
participate actively because of the mass articulation and dissemination of information, allowing
speakers to reach a wider group of listeners. Since extended communication is public in nature,
speakers are expected to be prepared when they speak, making their language more formal.
With the use of electronic media, messages are transmitted quickly. For instance, with the
use of the Internet, recorded videos may be transmitted in seconds/minutes and may be
viewed by a greater number of people. With extended communication, your own thinking, behavior,
and attitude may be influenced by other people and you may be persuaded to take the views you her.
It is important then that you weigh what you har and assess them against those beliefs that you hold
onto so you do not get easily swayed by other people’s convictions.

ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION

With this type, the focus is on the role that communication plays in organizational contexts.
Organizations comprise individuals who work for the company. When you graduate, for example,
you become a professional, either working for a company or putting up your own. Whichever, you
should know that each organization has expectations that you as a communication professional
should meet or that you as the owner may establish.

For an organization to be successful, a system of communication should be put in place. A set of

rules or standards for communication protocol should be made clear so that interaction patterns are
established. On the part of the individual, you should be equipped with the needed oral and written
communication skills that the organization expects you to possess.

There are two types of organizational structure: (1) formal and (2) informal. Formal structure
allows communication to take place via designated channels of messages flow between positions in
the organization. This may make use of four approaches: (1) downward communication, (2) upward
communication, (3) horizontal communication, and (4) crosswise communication. As the term
implies, downward communication is the type that flows from upper to lower positions, i.e.,
president to a manager or supervisor, a manager to an ordinary staff. The flow of communication is
top-down or from a superior to subordinate, usually asking certain individuals to perform a certain
task. Conversely, message transmission in upward communication is bottom-up in which
subordinate send communication to their superiors/bosses bearing their views/feedback on
organizational policies, issues related to their jobs, and the like. Horizontal communication is lateral
in approach as it takes place among people belonging to the same level but coming from different
departments or units to facilitate performance of tasks through proper coordination. Crosswise
approach is diagonal in nature as employees from different units or departments working at various
levels communicate with each other. Each of the communication approaches has its own advantages
and disadvantages. Note that these structures are usually presented in the company’s organizational
chart and policy manuals.

Informal communication, on the other hand, comes from unofficial channels of message flow. Also
known as ‘grapevine,’ messages coming from the different levels of the organization are
transmitted. This occurs due to the dissatisfaction of some employees accompanied by uncertainty,
such as superiors plying favorites and unfavorable or unacceptable company rules and regulations.
Some employees even resort to baseless gossips and rumors is almost next to impossible. In fact,
when some people are confronted, they impute the blame to others so they can get out of the mess
quickly.

Each organization ha its own culture. This is referred to a ‘organizational culture.’ Based on its
history and development, an organization develops its own core values, vision and mission
statements, goals, and objective. Organizational culture is of utmost significance since it will dictate
the kind of behavior that employees should possess as well s the extent of commitment expected
from them by the organization. They all share in the values, practices, vision, and mission of the
organization. Peter Drucker’s famous quote, “Company cultures are like country cultures. Never try
to change one. Try instead, to work, with what you’ve got,” underscores the view that indeed,
culture is within the control of the entrepreneur or company owner. If at the outset, you think you
cannot adapt to the organization’s culture, better look for another job or workplace where you will
be happy and in harmony with your superiors and colleagues.
INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

Another type of communication is intercultural communication. As the term implies, it is

communication between or among people having different linguistic, religious, ethnic, social, and
professional backgrounds. Even gender difference affects communication. Individuals having
different orientations communicate and interpret messages differently. This particularly happens
with non-verbal communication. For instance, Australians consider eye contact s important in
assessing the sincerity of a person while talking for Indians, looking straight into the eyes of a
person while talking is inappropriate. This does not, however, mean that they are dishonest or
insincere. Moreover, Indians interpret waving of hands from side to side as no or go away while it
means hello among Westerner. For Filipinos, twitching of lips means to refer to something or
someone. When someone asks: “Where is my book?” instead of responding: “There it is,” the
response may be twitching or puckering lips. When seen by people from other cultures, such facial
expression may be taken to mean as “seduction.” It is important then not to be judgmental or to rush
into interpretations as cultures sometimes vary enormously.

Similarly, linguistic differences are of the essence. With the advent of World Englishes, different
cultures develop different lexicon peculiar only to the speech community. In the Philippines, a local
variety of English called Philippine English has been developed which has introduced lexical
innovation, not found or used in other varieties, such as thrice, batchmates, CR (comfort room),
solons, barangay captain, and high blood. Even in terms of pronunciation, words are pronounced
differently by Filipinos, which, to some. are considered erroneous. For instance, these supposedly
pronounced with hard /th/ represented with a / / is pronounced instead with /d/ by the average
Filipino since hard /th/ is not part of the Filipino phonology.

Types of Communication according to Purpose and Style

Finally, communication may be classified according to purpose and style. Earlier, formal and
informal communication have been discussed in relation to organization communication. Similarly,
the types of communication in relation 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 the
communication setting and the mode of delivery. Formal communication employs formal
language delivered orally or in written form. Lectures, public talks/speeches, research and project
proposals, reports, and business letters, among others are all considered formal situations and
writings. Note that while lectures and speeches are delivered orally, the text have been thought out
carefully and written well before they are delivered. To inform, to entertain, and to persuade are
the main objectives of this type of communication.

SEX COPULATION SEXUAL INTERCOURSE LOVEMAKING

On the other hand, informal communication certainly does not employ formal language. It
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 everyday talks and
phone calls, or written as in the case of e-mail messages, personal notes, letters, or text
messages. The purpose is simply to socialize and enhance relationships.

Synthesis

1. There are various types of communication. These types can be divided according to mode,
context, and purpose and style. In terms of communication mode, the types of communication
are verbal, non-verbal, and visual. In terms of context, the communication types are
interpersonal, intrapersonal, extended, organizational, and intercultural. In terms of purpose and
style, the types of communication are formal and informal.
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. It is important to always contextualize the symbol/sign received in order to arrive at the
correct interpretation.
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. People have different linguistic, religious, ethnic, social, and professional backgrounds. It is then
necessary to pay attention to intercultural communication to avoid miscommunication and/or
communication breakdown.
5. Formal communication and informal communication have different uses depending on the
situation. Both types may be in or or written mode.