Types of communication

-nursing management

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INTRODUCTION:
Communication is a process by which individuals mutually exchange their ideas, values,
thoughts, feelings and actions with one or more people.
The transfer of information takes place from sender to receiver so that it is understood in the
right context.
The receiver encodes the information, interprets it and sends feedback to the sender through
appropriate channel.

TYPES OF COMMUNICATION:

BASED ON THE MEANS OF DELIVERING THE MESSAGE:

• VERBAL COMMUNICATION:
It occurs through the medium of spoken or written words. It is a traditional way of
communication to convey factual information accurately and effectively. Here some
important elements are language, vocabulary, pacing, clarity, etc.
Verbal communication is classified into- Spoken communication, written
communication, telecommunication and electronic communication.

• NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION:
It takes place without the use of spoken or written words. It includes all five senses
and the whole range of body movements, posture, gestures, facial expressions including
silence. It conveys the true and intended meaning of the message.

Nonverbal communication can be accomplished through touch, eye contact, facial

expressions, posture, gait, gesture, physical appearance, sound and silence.

BASED ON THE PURPOSE OF COMMUNICATION:

• FORMAL COMMUNICATION:
It follows the lines of authority and is generally used in organizational settings. The
channels of communication maybe more formal and active through the use of circulars,
memos and formal meetings. The purpose is to share official information.

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 • INFORMAL COMMUNICATION:
It does not follow the lines of authority. Some examples are gossips, chitchat and kitty
parties. It is very fast and takes place in social groups such as with friends and family.
The purpose is to share individual information with familiar people.

• THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION:
Takes place between a healthcare provider and a patient with the purpose of modifying
patients behavior.it is accomplished through repeated interactions using essential
attributes such as trust, empathy, tenderness, concern, and a nonjudgmental attitude.

BASED ON THE LEVELS OF COMMUNICATION:

• INTRAPERSONAL COMMUNICATION:
Takes place within an individual. Also known as self talk. It provides a person with an
opportunity to assess self and/or situation before acting.

• INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION:
Takes place when two or more people interact and exchange messages or ideas. This
is the most common form of communication in our daily lives.

• SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION:

When communication takes place with a group of people (3-9 people) who are
working together to achieve an interdependent goal.

• PUBLIC COMMUNICATION:
It is with a large group of people. It requires essential skills to influence people at
large and media material to reach out to each member of public clearly and loudly.

BASED ON PATTERN OF COMMUNICATION:

• ONE WAY COMMUNICATION:
When messages are delivered to the audience from the communicator only without
constant feedback. A common example is a classroom lecture. In this type, there is no
participation of the audience.

• TWO WAY COMMUNICATION:

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 When both communicator and audience take part in the process. The audience can
ask questions and add ideas and information.
Here the process of learning is active and democratic.

• ONE TO MANY COMMUNICATIONS:

When one person communicates with many people at the same time. Eg- a nurse
providing health education in a community.

• MANY TO ONE COMMUNICATIONS:

When several people communicate with one person at the same time. Eg- a panel of
experts taking an interview.

CONCLUSION:
Communication is the process of exchanging information. We have seen different
types of communication based on the means of delivering the message, purpose of
communication, levels of communication and based on pattern of communication.
Learning different types of communication can help in professional settings in building
rapport with a client or other coworkers.

EVALUATION QUESTIONS:

1) What are different types of communication based on level of communication.

2) What is therapeutic communication.

REFERENCE:

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1) Urmila Devi Bhardwaj, Suchandra Bhattacharya, textbook of educational
technology for BSc Nursing students, CBS publishers. PG no: 3-11
2) Johny Kutty Joseph, Babitha K Devu, textbook of Nursing management anf
leadership for BSc Nursing students.
3) Google website- www.study.com
4) Journal:- www.researchgate.net