The most common vehicles for communication are oral, non-verbal, written, and electronic.
Oral communication describes the verbal exchange of information, emotions, thoughts, and perceptions. It includes speeches, presentations, conversations, and discussions. Body language and tone of voice play a significant role in how oral communication is perceived. Since oral communication almost always involves the simultaneous transmission and receipt of a message, feedback from the audience is immediate.
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Oral communication
Oral communication allows immediate feedback.
Written communication includes e-mail, memos, and reports. There is usually a gap of time and space between creation/transmission of a written message and its receipt. Written communication can include non-verbal elements like handwriting style, spatial arrangement of words, or the format and physical layout of a page that can effect how it is understood. However, the absence of aural cues such as tone of voice make careful word choice, grammar, structure, and punctuation essential for effective written communication.
Electronic communication uses a variety of digital technologies to carry messages between senders and recipients. Both oral and written communication can be conveyed electronically. For example, telephone and web conferencing are two modes of oral communication, while e-mail and text messaging are examples of written communication.
Non-Verbal Communication
Social psychologist Michael Argyle said that while spoken language is normally used to communicate information about external events that impact the speakers, non-verbal codes establish and maintain interpersonal relationships. Argyle concluded there are five primary functions of non-verbal bodily behavior in human communication:
- Express emotions
- Express interpersonal attitudes
- Work with speech to manage the cues of interaction between speakers and listeners
- Present one's personality
- Conduct rituals (greetings)
Humans communicate interpersonal closeness through series of non-verbal actions known as immediacy behaviors. Examples of immediacy behaviors are smiling, touching, open body positions, and eye contact. Cultures that display these immediacy behaviors are considered high-contact cultures.