Types of Communication
Types of Communication:
All types of communication can be classified into four groups:
- Written Communication- Every document that is transmitted in the written form falls in the area of written communication. For example letters, circulars, reports, telegrams, etc. Written communication is acceptable as a legal document and it is also a permanent record of the organization.
- Oral Communication- Oral communication includes face to face conversation, telephonic conversation, group discussions, interviews, conferences, seminars, speeches etc. Oral communication is extremely useful while communicating with groups at meetings but oral messages do not have any legal validity unless they are taped and made a part of permanent record.
- Visual Communication- Visual communication includes gestures and facial expressions, tables and charts- graphs, diagrams, posters, slides etc. Successful communications make a very effective use of facial expressions.
- Audio-Visual Communication- Audio-Visual Communication encompasses television, cinema and documentary films that combine the visual impact with narration. Audio-Visual Communication is most suitable for mass publicity and mass education.
Communication Cycle
What is Technical Communication?
Technical communication is the transmission of scientific and technical information from one individual to another or from one organization to another. It included all the methods, means, media, channels, networks and systems of communication used for the exchange of the information. In other words, technical communication is a multi-dimensional, dynamic and interactive process that involves the effective transmission of facts, ideas, thoughts and systematic understanding of scientific and technical subjects.
Technical Communication is distinct from other types of human communication in die sense that it occurs in highly structured setting as it is intended to convey specific information to a specific evidence for a specific purpose.
Objectives of Technical Communication:
It is a matter of general agreement that the main purpose of all communications in an organization is the welfare of that particular organization. Effective communication is needed at all stages in order to ensure this welfare. Technical communication can be used for any of the following objectives:
- Information- One of the most important objectives of technical communication is passing or receiving information about a particular fact Information can be about anything about the new product, about the availability of raw materials, about die company's rules and regulations or about the latest developments in the field of science & technology-
- Advice- Giving advice is another important objective of communication. Information is always factual and objective but advice is likely to be subjective because it involves personal opinions. Within organization, the supervisory staff is required to advise the junior employees.
- Order- Order is an authoritative communication. Whatever be the nature and size of an organization, orders are absolutely necessary for every organization. It is generally a directive to somebody. The downward flow of information is dominated by orders.
- Suggestion- Suggestion is supposed to be a very mild and subtle form of communication. It enjoys one great advantage over other means of communication like advice or order. Advice comes from an expert; order from a higher autiiority. In either case, die recipient is slightly conscious but suggestion puts forward an idea for the other person's approval.
Persuasion- Persuasion may be defined as an effort to influence the attitudes, feelings, views and beliefs of odiers.