Types of Communication

Written Communication

It includes letters, memos, reports, notices, faxes and e-mails.

Advantages

• Provides records and references
• Message can be carefully drafted and directed to large audience through mass mailing
• It promotes uniformity in policy and procedures.

Disadvantages

• It may create mountains of papers.
• May be poorly expressed by ineffective writers.
• May provide no immediate feedback.
• It may long time to receive and properly understood.

Oral Communication

Oral communication includes one to one conversations, interviews, appraisal sessions, group meetings or team briefings.

Advantages

• It allows two way communication and feedback.
• It encourages motivation.
• It is fast and feedback can be received instantly.
• The message can be reinforced with the proper use of body language.

Disadvantages

• Body language of both the sender and receiver may have a negative impact.
• It may be unsuitable for information which is technical in nature.

Visual Communication

Visual communication usually includes diagrams, pictures, charts and pictorial representation of the message.

Advantages

• Easy to understand and retain the information.
• May be more interesting than simple written communication.

Disadvantages

• It is not always clear and the may be misinterpreted by the receiver.