Communication is the act of sending and receiving information to and from different people via a range of mediums.

Communication Defined

What is the definition of communication? Communication is the transmission and receiving of information, and it may take place one-on-one or in groups, and it can take place face-to-face or via communication technologies. To communicate, a sender, or the person who initiates communication, must express their thoughts or encode a message. This message is sent to the receiver, who is the person who receives it, who must then decode or comprehend it. This appears to be a straightforward process, but it isn’t.

The symbols and signs that make up language are unique to the civilization that speaks and writes it. Effective communication necessitates the use of a shared language and understanding of common concepts. It’s also important to note that a receiver may misinterpret what the sender sends out, although this is less likely if the two cultures and languages are similar.

Importance

The importance of communication cannot be overstated. After all, there can be no culture, society, or civilization without the capacity to communicate with one another. Good communication helps us satisfy our wants, develops rules and regulations that aid in the structure of society, assists individuals in finding and keeping jobs, gives information and direction, and transmits cultural norms, beliefs, and traditions.

There are two adages to remember when it comes to communicating:

1. You can’t not communicate (i.e., we’re always communicating, even if we don’t realize it).
2. Once you’ve broadcast anything into the cosmos, you can’t take it back (i.e. Pay attention to how and what you convey)

Types of Communication

People communicate in a variety of ways. Because language is firmly rooted in society, communication patterns and kinds will differ. The following are some examples of general forms of communication:

1. Verbal

This is verbal, spoken language, which encompasses not only the language and words said, but also the tone, tempo, and pace with which they are delivered, as well as formal vs informal language.

2. Nonverbal

Posture, facial expressions, kinesics (gestures), and oculesics are all examples of this sort of communication (eye movements and behavior). Nonverbal communication includes American Sign Language (ASL), which is an officially recognized language.

3. Visual

Social media has given the world a form of visual communication that has the potential to link us all. Zoom, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and a slew of other social media sites have changed the way we interact with one another. Signs and symbols that express a notion, as well as the use of audiovisual aids for presentations, are examples of other types of visuals.

4. Written

This includes written communication in a variety of formats, including emails, messages, and old-fashioned pen and paper.