Types of communication : Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, Group, Mass Communication, Verbal & Nonverbal Communication

Intrapersonal Communication

Intrapersonal communication is the internal dialogue that occurs on a continuous basis in the mind of every person. Types of intrapersonal communication include dreams, day dreams, reading, thinking, talking to oneself, analysis, prayer, meditation, writing, making specific gestures while thinking and even communication between body parts. For example, when lunchtime approaches, your stomach may communicate through hunger pangs or growling.

Interpersonal Communication

Interpersonal communication involves all the different ways individuals communicate thoughts, ideas, feelings and desires to another person or group of people. Interpersonal communication is the means to send messages to other human beings through gestures, words, posture and facial expressions. The majority of interpersonal communication utilizes non-verbal messages, for instance touch, eye contact, vocal nuance, proximity, gestures, posture, style of dress and facial expression. Given that people may interpret non-verbal cues differently, even seemingly simple communication with other people may prove difficult at times. Interpersonal communication involves two distinct styles.

Group Communication

Much of our professional life takes place in small groups, as we often play a role in work teams, committees, boards or other collections of people. However, simply working alongside three other people does not technically qualify you as a small group. The people involved must perceive themselves as a group; they must feel a common connection and intentionally communicate with one another. Leadership, group roles and managing conflict are important at this level.

Mass Communication

In this category we refer to the communication originating from one source and meant for all possible audience irrespective of distance, cast, creed, religion, nationality and beyond. The mass communication involves use of technology for it is not possible to carry message to a very high number of receivers without the use of certain devices or techniques. All other types of communication may take place when the source is coming across receivers without involving technology. That is why more research and investment has gone into handling the mass communication.

Verbal & Nonverbal Communication

Verbal communication is communication that uses words, either written or spoken. Verbal communication refers to the use of sounds and language to relay a message. It serves as a vehicle for expressing desires, ideas and concepts and is vital to the processes of learning and teaching. In combination with nonverbal forms of communication, verbal communication acts as the primary tool for expression between two or more people.

Nonverbal communication is usually understood as the process of communication through sending and receiving wordless (mostly visual) cues between people. Messages can be communicated through gestures and touch, by body language or posture, by facial expression and eye contact. Nonverbal messages could also be communicated through material exponential; meaning, objects or artifacts (such as clothing, hairstyles or architecture). Speech contains nonverbal elements known as paralanguage, including voice quality, rate, pitch, volume, and speaking style, as well prosodic features such as rhythm, intonation, and stress. Likewise, written texts have nonverbal elements such as handwriting style, spatial arrangement of words, or the physical layout of a page. However, much of the study of nonverbal communication has focused on face-to-face interaction, where it can be classified into three principal areas: environmental conditions where communication takes place, physical characteristics of the communicators, and behaviors of communicators during interaction.