Did you know that we spend 80% of our workday in some form of communication? Two-third of this time we spend talking. When we spend such high time in verbal communication where it’s professional or casual don’t you think we should do it right?
But how? Well, to hold and lead every communication, whether it is verbal or non-verbal communication you must know the types and purpose of communication.
When you understand what goes in each form of communication you will know what and how to talk about it.
So, let’s get started with the types of verbal communication.
- Intrapersonal communication
You must have guessed by the name, intrapersonal communication is restricted to the individual. In simple words, it is the communication that you have with yourself.
In this communication, you juggle roles between both the sender and the receiver. You listen to your thoughts and react or respond on your own. We all have this kind of communication.
- Interpersonal communication
This is the communication that holds between two people. Face-to-face communication with your peer, manager, friend, or family member is all interpersonal communication.
In this type of communication, both the sender and receiver swap their roles to ensure clear communication.
- Small group communication
You must have guessed by the name, this form of communication takes place among a small group of more than two people. Now, what defines a small group here? Well, in this type of communication the group is small enough that every member has a chance to interact and converse with the rest of the members.
Think of press conferences, board room meetings, and client meetings that are examples of small group communication.
- Public communication
Public speaking highlights this form of communication. Public communication includes when one individual is addressing a large group of people.
Political rallies, public speaking events are examples of public communication. This form of communication usually doesn’t allow the listeners to actively take part in the conversation until the speaker asks a question or opinion of an audience.
These are the four types of verbal communication. But is there any other form of communication then? How different it is from verbal communication?
Well, if we have to divide the types of communication into two, then they are verbal and nonverbal communication.
What is nonverbal communication?
Nonverbal communication is the process of transmitting information or message through body postures, gestures, and other nonverbal signs such as eye contact, facial expressions, and body language.
For example, the way you stand when you are sharing a point or information in a meeting or on stage shows your confidence. This also applies to the listener as their body language shows how involved they and in the conversation.
A good speaker knows how to read these nonverbal signs and how they affect the whole process of conversation.
Learning about both forms of communication as well as the difference between verbal and nonverbal communication can help you strengthen your hold on what you speak and how effectively you speak it.