Types of Communication

Essentially, there are five main types of communication and a subset of verbal communication, where three types of communication are quite common in a lot of different professional and social interactions. The different forms of communication include:

• Verbal communication
• Nonverbal communication
• Visual communication
• Informal communication
• Formal communication
• Paralanguage in communication

Verbal communication is probably the most common form of communication and encompasses using language to convey information through either speaking or signing through sign language. You’ll know verbal communication through oral presentations, team meetings at work, speaking with your boss or colleague, interacting on video chat or a phone call, or communicating during an interview.

Verbal communication is essential to being effective in your work because it’s quick, efficient, and is typically the clearest way to communicate important information. To be effective, clear verbal communication requires speaking confidently and actively listening during conversations.

Nonverbal communication uses your body language, facial expressions, and gestures to communicate information and interact with others. Most of the time, it’s subtle, unintentional nonverbal communication (like smiling at a tongue-in-cheek comment your coworker made at lunch) that you can tend to display when interacting with other people, but you can also develop your ability to intentionally use your nonverbal communication skills to support your verbal communication.

Nonverbal communication is extremely helpful for interpersonal relationships, as it helps you understand and connect with others’ ideas, thoughts, and feelings. For instance, in an interview, the way you communicate nonverbally can show the hiring manager your openness and adaptability.

Additionally, there are two ways you can display nonverbal body language: either in closed or open body language. Closed body language is a nonverbal communication type that tells others that you’re feeling anxious, nervous, or shy. Think of crossing your arms or slouching your shoulders. These postures are your body’s communication style if you’re not feeling totally yourself. Open body language, on the other hand, shows others you’re open to interaction, sharing ideas, and likely in a positive mindset.

Written communication is just what it sounds like: using the written word to communicate information and interact with others. Written communication includes handwriting, typing, and other printed symbols as a means of recording information for reference along with providing documented communication between others.

Some of the most common forms of written communication in the workplace include emails (both informal and formal), memos, letters, and reports. For example, you would use written communication when writing a memo to a coworker or for a formal email to follow up after an interview.

Written communication is most effective when you aim for simplicity and clarity when conveying information for others, and this type of communication also benefits more from plain and straightforward language. That means that you shouldn’t add jokes or anecdotes in writing, especially if you’re unsure if your audience will understand your tone.

Visual communication encompasses using graphics, charts, artwork, drawings, sketches, graphs, and photographs to communicate information to an audience. Typically, you’ll see visual communication within presentations to provide topical context, in training modules to better convey information to visual learners, on documents to support complex information, on resumes to add appeal, and in other situations where a graphic representation of important information is necessary to properly convey ideas.

Depending on the context and situation you’re in, you’ll probably tend to use more informal methods of communication than formal ones. For example, when communicating with your coworkers during break time or at lunch, you’ll most likely enjoy conversations in an informal manner. You’re in a relaxed atmosphere during a moment where you’re not required to act formal, so informal communication will likely be the default in scenarios like these. Additionally, you can also communicate informally within writing, especially in text or short chats with friends and colleagues.

However, it is also possible to depend on informal communication to help break the ice, lighten the mood, or open up a team meeting on a positive note. In these circumstances, informal communication can be just as important as the formal presentation you give. To be effective with your informal communications, you’ll need to understand nonverbal cues from others that can help you know when it’s appropriate to crack that joke you heard earlier or make a pun during a routine recap meeting.

Formal communication is required when you’re in professional settings and expected to speak and interact with other professionals. For instance, attending conferences and board meetings, asking questions during an interview, and participating in a performance review are all situations where it would be more appropriate to rely on formal types of communication.

Just like informal communication, formal communication can translate into your nonverbal skills as well. When you write formal business letters or create reports, type a welcome email for new employees, or attend a professional event as part of the audience, you’ll need your formal communication skills to help you convey your thoughts and ideas in a professional and appropriate manner.

Paralanguage makes up a substantial amount of nonverbal communication cues and verbal communication methods. Paralanguage refers to the way you say something and focuses on this nuanced meaning rather than the actual words you speak. Paralanguage consists of your tone of voice, the emotion behind your words, your intonation, voice quality and volume, and the choice of words you use to give meaning to information and your ideas. You can have a huge impact on others not only with what you say but with how you say it, too.