Business communication, one of the primary tools of an organisation, has several functions. In this article, we have introduced business communication and its 10 different types. The article also educates readers about the features which come with the types of business communication.
In a successful company, one of the integral features is its effective communication which connects stakeholders, customers, and different departments. Hence, acknowledging different kinds of communication is important for a seamless transmission. In this article, we have talked about different types of business communication which promote connections, accelerate productivity, and clear the road to success.
What is Business Communication?
In a business or organisation, business communication is the interchange of ideas, information, and messages between related individuals. With all the standards of organisational structure and modes of communication like written, spoken, and non-verbal, clear business communication is important.
In an organisation, business communication is integral for improving instructions, information, feedback, cooperation, and teamwork. Positive business communication also accelerates decision-making, fosters communications, and adds to an organisation’s overall growth.
What Are The 10 Different Types of Business Communication?
The overall usage of communication depends on its type. Here are the 10 integral types of business communication,
1. Verbal Communication
Known as one of the primary types of communication, verbal communication is the exchange of knowledge, concepts, and ideas through spoken or verbal words or forms of speech.
Features of verbal communication;
- Including sending a message from one individual to another and vice versa
- Either Written or Spoken
- Instances of verbal communication are face-to-face conversations, speeches, video conferences, phone calls, and presentations
- Can also involve written messages like letters, emails, and text messages
- Important for interpersonal connections, professional relationships, public speaking, and other domains
2. Written Communication
It is an exchange of information through information, concepts, thoughts, and other ideas through written or drafted communication.
Features of written communication;
- Involves expressing ideas, thoughts, primary and secondary information, and concepts through written symbols, letters, and related paragraphs.
- Examples of written communication include reports, memoranda, books, articles, images, and social media postings
- Features a record of information for sources and review
- Allows a careful consideration without the delivering of information for concise thoughts
- Suitable for long-distance communication, which approves transmission of messages through boundaries and time zone
3. Non Verbal Communication
Another popular form of communication, nonverbal communication is a type of communication which includes symbols and sign languages.
Features of non verbal communication;
- Nonverbal communication encompasses various forms of expression, including body language, facial expressions, gestures, posture, eye contact, touch, and voice intonation.
- These cues can either support, reinforce, or contradict spoken communication in interpersonal relationships. Understanding nonverbal cues is crucial for interpreting underlying meanings and emotions conveyed through spoken words.
- It’s important to recognize that nonverbal cues may have different meanings in different cultural contexts, emphasising the need to consider cultural differences in nonverbal communication. The interpretation of nonverbal indicators takes into account individual characteristics and societal conventions.
4. Electronic Communication
In electronic communication, a business is transmitted, broadcasted, and viewed with the utilisation of electronic media. With the help of computers, business systems, email, and video, electronic communication is suited for computers, mail, phone.
Features of electronic communication;
- On the other hand, electronic communication involves transmitting information, messages, and data using electronic devices and digital technology. This can take on various formats, such as text, photographs, audio, and video, and can be transmitted through electronic channels like the Internet, email, instant messaging, social media platforms, and telecommunications networks.
- The speed and reach of electronic communication allow for rapid and extensive delivery of information across large distances.
- Its significance in modern life cannot be overstated as it has revolutionised communication in various areas including business, education, government, entertainment, and interpersonal connections. Ultimately, it has transformed how people connect, collaborate, and exchange information, enhancing the effectiveness and accessibility of communication in the digital age.
5. Formal Communication
Practised generally in organisations, formal communication is a structured and regulated communication, which follows planned rules and regulations.
Features of formal communication;
- Primarily used for conveying official information, processes, and work-related activities
- The formal communication flows in a regulated manner
- This communication generally follows a hierarchical structure
- Instances of formal communication are memos, reports, meetings, officials, newsletters, and presentations
- Employed by organisations for strategic planning, official responsibilities, and many more
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6. Informal Communications
Primarily practised in a social organisation setting, informal communication is the exchange of information and ideas in an informal environment.
Features of informal communication;
- Informal communication takes place when it occurs through social gatherings, phone calls, instant messaging, and casual contacts
- Generally occurs outside structures and formal channels
- The participants, who practise informal communication inside the organisation’s premises, disregard the hierarchical norms.
- Facilitates the sharing of ideas, discussion, and personal experience with trust and confidence
- Beneficial for the organisation that promotes active worker engagement, cooperation, and management
- Features a positive work environment
- It is a type of social support that allows individuals to comfortably ask for advice, opinions, and help.
7. Upward Communication
Commonly practised in workspaces, it involves a communication flow from employees or lower-level members to superior or higher-level management. The characteristics of upward communication involve,
- The sharing of information, ideas, and feedback from a team to the ownership of the company.
- An employee may express concerns regarding the company’s policy, work environment, and company rules
- The employee, in upward communication, can have concerns, which are solved or acknowledged in this communication
- An employee is set to share information, reports, and feedback, according to which, they receive appraisals
- Following the problems in work, in an organisation, the worker reports to their senior management for a resolution
8. Downward Communication
Also known as the reverse of upward communication, in reverse communication, a senior manager is responsible for transferring information, data, and other details to the office employees.
Features of downward communication;
- In managerial communication, a senior manager provides feedback to employees about their work and other details related to the company.
- Through downward communication, management is responsible for giving updates and other information to a user
9. Lateral or Horizontal Communication
In horizontal communication, a flow of information and data is executed within an organisation among workers and managers.
Features of horizontal communication;
- Involves communication without the involvement of an inferior or superior preference
- A peer can exchange knowledge, information, and other details within an organisation
- Enables groups of people or organisations to share information within a company
- Lateral communication usually involves people or departments to merge for discussing and resolving problems
- Lateral communication takes place between people from different organisations
10. External Communication
In external communication, the transmission of messages is usually done between an external client and a receiver. The features of external communication include,
- One of the integrated forms of communication, external communication incorporates advertisement and marketing through different mediums including television and social media.
- It is a process of interacting through a variety of channels including emails, phone calls, and live chats
- Since external communication is one of the integral communication in an organisation, it is usually done with the assistance and approval of the government authorities
Final Words
For ages, business communication has been the most important aspect of a running organisation. While there are several kinds of communication, each of them holds different specifications. Business enthusiasts who are looking forward to knowing more about organisational communication can take the help of our above-mentioned guide.