TYPES OF COMMUNICATION
Communication can be classified into various categories:
1. Based on the Direction / Flow of Information
a) Downward Communication
- From
top level → lower level
- Example:
orders, instructions, circulars
b) Upward Communication
- From
lower level → higher level
- Example:
feedback, reports, grievances
c) Horizontal / Lateral Communication
- Between
employees of the same level
- Example:
coordination among departments
d) Diagonal Communication
- Between
different departments and levels
- Example:
HR communicating with junior engineers of another team
2. Based on the Channel / Medium
a) Verbal Communication
- Spoken
words
- Face-to-face,
phone, meetings, speeches
b) Non-Verbal Communication
Includes:
- Facial
expressions
- Body
language
- Gestures
- Eye
contact
- Tone
of voice
- Proxemics
(use of space)
c) Written Communication
- Letters,
emails, reports, memos, notices
d) Visual Communication
- Charts,
graphs, symbols, posters, maps
3. Based on the Number of Participants
a) Intrapersonal Communication
- Communication
with oneself
- Thinking,
self-talk, reflection
b) Interpersonal Communication
- Between
two people
- Conversations,
interviews, counseling
c) Group Communication
- Small
groups or teams
- Meetings,
discussions, teamwork
d) Public Communication
- One
person speaking to a large audience
- Lectures,
political rallies
e) Mass Communication
- Through
mass media
- TV,
radio, newspapers, social media, films
4. Based on Purpose
a) Informative Communication
- Giving
information
- News,
instructions
b) Persuasive Communication
- Influencing
attitudes/behavior
- Advertisements,
speeches
c) Directive Communication
- Commands
or instructions
- “Do
this,” “Submit this report”
d) Expressive / Emotional Communication
- Expressing
feelings
- Art,
music, social media posts
5. Based on Formality
a) Formal Communication
- Follows
official structure
- Professional,
documented
- Example:
official letters, reports
b) Informal Communication
- Casual,
friendly
- Grapevine
communication (rumors, friendship circles)
6. Based on Method / Mode
a) Synchronous Communication
- Real-time
- Phone
call, live chat, video call
b) Asynchronous Communication
- Not
in real time
- Emails,
recorded videos, messages
COMMUNICATION BARRIERS
Communication barriers are obstacles that block, distort, or slow down the communication process, leading to misunderstanding.
They are generally of 6 major types:
1️⃣ Physical Barriers
Barriers caused by the environment or physical conditions.
Examples
-
Noise (traffic, machinery, disturbance)
-
Poor lighting
-
Long distance between sender and receiver
-
Faulty equipment (phone issues, poor internet)
-
Physical obstruction (walls, closed doors)
2️⃣ Psychological / Emotional Barriers
Barriers caused by state of mind, emotions, attitudes, and mental conditions.
Examples
-
Stress, anxiety
-
Anger, irritation
-
Prejudice, bias
-
Lack of trust
-
Resistance to change
-
Low self-esteem
-
Fear or insecurity
3️⃣ Semantic / Language Barriers
Barriers caused by misunderstanding of words, symbols, language, grammar.
Examples
-
Ambiguous words (“soon,” “asap”)
-
Technical jargon
-
Different languages or dialects
-
Poor vocabulary
-
Misinterpretation of tone
-
Wrong translation
4️⃣ Organizational Barriers
Barriers related to structure, hierarchy, and system in organizations.
Examples
-
Too many levels of hierarchy
-
Complex rules and procedures
-
Lack of clarity in roles
-
Rigid organisational structure
-
Poor coordination between departments
5️⃣ Cultural Barriers
Barriers arising from differences in values, beliefs, traditions, customs, and social norms.
Examples
-
Differences in greetings
-
Varying communication styles (direct vs indirect)
-
Gender norms
-
Cultural stereotypes
-
Different social expectations
6️⃣ Mechanical / Technical Barriers
Barriers caused by technology failure or limitations.
Examples
-
Poor internet connection
-
Mic or camera not working
-
Software/app failure
-
Outdated technology
-
Phone network issues
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