Astounding! That’s how it felt when I searched for communication types and found nothing that clearly defined the act as a type. When you surf the net, most of your efforts will only render the following as types: Verbal, Non-Verbal, Written, and Visual.
Verbal
– This basically means talking or speaking. When you speak words or language to express yourself, then you are applying this type of communication. It is probably the most utilized and the second least effective method to leave a lasting impression. People are easily inclined to talk incessantly, believing that articulating their points of view is the core ingredient in developing interpersonal relationships. Verbal communication is vital in flourishing interactive relationships; however, people fail to identify that this is just a part and not the only means to communicate.
Non-Verbal
– This means expressing yourself without speaking the words, not to be confused with producing a sound that defines your tone of voice. This alone can transmit a message which leaves an open door for interpretation by the receiver. Depending on the intensity of how you project your voice, the receiver can either formulate or guess what type of emotion you’re experiencing when you deliver. Your tone can totally contradict the words coming out of your mouth. Dancing, singing, crying, shouting, hand gestures, etc. are forms of non-verbal communication that can further enforce the actual message you wish to relay. To this effect, this type becomes more impelled in leaving a lasting impression.
Written
– This is writing the words you wish to communicate. It’s probably the most delicate and the least effective method of communication for it can easily be abused. Sending e-mails, texting, instant messaging, etc., are all forms of written communication. It’s also a very convenient course of conveying less pleasant messages that you’re more than happy to evade in a personal interaction. It removes the pressure to come up with an immediate response.
Visual
– This is a type where it resorts to the display of information through pictures, signs, symbols, portraits or paintings, etc. It’s probably the least used among the four but likely the more effective means to communicate and leave a more lasting impression, simply because there’s presentation that can trigger our mind to store events that we can still register even after through a lengthy period of time.
But what about LISTENING?
Why is the most important type of communication unclearly recognized? Is it simply because our educational system is structured to culminate the four types above? Perhaps it’s partly to blame. After all, humans are creatures of habits, ergo we tend to excel on things we are often pushed to enhance.
Our level of listening is usually shallow that we only prosper on mimicry where we repeat selected words spoken by the other to convince that we were ‘listening’. Effective listening comprises of identifying the heard words and interpretation with an effort to unearth the real message. When words camouflage our real emotion, effective listening can unveil what’s hiding underneath. When the troubled couldn’t utter a word, listening can clearly understand the cause of perplexity; and when the hopeless becomes doomed, through listening hope is regained and the pursuit of a resolution continues.