Types, Directions and Challenges

Overview

To understand in detail what exactly communication is, we must know about the types of communication, directions of communication, and challenges that come across during effective communication approaches. So, to get an idea about the above aspects of communication let’s move ahead in this topic.

Types of Communication

There are mainly 2 types of communication, namely:

1. Verbal Communication
   When we use spoken or written words to transmit a message then this form of communication is known as verbal communication.
   
   Verbal communication can be further divided into two parts:
   a) Oral Communication: It includes communication through spoken words. Examples of this type of communication are face-to-face conversations, video calls, speeches, etc.
   b) Written Communication: It includes communication through written scripts or symbols. Examples of this type of communication are e-mails, memos, letters, etc.

2. Non-Verbal Commmunication
   When we use body language or gestures as the way to communicate then this form of communication is known as non-verbal communication.
   
   Non-verbal communication comprises 3 main elements:
   a) Appearance: It includes the speaker’s clothing, hairstyle, etc, and also the surrounding environment like room size, decorations, etc.
   b) Body Language: It includes facial expressions, gestures, and body postures.
   c) Sounds: It includes voice tone, speech rate, and speech volume.

Direction of Communication

There are mainly two directions of communication, namely:

1. Vertical Communication
   Communication is where the information or message is passed between different levels of hierarchy in an organization.
   
   Vertical communication is further divided into two categories:
   a) Downward Communication: When the communication direction is from the higher management to the lower management of the company. For example, messages are transferred from superiors to subordinates in the form of instructions, announcements, etc.
   b) Upward Communication: When the communication direction is from lower management to higher management of the company. For example, messages transferred from subordinates to superiors in the form of reports, feedback, etc.)

2. Horizontal Communication
   In this, communication occurs between people working at the same level in the organization. Examples include communication between two departments or two peers. This type of communication is also known as lateral communication.

Challenges Faced During Communication

While trying to create an effective communication channel, several challenges can be faced. Some of these challenges are discussed below let’s take a look at them.

1. Language Barriers: The most frequent challenge that one faces during communication is the language barrier. Different languages and dialects make it very hard to understand the message of information. use of translators or visual aids can help in overcoming this challenge.
2. Cultural Differences: Different cultures have different kinds of norms and due to this several complications can occur while communicating with people of different cultures. To overcome this individuals doing the communication must be given culture sensitivity training prior.
3. Physical Barriers: Geographical distances can cause delays in reaching the message or information timely from one individual to another. To overcome this, the latest technologies like video conferencing, etc must be used to communicate the message at the earliest as possible.
4. Technological Barriers: Sometimes technologies cause chaos in communication channels. To overcome such issues, one must ensure that the technologies used during communication are properly maintained from time to time.
5. Information Overload: Sometimes providing excessive and unnecessary information at a particular time can cause poor communication channels. To avoid this, one must prioritize what information is important at a particular time and share it accordingly.

Conclusion

In the end, we can say that to ensure the flow of effective communication in our daily lives it is quite important to know the various aspects of the same, This includes its types, directions, and challenges. Knowing these aspects helps to use the communication channels in a very effective and useful manner.

References

https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/communication-problems
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-organizationalbehavior/chapter/directions-of-communication/