Communications

The act of communication can be defined as the exchanging of information between parties. This process of exchange can be done through verbal and non-verbal methods. While there may be varying methods of communication out there, there are mainly 5 traditional methods which are commonly used across.

Methods of Communication

The first and most common method is Verbal Communication which occurs when we engage in speech or spoken word with others. The definition of verbal communication over the years has shifted with the advent of technology. Verbal communication nowadays encompasses speaking not just in person but also over the phone, digitally over a video call and even in a digital realm where speakers embody digital avatars.

The second most common method of communication is Non-Verbal Communication which includes facial expressions, posture, eye contact, hand movements, and touch. This can also occur across the aforementioned mediums, so long as the communicator and receiver have full views of one another and the communication process involves physical expressions apart from words.

The third method is Written Communication. This includes anything that exists in a textual form, such as this article itself! It could exist as an email, memo or even a tweet. It can exist in both direct and abstract forms. For instance a letter to someone would be relatively easier to understand in terms of the intention versus a poem that requires reading between the lines which may involve more than just reading but also interpreting. This may result in varied meanings depending on the person interpreting it.

The fourth method is Listening. Here there are two forms of listening. The first form is called Passive Listening which is also known as listening without reacting. This can be listening to things like the radio while driving to the office or listening to a podcast while doing the chores. The second form is called Active Listening which is a way of listening and responding. This can include responding verbally as in replying to a conversation or engaging in a spiritual connection with music.

The last method is Visual Communication where a message is conveyed in the form of visuals be it through television, social media or advertisements. This can be presented in direct or abstract forms where the speaker is or isn’t required to decode the message to understand the full intent of the message. 

Even music, visual communication could exist in the form of graphical scores. Originally called “Eye Music”, graphical scores can vary from the score being made up entirely of graphic notation to the notation being only a small part of a largely-traditional score.