Types of Communication | Different Types of Communication

Here you will get about kinds or classification or Types of communication. There are several types of communication in our practical life. It depends on an organizational pattern; parties of organization involved; a number of workers, pattern of activates etc. the types of communication are shown below in a diagram:

A. Based on parties

1. External communication: Internal communication is the process of exchanging information with the people of various external or outside parties of the organization. Generally, these parties are a stakeholder of the organization.
2. Internal communication: Internal communication is the process of exchanging information among the people of different level or internal participants within the organization.

(i) Horizontal communication: Horizontal communication is the communication where information or messages flows between or among the parallel or same level or statuses people of the organizational structure.
(ii) Vertical communication: Vertical communication is the communication where information or messages flows between or among the subordinates and superiors of the organizational.

(i) Downward communication: Downward communication is the communication where information or messages flows from the top of the organizational structure from the bottom of the organizational structure.

(ii) Upward communication: Upward communication is the communication where information or messages flows from the down/bottom of the organizational structure from the top of the organizational structure.

(iii) Cross or diagonal communication: Diagonal or cross communication occurs when information flows between persons at different levels who have no direct reporting relationship. It is used to speed information flow, to improve understanding to coordination etc. for the achievement of the organization.

B. Based on formality

• Formal communication: Formal communication is the process of exchanging information by following the prescribed or official rules, procedures, systems formalities, chain of command etc. in the organizational structure.
• Informal communication: Informal communication is the process of spontaneous exchange of information among various people of different status in the organizational structure.

C. Based on media

• Written communication: Written communication is the process of communication in which messages or information is exchanged or communicated within sender and receiver through written form.
• Oral or verbal communication: Oral or verbal communication is the process of communication in which messages or information is exchanged or communicated within sender and receiver through without using any spoken or written word.

D. Others

• Mass communication: Mass communication is a process of transmitting information, thoughts, opinions or attitude through specific channel or media to a large number of heterogeneous audiences.
• Personal communication: When people exchanged information related to their personal life or personal affair is known as personal communication.
• Interpersonal communication: Interpersonal communication occurs when two individuals are involved or exchanging information, ideas, opinions, feelings relating to the personal, social, organizational, national and international matter who are located in the same place. It is a process of face-to-face communication between individuals where messages may be verbal (that is, expressed in words) or they may not involve words at all but consist of gestures, facial expressions, and certain postures (body language).