Meaning of Communication | Characteristic, Types, and Importance

In this session, we will discuss the meaning of communication, and its characteristics of communication, types of communication.

Meaning of Communication

The meaning of communication is the lifeblood of the organization. It facilitates all the functions 0of management. Managers spend a lot of time communicating. It is a vital skill for managers. Everything a manager does involve communication. So communication involves the exchange of information or passing of information, ideas, views, facts, feelings, etc among the people to reach a common understanding. that’s why communication is the main key to the directing function of management. like that communication is the essence of leading, coordinating, motivating, decision making, and staffing in the organization. Also, planning, organization, and controlling function require communication.

Communication makes a good relationship people between each other. Effective communication is the process of transmitting information in such a way that the meaning of the message receive is understanding by the receiver.

According to McFarland:- Communication is a process of meaningful interaction among human beings. More specifically, it is the process by which meanings are perceived and understanding is reached among human beings.

Keith Davis defines the meaning of communication:- Communication is the passing of information and understanding from one person to another person.

In the session on the meaning of communication, we will also discuss the characteristics of communication.

The characteristics of communication can be dedicated to the following points.

1. Two or more person
2. Exchange of thought
3. Mutual understanding
4. Direct and indirect communication
5. Speak directly to people
6. Goal-oriented

Two or more person

Two or more people is the first and important characteristic of communication because to the communication with other than the two or more person are involves in. that’s why communication means send and receive information two or more persons.

Exchange of thought

Communication is the main resource of an exchange your thought to another person because we can’t properly communicate with another person then we can’t sharing our idea. (meaning of communication)

Mutual understanding

If the sender sends information and the receiver are received information properly then that is called mutual understanding. In the process of communication, it is more important to understand the information rather than carry it out.

Direct and Indirect communication

There are different types of information sharing between one person to another person. like that the sender sends information and receiver are received information should be face to face with each other then that is called direct communication. so direct communication means a face-to-face conversation between sender and receiver. while indirect communication is through other means.

Goal-oriented

Communication is goal-oriented. Unless the receiver and sender know the purpose, they intend to achieve it through practical utility.

In the session on the meaning of communication, we will also discuss the types of communication.

The types of communication can be dedicated by the following points.

1. VERBAL COMMUNICATION
2. NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION
3. VISUAL COMMUNICATION

VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Verbal communication is that type of communication, where the purpose of passing on the intended message use of language and words. In other words, the meaning of verbal communication is in the form of spoken words only. But, according to the context of the type of communication, verbal communication can be in the spoken or the written form. So, let’s discuss deeply the verbal form may be oral or written.

Written Communication: – Written communication is that type of communication, which involves any kind of exchange of information in the written form. just take only for example, documents, SMS, e-mails, letters, texts, handbooks, reports, posts on social media platforms, posters, flyers, etc. 

Oral communication: – And the second one is oral communication. Oral communication is that type of communication, which employs the spoken word, either direct or indirect as a communication channel. This verbal communication could be made on a channel that passes information in only one form i.e., sound. Two-person are converse with each other either face to face, or over the phone, or via voice notes or chat rooms, etc. These types of communication fall under oral communication. So, this type of form of communication is an effective form.

Nonverbal communication

Are you amazing, In the world, most people have to ability to satisfy their people without explaining any words? we called those types of language is non-verbal communication. So, let’s discuss deeply on non-verbal communication.

Non-verbal communication is that type of communication, where messages are relayed without the transmission of words. like that the messages here are wordless messages. these types of communication include facial expressions, posture, eye contact, hand movements, and touch. here are some of the modes of non-verbal communication like Physical Non-verbal Communication, Paralanguage, Aesthetic Communication, Appearance

Physical Non-verbal Communication

Physical Non-verbal Communication is that type of communication, which sum total of the physically observable. for example, facial expressions, touch, gaze, body language, hand gestures, the tone of one’s voice, posture, stance, and others. some researchers have revealed that physical nonverbal communication constitutes about 55% of our daily communications.

These are subtle signals that are picked up as part of our biological wiring. For example, if you’re engaged in a conversation with your boss about your cost-saving idea, it is important to pay attention to both their words and their non-verbal communication. Your boss might be in agreement with your idea verbally, but their nonverbal cues: avoiding eye contact, sighing, scrunched up face, etc. indicate something different.

Paralanguage

According to Paralanguage. Paralanguage is that language, which is the art of reading between the lines. these types of communication are done with the tone of one’s voice. As a whole day, we will be doing 38% of these types of communication. Along with the tone of voice, the style of speaking, voice quality, stress, emotions, or intonation serves the purpose of communication. so, these types of communication are not verbal.

Aesthetic Communication

According to the Aesthetic Communication. Art this is also one the main factor of communication. For example, in the world, most people have communicated with other people with their art. Through their paintings or other forms of art, an artist can covey the strongest messages. We will just be talking about the history of the world; art has been used as an effective form of nonverbal communication.

Appearance

The first impression sets the tone. People will react to your appearance and this is a fact of life. Your clothes, the color of the fabrics, etc. all determine the reaction of your audience.

Visual Communication

Just talking about sharing your image on social media to get suggestions and to share information by the image those types of communication is called Visual Communication.

Formal and informal communication

After discussing as a whole we will be also talking about the two types of communication. That’s one is formal and informal communication. So, let’s discuss the types of formal communication.

Vertical: Vertical is that type of communication, which information or data flows up and down the organizational structure.

Horizontal: – Horizontal is that type of communication, where the communication between two similar levels of the organization.

Diagonal: This is the communication across the cross-functional levels of employees from various departments of the organization.

And the second one is forming is informal or casual communication which is the general communication between random people of the organizations.

Relates articles

1. Meaning of Motivation? Characteristic, Types and their Importance
2. Decision Making Quotes | Definition, Characteristics, Types, and importance
3. Definition of SWOT Analysis?Meaning, Benefits, and Limitations
4. What is Strategic Planning Process? Meaning and importance
5. Definition of Team Management | Importance, and its Types