According to Hybels (2014)
Communication is characterized as a mechanism through which knowledge is shared between individuals via a common set of signals, signs or behavior (63). In other words, it is the art of conveying signals from one object, person or location to another by verbal or non-verbal cues, whether written or spoken, using mutually understandable words, behavior, signs and symbols.
In addition, cooperation
has always occurred because there would be no joint action without it. For it to be effective, all parties involved must be able to understand the means used and should be willing to listen to each other since it not only involves hearing but also listening and understanding (Hybels 64). Communication is classified into written, verbal and non-verbal categories although other authors and writers include different classifications such as oral, spoken and unwritten (Ruesch and Kees 43).
Verbal Communication
This mode of information or message transmission is at times referred to as oral communication. In verbal communication, spoken words or speech are used to convey messages. It is a form of communication that has been in existence since time immemorial to date. For verbal communication to be useful, the ability to speak and listen is crucial (Burgoon and Floyd 29). The language used must also be understood by all, but if not, an interpreter or translator should be present to facilitate communication. When using verbal communication, it is essential for those involved to make sure that the elocution, voice tone and stressing of the words they speak is appropriate in order to avoid instances of misunderstandings that could lead to misrepresentation of information among themselves (Ruesch and Kees 51). Verbal communication occurs when individuals communicate face to face physically or via other means such as making telephone calls, Skyping or video conferencing.
Non-Verbal Communication
This type of communication employs the use of non-verbal cues like facial expressions, gestures, sign and general body languages (Argyle 87). Non-verbal communication has been in existence for centuries. When used concurrently with oral communication, non-verbal cues could be an advantageous means of relaying messages or information (Argyle 19). However, it has some cons, for instance, I can say I am happy and pleased, but if I am grimacing or frowning, my body language will show displeasure thus passing across mixed messages to the recipients as they would not know what to take as the truth.
Written Communication
It is a means of communication where one individual passes information through writing. It differs slightly from verbal communication as words are not verbally spoken (Fussell 38). It is the most recent form of communication that came to be as people learned to read and write a few centuries ago dating back to the era of the Egyptian hieroglyphics. Traditionally, this form of communication was carried out through letters and telegraphs, but over the years, the introduction of social media platforms like e-mail and Facebook made written communication faster, easier and more efficient to use.
Conclusion
Communication is necessary in people's day-to-day activities, from learning in a classroom to asking for an order at a café. It has made the life for me more fluid by eliminating the hurdles I would have to encounter if no form of communication was available for use. Verbal, non-verbal and written communication can be used interchangeably or all together depending on the situation and the user's choice of passing across the intended message to his or her target audience.
Works Cited
Argyle, Michael. Bodily communication. Routledge, 2013. Print.
Argyle, Michael. "Non-verbal communication in human social interaction." (2011). Print.
Burgoon, Judee K., Laura K. Guerrero, and Kory Floyd. Nonverbal communication. Routledge, 2016. Print.
Fussell, Susan R., The verbal communication of emotions: interdisciplinary perspectives. Psychology Press, 2002. Print.
Hybels, Saundra. Communicating effectively. McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2014. Print.
Ruesch, Jurgen, and Weldon Kees. "Non-Verbal Communication. Notes on the Visual Perception of Human Relations." (2015). Print.
