Definition

Communication is a social phenomenon that accounts for exchange of information in the form of ideas, understanding, vision, feelings, etc., within an individual or between individuals. Communication is not human-specific; it exists between humans and non-human beings.

Modes of Communication: Verbal, Nonverbal and Visual

1. Verbal Mode:
   Verbal mode includes oral and written communication modes.

   Oral Communication:
   This is communication by words of mouth. It is communication through speaking.

   Platforms for oral communication:

   • Face-to-face interactions
   • Voicemail
   • Public speaking
   • Streaming
   • Telephone conversations
   • Meetings, etc.

   Advantages of Oral Communication:

   • Instant transmission: Messages are instantly transmitted.
   • Instant feedback: In oral communication, instant feedback is highly possible.
   • It straightens interpersonal and intergroup relationships.
   • It hones the participants’ listening skills.
   • Corrections are easily made.
   • It enjoys the benefits of paralanguage and other nonverbal cues that accompany speech.

   Disadvantages of Oral Communication:

   • Except when stored in an auxiliary device, messages can be easily lost.
   • If not saved in a secondary device, it has little legal value.
   • The instant nature of oral communication exposes messages to both grammatical and content errors.
   • If not saved, information given may be denied or adjusted.
   • It is less official except when documented.

   Written Communication:
   It covers different aspects of communication done through writing: writing on surfaces or keyboarding with computers and other electronic devices such as phones.

   Platforms for written communication:

   • Letters
   • Memos
   • Blogs
   • Emails
   • Books
   • WhatsApp
   • Facebook
   • Journals
   • Magazines
   • Bulletins
   • Newspaper publications
   • Postcards, etc.

   Advantages of Written Communication:

   • It can be preserved for future uses.
   • It is good for long messages.
   • It is also good for distant messages.
   • It can be moved from place to place, from generation to generation.
   • It is preferred in official communication.
   • It enjoys a high level of accuracy because the writer dedicates sufficient time for writing and proofreading before sending the message out.

2. Nonverbal Communication:
   It refers to the kind of communication that is neither written nor spoken.

   Platforms for nonverbal communication:

   • Gesture
   • Eye contact
   • Proxemics
   • Kinesics
   • Silence
   • Paralanguage
   • Haptic
   • Artifacts
   • Wars and fighting
   • Rhythmic movements
   • Emoji, etc.

Barriers to Effective Communication

1. Unfamiliar Expressions:

   • If a communication participant uses unfamiliar expressions during interaction, it will hinder effective communication.

2. Slang:

   • Slang may be confusing especially if the hearer is not familiar with the slangy expression.

3. Prejudices:

   • Prejudices in the form of intolerance, jealousy, hatred may pose a barrier to effective communication.

4. Negative Past Experience:

   • If an experience is negative and painful, this may make communication participants guard against communication involving similar events.

5. Noise:

   • Noisy environment may also affect a communication experience.

6. Language Noise:

   • This includes language interference at different levels, accent, use of private imagery, etc.

Importance of Communication in Organisations

• Communication links organisations to the outside world.
• Communication helps organisations to disseminate information internally and externally.
• Communication helps organisations to manage and resolve conflicts.
• It also helps them to advertise their products and services.
• Communication helps organisations in selling and buying of products and services.
• Communication advances teamwork in organisations.
• It also helps in dissemination of decisions, goals and objectives of the organisation.
• It also helps organisations to store information and other activities of the organisation for future uses.
• Communication helps organisations to assess their activities and to project and chart future plans.