Saturday 10 March 2012

Types of Communication

Individual-Level communication

Many theories of Individual-Level communication focus on how information becomes messages and how these messages are received, processed and understood. These messages are conveyed by speech, hand gestures, body language or written language.
                                                                                                             
Theories concerning individual-level communication explain that every choice an individual makes, right down to the clothing and the food they eat, reflects something about them as a person as they instinctively try to fit themselves into certain group categories. The tone of voice also encourages certain judgements from others as it allows us to distinguish between emotions such as fear, anger and contentment. Also with verbal communication the words used are vital for getting information across, whether false or factual and in this instance the tone of voice is necessary for a listener to distinguish between the ambiguous meaning of words, sincerity and sarcasm.

Body language and hand gestures also cause judgment from others as they process the information. Since I am an concerned with radio, I shall focus mainly on speech. However, other aspects of Individual-Level Communication can also be included in a verbal medium such as radio drama. For example, if we hear one character demand why another refuses to look at them when they are talking, we know that the second character is unwilling to look the other in the eye and we judge why this might be. Are they shy, nervous, frightened or perhaps lying about something? These speculations raise new questions concerning the plotline and relationship between the characters.



Interpersonal or small group communication

This takes place between pairs of people, small groups of family or friends or larger groups of friends and strangers and the focus is what the group says and does together. The level of communication is varied in this instance as it depends on how long the group members have known each other, how well they know each other and the expectations of their interactions.


Organisation or institutional communication

This is the exchange of information within organisations, institutions and communities such as businesses, villages, religious groups and the media. These larger groups tend to have a well defined and organised structure as well as formal rules. Communications between organisations and institutions often take the form of letters, reports, meetings and telephone calls rather than more informal conversation. The way the group communicates is dependent on its size, resources and influence in society.

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