Communication channels are the means by which a message is conveyed to its anticipated or intended audience.

Thought must be given to what channels are used to complete various tasks, because using an inappropriate channel for a task or interaction can lead to negative consequences. Complex messages require richer channels of communication that facilitate interaction to ensure clarity. Verbal It is written or spoken message that uses words to exchange ideas/information. Types of Verbal Communication There are two types of verbal communication: oral and written 1. Oral - Anything that emanates from the mouth is referred as oral communication. It refers to the spoken words in the communication process. It can either be face-to-face or a conversation over the phone or on the voice chats over the Internet. Spoken conversations or dialogs are influenced by voice modulation, pitch, volume and even the speed and clarity of speaking. Attributes of Good Oral Communication Stress Rhythm Intonation Speed Pausing Clarity of articulation Voice modulation: volume and pitch variation (avoiding monotonous speech)

Methods of Oral Communication Among individuals: Face-to-face communication Interviews Telephone conversation Grapevine Among groups: Negotiations Meetings Lecture/speech Presentations

Advantages and Disadvantages of Oral Communication Advantages Immediate feedback Better relationships Time saving Effective tool of persuasion Economical Its the only way out during an emergency Disadvatages Lack of retention/documentation Distortion in passing the message No legal validity Possibility of misunderstanding Unsuitable for long messages Not effective when the target group is spread out

2. Written Another form of verbal communication which does not require speech. Written communication, while technically nonverbal, commonly falls under the umbrella of verbal communication for the use of words to convey ideas. Books, letters, email, texts, memos, magazines, newspapers and personal journals are all examples of verbal communication. The effectiveness of written communication depends on the style of writing, vocabulary used, grammar, clarity and precision of language. Advantages Ready reference Legal defense Promotes uniformity Mass access Suitable for distance communication Permits substitution and revision Disadvatages High level of knowledge and literacy is required Time consuming Lack of immediate feedback Costly No immediate clarification Needs expertise in expression

A Free Dictionary defines "discussion" as the consideration of a subject by a group; an earnest conversation. It is also a free-form discussion among individuals examines any idea, object, event and subject. Interpersonal relationships on all levels require the exchange of ideas, the formation of questions and the opportunity to share information. Healthy discussion allows a participant to change their views or appreciate a different perspective. A verbal exchange of any kind between two or more persons is called Dialogue. Its intent is an open exchange of ideas. In business settings, it promotes collaboration and equal verbal footing within a group. Participants also share perspectives to develop new concepts and ideas. The non-threatening nature of dialog gives contributors the ability to explore and create as a group. Written

This form of verbal communication requires no speech. Written communication, while technically nonverbal, commonly falls under the umbrella of verbal communication for the use of words to convey ideas. For example, books, letters, email, texts, memos, magazines, newspapers and personal journals are all examples of verbal communication. Formal

Both oral and written communication take a formal turn when meeting strangers or within a business or legal setting. Official corporate communications such as meetings, speeches, conferences, letters and memorandums serve as examples of formal communication. Legal documents and court proceedings constitute forms of formal exchanges. Informal

This form of verbal communication, the informal communication includes casual spoken and written exchanges. This may happen between friends, coworkers and even strangers. Informal communication typically requires a common bond; therefore, it takes place most frequently between

close friends and family members. This form of verbal communication has no structure, time limit or topic guidelines. Non-verbal Non-verbal communication includes the overall body language of the person speaking, which includes the body posture, the hand gestures, and the overall body movements. One of the major roles in communication is facial expression. A person's facial expressions say a lot about his/her mood. Also, gestures like a handshake, a smile or a hug can independently convey emotions and do not need to be accompanied by words. Nonverbal communication can also be in the form of pictorial representations, signboards, or even photographs, sketches and paintings. Non-verbal communication uses all of our senses. Here are the ten channels of nonverbal communication that we use: facial displays, eye behaviors, movement and gestures, vocal behaviors, touch behaviors, the use of smell, the use of space, physical appearance, the use of time and the use of artifacts. Why is non-verbal communication important?
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Used to repeat the verbal message (e.g. point in a direction while stating directions. Often used to accent a verbal message. (e.g. verbal tone indicates the actual meaning of the specific words). Often complement the verbal message but also may contradict. E.g.: a nod reinforces a positive message (among Americans); a wink may contradict a stated positive message. Regulate interactions (non-verbal cues covey when the other person should speak or not speak). May substitute for the verbal message (especially if it is blocked by noise, interruption, etc) i.e. gestures (finger to lips to indicate need for quiet), facial expressions (i.e. a nod instead of a yes) Types of Nonverbal Communication

Facial Expression

Facial expressions are responsible for a huge proportion of nonverbal communication. Consider how much information can be conveyed with a smile or a frown. While nonverbal communication and behavior can vary dramatically between cultures, the facial expressions for happiness, sadness, anger and fear are similar throughout the world. Gestures

Deliberate movements and signals are an important way to communicate meaning without words. Common gestures include waving, pointing, and using fingers to indicate numeric amounts. Other gestures are arbitrary and related to culture. Paralinguistics

Paralinguistics refers to vocal communication that is separate from actual language. They are the aspects of spoken communication that does not involve words. This includes factors that add

emphasis and meanings to a sentence such as tone of voice, loudness, inflection and pitch. The tone of voice has a powerful effect on the meaning of a sentence. When said in a strong tone of voice, listeners might think of it as approval and enthusiasm. The same words said in a hesitant tone of voice might convey disapproval and a lack of interest. Body Language and Posture

Posture and movement can also convey a great deal on information. It can be observed or sensed from long distance thus it has power to convey message to many. Research on body language has grown significantly since the 1970's, but popular media have focused on the over-interpretation of defensive postures like arm-crossing, and leg-crossing, especially after the publication of Julius Fast's book Body Language. While these nonverbal behaviors can indicate feelings and attitudes, research suggests that body language is far more subtle and less definitive that previously believed. Proxemics

Personal space is also an important type of nonverbal communication. The amount of distance we need and the amount of space we perceive as belonging to us is influenced by a number of factors including social norms, culture, situational factors, personality characteristics and level of familiarity. For example, in America: A. Public space ranges from 12 to 25 feet and is the distance maintained between the audience and a speaker such as the President. B. Social space ranges from 4 to 10 feet and is used for communication among business associates, as well as to separate strangers using public areas such as beaches and bus stops. C. Personal space ranges from 2 to 4 feet and is used among friends and family members, and to separate people waiting in lines at teller machines for example. D. Finally, intimate space ranges out to one foot and involves a high probability of touching. We reserve it for whispering and embracing.

Eye Gaze

Looking, staring and blinking can also be important nonverbal behaviors because insufficient or excessive eye contact can create communication barriers. When people encounter people or things that they like, the rate of blinking increases and pupils dilate. Looking at another person can indicate a range of emotions, including hostility, interest and attraction.

Haptics

Another way of non-verbal communication is thru touch. It has been proven on some researches that contact or touch is essential during infancy and early childhood. Harry Harlow's classic monkey research found out that the lack of touch is a hindrance in development. Touch can be used to converse affection, familiarity, sympathy and other emotions.

Appearance

The personal preference of fashion which includes color, attire, hairstyles and other factors affecting our looks are also considered non-verbal communication. A study focused on colors showed that different colors can stir up different moods. Appearance can also influence physiological response, judgments and interpretation. These initial impressions are essential especially to the job seekers which why experts recommended that they must dress suitably for interview.