Communication

Communication is the process is sharing information among two of more individuals. Traditionally communication has usually been associated with speech or language. There are also non-verbal forms of communication such as body language or even pheromones.

Unique to humans is long distance communication such as writing letters, or, in more recent times, email, telephones, or chat rooms.

On a less personal note, movies, television shows, or newspapers can all give information on values or how to think that is a form of communication to the recipient.

Communication skills

According to Genevieve Northup, MBA, SHRM-CP, HCI-SPTD, four main types of communication are: verbal skills, nonverbal skills, written and visual.

See also: Communication skills

According to Genevieve Northup, MBA, SHRM-CP, HCI-SPTD, four main types of communication are:

• Verbal: Communicating by way of a spoken language
• Nonverbal: Communicating through body language, facial expressions and tone
• Written: Communicating with written language, symbols and numbers
• Visual: Communication by way of photography, art, drawings, sketches, charts and graphs

Key communication skills

In addition, Genevieve Northup lists these top 10 communication skills:

1. Active listening

2. Using the right communication method (pros and cons to using emails, letters, phone calls, in-person meetings or instant messages)

3. Friendliness. See also: Agreeableness

4. Confidence

5. Sharing feedback (For example, feedback such as: sharing specific examples related to the issue; consequences of the issue; asking relevant/insightful questions to formulate solutions to the various issues; and give/accept constructive feedback)

6. Volume and tone

7. Empathy

8. Respect

9. Nonverbal cues

10. Responsiveness (timely responses)

See also

• Cellular phones
• Radio: Radio communication technologies and Amateur radio