What does it really mean to communicate?

What does it really mean to communicate?

Communication is defined simply as the act of transferring any kind of information from one place to another. Although it sounds simple, the subject becomes complex when we think of the many ways we can communicate with others.

The different categories of communication include:

• Verbal communication: face-to-face, telephone, radio, television and other media.
• Non-verbal communication: body language, gestures and expressions, how we dress, etc.
• Written communication: letters, e-mails, books, magazines, the Internet, etc.
• Visual communication: signs, typography, drawing, illustrations, colors, etc.

Written communication.

Written communication involves any type of interaction that makes use of the written word. It is becoming essential in the modern world.

Written skills are a very important part of communication, because they allow you to communicate your message with clarity and with the necessary extension.

The ever-increasing use of computers and to organize and transmit information means the need for competent writing skills is rising. So there are some things you need to keep in mind while writing: grammar, spelling and punctuation.

They are the key because the reader will form an opinion of you based on them… errors are likely to lead them to form a negative impression. As an example to convince you of its importance, think about how to identify spam emails: poor grammar and spelling.

Advantages and disadvantages of written communication.

One advantage is that your message doesn’t has to be delivered in the spur of the moment, so you can edit it and revise it before being sent, so that the content can be shaped to maximum effect and express exactly what you really think or feel.

Another advantage is that it provides a permanent record of the messages. It clarifies your message and is more precise than other types of communication.

On the other side, it has a few disadvantages. For example, unlike oral communication, you don’t receive immediate feedback to your message. It can be time consuming to communicate through writing, and there is no body language or facial expressions, so if you have poor writing skills, it can be harder for the reader to catch your intention or tone and there will be have a high likelihood that some people are going to misunderstand your message.

Body language.

Body language is a kind of nonverbal communication, where thoughts, intentions, or feelings are expressed by physical behaviors, such as facial expressions, body posture, gestures, eye movement, touch and the use of space.

Body language is made up of different aspects.

1. Facial expression is integral when expressing emotions through the body. Combinations of eyes, eyebrow, lips, nose, and cheek movements help form different moods of an individual (happy, sad, depressed, angry, etc.)
2. Emotions can also be detected through body postures. For example, a person sitting till the back of his/her chair, leans forward with his/her head nodding along with the discussion implies that he/she is open, relaxed and generally ready to listen. On the other hand, a person who has his/her legs and arms crossed with the foot kicking slightly implies that he/she is feeling impatient and emotionally detached from the discussion
3. Gestures are movements made with body parts (e.g. hands, arms, fingers, head, legs, etc.) and they may be voluntary or involuntary. For example, relaxed hands indicate confidence and self-assurance, while clenched hands may be interpreted as signs of stress or anger.

But when it comes to body language, what everyone really wants to know is how to read it.

The first thing you need to take into account is context: body language in a certain situation might not mean the same in another.

Some 'body language' isn't what it seems at all, for example:

• Someone rubbing their eye might have an irritation, rather than being tired - or disbelieving, or upset.
• Someone with crossed arms might be keeping warm, rather than being defensive.
• Someone scratching their nose might actually have an itch, rather than concealing a lie.

You also need enough evidence or samples. One gesture or body posture might not define the situation completely. It’s better if you have several aspects of body language supporting your theory.

Body language is relative to culture and ethnicity as well as age and gender. Your assumptions may differ from person to person.

And at last, there’s the possibility that the person is faking it or that what you saw are just signs of boredom, nervousness or insecurity.

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