Communication Media – Definition, Types and Examples

Communication media is a medium or channel through which a message or information can be transmitted from a sender to the receiver.

Different means through which verbal or non-verbal language is processed are understood as communication media channels that are used by students, college, university, businesses, marketers, etc to channelize communications, develop public relations and share information.

What is Communication Media?

Definition: Communication media is defined as means of delivering or receiving a message, information, or data. The means through which the information is passed can be in verbal or non-verbal type. There has to be a common language known by both the sender or receiver to transfer information successfully.

For example, the way a professor addresses his or her students, or the way army majors communicate with their units or the way businesses communicate with their prospects giving them hands-on experience of products or services, all use verbal or non-verbal types of communication media.

Likewise, in telecommunication, when communications take place over a distance with the help of cable, broadcasting, telegraph, or telephone, analog and digital forms of communications media channels are used to send and receive information.

Hence, communication media is regarded as an essential component of all forms of communication.

Types of Professional Communication Media

Based on the language and methods of communication, the professional communication media is broadly divided into two types- Verbal Media & Non-verbal Media.

Both of these types of communication media are used in business, marketing, advertising, publishing, journalism, science, career, education program or courses, technology, media, production, and many other sectors around the world. Let us understand these in detail-

1. Verbal Media

When the information is transmitted through words, it is known as verbal communication. Verbal communication is further divided into two types that are oral and written communication.

1. Oral Communication

Oral communication is communication through the means of speaking. It happens when one is engaged in a conversation, talking to someone on the telephone or through video calls, interviews, presentations, meetings, debates, etc.

In any organization, people communicate orally in formal and informal situations more than in writing. It is one of the essential tools to build a relationship. A person who has polished speaking skills is bound to catch the attention of the public.

Various forms of oral communication are described below-

Face-to-face conversation-

Oral communication is best effective when it is done face-to-face. This form of communication ensures that there is no miscommunication or misunderstanding. There is an immediate response from the listener.

1.1 Telephone

Communication through the telephone is a type of oral communication that depends entirely on the voice without any physical presence. One has to have clarity on their voice and speech to ensure passing the correct information. This type of communication has more chance of miscommunication due to connection issues. Also, confusion may arise because of similar-sounding words like ‘I’ and  ‘eye.’

1.2 Presentation

A presentation is a formal type of face-to-face oral communication. Presentation is always based on a particular topic to deliver knowledge or awareness to the audience for example a film. It is the responsibility of the one who is presenting to communicate with the audience.

1.3 Public speech

A public speech is oral communication that can be formal or informal. In a public speech, the speaker has to address the audience. It may be for entertainment, sharing ideas, inspiring, or encouraging people. Public speech depends a lot on the public speaking skill of a person.

1.4 Interview

An interview is a formal means of oral communication that takes place for recruitment. In an interview, there could be a panel of people or a single person interviewing a candidate. It is done to assess the candidate’s knowledge and personality.

1.5 Meeting

A meeting involves more than two people. There is always a head who presides over the meeting. It is held for a purpose to address an issue or pass on some crucial piece of information. It is a type of formal oral communication that is always backed by a written form of communication.

2 .Written Communication

Written communication is a type of verbal communication that involves written words. It involves the passing of messages, information, or data in a written form.

Generally, if used along with oral communication, it improves the credibility of the matter discussed. It is easier when people have material to read at their own expense of time. Given below are some of the forms of written communication.

1. E-mails

In an organization, e-mail is the most common means of written communication. Professionals use it to send documents, proposals, or applications to their superiors, subordinates, or clients. E-mail is the most effective way of communicating with clients or partners.

2. Proposals

A proposal from a business perspective is a written document drafted for an upcoming project or a document for a client to obtain a specific job. For example, before a company starts a campaign, one requires a written proposal to have a clear idea of the process and outcome.

3. Reports

Reports are a written document that narrates the specific function or performance of business or employees activities. It is another type of written form of formal communication. The report is essential because the employees and the stakeholders can have a clear idea about the business activities through it.

4. Brochures

Brochures are a written document that is an informative paper used as a template, pamphlet, or leaflet. A brochure is used by the company to help sell its product or services. It is a promotional written document used to inform the customer about the company or its product.

Menu, research paper, form, and other related mediums are used to establish links between send and receiver of a message.

2. Non-verbal media

Non-verbal communication takes place without any exchange of words. The message is transmitted through a non-verbal platform. Given below are the types of non-verbal communication.

• Facial expression
• Gestures
• Body Language
• Proximity
• Touch
• Personal appearance
• Silence

A lot can be conveyed through the means of non-verbal communication. But it can often lead to miscommunication or misunderstanding. Hence it should always be supported by a relevant form of verbal communication if possible.

Indeed, expressions can sometimes portray countless emotions. When one is speaking on a stage, besides speaking skills, a gesture, facial expression, and body language can also help draw the public’s attention.

Nowadays, when telecommunication is one of the most popular forms of communication integral to all sorts of business, news, department-based, and mass media communications, let us also understand the two forms of media that are alleviating such communications-

Two Forms of Communication Media

Different means are used for transmitting data from one source to another. These two forms of communication media are-

1. Analog

Some of the common examples of analog media are conventional radios, land-line telephones, VCRs, television transmissions, etc.

2. Digital

Common examples of digital media can be compute networking, smartphones, computer-mediated communication, e-mail, website, application, etc.

All in all, such communication mediums act as channels as they help in linking various sources to pass the information, message, or data. Let us now go through the types of communication media based upon the methods of communication

Examples of Popular Communication Media

Given below are some of the types of communication media;

1. Television

Television is a medium of one-way communication where a viewer is shown information in the form of audiovisual. It can be monochrome or colored. It is one of the popular sources of spreading information.

2. Radio

Radio is a communication medium where the information is passed on the audio form. The radio receives signals by modulation of electromagnetic waves. Its frequencies are said to be below those of visible light.

3. Print

A print is a hard copy of a picture used in a magazine, books, newspaper, etc. With the help of print, an audience can connect better with the content matter.

4. Internet

The Internet is the largest and the most popular type of communication media. Almost everything can be searched on the internet. The internet has access to all the relevant information sought by the audience.

5. Outdoor Media

Such forms of mass media revolve around signs, placards, billboards, etc that are used inside or outside of vehicles, shops, commercial buildings, stadiums, etc.

Conclusion!

Now, it is clear a communication media is a medium that is used by a sender to share or transmit the information or message with a receiver.

With the revolution in technology, a wide range of mediums is incorporated under verbal and non-verbal media channels with a common goal to ease down the tasks of sharing messages and optimizing the impact of the message in getting favorable outcomes from the target audiences.

What is your major communication media channel for sharing your brand message? Share with us in the comment section below.