Communication is essential for success in any business,

and the type of communication will vary given the

circumstances and business needs. In this lesson, you'll
learn about verbal, non-verbal, formal, informal and
grapevine communication.
Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication
Communication can be divided between verbal and nonverbal communication. Verbal communication is
communication using speech that is understood by all
parties to the communication. In other words, it's talking.
Keep in mind that we're talking about speech, not the
written word. Written communication falls under its own
category.
Non-verbal communication is a bit more complicated.
It is sending a message without using words to convey
meaning. Non-verbal communication can include many
different elements. Let's look at some:
Vocal cues, referred to as paralinguistics, is a form
of non-verbal communication that includes such
things as pitch, inflection, tone, volume, speed of
the speech, quality, non-word sounds,
pronunciation, enunciation and even silence.
Body movement and gestures are also part of nonverbal communication. For example, leaning

forward may mean interest, while crossing arms is

often viewed as a defensive posture.
Facial expressions are a common form of nonverbal communication. Examples of facial
expressions include smiling, crying and grimacing.
Space can also act as a form of non-verbal
communication. Space includes the concept of
territoriality and personal space. Territoriality is
about making sure others know your territory. A
fence is an example of territoriality. Personal space,
on the other hand, is a three-dimensional space
surrounding you that you don't want people to cross.
If they come too close, you get uncomfortable.
Touch is often considered as positive and
reinforcing, such as patting someone on the back
for a job well done.
Clothing and artifacts can also send a message,
including status, conformity or rebellion. Think about
a doctor. Do they really need to wear a lab coat
during all examinations? Not really, but it's a cue to
their status. Artifacts include such things as
hairstyles, jewelry, cosmetics, watches, shoes,
tattoos and body piercing.
Formal & Informal Communication

Companies need to be able to communicate effectively.

This is especially true of large companies where
personal interaction may not be practical. This is where
formal communication comes into play.
Formal communication involves utilizing the formal
communication channels of an organization. Formal
communication can move vertically in an organization.
Information is collected and flows up to the top levels of
management for review and decision making, while
orders flow down from the top to the place where it will
be implemented. For example, employees may be given
a presentation from the human resources department on
new policies and procedures.
Formal communication can also flow horizontally across
the organization. Unlike vertical communication that
involves communication between a higher and lower
level of an organizational hierarchy, horizontal
communication occurs between two parts of the
organization at the same level. For example, the vicepresidents of a company may hold a quarterly meeting
to discuss the upcoming quarter.
Not all communication in an organization is
formal. Informal communication is communication
between employees outside the formal communication
structure of the company. While the subject of informal
communication can be business-related, it need not be.

You can think of informal communication as 'watercooler talk.'