Levels of Communication

Communication is a universal activity.There are so many levels at which people or organisations can communicate. These are

1. Interpersonal
2. Organisational
3. Mass communication

1.Interpersonal Communication

All communication,which takes place between persons among people,is interpersonal communication.It can be both formal and informal.

This form of communication is very advantageous because direct and immediate feedback is possible.If there is a doubt,it can be easily removed.

Non-verbal parts of communication play a significant role in interpersonal communication.The tone, eye contact, gestures, physical appearance etc.increases the importance of what is being said or listened.

Following are the seven challenges for excellent interpersonal skills

1. Listening more carefully and responsively.
2. Explaining the conversational intent and inviting consent.
3. Expressing more clearly and completely.
4. Translating complain and criticisms into transformative requests.
5. Asking more open ended questions and creatively.
6. Expressing more appreciation, gratitude encouragement and delight.
7. Seeing every conversation as an opportunity to grow.

2.Organisational Communication

An organisation is a composite of many individuals working together, towards its growth.They are constantly interacting with each other and with people outside the company. On the basis, communication can be categorized into two parts

• Internal Communication : Interaction among members of the same organisation is called internal communication.
• External Communication : Communication does not only take place with the people within the organisation but with the people outside the organisation as well.

3.Mass Communication

Mass communication means to communicate messages to an entire populace.The prime minister addressing the nation, a politician speaking to public, etc.Newspapers, pamphlets, journals, television, email, etc.are used as means of mass media.This type of communication is very effective because it is more persuasive and has a great appeal.

Four distinctive features of mass communication are as follows

• There is a gap or an institutional break between the sender of the message and the receiver.The makers of the media texts, the sender of the messages, do not have an obvious feedback relationship with the audience.It is a one way process.Producers have to target imaginary, generalised or stereotypical audiences.They also make assumptions about audiences that are based on conceptual ideas of what people are like, rather than how they really are.
• The internet specialised technologies have begun to affect the one way system of communication. In addition, these technologies have made it possible to capture messages in a very physical form which has led to historical permanence or records.
• Media messages can be extended outwards, so that events taking place regionally or locally now have global coverage.Audiences are frequently calculated in billions.
• Media messages have therefore become a modern commodity. Market forces thus have a definite impact on the production and distribution of media text.