Types of communication
Communication is key to maintaining successful business relations. For this reason, it is paramount that professionals working in business environments have first-class communication skills. There are three basic types of communication: verbal, non-verbal, and written. If you want to succeed in business, you need to master each of these types of communication.
Verbal Communication
Verbal or oral communication uses spoken words to communicate a message. When most people think of verbal communication, they think of speaking, but listening is an equally important skill for this type of communication to be successful. Verbal communication is applicable to a wide range of situations, ranging from informal office discussions to public speeches made to thousands of people.
Improving your verbal communication skills can help you to foster better relationships with your coworkers and maintain a large network of contacts that you can call on when necessary. Consultants are one group of professionals that need to pay particular attention to this area of communication, as they need to constantly meet with new people and quickly communicate large quantities of important information. Consultants can improve their communication skills with this online communication course for consultants.
Public speaking is the aspect of verbal communication that many otherwise confident business people struggle with. If you have trouble organizing your thoughts and mastering your nerves when presenting to large groups of people, then this free Pitch for Success online webinar can help you to improve your public speaking skills.
Non-Verbal Communication
Non-verbal communication includes body language, gestures, facial expressions, and even posture. Non-verbal communication sets the tone of a conversation, and can seriously undermine the message contained in your words if you are not careful to control it. For example, slouching and shrinking back in your chair during a business meeting can make you seem under-confident, which may lead people to doubt the strength of your verbal contributions. In contrast, leaning over an employee’s desk and invading his or her personal space can turn a friendly chat into an aggressive confrontation that leaves the employee feeling victimized and undervalued.
Want to learn how to use non-verbal methods to communicate more effectively? The Secrets of Body Language online course can teach you to recognize and modify your own body language, as well as how to read that of others.
Written Communication
Written communication is essential for communicating complicated information, such as statistics or other data that could not be easily communicated through speech alone. Written communication also allows information to be recorded so that it can be referred to at a later date. When producing a piece of written communication, especially one that is likely to be referred to over and over again, you need to plan what you want to say carefully to ensure that all the relevant information is accurately and clearly communicated.
Written communication must be clear and concise in order to communicate information effectively. A good written report conveys the necessary information using precise, grammatically correct language, without using more words than are needed. The online course Write Less, Say More can help you to write brief, punchy, powerful reports.
By improving your verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills, you can become more successful in all areas of business. Whether you are managing others or working as part of a team, the ability to communicate effectively can improve relations with your colleagues and help you all to work more effectively together.

Classification of nonverbal communication

In many cases, we communicate information in nonverbal ways using groups of behaviors. For example, we might combine a frown with crossed arms and unblinking eye gaze to indicate disapproval.
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