Communication strategies are categorized into three types: verbal, non-verbal, and visual.
- Verbal communication strategy - A verbal communication strategy is a type of communication strategy that involves words to deliver messages. It is broken down into either written communication or oral communication. In written communication, information is disseminated in symbol forms or writing. Examples of written communication are business letters, blog posts, and email messages. On the other hand, oral communication involves communicating by word of mouth. Examples of oral communication are conversations with workmates, phone calls, video conferences using Zoom, and group discussions.
- Non-verbal communication strategy - Unlike verbal communication strategies, non-verbal communication strategies depend on the body to relay messages where an individual can communicate without speaking. Non-verbal communication is very impactful as a workplace communication strategy, especially in customer service, where a customer service agent needs to be empathetic. Non-verbal communication examples include facial expressions, hand gestures, eye contact, hugs, smiles, a head nod which indicates agreement, and handshakes.
- Visual communication strategy - Another type of communication strategy is the visual communication strategy. In this strategy, people communicate ideas graphically in effective and efficient ways to create meaning. Visual communication examples include graphic designs, films, diagrams, charts, illustrations, and data visualization.
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Communication strategies are divided into three types. Here are some examples from each type.
Verbal Communication Strategy
A verbal communication strategy uses words to relay information. Verbal communication is essential when forming friendships or relationships, especially in workplace communication where employees work as a team.
Mark works as an intern in an IT firm called Innovate. He is still new in the industry and needs help from the supervisor accessing some restricted files. Mark sends an email to the supervisor, ''I NEED TO ACCESS SOME FILES IN THE SYSTEM RIGHT NOW. SEND ME THE LOGIN DETAILS.'' After he receives the email, the supervisor's first thought is that Mark is yelling at him and that he is an arrogant person. This is because Mark used capital letters while writing the email instead of using proper capitalization, such as lower case letters. Mark would have portrayed an appropriate verbal communication strategy if he used words such as please and kindly, which sound more professional.
In a case where Mark used oral communication, he could also have shown appropriate verbal communication. In this case, instead of Mark sending an email, he decides to call the supervisor. Mark says, ''Hello, Mr. Supervisor, my name is Mark, and I'm kindly calling to request you to please send me the login details to access some restricted files.'' From the example, Mark is able to form a connection between himself and the supervisor and ask in clarity.
Non-Verbal Communication Strategy
This strategy involves communication without speaking. The strategy involves using facial expressions, eye contact, and hand gestures. Non-verbal communication strategies relay much more meaning than verbal communication. Using the same example, imagine Mark decides to go to the supervisor's office to ask for the login details. As Mark states his request, the supervisor swings his chair and starts clicking on his computer. Such a scenario is likely to offend Mark and make him feel undervalued, which might create unnecessary tension between him and the supervisor. In such a case, the supervisor should have used appropriate non-verbal communication to avoid unnecessary tension by sitting upright and nodding his head in agreement.
Visual Communication Strategy
Visual communication involves picking the correct elements such as text, icons, and images to create meaning for a recipient. Taking the same example, imagine if Mark asks for the login details from the supervisor by sending him an email. The supervisor may decide to reply to Mark's email by sending him a screenshot that clearly shows the login details. This screenshot is important because Mark won't have to ask for the details again when he needs them since it will always be available in his email for future reference purposes.
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Implementing communication strategies in business is essential for running the business efficiently and effectively. Some of the benefits are:
- Enhancing healthier connections among coworkers - Effective communication can help resolve and avoid conflict with workers. When employees incorporate active listening and appropriate tone when communicating, they can prevent miscommunication by handling different opinions with respect and civility. This is the best way of ensuring every employee is on the same page.
- Creating a positive workplace - A healthy communication strategy encourages coworkers to voice their opinions or ask questions among themselves, which, in return, makes them feel empowered to communicate their ideas openly and do their work efficiently. It also prevents staff members from feeling left out, resulting in employees losing morale when performing their obligations to the business.
- Increased productivity - Communication strategies are also beneficial in increasing productivity in the business because they help management understand their employees' needs, talents, and experiences. Knowing about the employee's strengths and weaknesses is a great way to assign roles and responsibilities to their job description.
- Better client-staff relationship - A better client-staff relationship is another benefit of using communication strategies. When a business promotes good communication amongst its staff, they, in turn, transfer the good communication skills to its customers.
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The term communication strategy refers to a plan that a business follows to achieve its communication goals. These strategies serve as a blueprint for workplace communication with workmates, customers, and even superiors. Communication strategies are categorized into three kinds: non-verbal, visual, and verbal communication strategies. A verbal communication strategy involves using words to relay information from the receiver to the sender through word of mouth or writing. Non-verbal communication is different from verbal since it relies on signals and expressions such as facial expressions, hand gestures, and eye contact to communicate. The third type of communication strategy is visual. It involves the usage of graphical representations to convey meaningful messages and ensure effective communication in the workplace. Communication strategies in businesses are vital because they increase productivity, improve healthier connections between workmates, and ensure better client-staff relationships.
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Video Transcript
What Are Communication Strategies?
Communication is the exchange of information between a sender and a receiver. It used to be that you only had to worry about the way you communicated face-to-face or on paper. Technology has changed this completely. It is important for people to take into account every aspect of how they are relaying information. This is where communication strategies come into play. Communication strategies are the blueprints for how this information will be exchanged.
Types of Communication Strategies
Communication strategies can be verbal, nonverbal, or visual. Integrating all the strategies together will allow you to see the most success. This allows a business to meet employee needs and increase workplace knowledge.
Verbal communication strategies can be broken down into the two categories of written and oral communication. Written strategies consist of avenues such as e-mail, text, and chat. Examples that fall into the oral category are phone calls, video chats, and face-to-face conversation.
Nonverbal communication strategies consist of mostly visual cues, such as body language, facial expressions, physical distance between communicators, or the tone of your voice. These cues are typically not intended. However, it is important to realize the message you are sending. Otherwise, you may be saying one thing, yet the receiver is hearing another.
Visual communication strategies can be seen through signs, webpages, and illustrations. These strategies are used in the workplace to draw attention and provide documentation. Human resources is required to post certain visuals throughout the workplace to comply with safety laws.
Let's now take a look at some specific examples of verbal, non-verbal, and visual communication.
Verbal Communication Examples
Imagine you are trying to ask your co-worker for help with a project. You send an e-mail that looks like this:
'I NEED YOU TO FINISH THE PRESENTATION FOR THE MEETING RIGHT NOW! IT IS IMPORTANT AND CANNOT BE LATE.'
In your mind, you just sent out a cry for help. The recipient of this e-mail, however, thinks you are yelling at them.
Why the miscommunication? It is the capital and bold letters, as well as the demanding tone. When using written communication, it is difficult to express yourself. People feel like the use of capital and bold letters is equivalent to yelling. Instead, take the time to use proper capital and lowercase letters. Also, explain yourself well; ask for help, and use more gracious words like 'please' and 'I would appreciate your help.' It is more professional and will help ease tension that is unnecessary.
Let's take a look at another scenario. Your boss just called you into the office. Oh no! What did you do? Is this the first thought every time your boss wants to speak face-to-face? I hope not. If so, the boss may want to work on communicating with the employees face-to-face on a regular basis. That way it won't be so scary when a conversation is necessary.
Nonverbal Communication Example
Now, let's say that you sit down at a nice restaurant and start to place your order. As you mispronounce the menu item, the server gets a disgusted look on their face. You ask for more water and the tone of voice when they say, 'yes, of course' makes you want to crawl under the table. What is the problem? The server didn't say anything rude. So what caused the negative feelings? That's right. Nonverbal communication is important, too. This server should reconsider what body language can convey. Negative facial expressions and tone of voice may have lost what would have been a big tip.
Visual Communication Example
Did you see the bulletin board today? If so, then what you saw was a form of visual communication. In a time where we are seeing lawsuits drawn for anything you can imagine, companies are finding that documentation is important. A great way to do that is by having it in writing. So rather than just saying it in the company meeting, managers typically post a sign in a heavy traffic area. Have you noticed this? It is important for these signs to contain all necessary data and be free of anything that could be offensive. In addition to postings from management, the posting areas should be monitored to ensure others are not posting inappropriate items. There has been some scrutiny over whether or not signs in the workplace are effective. However, it is a simple way of providing information to employees. It should not be the only route of communication.
Lesson Summary
So you think your company has not been communicating with you. Are you sure? Have you looked around lately for all the communication strategies in place?
As we learned in this lesson, communication is the exchange of information between a sender and a receiver. Communication strategies are the blueprints for how this information will be exchanged, and they can be verbal, nonverbal, or visual.
Verbal communication includes both written and oral communication, while nonverbal communication includes body language, tone of voice, facial expressions, and physical distance between people. Visual communication includes such things as signs, webpages, and illustrations. Understanding the target audience and how to get their attention will allow companies to be more effective.
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