Types of Communication — full notes
Communication Skills · Types of Communication
Types of Communication
1. Formal vs informal communication
| Formal | Informal |
|---|
| Follows | Official channels and reporting lines | No fixed structure |
| Examples | Memos, reports, official emails, board minutes | Casual conversation, chats, the grapevine |
| Record | Usually documented | Usually undocumented |
| Speed | Slower, more deliberate | Fast |
2. Flow of communication in an organisation
| Direction | Example |
|---|
| Downward | Management to staff - instructions, policies |
| Upward | Staff to management - reports, feedback, grievances |
| Horizontal (lateral) | Between peers at the same level, across departments |
| Diagonal | Across both level and department |