MCM101 Lesson 6

LESSON 6: TYPES AND FORMS OF COMMUNICATION

1. What are the two broad classifications of human communication?
   The two broad classifications are Intrapersonal communication and Interpersonal communication.
2. Define intrapersonal communication.
   Intrapersonal communication is communication in which the self of a human being is involved only, and the communication is confined to one human entity.
3. List the four sub-categories of interpersonal communication mentioned in the lesson.
   The four sub-categories are Interpersonal, Group Communication, Organizational Communication, and Mass Communication.
4. What distinguishes mass communication from other types of interpersonal communication?
   Mass communication involves the use of technology to carry a message from one source to all possible audiences irrespective of distance, caste, creed, etc., which is not always necessary in other interpersonal types.
5. What are the two main forms of communication?
   The two main forms are Verbal and Non-verbal communication.
6. According to the lesson, what percentage of human communication is estimated to be non-verbal?
   About 90 percent of human communication is estimated to be non-verbal.
7. What human senses are involved in non-verbal communication?
   The senses involved are sight, taste, touch, hearing, and smelling.
8. Name one example of a non-verbal symbol mentioned in the lesson.
   One example is the victory sign made by politicians, army generals, etc.
9. Explain the key characteristic of organizational communication.
   Organizational communication usually takes place on vertical lines, following a chain of command, as seen in corporate sectors, armies, or NGOs.

1. Explain why mass communication requires technology.
   Mass communication requires technology because it is not possible to carry a message to a very high number of receivers without the use of certain devices or techniques to amplify and distribute the message.
2. How does verbal communication contribute to the recording of history?
   Verbal communication, in written form, provides a great deal of information about human civilization, growth, and conflict, allowing the spread of religions and sharing of scientific work over centuries.
3. Compare the effectiveness of a non-verbal victory sign with expressing the same feeling in words.
   A non-verbal victory sign is easily understood even by the illiterate across cultures, whereas expressing the same feeling in words may be difficult to decipher and may not be understood by many.
4. Explain one reason why a combination of verbal and non-verbal communication is often used.
   A combination is used because it creates a very strong and effective piece of communication, making the message more vivid, relatable, and understandable than using only one form.
5. Why are people with verbal communication skills in high demand in the modern media?
   With the fast-expanding media globally, there is a high demand for people who can effectively write and speak to create content for books, magazines, radio, television, and other platforms.
6. Describe one example of intrapersonal communication.
   Examples include meditation, thinking, monologue, and dreaming while asleep, where all elements of communication are located within the individual’s self.
7. How does group communication differ from basic interpersonal communication?
   Group communication involves more than two individuals exchanging views where participants often enjoy an equal status (like a hockey team or doctors), whereas basic interpersonal communication is the simplest form between two or more individuals.
8. A company CEO sends a memo to all department heads, who then relay the information to their teams. What type of communication is this an example of?
   This is an example of Organizational Communication, as it follows the vertical lines of the company’s hierarchy.

1. Analyze the following scenario: A person smiles and nods while listening to a friend’s story. What form of communication is this and what is its function?
   This is Non-verbal Communication. Its function is to provide feedback, showing understanding and encouragement to the speaker without using words.
2. A national television station broadcasts a news report. Which type of communication does this represent and what key feature enables it?
   This represents Mass Communication. The key enabling feature is the use of technology (television broadcasting) to reach a vast, diverse audience.
3. You are designing a public safety campaign about fire hazards. Based on the lesson, why would you use both verbal and non-verbal forms?
   Using both forms would make the campaign stronger; verbal instructions provide specific details, while non-verbal symbols (like a universal sign for fire) ensure the message is understood quickly and across language barriers.
4. Apply your knowledge: Why might an army general use organizational communication rather than a mass communication method to deliver urgent orders?
   Organizational communication ensures orders follow the strict chain of command, maintaining discipline, security, and clarity, whereas mass communication would be indiscriminate and could compromise the mission.
5. A student is thinking about how to solve a math problem. What type of communication is the student engaged in?
   The student is engaged in Intrapersonal Communication, as the communication is happening entirely within their own mind.
6. Based on the lesson, what is one advantage of non-verbal symbols like traffic signals over verbal instructions for the same purpose?
   Non-verbal symbols like traffic signals provide immediate, universal understanding that transcends language barriers and can be processed quickly, which is crucial for safety and efficiency on the road.
7. A journalist writes a critical review of a new play for a newspaper. Which form of communication is primarily being used by the journalist?
   The journalist is primarily using Verbal Communication, as the review is composed in written words.
8. If about 90% of communication is non-verbal, what implication does this have for public speakers, according to the lesson?
   It implies that public speakers must pay great attention to their non-verbal cues—such as body language, gestures, and tone of voice—as these elements carry the majority of the communicative impact, not just their words.