Definition of communication

Definition of communication

Communication is one of the aids to trade involving the conveying of information, instructions, and messages from one person to another.

Origin of the word

The word "communication" originates from the Latin word "COMMUNO", meaning "to share".

Business communication

Business communication is the process of sharing information, ideas, instructions, or messages between people within and outside a business for the purpose of achieving organizational goals.

It involves both internal communication (between employees, departments, or management) and external communication (with customers, suppliers, investors, etc.).

Methods used in communication

Method	Description
Writing and Reading	Includes letters, telegrams, notices, and memorandums. It is called written communication. It favors literates and allows for future reference.
Talking and Listening	Includes face-to-face conversations, telephone, radio-call, and paging. This is known as oral communication.
Use of Signs	Communication that does not involve words. This is non-verbal communication, where ideas, emotions, or feelings are expressed using body language or gestures

Advantages of oral communication

1. It is the fastest system of communication; Oral communication allows messages to be delivered immediately without the delays associated with writing, mailing, or typing.
2. Messages are clear; Through voice tone, facial expressions, and gestures, the meaning of a message is easily clarified and understood.
3. Feedback is immediate; Listeners can ask questions or respond instantly, allowing two-way communication and quick problem-solving.
4. Favors both the literates and illiterates; Because it is based on speaking and listening, people do not need to know how to read or write to communicate effectively.
5. Covers a wide area as one person may communicate to a large audience; In events like meetings, seminars, or speeches, one speaker can reach hundreds or even thousands of people at once.
6. Gestures can be used; Body language, facial expressions, and hand movements help reinforce the spoken words and improve understanding.

Disadvantages of oral communication

1. Leaves no reference; Since it is spoken, there is no permanent record to refer back to later.
2. TVs and telephone are only suitable for subscribers; Communication tools like television and telephones require people to have subscriptions, which not everyone can afford.
3. TVs and telephones favor urban centers, neglecting rural areas; In many places, communication infrastructure is better in cities than in rural areas, creating inequality.
4. When absent, you miss the message since there is no reference; If a person is not present during the communication, they miss out entirely without any record to catch up.
5. May not favor the deaf; People with hearing disabilities find oral communication difficult without alternative support like sign language.
6. Information may easily be distorted; Since it relies on memory, spoken words can be forgotten, misheard, or misinterpreted quickly.

Advantages of written communication

1. Details can be given, especially with letters; Written communication allows the sender to include complex and detailed information without confusion.
2. There is a record for further reference; Since the communication is in physical or electronic form, it can be stored and referred to when needed.
3. It is a cheap means of communication; Especially with modern digital writing (emails, texts), sending written messages can be very cost-effective.
4. It is not possible to distort messages; Written words remain exactly as they are unless deliberately changed, reducing the risk of misunderstanding.
5. It can be planned before sent; The sender has time to organize thoughts clearly, making the communication more effective and professional.
6. Information can be shared with many people at once; Written communication like reports, memos, or emails can easily be distributed to many recipients simultaneously.

Disadvantages of written communication

1. It only favors the literates; Only people who can read and write can benefit from written communication, excluding illiterates.
2. Message may take long before reaching the receiver; Especially with traditional mail, delivery times can delay the communication process.
3. Reply is not immediate; Unlike oral communication, the sender has to wait for the receiver to read and respond.
4. May benefit only those with post office boxes; Traditional letters need physical addresses or post boxes, limiting access for those without them.
5. It is expensive in terms of paper, equipment, and postage; Sending physical documents requires materials like paper, printers, and sometimes payment for delivery.
6. It is time-consuming to prepare, organize, and produce; Writing, editing, printing, and mailing a message can take a lot of time compared to simply speaking.