Advertising and Public Relations · TEE · papers
Q1A · Explain the Types of Communication
2025-02-25 · Semester V re-exam
Actual TEE paper · 100 marks · Q1 compulsory + any four complete Q2–Q7
2025-02-25 · Q1A · Previous-paper question. Explain the Types of Communication. [5 marks]
Answer
Definition. Communication can be classified by form, direction, channel and degree of formality; these classifications answer different questions.
In simple words. Spoken/written kya? Formal/informal kya? One-way/two-way kya?
Understand it step by step
- Verbal: words communicated orally or in writing; oral communication uses speech while written communication leaves a readable record.
- Nonverbal: gesture, expression, posture, tone and space may modify meaning. Verbal and nonverbal signals can reinforce or contradict each other.
- Visual: images, diagrams, symbols, colour and layout convey relationships or information. Visual material still needs interpretation.
- Formal and informal: official structured communication differs from spontaneous conversation. Informal does not automatically mean inaccurate.
- One-way and two-way: a broadcast may mainly deliver information; a dialogue explicitly permits questions and feedback. A platform’s technical interactivity does not guarantee that the organisation actually listens.
See it in use
The five forms named in the faculty notes
| Course heading | Meaning | Advertising / PR example |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal / oral | Spoken words; the notes use verbal mainly in this oral sense. | An account executive explains the campaign proposal in a meeting. |
| Nonverbal | Expression, gesture, posture, tone and other cues that accompany or replace words. | A spokesperson’s attentive posture supports a respectful response. |
| Written | Messages recorded in readable words. | A clear email records the approved brief and deadline. |
| Active listening | Attend to the speaker, clarify uncertainty and summarise the meaning before responding. | The agency repeats the client’s objective in its own words and checks that it is correct. |
| Visual | Images, symbols, charts and layout convey information and relationships. | A storyboard shows how a product demonstration will unfold. |
These are the five headings on M1 pp6–7. In a broader classification, verbal means communication using words and can include writing; the course separates oral and written communication for teaching. Active listening is a receiving skill rather than a separate sensory channel, but retain it when the question asks for the faculty’s list. Formal/informal and one-way/two-way are additional classification bases, not replacements for the five forms.
Definition. Online communication uses internet-connected channels to exchange information synchronously or asynchronously.
In simple words. Live call aur baad mein read hone wala email—dono online, timing different.
Understand it step by step
- Synchronous: live chat or video calls allow immediate exchange but require common availability.
- Asynchronous: email, posts and messages can be read later and provide a record, but delay and missing tone can create misunderstanding.
- Advantages: distribution, multimedia, dialogue and coordination across locations.
- Limitations: access barriers, misinformation, distraction, privacy risks and rapid spread of errors. A deleted message may remain in screenshots.
- Good practice: identify the sender, use a descriptive subject, keep instructions clear, check facts and attachments, respect consent and respond appropriately.
See it in use
The five forms expected in the February 2026 question
| Form | Online example |
|---|---|
| Verbal/oral | Spoken explanation on a video call |
| Nonverbal | Facial expression, gesture and tone during that call |
| Written | A carefully worded email or chat |
| Active listening | Clarifying a customer’s concern and summarising it before responding |
| Visual | A labelled diagram or accessible product demonstration |
This classification concerns the forms and listening skills used online; synchronous/asynchronous instead classifies timing. State which basis you are using.
Six channel forms in M1 notes pp7–8
| Form | How it works | Illustrative use and limitation |
|---|---|---|
| A written message is delivered to addressed recipients and can be read later. | Send an approved brief with a clear subject and attachments. Large unsolicited mailings can damage trust; delivery is not proof of reading. | |
| SMS | A short text is delivered through a mobile messaging service. | A consent-based appointment reminder supplies time and location. Ordinary SMS does not require an internet connection on the recipient’s phone, although an organisation may send it through an online gateway. |
| Instant messaging | A messaging application supports rapid exchanges and may retain messages for later reading. | A project group confirms a revised deadline. Participants need not always be online simultaneously; do not confuse the platform name with guaranteed synchronous use. |
| Online forum | Messages and replies are organised into discussion threads. | A moderated customer forum collects questions about a product. Public answers require accuracy and moderation; individual posts may not represent all customers. |
| Shared whiteboard | Participants view or edit a visual canvas through connected software. | An agency team arranges storyboard scenes during a remote meeting. Permissions, accessibility and a saved record matter. |
| VoIP / video conferencing | Voice over Internet Protocol carries voice using IP networks; a video meeting adds visual communication. | A client briefing allows questions and screen sharing. Connectivity, sound, time zones and participant access can affect the exchange. |
Three communication requirements in the notes
- Clear and concise language: state the main action, define unfamiliar terms and avoid unexplained abbreviations.
- Appropriate tone: consider how words may be interpreted without face-to-face context; humour and sarcasm may not transfer well.
- Complete responses: answer the actual question, clarify missing information and give useful next steps. Completeness does not mean an unnecessarily long message.
Technical access, suitable software, accessibility and privacy arrangements support these three message-quality requirements. The notes mention Google Jamboard as an example; it is historical because the app ended on 31 December 2024. Learn the shared-whiteboard concept rather than relying on that discontinued product. Google’s end-of-life notice.