Visual Communication Vs Formal Communication – Which Is Best

Introduction

Communication is all about transferring information, act, or any other message from one person to another. It can be in written, verbal or visual form. You can see the use of all communication types in our daily life. In short, it is a necessary part of our lives that cannot be ignored at all. In this article, we will discuss two types of communication. The first one is visual communication. At the same time, the second one is formal communication. Let’s discuss these types in detail.

1. What is Visual Communication?

The type of communication in which you have to inform someone by showing things rather than speaking about them is known as visual communication. You can communicate visually by using images and graphics. It can also be in the form of short videos or GIFs. One of the best examples of visual communication is street signs. You can see how these signs convey specific information to the drivers. The use of visual communication has taken over roadside/street advertisement by storm. As technology is getting advanced, so all the manual working system is shifting toward smart system.

Purpose of Visual Communication

There are a bundle of reasons why visual communication is increasing. Let’s have a look at some of them.

• Easy to Recall

As per research, it has been proved that the brain of a human work well for visual things. It is easy to remember a picture or video compared to a long paragraph. Visualization is easy for humans. Visual communication is not just a picture; there are many more things that matter a lot. Like its colour, size and design. Have you seen advertisements for different brands? They attract their customer through their advertisement. They make sure the proper use of colour, design and size. The designer works hard on it to make an easy recall.

• Saves Time

When someone provides you with information in text, it takes time to read that information. Sometimes it is not possible to stop and read the whole text. It does not only cause delay, but it can also be frustrating for your potential customer. Have a look at the same example we just discussed. In the case of traffic signs, is it possible for every person to read the information in text? The answer is a big NO. It will surely disturb the whole traffic system. So the use of visual communication is ensured over there. This way, the driver gets the information very efficiently and effectively.

2. What is Formal Communication?

Formal communication is the opposite of visual communication. Formal communication is all about passing information in text form. It demands a proper sequence of writing and sharing that information. Every communication type has a particular role somewhere. Same as formal communication is the demand of all organizations. The purpose behind this type of communication is to ensure professionalism.

For example, the manager has to share the report with other employees. He cannot write anything that puts a question mark on professionalism. So, it is obvious that there would not be an informal style for writing. In the same way, in report writing, it is important to explain things in a precise way. It means the objective of writing must be fulfilled comprehensively. As per the need for hours, you have to see how to work on formal communication. It is better to know the different types linked with it.

Types of Formal Communication

Experts of PhD dissertation writing services have shared the following types that are ensured at different sector levels.

• Vertical communication is one type of formal communication that is ensured at different levels of the organization. Just like the organizational level, it works well at the institutional level. For example, the vice-chancellor has to pass an order in his institute. For this, he will write the supposed order by ensuring a formal writing style. He will pass the order to the chairpersons of all departments. This way, a chain of communication will build up. This is termed top-down formal communication.
• If students want to pass some information to the vice-chancellor of the institute, he will follow the opposite side of the chain. This is termed bottom-top formal communication.
• Lateral communication is another type. It takes place between two employees. You can say one teacher has to share some piece of information with another teacher. The teacher has to communicate with the other one formally.
• The last type of formal communication is crosswise communication. This type of communication takes place between different departments.

3. What is the Difference between Visual and Formal Communication?

Visual and formal communications are two different things. The only similarity in both communications is to sharing of information. Other than that, it differs in many aspects as follow,

• Style

In visual communication, the style is almost informal. Here you aim to engage the audience emotionally. So you have to work on strategies that include an informal tone. It includes different effects, colours, images and shapes. But in the case of formal communication, the style is all about the tone of writing. You have to see how you can professionally fulfil the writing purpose.

• Strategy

The strategy includes effects that can make your graphic attractive in visual communication. On the other hand, informal communication’s writing strategy includes the proper use of vocabulary. In the same way, you need to see the availability of data required for your work.

Final Thoughts

Visual and formal communication both has great importance in their particular area. You cannot go for visual communication when you have to share information with your manager. Here you are supposed to ensure formal communication. In the same way, you cannot write a report when you have to guide someone on the road track. That is how every communication type is best if used on the right platform.