Definitions and examples

1. Visual and
Electronic
Communication

2. Definition of Visual Communication
Visual Communication draws or attracts attention. It
can be used to simplify and compare information as
well as illustrate trends and ideas. These includes
pictures, charts and graphs; signals and signs; multi-media
presentations and body language.

3. Examples of Visual Communication
• Pictures: are utilized in many advertisements and
give a viewer an understanding of what is being
demonstrated.
• Charts: provide information in graphical form. Types
of charts include, bar charts; pie charts; flow charts.

4. Examples of Visual Communication
• Graphs: A graph is a diagram showing the relation
between variable quantities.
• Signals and Signs: communicate messages without
the need for words. e.g. stop lights, road signs,
shipping label signs.

5. Examples of Visual Communication
• Multimedia presentations: uses charts tables,
pictures, video footage etc.
• Body Language: These are messages sent by
gesture, facial expressions and posture.

6. Definition of Electronic
Communication
Electronic Communication can be referred to as any
communication that requires the use of technology.
Types of electronic channels are; teleconference,
videoconference, electronic mail (e-mail), voicemail,
facsimile (fax), cellular phone and paging system.

7. Examples of Electronic Communication
• Teleconference: is a method of conducting a
telephone conference among three or more persons
who are not within the same location.
• Videoconference: is a method of conducting a
meeting or conference in which people at different
locations can see and hear one another directly as
they conduct the meeting. A disadvantage is that
participants would not be able to see each other.

8. Examples of Electronic Communication
• Electronic mail (e-mail): is a system which
enables users to transmit letters, memos and other
messages directly from one computer to another,
where the messages are stored for later retrieval.
Messages are transmitted via telephone lines.
This method is useful for communication of
everyday activity, as it is quick. A disadvantage to
this is that documents are not signed, they would
have to be printed and then returned by post.

9. Examples of Electronic Communication
• Voicemail: this is a computerized telephone
answering system commonly used in large
organizations. Callers can directly call an individual’s
extension number and leave a message rather than
going to the main switch board.

10. Examples of Electronic Communication
• Facsimile (Fax): is a machine that can transmit and
receive documents over regular telephone lines. The
sending machine digitizes and transmits the document
that is text or graphic over the telephone line to the
receiving machine, which then reproduces a copy of
the document.
Unless closely supervised, there is a danger in faxing
confidential data. Also, a fax is not considered a
permanent record or original documents.

11. Examples of Electronic Communication
• Phone: can also be referred to as a mobile phone and
is a portable communication system. Contact
becomes easily made and time is saved. These are not
suitable for lengthy conversations. The level of
confidentiality is doubted by many since persons can
tap into persons conversation.

12. Examples of Electronic Communication
• Paging System: to page a person means to get their
attention either via a loud speaker system or a
portable device. The person being paged should go to
the nearest telephone and call the individual who
paged them. This system is utilized in airports,
hospitals, larger department stores and in large
organization.
These are usually carried in persons’ pockets where they
will feel the buzz and vibration which indicates that
they are being paged. Hospital doctors and managers
of large organization mostly use these.

13. Reference
• Chand,S. (n.d.) 7 Major Elements of
Communication Process.
• Retrieved from:
http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/business-communication/
7-major-elements-of-communication-
process/25815/