Choose which communication mode to use depending on the message and the relationship.
Modes of Communication Messages may be oral (face-to-face, one-on-one, or in groups; by telephone, text, voice mail or posted on a social media site; or written (handwritten or typed) and sent by mail, e-mail, or fax. The purpose of the message determines the best mode to use. In general, the more important or delicate the issue, the more intimate the mode should be. Any difficult issue should be commu- nicated face-to-face, such as terminating an individual’s employment. Conflict or confrontation also is usually best handled in person so that the individual’s response, especially nonverbal signals (discussed later), can be seen and answered appropriately.