Written communication

Communication is an essential activity for society, because in this way each individual expresses himself using different means. Basically it is the exchange of information , ideas and opinions that are of common interest are shared. This has been one of the means that have allowed the communities to survive, because in this way people can understand each other.

There are different ways in which direct communication can be established . One of these types is written communication, this is characterized mainly by the use of a code composed of images or figures. Each of these characters is assigned a meaning, so together it is possible to build broader and more complex messages.

For different reasons, written communication turns out to be effective and also accurate for different purposes. Learning language in writing is part of teaching people from an early age. Writing as we know it today has evolved gradually over the years. Nowadays, it means being a medium that helps people to continue communicating with each other, this happens at the same time that communications continually add new innovations.

What is written communication?

Written communication is defined as the action of transmitting and sharing information, through the use of a written code . This is a language that integrates a wide variety of symbols , each of which is assigned a pronunciation and a particular meaning.

Words and letters are what help to configure messages . By joining coherently, it is possible to create an understandable speech for the person who reads it. This is a communication that uses any physical resource, usually paper and pencil. At present, the tools that allow the display of language of this type have been expanded, this is the case of computers and mobile devices.

The first sample of written communication that comes from antiquity, we find it through the pictograms s. These are recognized by the use of drawing techniques and the use of various signs . The first human beings conceptualized their ideas using this technique.

Features and examples 

Unlike other types of communication, in this case it can be observed that it totally depends on the use of certain manual resources . Thus, when people try to use this type of communication, they must use their hands to create writing.

Nowadays there is the availability of digital equipment, it greatly facilitates the connection between people because it is even faster. Other characteristics of written communication are mentioned below:

• This is a communication that is not simultaneous . In other words, as the content of a message is produced, it is not possible to make it reach its recipient immediately . The time used varies according to the medium used.
• It can be perpetuated because the physical resources used can be preserved . Thus there are records in books and documents.
• It can only be done by following a series of grammar and spelling guidelines . To create these messages, you will need to be guided by rules that help make the content meaningful.
• It can be done in person or remotely . Written conversations consist of sending messages that are sent continuously, some will be the response of others.
• The content of the messages is planned in advance . Unlike other types of communication, error correction can be done; and make changes for consistency and cohesion.

There are several types of written communication examples, most of them are must-have tools used in academia . This is the case of books and also of the editions of periodicals.

The objective of creating these documents is to inform the public in a massive way. Sometimes it is to entertain, but in others to warn or convince. Here are other examples of written communications:

• The brochures also called flyers advertising, they are written documents that contain messages that are related to advertising products and services. You learn to use a series of linguistic resources, these help convince the recipient to make purchases. Different types of typography and graphic techniques are skillfully employed.
• The letters are considered to be the first mass media used for international communication. It basically consists of writing a message on a sheet of paper, later this is inserted in an envelope; that will be identified with the receiver’s data. You must wait for it to reach its destination, to later receive a response.
• The newspapers and magazines daily ; They are all content created by journalists and social communicators. They fulfill the function of covering broad topics of current interest and social interest, so readers buy them to stay informed and also entertain themselves.
• The emails could be defined as “modern digital cards.” They are based on the basic idea of ​​sending and receiving information, between a receiver and a sender . The content is personalized and its protection is also guaranteed, keeping it private. It has multiple advantages, can be saved in cost, and is widely used in the labor field.
• The books are written the type of tool used throughout the history of mankind. Thanks to its use, it has been possible to spread knowledge to several generations. The content is varied, as well as its length.
• Social networks integrate the use of written resources. They are the mass communication medium that remains constant, it could be said that millions of messages are sent daily through various platforms.

What are its elements?

The elements of written communication are all the components, which together help make a connection possible. These are both technical and physical resources , their proper use guarantees effective and fluid communication . What they are is described below: 

• The sender is the person who is in charge of formulating the message that will be transmitted to the receiver.
• The receiver is the person who is in charge of interpreting the message that he has received from the sender.
• The message is specifically the communication that is being exchanged. It contains all the data that are of common interest.
• The code is the type of language or signs, used to create the message. When used properly, anyone who reads it will be able to understand it.
• The structure is defined as a technique that helps to organize the information contained in the message. Described in various linguistic and grammatical standards, these formalities help create structures such as paragraphs, chapters, and formats for dialogues.
• The style refers to the manner in which it is drawn. It can be used in two ways: formal or informal; but they are also combined with the impersonal and personal.
• The content is basically the information that is inside the message. It has several qualities, which together help to display information.

Importance of written communication 

For various reasons, written communication means being an important socialization tool. It also allows the dissemination of knowledge , this has been used since the beginning of civilization for different purposes. Content that is of vital importance to all interested people is shared, thus ensuring that everyone is adequately informed.

It is also important because it has been proven to be the best medium for storing information, and it is possible for a long period of time. There are no limits in this regard, so much of the history of humanity is still preserved in writings created by different authors.

Likewise, it is a means that has helped that distance does not prevent people from being able to stay connected . Personal and professional ties depend entirely on the use of written communications.

It is also important to mention that much of the culture has been shared by this means. Various types of expressions and linguistic genres have emerged . Literature encompasses various types of formats such as poetry, novels, short stories, and theater.