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Test Your Knowledge of the Five Types of Communication

Think you know all communication types? Take the communication styles quiz!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art collage of colorful speech bubbles on coral background promoting free five types of communication quiz

Ever wondered if you can spot that there are essentially five types of communication and use them to connect better? Our Can You Identify the Five Types of Communication? quiz invites anyone eager to boost interpersonal skills to dive in. In this communication skills quiz, you'll explore verbal, nonverbal, written, visual, and listening channels, and test your knowledge of each style. Curious to uncover your strengths? Try our interactive human communication quiz and sharpen your insights, or discover what type of communicator you are . Ready to master these five communication types and level up? Start now!

Which type of communication is primarily based on spoken words?
Verbal
Nonverbal
Visual
Written
Verbal communication relies on spoken words to convey messages. It encompasses face-to-face conversations, phone calls, and presentations. Effective verbal communication ensures clarity and understanding. See more at SkillsYouNeed.
Which form of communication uses written symbols to convey messages?
Verbal
Nonverbal
Written
Listening
Written communication utilizes text and symbols to share information. Examples include emails, letters, and reports. It provides a record and allows message review. Read further at SkillsYouNeed.
Body language is a component of which type of communication?
Written
Visual
Nonverbal
Verbal
Body language, such as gestures and posture, is part of nonverbal communication. It conveys emotions and attitudes without words. Understanding nonverbal cues enhances interpersonal interactions. More at SkillsYouNeed.
Which type of communication is used when presenting data through charts and images?
Verbal
Nonverbal
Visual
Written
Visual communication uses graphics like charts, diagrams, and images to share information. It helps audiences grasp complex data quickly. Effective visuals can reinforce and clarify messages. Learn about visual communication at SkillsYouNeed.
Active listening skills are part of which type of communication?
Verbal
Listening
Written
Visual
Active listening is a vital part of listening communication, which focuses on receiving and interpreting messages. This type involves attention, feedback, and empathy to ensure understanding. Good listening skills improve relationships and reduce misunderstandings. See SkillsYouNeed for tips.
An email sent to a coworker is an example of what type of communication?
Verbal
Nonverbal
Written
Visual
An email is a form of written communication because it uses written text to exchange information. It allows asynchronous dialogue and provides a permanent record. Written communication is essential for clarity and documentation. More at SkillsYouNeed.
Which type of communication includes paralinguistic cues like tone of voice?
Verbal
Nonverbal
Written
Visual
Paralinguistic cues—such as tone, pitch, and volume—are aspects of nonverbal communication. While they accompany spoken words, they do not involve the words themselves. These vocal elements convey emotion and emphasis. Learn about paralinguistics at MindTools.
Reading a textbook quietly is an example of which type of communication?
Listening
Verbal
Visual
Written
Reading a textbook is a form of written communication since it involves interpreting written text. It’s typically a one-way, asynchronous activity. This type allows information to be reviewed and referenced later. More information at SkillsYouNeed.
How does nonverbal communication reinforce verbal messages?
By contradicting the message
By providing emotional context
By replacing words
By delaying feedback
Nonverbal communication like facial expressions and gestures provides emotional context that supports verbal messages. This reinforcement helps clarify intent and improves message reception. When nonverbal cues align with words, the communication becomes more persuasive. See SkillsYouNeed for details.
What is a key difference between synchronous and asynchronous communication?
Synchronous occurs in real-time, asynchronous does not
Synchronous is delayed, asynchronous is real-time
Both occur in real-time
Both are delayed
Synchronous communication takes place in real-time, such as phone calls or live chats, allowing immediate feedback. Asynchronous communication, like emails, happens with time lag, giving participants flexibility. Understanding this difference helps choose the right channel. More at BBC Bitesize.
Which characteristic is unique to written communication among the five types?
It allows permanent records
It relies on gestures
It depends on tone of voice
It is only one-way
Written communication uniquely provides a permanent record of messages, which can be stored and referenced. While it may support one-way interaction, it can also enable two-way dialogue through comments or replies. Unlike verbal or nonverbal forms, written messages can be edited before sending. Learn more at SkillsYouNeed.
Video conferencing combines which two types of communication?
Verbal and visual
Written and visual
Nonverbal and written
Listening and visual
Video conferencing merges verbal communication (through speech) with visual communication (through video feed). Participants can speak and observe body language simultaneously. This multimodal approach enhances clarity and engagement. More on this at SkillsYouNeed.
Which scenario does NOT illustrate visual communication?
Traffic signals
Company logos
Pie charts
A firm handshake between colleagues
Visual communication involves conveying information through visual elements like symbols and images, as seen in traffic signals, pie charts, and logos. A firm handshake is a tactile nonverbal cue, not a visual form of communication. Understanding these distinctions helps in selecting appropriate channels. Read more at SkillsYouNeed.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Communication Types -

    Recognize that there are essentially five types of communication and pinpoint each style - verbal, nonverbal, written, visual, and listening - in various examples.

  2. Differentiate Communication Styles -

    Distinguish between different communication styles by comparing their features, purposes, and appropriate contexts.

  3. Analyze Real-World Scenarios -

    Examine practical situations to determine which type of communication is being used and why it's most effective in that context.

  4. Apply Communication Strategies -

    Use insights from the quiz to select and implement the right communication style for teamwork, presentations, and professional interactions.

  5. Assess Personal Skills -

    Evaluate your own communication strengths and identify areas for improvement to enhance overall effectiveness.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Verbal Communication -

    Verbal communication uses spoken words to convey clear messages; pay attention to tone, pace, and volume to match your audience (Harvard Business Review). Try the "P.A.C.E." mnemonic - Pace, Articulation, Clarity, Emotion - to self-audit your delivery in real time.

  2. Nonverbal Communication -

    Nonverbal cues like posture, gestures, and eye contact account for up to 55% of meaning in face-to-face interactions (Albert Mehrabian's research). Practice open body language - uncrossed arms, steady gaze - and use the "KEP" checklist: Kinesics, Eye contact, Proxemics.

  3. Written Communication -

    Written communication demands precision and structure; follow the "5 Cs" (Clear, Concise, Correct, Courteous, Complete) popularized by Purdue OWL to boost clarity. Include headings and bullet points to guide readers through complex ideas efficiently.

  4. Visual Communication -

    Visuals - charts, infographics, and diagrams - enhance retention by up to 400% (University of Minnesota study). Use consistent color palettes and data-driven graphs, and remember the "Rule of Threes": limit elements to three per slide for maximum impact.

  5. Active Listening -

    Listening is an interactive form of communication that builds trust and understanding (International Listening Association). Use the RASA model - Receive, Appreciate, Summarize, Ask - to ensure you're fully engaged and responsive in any dialogue.

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