Communication: Types, Means and Importance

1A message for Grandma

Niyonzima's grandmother lives in Nyaruguru. Long ago, sending her news meant asking a traveller to carry a message on foot, which took days. Today Niyonzima presses a button on his mother's phone, and Grandma's voice answers in seconds: "Muraho, mwuzukuru!"

2What is communication?

Communication is sharing information, ideas and feelings with other people. Every time we communicate, there is:

• a sender, who starts the message;
• a message, the information or feeling being shared;
• a receiver, who gets the message;
• and often feedback, the receiver's answer.

3Types of communication

4Means of communication

Traditional means were used long ago, and some are still used today:

• Carrying messages on foot, from person to person.
• Drums beaten to announce events and call people together.
• Shouting loudly to call neighbours for help in danger.
• Songs, poems and stories that pass on news and history.

Modern means are faster and reach further:

• Mobile phones: calls, SMS and mobile money.
• Radio and television.
• Newspapers and letters sent through the post office.
• The internet: email, websites, video calls and social media.
• Notice boards and loudspeakers at community meetings.

Radio, television and newspapers are called mass media, because one message reaches very many people at the same time.

5Why communication is important

• It spreads news and information, such as weather forecasts and health advice.
• It helps business: traders can call buyers, order goods and pay with mobile money.
• It helps learning: radio lessons, e-books and online classes.
• It saves lives in emergencies, when people call for help.
• It keeps families and friends close, even when they live far apart.
• Leaders can share government messages with citizens, and citizens can share their ideas.

Try it yourself