5 Unique Ways to Communicate
- Visual Art
- Music
- Letters
- Tactile Communication
- Sports and Games
Language is one of the rarest methods of communication in existence. Few species use words to communicate. Humans, however, use written and verbal communications for everything from complex topics like multi-million business deals to something simple like deciding which curtains to purchase. This doesn’t mean language is the only way to communicate, as anyone with a communications degree or career knows. Here are 5 special ways to get a message across.
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1. Visual Art
Words, written or spoken, are not always the best way to converse. Art can be a fantastic alternative. Drawing pictures, painting or sculpting can be a better way to communicate. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words. Showing an artistic creation can get a point across more quickly, and more powerfully, than a box of text. This is why billboards and magazine ads are such a long-standing form of marketing, and why logos dominate everyday life. The classic Golden Arches of McDonald’s or white swoop of Nike instantly conjure positive memories and responses in consumers of all ages.
2. Music
Sounds can communicate just as well as visual art. Music is an accessible form of communication that anyone can use. Written music can be read across cultures and continents. Music can express anger, happiness, peace or sorrow. According to the Mayo Clinic, music can even overcome dementia. Musical therapy can improve quality of life for patients with dementia because it triggers deeply held feelings of joy.
3. Letters
Old-fashioned, “snail mail” letters used to be one of the most important methods of communication. In the Internet age, hand-written letters aren’t as popular. This creates a unique opportunity for memorable communications. Writing a letter or note by hand shows a deliberate, personal effort. Letters also offer room for creativity. They can be written on personalized stationery, illustrated with drawings or penned in multiple colors of ink. The tactile experience of opening a letter and seeing bright, beautiful colors popping off the page brings happiness to readers. According to Entrepreneur.com, a handwritten letter can even increase customer relations.
4. Tactile communication
It doesn’t take a communications degree to understand that tactile experiences are tied to memories. Still, using touch is an often overlooked form of communication. This method of communicating takes many forms: Tapping a shoulder instead of shouting for attention, picking up the desired shopping item instead of pointing at it or holding someone’s hand. Tactile communication is a simple but effective method, and it can lead to improved retention of new ideas — or shopping lists.
5. Sports and Games
Sporting is so popular in American culture it’s spawned a unique degree: A bachelor’s in sports communication. Sports are used to build social skills with youth teams, create a better environment in the office or simply bring people together in front of the TV. Games are another growing hobby, with more people than ever playing video games and board games. Fun, creative adventures can teach leadership, teamwork, and creativity more deeply than simply reading a lesson on those concepts.
Words are wonderful, but they are not the only way to communicate. Anyone can shout from the mountaintops or lull loved ones to sleep with comforting words. Using these other, unconventional methods of communication creates a lasting message.