The 20 types of messages (classified and explained)

There are many messages that we can send and receive throughout the day, even without realizing it. There are so many ways to convey a message that we could make an endless classification of message types.

Next we will present a list with the classification of the types of messages, taking into account several criteria such as the technical medium, the content, the form of language used or the meaning involved.

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The main types of messages and their characteristics

The term "message" has many meanings, but the main and most characteristic is the one that refers to a series of symbols, signs and / or signals that make communication possible. It is understood that the message is both the content of the communication and its form, which contains the information that the issuer wants to make known using one type of medium or another to influence a certain audience.

Below we present the main types of messages according to various criteria.

Message types according to the language path

These are the main types of messages according to which language path is used.

1. Verbal messages

Verbal messages are the prototype of the message that comes to mind when we talk about them. These are messages in which words are used, whether written or spoken, using a language in its oral or written format.. An oral conversation is a classic example of verbal communication, as is having a conversation through messaging chats.

2. Iconic messages

Iconic messages present an icon, that is, any type of image that allows a message to be transmitted. An example of this type of message is the "no smoking" sign, which consists of a lit cigarette after the drawing that it is prohibited, that is, a red circle with a line in diagonal.

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3. Iconic-verbal messages

Verbal iconic messages are any in which images are mixed with texts. Through them, information can be transmitted more effectively, and an internationally known example is the “STOP” signal itself, in which that word is combined with a red octagon.

4. Sign messages

They are the messages used by deaf, deaf-mute and deafblind people, helping them to establish effective communication in the face of the impossibility of being able to use oral forms of language.

According to the sensory channel

We can identify five main types of messages according to the sensory pathway that is involved.

5. Auditory messages

The message and the information it contains is transferred through the ear canal, that is, the message will be heard.

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6. Visual messages

The message is perceived through sight. Examples of this type of message are found in written texts, the hello gesture or the “no entry” sign.

7. Gustatory messages

Information is sent through taste. This is a type of message that, at first, may seem strange and unusual but, really, we are recipients of gustatory messages on a daily basis. When we eat something, let's put a banana, and we notice that it has a strange taste, we interpret it as being in bad condition and it is not convenient to eat it.

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8. Olfactory messages

They are the messages that are received through the olfactory way. A good example of this we have in the communication by pheromones that is in some species, which signal their receptor to behave in a certain way, usually for reproductive purposes.

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9. Tactile messages

Tactile messages are those in which, basically, information is transmitted through touch. Examples of communication with this type of message are found in reading the Braille system, caressing someone to give them our support or giving a touch.

According to the technical medium used

Next we will see the main types of messages according to the technical medium used, whether it is given in physical or electronic format.

10. Printed messages

Printed messages are those that are shown in paper format, this is physical, as we see in a newspaper, a brochure, a magazine, a book ...

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11. Sound or radio messages

The messages with sound are those that are transmitted by electronic waves as a support, being captured by some type of device that converts it into sound. They are the messages that we emit and receive when we speak on the phone or while listening to the radio.

12. Audiovisual messages

Audiovisual messages they combine the visual and the auditory. They correspond to what we see and hear while watching television or at the movies.

13. Cyber ​​messages

Cyber ​​messages are those transmitted and reached through devices that use the Internet, such as computers, mobiles or tablets. It is any of the types of messages that we have seen before but in the cyber world, either “Printed” like a virtual magazine, radio like a podcast or audiovisual like YouTube videos.

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According to its content

Next we see the messages according to the content.

14. Persuasive messages

By persuasive message we mean any communication that aims to influence others to convince about something. The messages sent by politicians, for example, are a sample of this type of message. These can be divided into advertising messages and propaganda messages.

It is an advertising message anyone looking to promote a certain product, service, brand or business. With them, promotions, contests, launches, offers and any other event that is expected to awaken the interest of potential consumers are disseminated.

On the other hand, in propaganda, with which it is also intended to influence its audience, it is intended to instill an idea, opinion or point of view on a public matter, trying to convince people to support a public cause.

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15. Informational messages

Informational messages are those that inform in a logical, clear and objective way about events that have happened or are happening. It's the kind of messages broadcast through media such as newspapers, newscasts or history books.

16. Interrogative messages

Interrogative messages are those in which one or more questions are explicitly included. These types of messages usually start a conversation, waiting for the interlocutor to give an answer to the question initially asked.

17. Opinion messages

Opinion messages, as the name suggests, is anyone in which an opinion is given on a specific topic or a matter to be debated. We have examples of this type of message in the programs of the heart, the culinary critics and the political rallies.

18. Cultural messages

Cultural messages resemble informational messages, only here specific information is given about how members of a culture or ethnic group behave, in addition to aspects related to the artistic world. In them, it is disclosed what kind of norms, customs, practices, musical style and other aspects of their own are characteristic of a culture.

19. Educational messages

Educational messages have the objective of teaching a certain content, influencing and modifying the belief system, values ​​and knowledge of the person on whom it affects. With them It is intended to expand the knowledge of the interlocutors, whether by written, oral or audiovisual materials.

20. Sexual messages

The content of this type of message is sexual, either through verbal language or through different technological means such as videos or risque messages.