The 20 types of messages (classified and explained)

A description of the different types of messages that exist in human societies.

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

Below we are going to present a list with the classification of the types of messagesWe are going to present a list with the classification of the types of messages, taking into account several criteria such as the technical means, the content, the form of language used or the meaning involved.

The main types of messages and their characteristics

The term "message" has many meanings, but the main and most characteristic one is the one referring 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 has the information that the sender wants to make known by using one type of media or another to influence a particular audience.

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

Types of messages according to the language channel

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

1. Verbal messages

Verbal messages are the prototype of messages that come to mind when we talk about them. They are messages in which words are used, either 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, i.e., any type of image that conveys a message.. An example of this type of message is the "no smoking" sign, which consists of a lit cigarette behind the drawing that it is forbidden, that is, a red circle with a diagonal line.

3. Iconic-verbal messages

Iconic-verbal messages are any messages in which images are mixed with text.. By means of them, information can be transmitted more effectively, and an internationally known example is the "STOP" sign itself, in which that word is combined with a red octagon.

4. Sign messages

These are the messages used by deaf, deaf-mute and deaf-blind people, They are used by deaf, deaf-mute and deaf-blind people to establish effective communication when it is impossible to use oral forms of language..

According to the sensory channel

We can identify five main types of messages according to the sensory channel involved.

5. Auditory messages

The message and the information it contains is transferred through the auditory channel, i.e. the message will be heard.i.e. the message is to be heard.

6. Visual messages

The message is perceived through sight. Examples of this type of message are written texts, the "hello" gesture or the "no trespassing" sign.

7. Taste messages

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

8. Olfactory messages

These are messages that are received by olfactory means. A good example of this we have it in the communication by pheromones that is found in some species.These give a signal to the receiver to behave in a certain way, normally for reproductive purposes.

9. Tactile messages

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

According to the technical means 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, that is, physical, such as those we see in a newspaper, a brochure, a magazine, a book...as the ones we see in a newspaper, a brochure, a magazine, a book...

11. Messages with sound or radiophonic

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

12. Audiovisual messages

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

13. Cyber messages

Cybernetic messages are those transmitted and reached through devices using the Internet, such as computers, cell phones or tablets.. It is any of the types of messages we have seen before but in the cyber world, whether "printed" as a virtual magazine, radio as a podcast or audiovisual as Youtube videos.

According to their content

Below we look at messages according to content.

14. Persuasive messages

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

An advertising message is any message that seeks to promote a certain product, service, brand or business.. They are used to disseminate promotions, contests, launches, offers and any other event that is expected to arouse the interest of potential consumers.

Propaganda, on the other hand, is also intended to influence its audience, The aim is to inculcate an idea, an opinion or point of view on a public issue, trying to convince people to buy the product or service.The aim is to convince people to support a public cause.

15. Informative messages

Informative messages are those that inform logically, clearly and as objectively as possible about facts that have happened or are happening. It is the type of messages disseminated by means of media such as newspapers, television news or history books..

16. Interrogative messages

Interrogative messages are those in which one or more questions are explicitly included. This type of message usually initiates a conversation.The interlocutor is expected to give an answer to the question initially asked.

17. Opinion messages

Opinion messages, as their name suggests, are any message in which an opinion is given on a specific topic or issue to be discussed. Examples of this type of message are Heart programs, cooking reviews and political rallies.

18. Cultural messages

Cultural messages are similar to informative messages, except that here specific information is given about how people specific information is given about how members of a culture or ethnic group behave, as well as aspects related to the world of culture.They also include aspects related to the artistic world. In them, the type of norms, customs, practices, musical style and other aspects that are characteristic of a culture are made known.

19. Educational messages

Educational messages have the objective of teaching a certain content, influencing and modifying the system of beliefs, values and knowledge of the person they affect. They are intended to The aim is to expand the knowledge of the interlocutors, whether in writing, orally or through audiovisual materials..

20. Sexual messages

The content of this type of message is sexual, either by means of verbal language or through different technological means such as videos or messages with a racy tone.