In-Person

• In-person communication can either take place one-on-one or in a group. Group communication is more difficult, as the dynamics of the group dictate how the communication will occur. One-on-one communication allows for both parties to have their full attention on each other. Thus awareness heightens the quality of verbal and nonverbal communication. Communication can occur most efficiently one-on-one in person.
  
  

Phone

• Using the phone to communicate eliminates nonverbal communication. Still, the subtleties of tone, inflection and rhythm are not lost over the phone. The context of the conversation is important, however. Talking in a quiet office or at home alone can enhance phone communication, while talking on public transit or a busy street can detract from it.
  
  

SMS

• Text messaging is a common way to send short bursts of information as of 2011. Text messaging is not ideal for in-depth communication, although people sometimes use it in that way. The ambiguity and size limitations of messages can make it hard to properly convey the emotion and thought behind statements. Text messaging may be a less-intrusive way to communicate than calling.
  
  

Email

• Email allows the the receiver to answer the message at her leisure. Email messages can convey detailed information, and supporting documentation (links, photos, media, files) make it well suited for professional communication. Some email servers provide delivery and read confirmation services that let the sender know the message has arrived.
  
  

Chat

• Using an instant messaging service to communicate is like a hybrid between SMS and email. The chat is instantaneous, but it allows people to convey more in-depth thoughts. The use of emoticons in chats also helps convey emotion casually. Chat services are usually free.