What is Indirect Communication? Definition of Indirect Communication, Indirect Communication Meaning and Concept

Indirect communication is one in which ideas are not expressed clearly and the message that is exposed remains diffuse. It is usually not understandable to the recipient and does not clarify certain data or concepts. Indirect communication is the opposite of direct communication, since the messages are often not understood when it is put into practice.

There are different types of communication, including indirect communication. This way of communicating often leads to misunderstandings.

Indirect communication is evident when the issuer does not dare to say things clearly. It can cause confusion for the recipient and prevent him from fully understanding the message.

On the other hand, direct communication generates the opposite between the people who intervene with its implementation. In this case, the message that is transmitted is instantaneous, real and effective.

Main characteristics of indirect communication

These are the most outstanding characteristics of this type of communication:

• Fear of offending the receiver: One of the most striking characteristics is trying to put this communication into practice with the idea of ​​avoiding any discomfort to the receiver. However, the opposite is often the case, as it ends up confusing the message and this can lead to frustration.
• The sender trusts that his message is understood: When a person communicates, verbal and non-verbal language intervene. The sender trusts that non-verbal language will be of great help for the receiver to understand his message, but it does not have to be that way. People prefer to listen directly and clearly to certain information without having to interpret the non-verbal language expressed by the issuer.
• Contradiction between verbal and non-verbal language: This is very common in this type of communication. The sender says one thing, but his non-verbal language expresses another. This causes confusion in the receiver who does not know how to decipher what is being communicated to him.

Indirect communication example

Indirect communication manifests itself in many aspects of life. There are uncomfortable circumstances where it is carried out to try to smooth the situation, but the effect that is generated is the opposite.

For example, a person has decided to break up with his partner and is afraid of hurting him. Your message is not very clear, it does not expose everything you think and you want the other person to read between the lines. This is a clear example of the implementation of indirect communication.

Another example: a customer visits a store to buy an electronics item. The salesperson who attends you indicates that he does not know if they have it, hesitates, leaves him waiting while he goes to the warehouse or asks the manager. This, instead of stating that they do not have it directly, they are afraid to transmit that information and the client ends up leaving tired of waiting.

This type of indirect communication also occurs in business, for example. It is a communication that can generate discomfort, confusion and frustration.

This way of communicating is not very well received. On the other hand, direct communication is well received, very honest and explanatory.