Final answer:
Writing and face-to-face conversations are common modes of communication, with modes serving as methods or channels for conveying messages. Multimodal communication, which combines various modes like linguistic and gestural, is often used to enhance message clarity and impact, particularly in modern digital communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
Writing and face-to-face conversations are two of the most common modes of communication. When referring to communication, modes are the methods or channels through which communication is made possible. There are various modes, including linguistic, which consists of written or spoken text, and gestural, which involves body language such as movement and facial expressions. Multimodal communication often combines different modes, like linguistic and gestural, to convey a message more effectively.
When communicators decide to convey a message, it's crucial to select the appropriate mode or combination of modes to reach their audience. For example, an op-ed piece uses linguistic mode to formally discuss and advocate for change. A speech might combine linguistic and gestural modes to convey passion and persuade the audience. In contrast, advertisements and PSAs frequently blend visual, auditory, and linguistic elements.
The choice between textual and non-textual media often depends on the communicative situation and the intended audience. While digital communication through social media is prevalent, especially among young people, it also highlights an evolution in communication preferences, with a shift from voice calls to text-based or image-based exchanges. Multimodal genres reflect this change, as they involve layering different communication modes to maximize the impact and clarity of the message.