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= Modes of Communication = Modes of communication fall under the broad topic of multimodality. In 1984, as Bill Cope and Mary Kalantzis explain, the New London Group promoted the concept of multiliteracies, in which they outlined five modes of meaning making in communication: linguistic, visual, aural, spatial, and gestural. Peggy Albers and Jerome C. Harste suggest that these modes rarely occur alone, and “that many modes are involved in meaning-making, even though one mode may be chosen to represent meaning.

Linguistic Mode
According to Cheryl E. Ball, et al., “the linguistic mode refers to the use of language, which usually means written or spoken words." There are several ways to analyze the linguistic mode to either make meaning or understand meanings, which include word choice; the delivery of text as spoken or written; the organization of writing or speech into phrases, sentences, paragraphs, and so on; and the development and coherence of individual words and ideas.

Visual Mode
According to Midori Nediger, “[v]isual communication is the practice of using visual elements to convey a message, inspire change, or evoke emotion.” Visual modes of communication, such as images, oftentimes elicit "an immediate emotional reaction in a way that writing cannot," because "all of the information in an image is displayed simultaneously." Everything that can be seen is considered “visual,” such as road maps, street signs, websites, and social media graphics. The visual mode includes color; layout; style; size; perspective; and framing, which helps to focus the viewer's attention.

Aural Mode
The aural mode of communication includes spoken words, sound, music, volume, rhythm, speed of delivery, pitch, tone, and voice. Speeches, television and radio shows, and sound effects on phones are all examples of the aural mode of communication. Each of these sounds, has the ability to convey meanings and a number of different responses from listeners.

Spatial Mode
The spatial mode of communication involves the physical arrangement, organization, and proximity of texts. The way a text is organized can influence how readers/ viewers navigate it and ultimately how they understand its meaning. An example of the spatial mode is the way a brochure is folded and organized so that the information in it is easily accessible for readers and pleasing to their eyes.

Gestural Mode
According to Ball et al., "the gestural mode refers to the way movement, including body language, can make meaning." Besides body language, the gestural mode of communication also includes facial expressions, hand gestures, and interaction between people. Gestures are not only important for face-to-face interactions, but they are also becoming important in virtual interactions, as they can convey emotions and meanings that the other modes of communication may not communicate as well.