Which scenario best illustrates informal communication?

• A. A manager warning a subordinate via a formal memo
• B. A quick chat in the corridor about a problem
• C. A board meeting with minutes
• D. An official press release to the media

Answer: (B)

Informal communication is casual, spontaneous, and not bound by formal channels or official records. It relies on everyday interactions to share information quickly and get immediate feedback.

The quick chat in the corridor about a problem fits this approach. It’s a casual, face-to-face exchange, likely unscheduled and not documented, which characterizes informal communication.

The other scenarios use formal formats and procedures: a formal memo is a written, official notice; a board meeting with minutes is a formal, scheduled event with recorded decisions; an official press release is a formal, outward-facing communication designed for public or media audiences. These are all structured, official channels, not informal ones.