Which item is typically considered informal communication?

• A. Official department memo printed on letterhead
• B. Internal memos, emails, and instant messages
• C. Policy directives in formal format
• D. Training manuals

Answer: (B)

Informal communication covers the everyday, casual messages people use to coordinate work and share quick updates. Internal memos, emails, and instant messages are typical within an organization for fast, flexible exchanges and often use a more conversational tone without the rigid formatting of official documents. In contrast, an official memo on letterhead, policy directives in a formal format, and training manuals are designed to be formal, standardized documents that carry authority and are kept as formal records. So the set that includes internal memos, emails, and instant messages is typically informal.