Communication Concepts and Principles

Definition of Communication

• Communication is the process of conveying information between individuals, involving sending, receiving, and interpreting messages.
• Different perspectives on communication include viewing it as an isolated activity, among others like planning, or as an art of sharing ideas.

Communication Principles

• Communication is unavoidable; non-verbal cues (like facial expressions) also transmit messages, even silence can convey meaning.
• Operates on two levels: content messages (information about the topic) and relational messages (feelings towards the other person, such as respect and control).
• Communication is irreversible; once words or actions are expressed, they cannot be undone, making attempts to retract them often counterproductive.
• Seen as a process that connects various events within a larger context, reflecting continuous interaction among senders and receivers.
• While effective communication can enhance relationships, it does not resolve all issues; misunderstandings can arise from poor communication.

Elements and Models of Communication

• Key elements:
  • Sender: Initiates the process by encoding information.
  • Receiver: Decodes and interprets the message.
  • Message: The information conveyed.
  • Medium: The channel used for transmission.
  • Feedback: The recipient's response indicating understanding.
  • Noise: Any interference affecting message clarity.
  • Context: The situational backdrop where communication occurs.

Communication Models

• Aristotle's Model: Focuses on the speaker, speech, audience, and the effect of communication.
• Berlo's Model: Highlights the importance of encoding and decoding messages and the influencing variables.
• Lasswell's Model: Analyzes communication through key questions: who, says what, in which channel, to whom, and with what effect.
• Shannon and Weaver's Model: A mathematical representation emphasizing the information source, encoding, and the impact of noise.
• Dance's Helical Model: Illustrates communication as a dynamic, evolving process over time.
• Schramm’s Interactive Model: Emphasizes the two-way nature of communication, where both participants actively engage.

Types of Communication

• Verbal Communication: Involves spoken messages that require appropriate enunciation and tone.
• Nonverbal Communication: Includes body language, eye contact, and facial expressions to convey messages significantly.
• Written Communication: Involves messages in print (emails, letters), suited for longer, permanent information.

Written vs. Verbal Communication

• Written Communication: Preferred for complex ideas, creating permanent records, and situations lacking urgency.
• Verbal Communication: Used for immediate feedback and emotional expression, lacking the need for permanence and typically simpler in nature.

Communication Etiquette and Ethics

• Phone Etiquette: Speak at an appropriate volume and avoid phone use during meetings.
• Email Etiquette: Use professional language and email addresses; be cautious with humor.
• Texting and IM Etiquette: Keep messages concise and avoid sharing bad news through instant messaging.
• Video Chat Etiquette: Maintain professional appearance, and minimize distractions in the background.

Characteristics of an Ethical Communicator

• Egalitarianism: Striving to unify through inclusive language.
• Respectfulness: Communicating with dignity even during disagreements.
• Trustworthiness: Presenting information honestly without manipulation for personal agendas.

Explore the fundamental definitions and principles of communication. This quiz covers the complexities of communication processes, including sending, receiving, and interpreting messages along with non-verbal cues. Test your understanding of how communication is viewed in various contexts.