Communication Definitions and Types

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Questions and Answers

What is one potential negative outcome of communication when it is not performed properly?

  • Enhancing friendships
  • Creating misunderstandings (correct)
  • Encouraging open dialogue
  • Fostering collaboration

What are the basic components of the communication process as outlined by Wilson?

  • Sender, receiver, medium, and interpretation
  • Source, message, channel, and receiver (correct)
  • Source, feedback, atmosphere, and receiver
  • Message, channel, receiver, and context

Which of the following statements best summarizes the purpose of communication?

  • To create confusion among participants
  • To initiate action and foster relationships (correct)
  • To limit information exchange
  • To transmit emotions without words

In context to communication, what does the term 'process' imply?

<p>An ongoing and dynamic interaction (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant disadvantage of using mass media such as radio and television?

<p>Increased potential for misinformation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'communication' primarily refer to?

<p>The conveying of information, thoughts, feelings, or opinions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which best describes 'verbal communication'?

<p>Communication conducted through words, either oral or written. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Wilson, what key term is central to his definition of communication?

<p>Share (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a type of non-verbal communication?

<p>Emails (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the word 'share' in the context of communication?

<p>It emphasizes active collaboration between the source and receiver. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What types of written communication are mentioned?

<p>Books, pamphlets, blogs, newsletters, and memos. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does body language play in communication?

<p>It can convey feelings and emotions more effectively than words. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible misconception about the act of 'sending' messages?

<p>It suggests a lack of concern for the receiver. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction of interpersonal communication?

<p>It is direct and allows for feedback. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be considered a form of intrapersonal communication?

<p>Talking to oneself while pondering a decision. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods of communication involves no direct contact between sender and receiver?

<p>Impersonal communication. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of non-verbal communication?

<p>It is often susceptible to misinterpretations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes bilateral communication from other types?

<p>It involves dialogues and question-and-answer exchanges. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a method to minimize misinterpretation of non-verbal cues?

<p>Ensuring a respectful distance. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one benefit of oral communication?

<p>It provides instant feedback. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of visual communication?

<p>It relies solely on spoken language. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one major challenge of mass communication?

<p>Difficulties in receiving feedback from the audience. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which body part is primarily associated with conveying non-verbal communication?

<p>Eyes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that body language may sometimes detract from meaning?

<p>Different cultures may interpret the same gesture differently. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a tool of communication?

<p>Television. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does eye contact play in communication?

<p>It can enhance the delivery of a message. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is knowing the level of communication being used important?

<p>It helps in choosing the right medium. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Communication

The act of transferring information, thoughts, feelings, or opinions between individuals.

Verbal Communication

Communication that uses words, either spoken or written.

Non-verbal Communication

Communication that does not use words, including body language and visuals.

Visual Communication

The use of graphics, symbols, signs, and colors to convey information.

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Body Language

The way we use our bodies to express ourselves, including gestures, facial expressions, and posture.

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Share (in communication)

To share or give a part of something or to experience something together.

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Communication as a Process

A process of exchanging information, ideas, and attitudes between individuals.

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Written Communication

The use of written materials, such as books, articles, and emails, to communicate information.

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Mass Media

Communication with the aim of influencing people on a large scale, often involving audio and visual elements.

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Purpose of Communication

The primary motive behind human communication, encompassing information transfer, relationship building, and action initiation.

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Misuse of Communication

Communication can be used to spread misinformation, incite violence, manipulate others, and damage relationships.

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Basic Components of Communication

The basic components of communication are the source, message, channel, and receiver.

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Interpersonal Communication

Communication that occurs between two people or a person and a group. It involves direct interaction and allows for immediate feedback.

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Intrapersonal Communication

Communication with oneself, including thoughts, feelings, and internal dialogues.

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Impersonal Communication

Communication with a large, dispersed audience, lacking direct personal contact. Examples include mass media like newspapers, television, and radio.

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Facial Expressions

A type of non-verbal communication that involves facial expressions to convey emotions and thoughts.

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Oral Communication

The use of speech to communicate. It includes both verbal and non-verbal cues.

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Non-verbal Communication Skills

The ability to interpret and understand non-verbal cues like body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.

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Digital Communication

The use of technology to communicate, including email, video conferencing, social media, and instant messaging.

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Interactive Measures

A method of collecting feedback from a large audience by using interactive features like polls, surveys, and online forums.

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Cultural Differences in Communication

The potential for misunderstandings in communication due to different cultural backgrounds and interpretations of non-verbal cues.

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Communication Adaptability

The ability to adapt communication style based on the context, audience, and situation.

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Misinterpreting Non-verbal Cues

The tendency to judge or interpret non-verbal cues based on personal biases and assumptions.

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Study Notes

Communication Definitions

  • Communication is conveying information, thoughts, feelings, or opinions using looks, gestures, words, sounds, and pictures. Senses like sight, hearing, and touch are primarily involved.
  • "Communicare" (Latin) means "to make common, to share, to impart, to transmit".
  • Miller et al. (1982) define communication as making known, exchanging thoughts, feelings, and information, participating, sharing, and forming connections; it can create, maintain, alert, or destroy relationships.
  • Harding (1985) defines communication as conveying ideas from one person's mind to another's.
  • Wilson (1992) defines communication as a process where individuals share information, ideas, and attitudes. "Share" implies collaborative understanding between sender and receiver, distinguishing it from simply "sending" a message.

Types of Communication

  • Communication is categorized into verbal and nonverbal.
  • Verbal communication: Uses words, can be oral or written. Examples include books, pamphlets, blogs, newsletters, memos, emails, chats, and official documents like Ghana's Constitution.
  • Nonverbal communication: Doesn't use words; largely visual. Includes body language (gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, posture, dress, grooming), graphics (illustrations), and symbols. Nonverbal communication often conveys emotions better than words.
    • Interpretation of nonverbal cues can vary across cultures.

Levels of Verbal Communication

  • Interpersonal communication: Direct communication between two people or a person and a group. High potential for feedback; can be written, oral, visual, nonverbal, or a combination. Includes face-to-face interaction, phone calls, mail, and notice boards. Subtypes include monolineal (one-way information, commands), bilineal (dialogues, Q&A), and multilineal (meetings, discussions).
  • Intrapersonal communication: Communication with oneself.
  • Impersonal communication: Communication with a large, anonymous audience (mass communication). Low feedback potential; uses media like newspapers, films, TV, radio, posters, billboards, and includes strategies like response mechanisms (coupons, phone-ins) and interactive measures (polls, raffles).

Nonverbal Communication Details

  • Nonverbal communication transmits messages without words. It can enhance verbal messages.
  • Tone of voice, body movement, eye contact, and touch can add emphasis or reinforcement.
  • Even silence can convey messages.
  • Misinterpretation is a risk in nonverbal communication due to potential cultural differences.
  • Controlling nonverbal communication (e.g., smiling, appropriate handshake, posture) is crucial.

Methods and Tools of Communication

  • Main methods of communication are oral, written, and visual.
  • Tools include spoken word, telephone, letters, drums, TV, film, video, email, fax, books, magazines, newspapers, cards, charts, notice boards, signs, photographs, diagrams, the internet.

Purpose of Communication

  • Primary purpose is to initiate action, exchange information, and build relationships.
  • Communication can be used negatively, leading to problems and conflict.

Communication as a Process

  • Communication is a dynamic and ongoing process.
  • Various elements (components) interact within the communication process.

Basic Components of Communication Process

  • A basic communication model involves a source, message, channel, and receiver.

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