Communication Fundamentals and Elements

Origin of Communication

• The word "communication" comes from the Latin word "communis," meaning "working together."
• Communication is a basic act of transferring information from one person to another.

Nature Of Communication

• A dynamic process.
• A systematic process.
• Involves communicators.
• Irreversible.
• Proactive.
• Based on symbolic interaction.
• Individually construed.

Elements of Communication

• Speaker: Source of information
• Message: Information conveyed by the speaker
• Encoding: Process the speaker uses to transform the message
• Channel: The medium through which the encoded message is transmitted
• Decoding: The process the listener uses to interpret the message
• Listener: The recipient of the message
• Feedback: The listener's reaction or response to the message
• Context: The environment or situation in which communication takes place.
• Barrier: Anything that impedes the flow of communication

Models of Communication

• Aristotelian Model: One of the simplest models. Focuses on the speaker, the message, and the audience.
• The Linear Model (Shannon-Weaver Model): The "mother of all communication models." Emphasizes the sender, the message, the channel, the receiver, and noise.
• Lasswell Model: Used to describe communication functions in society: Surveillance, Correlation, and Cultural Transmission.
• Schramm's Model: Emphasizes encoding and decoding as essential processes in communication. A two-way process.
• Berlo's Model: Focuses on factors affecting different elements in communication.
  • Source: Communication Skills, Attitudes
  • Message: Content, Elements, Structure
  • Channel: Hearing, Seeing, Touching
  • Receiver: Communication Skills, Attitudes
• White's Model: A step-by-step model of the communication process. Includes: Thinking, Symbolizing, Expression, Transmitting, Receiving, Decoding, Feedbacking, and Monitoring.
• Dance Model: Represents communication as a spiraling helix. Highlights how previous communication influences future interaction
• Symbolic Interaction Model: Highlights communication as a dynamic and systemic process where individuals construct meanings through symbolic interactions.
• Transactional Model: A two-way process model where both the speaker and listener are actively involved in communication

Functions and Features of Communication

• Communication is an essential aspect of human interaction. Its primary functions include:

  • Information transfer: Sharing knowledge and facts
  • Relationship building: Developing and maintaining social bonds
  • Influence and persuasion: Attempting to change attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors
  • Emotional expression: Communicating feelings and emotions

• Effective communication is crucial for success in personal, professional, and academic settings. It is characterized by:

  • Clarity: Using precise language and conveying messages clearly
  • Conciseness: Avoiding unnecessary words and getting to the point
  • Relevance: Focusing on what is important and avoiding irrelevant information
  • Objectivity: Presenting information fairly and without bias
  • Completeness: Providing all necessary information
  • Consistency: Delivering a message consistently across multiple communication channels.

• Communication skills can be learned and improved through active practice and feedback.

Explore the essential elements and processes of communication. This quiz covers the origin, nature, and various components that contribute to effective communication. Test your understanding of terms such as speaker, message, encoding, and feedback.