Communication Lesson 1: Nature and Elements

Communication Overview

• Derived from the Latin "communicare," meaning to share or have something in common.
• Involves giving and receiving information between a sender and a receiver through words, symbols, or actions.

Nature of Communication

• Primarily an art form rather than a scientific process.
• Consists of a sender (speaker) and a receiver.
• Can be verbal (spoken or written) or non-verbal (body language, gestures).
• Characteristics include inevitability, irreversibility, and unrepeatability.

Key Components

• Speaker: The source of the information or message.
• Message: Ideas or thoughts conveyed in words or actions.
• Encoding: The conversion of the message into a format understandable by the speaker.
• Channel: The medium (personal or non-personal, verbal or non-verbal) used to convey the encoded message.
• Decoding: The receiver's interpretation of the encoded message.
• Receiver: The individual who receives and decodes the message.
• Feedback: Responses or reactions provided by the receiver about the message.
• Context: The environment in which the communication occurs.
• Barrier: Factors that hinder the flow of communication.

Functions of Communication

• Control: Directs behavior; example includes a doctor's prescription for medication.
• Social Interaction: Facilitates relationships; e.g., marriage proposals.
• Motivation: Encourages and motivates individuals; example includes phrases like "Don't give up."
• Information Dissemination: Conveys important information; for instance, sharing unique facts about locations like the Eiffel Tower.
• Emotional Expression: Allows expression of feelings and emotions; e.g., expressing sadness over a lost pet.