Communication Process and Components

Communication Process and Its Components

• Communication involves sharing meaning in any context
• Wood (2003) defined communication as a systematic process where people interact through symbols to create and interpret meanings
• Communication occurs when encoding (putting ideas into messages), transmitting them through senses, and decoding (translating) the message, followed by feedback

Communication Process

• Involves context, participants, messages, channels, presence/absence of noise, and feedback

Context

• The context is the setting where communication occurs
• Includes physical, social, historical, psychological, and cultural contexts
• Physical context refers to the location of communication, with factors like temperature and lighting influencing the process
• Social context is the relationship between participants, affecting communication style
• Historical context is the background of previous communication influencing the current interaction
• Psychological context includes moods and feelings
• Cultural context involves shared beliefs, values, and norms

Participants

• Participants include the sender and receiver

Messages

• Messages are encoded or decoded information

Channel

• Carries the message

Noise

• Anything that interferes with communication

Feedback

• A response that shows if the message was understood
• Improves communication

Models of Communication

• Two models describe communication: linear and transactional

Linear Model

• One-way, non-interactive communication seen in speeches, broadcasts, or memos
• The sender transmits a message through a channel
• Noise can hinder message delivery; This includes actual sounds, emotional factors like biases, or lengthy messages (TLDR)

Transactional Model

• Two-way and interactive where both parties are senders and receivers in real-time
• Examples include face-to-face meetings, calls, or interactive sessions where attendees share ideas
• Noise can affect communication in transactional models too

Model Selection

• The best model depends on circumstances and message type; Communication can shift between models
• Senders should choose the most suitable model

Types of Communication in terms of mode

• Classified into verbal, non-verbal, written, and mediated

Verbal Communication

• Involves spoken words, reflecting the ability to use language with organized words
• Sets humans apart from lower species

Non-Verbal Communication

• Includes body language, gestures, eye contact, and posture
• The sound of voice, including pitch, tone, and volume

Written Communication

• A formal, permanent record for future reference with messages, orders or instructions
• Sent through letters, circulars, manuals, reports, telegrams, office memos, and bulletins

Mediated Communication

• Carried out through information communication technology (ICT)

Levels of Communication

• Known as intrapersonal, interpersonal, and public communication

Intrapersonal Communication

• Occurs within oneself; also known as "self-talk"

Interpersonal Communication

• Communication between two or more individuals who establish relationships

Public Communication

• A message intended for a large audience
• Can be direct (face-to-face) or indirect (using media)

Non-Verbal Communication Defined

• Does not use words but can change or enhance the message

Non-Linguistic Elements

• Used to convey messages without relying on speech

Communication element categories

• Kinesics, proxemics, chronemics, olfactics, haptics, oculesics, artefactual/objectics, and physical appearance

Kinesics

• The study of the relationship between nonlinguistic body motions and communication

Proxemics

• The study of how people use physical space

Olfactics

• The study of smell

Chronemics

• The study of the use of time

Haptics

• The study of the sense of touch

Oculesics

• The study of eye movement

Objectics

• The objects that affect behavior

Physical Appearance

• Factors like physique, height, weight, and clothing

Functions of Communication

• Meets needs for human conversations
• We need food, water, and shelter, communication accomplish our need to talk to another human being
• Enhances or maintains a sense of self; By communicating, you learn and understand your abilities
• Fulfills social obligations by greeting and interacting with others
• Develops relationships; It strengthens and maintains bonds
• Exchanges information that one gets through media, observations, and conversations
• Influences others by encouraging and persuading with communication

Principles of Communication

• Guide communication encompassing purpose, continuity, encoding, relationships, ethics, and learning

Communication is Purposive

• Purpose can be insignificant or critical, but success is measured by achieving its goal

Communication is Continuous

• Constant, even silence

Communication Messages Vary

• Occurs consciously through learned behavior or situation awareness

Communication is Relational

• People negotiate and enhance relationships in communication

Communication has Ethical Implications

• Requires ethical choices

Communication is Learned

• A skill involving listening, processing, and speaking

Communication Ethics Defined

• Values that govern actions

Unethical Communication

• Use of language that degrades human personalities

Ethical Communicators adhere by

• Speaking with sincerity
• Avoiding falsehoods that cause harm
• Not distorting the truth
• Presenting truth as personally understood
• Elevating listener expertise with facts
• Ensuring message freedom from coercion
• Abstaining from fabricating information
• Crediting sources