Communication Skills: Definition and Elements

What is Communication?

• Communication is the ability to convey or share ideas and feelings effectively
• The word 'communication' comes from the Latin word communicare, meaning 'to share'
• It is the sharing or art of transmitting information, ideas, thoughts between two or more individuals or within a group to reach a common understanding

Importance of Communication Skills

• Successful communication helps us better understand people and situations
• It helps overcome diversities, build trust and respect, and create conditions for sharing creative ideas and solving problems
• Communication skills are essential in the workplace, as they can:
  • Improve relationships with managers and coworkers
  • Build connections with customers
  • Help convey points quickly and clearly
  • Enhance professional image
  • Encourage active listening and open-mindedness
  • Help advance careers

Communication Objectives

• Communication objectives are specific goals and outcomes that individuals or organizations aim to achieve through their communication efforts

Communication Process

• The communication process involves a sender, message, channel, receiver, and noise
• Noise can be cultural, cognitive, or systemic barriers that affect the communication process

Forms of Communication

• The five main forms of communication are:
  • Intrapersonal communication (communication with oneself)
  • Interpersonal communication (communication between people whose lives mutually influence one another)
  • Group communication (communication among three or more people interacting to achieve a shared goal)
  • Public communication (communication between an individual and a large audience)
  • Mass communication (communication that reaches a large audience through media channels)

Verbal Communication

• Verbal communication is communication using words, and it can be either:
  • Informal (face-to-face conversation, telephone conversation, discussion at meeting)
  • Formal (presentation at meeting, classroom lectures)
• Advantages of verbal communication:
  • Quickly conveys ideas and receives responses
  • Easier to exchange ideas
• Disadvantages of verbal communication:
  • Meanings can be confusing if the right words are not used

Written Communication

• Written communication is communication through written words
• Advantages of written communication:
  • Helps in laying down apparent principles, policies, and rules for running an organization
  • Provides clarity and conciseness
  • Reduces misunderstandings

Nonverbal Communication

• Nonverbal communication is the transmission of information through gestures, facial expressions, body language, and other non-verbal cues
• It can occur before, during, or after verbal communication, providing additional context and meaning
• Nonverbal cues often have universal meanings, but can also vary across cultures
• It can convey subtle nuances and emotions that may not be easily expressed verbally

This quiz covers the basics of communication, including its definition, elements, and types. Test your understanding of effective communication skills.