Communication Skills - Introduction to Communication

Communication Skills

• By the end of this chapter, students should be able to define communication, understand its importance, and know how to communicate effectively.

What is Communication?

• Communication is the act of transferring, conveying, or coming to a shared meaning.
• It influences, informs, and instructs.

Models of Communication

• Shannon Weaver's Model of Communication (1948) is considered the mother of all models of communication.

Types of Communication

• Intrapersonal Communication: communication process within an individual, e.g., self-talk to motivate oneself, thinking before answering a question, or deciding on what to eat.
• Interpersonal Communication: communication process with another individual, e.g., asking a question to a lecturer, conversing with friends over coffee.

Forms of Communication

• Verbal Communication: uses language (words + grammar) to communicate, sent through oral or written communication.
• Non-Verbal Communication: uses no language to communicate, sent through body language, paraverbal, or pictorials.

Non-Verbal Communication

• Combination of:
  • Body language (hand gestures, eye contact, body movement, facial expression)
  • Pictorials
  • Paraverbal (tone, pitch, volume)

7-38-55 Rule of Communication by Dr. Albert Mehrabian

• Not specified in the text, but generally refers to the proportion of communication that is verbal (7%) vs. non-verbal (93%).

Formal and Informal Communication

• Formal Communication: official, precise, and follows a rigid format, e.g., meetings, reports.
• Informal Communication: unrestrained, no rigid rules, no boundaries of time/venue, e.g., casual conversations.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Communication Channel

• Feedback
• Cues
• Speed
• Personable
• Emotional Content

Learn about the basics of communication, its importance, and effective communication techniques. This quiz is designed to test your understanding of communication skills.