Communication Types and Barriers Quiz

Communication Types

• Verbal communication involves the use of language, sounds, and tone of voice.
• Non-verbal communication relies on body language, deportment, and facial expressions.
• Written communication includes journals, emails, blogs, and text messages.
• Visual communication encompasses signs, symbols, pictures, graphics, and emojis.

Audience Analysis

• Demographically, understanding an audience involves determining factors like age, gender, culture, ethnicity, race, religion, and educational level.
• Attitudinally, gauge their attitudes, beliefs, and values.
• Identify the preferred channel or medium for communication.
• Assess environmental factors like seating arrangements, room size and lighting when determining how an audience needs to receive information.

Communication Barriers

• Cultural differences can present barriers due to varying semiotics, levels of expectations, experiences, perspectives, and communication styles.
• For example, Western cultures prioritize direct communication, while Eastern cultures favor indirect communication.

Communication Process and Models

• Aristotle's model emphasizes a linear and speaker-centric approach to communication.
• Aristotle's model includes speaker, speech, audience, effect, and occasion.
• Aristotle's model’s three key elements for effective communication are Ethos, Pathos, and Logos.
• Ethos focuses on a speaker's credibility or character.
• Pathos emphasizes connecting with the audience's emotions.
• Logos emphasizes delivering logical arguments and evidence.
• Encoding involves transferring information into a format or platform easily understood by the recipient.

Communication Stages

• The channel refers to the method used to convey the message.
• The receiver represents the intended recipient of the message.
• Decoding occurs when the receiver processes the message.
• Feedback is the mechanism to gauge communication effectiveness, often through an oral response, body language, facial expressions, written remarks, or any form of reaction.

Characteristics of Effective Communication

• Clarity refers to the message and the purpose behind it.
• Conciseness ensures the message is brief.
• Completeness maintains accuracy and completeness, despite being concise.
• Organization involves planning for a systematic flow of ideas.
• Empathy prioritizes the receiver's needs and interests.
• Flexibility involves adapting to the needs and expectations of an audience.

Criteria for Effective Feedback

• Be vulnerable: Acknowledge shared experiences to make the receiver feel more receptive.
• Lead with intent: Explain the purpose of the feedback to ensure context and relevance.
• Focus on the behavior: Discuss the impact of the behavior rather than directly blaming the individual.
• Have a conversation: Engage in a two-way dialogue, providing space for the receiver to express their views.
• Focus on the future: Encourage future improvements and adjustments, instead of dwelling on past events.
• Check language: Use "I" language to express opinions while being considerate.
• Accept feedback: Acknowledge the receiver's response and actively listen to their perspective.
• Ask how you can help: Offer concrete suggestions or resources to support their growth.
• Stick to facts: Use data and statistics to support your points and avoid subjective opinions.
• End on a positive note: End the conversation with a compliment or reassurance to foster a positive outlook.

Communication Ethics

• Ethics guide us in distinguishing right from wrong and good from bad.
• Ethical communication is vital for responsible thinking, decision-making, building relationships, and creating communities.

Four Principles of Communication Ethics

• Advocate for truthfulness, accuracy, honesty, and reason for integrity in communication.
• Be mindful of past experiences and their potential impact on communication.
• Show commitment and genuine interest, devoting time, resources, and transparency.
• Respect socio-cultural beliefs and practices, avoiding stereotypes.