Fundamentals of Communication

• The importance of communication is examined.
• Communication models are identified.
• Oral communication characteristics are distinguished.
• Communication is the vehicle through which our thoughts are expressed.
• Without communication, influencing others is impossible.
• Individuals can shape their futures through communication.
• Communication enables individuals to coexist.
• Communication facilitates the building of societal foundations, and interaction.
• Communication allows us to express our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs.
• Communication fosters social interaction by sharing with others.
• Communication allows people to exert reciprocal influence.
• Communication enables the achievement of shared meanings.
• A state of continuous communication is essential to living in communion.
• The objective to achieve with the communication is crucial.
• The key objectives of effective communication are to inform, persuade, entertain, and inspire action.

Types of Barriers

• Personal barriers include cultural differences, mood states, communication skills, biases, and disabilities.
• Semantic barriers include ambiguous language, jargon, technical terms, and different languages or dialects.
• Technological barriers also exist.

Aristotelian Model

• It is centered on the sender
• The communication flow is unilateral
• The audience is considered passive.

Shannon and Weaver Model

• It represents the two key actors in communication: the sender and receiver.
• The message travels from sender to receiver via a communication channel.
• Noise affects the channel when communication occurs between machines.

Model Factors

• Psychological climate and noise
• Mutual influence and momentary disposition are important.
• It also considers the situation and context.
• Sending also influences the final idea.
• Both use senses for participation and knowledge to influence each other.

Factors in Communication

• Source: Includes communication skills, attitudes, and knowledge.
• Message: Involves content, treatment, and code.
• Channel: Uses sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.
• Receiver: Influenced by communication skills, attitudes, and knowledge.
• System, social and culture aspects influence communication.
• Decoding and encoding are also important.
• Speaking and Writing are being codifiers.
• Reading, listening, and thinking are key.
• Attitude is defined by self-perception, and consideration for the topic and others.
• Knowledge that cannot be transmitted remains unknown.
• Code relies on symbols within a message structured meaningfully.
• Content involves selected and structured material.
• Treatment involves adaptations.
• Oral expression is spontaneous and filled with emotional nuances dependent on tone and gestures.
• Oral expression has a great expressive capacity.

Universal Expressions

• Include fear, sadness, joy, anger, shame, surprise, and disgust.
• Primary emotions are often accompanied by clear physical indicators.
• Sadness tends to produce inactivity.
• Emotions trigger movements and affect the function of the central nervous system (CNS).
• The brain sends messages to organs, triggering bodily reactions.
• Posture is a key indicator of character and an expression of attitude.

Characteristics of Oral Communication

• Use simple terms and vocabulary.
• Avoid clichés, filler words, and repetitions.
• Enunciating clearly is important.
• Call things by their names; avoid overusing vague terms.
• Avoid vulgar or offensive words, and ensure language fits the context.
• Use appropriate gestures without exaggeration.