Nature and Characteristics of Communication

Nature and Characteristics of Communication

• Communication is a systemic process involving interaction through symbols, creating and interpreting meanings.
• It is a continuous, dynamic process affected by external factors and does not occur in isolation.
• Different cultures have unique systems incorporating verbal and nonverbal communication; context, environment, and timing significantly influence this system.

Communicators in Communication

• Communicators actively construct meaning through conversations, including non-verbal cues such as facial expressions and gestures.
• Communication is irreversible; once something is said, it cannot be taken back, highlighting the importance of word choice.
• Meaning is collaboratively created; both the sender and receiver play vital roles in the communication process.

Communication as Symbolic

• Symbols, such as words and gestures, signify thoughts and feelings, enabling interpretation and expression of ideas.
• Individuals derive personal meanings from communication, shaped by their backgrounds, knowledge, experiences, and attitudes.

Misconceptions about Communication

• Communication can occur without complete understanding; it does not always resolve conflicts.
• Individual responses in communication are influenced by diverse factors, making it complex rather than simple.

Communication Models

• Linear Models are one-dimensional, focusing primarily on the sender and the message.
• Interactive Models involve a two-way exchange, where both sender and receiver contribute to meaning-making.
• Transactional Models present the most nuanced view, where communication is ongoing and contextually bound.

Linear Models

• Aristotelian Model emphasizes rhetoric tailored to different audiences and includes feedback mechanisms.
• Lasswell Model identifies the communication process as involving the channel, content, and receiver response.
• Shannon & Weaver Model portrays communication as a sender-receiver dynamic impacted by noise.
• Berlo’s Model integrates social factors affecting message encoding and decoding, asserting that sender and receiver must align for effective communication.

Interactive Models

• Schramm’s Model stresses individual interpretation based on personal experiences and cultural backgrounds.
• White’s Model emphasizes circular communication, highlighting that the sender can also be the receiver, creating a continuous loop of interaction.

Transactional Models

• Wood’s Transactional Model illustrates the shared construction of meaning influenced by culture and context.
• Speech Communication Transaction Model contains six elements: speaker, listener, feedback, channel, situation, and cultural context, essential for public communication.

Elements of Communication

• Recognizes the importance of barriers affecting message delivery and understanding, necessitating effective communication practices.

7 Cs of Effective Communication

• Completeness: Include all necessary information for understanding.
• Conciseness: Get straight to the point without unnecessary details.
• Consideration: Acknowledge the receiver's background and needs.
• Concreteness: Use specific facts and examples to support messages.
• Courtesy: Show respect for different cultures and values.
• Clearness: Use simple, clear language to express ideas.
• Correctness: Maintain proper grammar and language use for clarity.