Nature of Communication - Topic 1

Nature of Communication

• Communication has evolved from basic sounds and symbols to complex, sophisticated exchanges.
• Defined by the Latin term comunicare, meaning to share or make common.
• Essential goal is facilitating the exchange of ideas between individuals.

Characteristics of Communication

• Involves a two-way process where feedback is crucial to understanding.
• It is a continuous cycle that persists until reciprocating parties choose to end it.
• Can be categorized as formal or informal based on context.
• Predominantly non-verbal, with a minor percentage involving verbal communication.
• Distinction exists between personal communication (intimate) and impersonal communication (formal).

Proxemics

• Proxemics studies how space affects comfort and communication.
• Proxemic communication uses spatial arrangements to convey messages non-verbally.

Personal Territory

• Public Space: 12-25 feet away, used in situations like speaking to large groups.
• Social Space: 4-12 feet away, typical for interactions with colleagues or customers.
• Personal Space: 1-4 feet away, reserved for friends and family interactions.
• Intimate Space: Less than 1 foot, for close relationships.

Factors to Consider Before Delivering a Message

• Content: Type of message being conveyed is crucial.
• Climate: A positive climate fosters open communication; a negative one creates tension.
• Tuning in: Understanding how the receiver processes information enhances communication efficiency.

Sensory Process Types

• Visual: Learners retain information through mental imagery; language often includes visual metaphors.
• Auditory: Preference for spoken information; language includes sound-based references.
• Kinesthetic: Learning through hands-on experiences; language reflects physical sensations.

Nonverbal Communication

• Essential in conveying messages through body language, space, tone, and expression.
• Body Language: Conveys feelings and attitude without words.
• Proxemics: Examines how physical distance affects interaction.
• Paralanguage: Nonverbal elements that accompany spoken words, including pitch and speed.

Presuppositions

• Implicit assumptions that inform the context of communication, influencing interpretation.
• Example: "John forgot to call Mary" presupposes John had an obligation to call her, clarifying the context beyond the message itself.