Understanding Communication

Communication

• Communication is the process of making sense out of the world.
• Communication shares one's sense of the world with others.
• Communication creates meaning through the use of verbal and nonverbal messages.
• It is important in school, at home, in public, and online.

Importance of Communication

• Communication skills strengthen relationships.
• Communication skills lead to employment.
• Communication skills maintain healthy living.
• Good, lasting relationships are built on good communication.
• Early communication with parents affects self-concept and self-worth.
• Open communication with family leads to good relationships and interactions with other people.
• Better communication skills improve employability.
• A social support system of friends and family affects overall health and quality of life.
• The lack of close relationships can lead to ill health and death.
• Intimate relationships help manage stress which contributes to emotional and physical health.

Process of Communication

• Typically includes the following:
  • Sources or sender.
  • Encoding.
  • Decoding.
  • Receiver.
  • Message.
  • Channel.
  • Context.
  • Noise.
  • Feedback.

Primary Principles of Communication

• Be aware of communication with yourself and others.
• Intrapersonal and interpersonal communication involves thoughts, emotions, and perceptions.
• Use and interpret verbal messages effectively.
  • Effective communication uses clear and precise words.
  • There is an effort to understand the messages of others.
• Use and interpret nonverbal messages effectively, though they may be misunderstood at times.
• Listen and respond thoughtfully to others.
  • Stop and focus on what others are saying.
  • Look for nonverbal clues.
  • Listen to both ideas and major details.
  • Be precise, accurate, and timely in response.
• Appropriately adapt messages to others.
  • Account for differences in culture, gender, background, and experiences.
  • Consider how other people interpret the messages.

Ethics in Communication

• Three universal norms:
  • Value of truth.
  • Respect for another person's dignity.
  • The expectation that innocent people should not suffer harm.
• Ethical communication involves:
  • Honesty: Avoid misleading others.
  • Respect: Treat others with respect.
  • Confidentiality: Protect sensitive information and do not disclose it without permission.
  • Responsibility: Take ownership of your words and their impact, as the consequences of actions can lead to things faced in life.
  • Avoiding a negative tone to maintain a peaceful conversation; talk in a manner that is not intimidating.
  • Avoiding speaking for others.
  • Speaking from your own experience.
  • Strive to understand.
  • Consider the preferred communication style of the receiver.
  • Respect others' opinions.
  • Avoid using a harsh voice when others are speaking, in order to create a positive environment for both speaker and listener.
  • Speak non-judgmentally.