Elements of Communication PDF

# Elements of Communication ## September 16th 2024 Communication is the act of imparting information especially news. It is the transfer of information such as facts, wishes, or emotions from a source to a receiver. It can be verbal, non-verbal, and imparted through various mediums. ## Intraperso...

# Elements of Communication ## September 16th 2024 Communication is the act of imparting information especially news. It is the transfer of information such as facts, wishes, or emotions from a source to a receiver. It can be verbal, non-verbal, and imparted through various mediums. ## Intrapersonal Communication: Communicating with yourself - Analyze, make plans. - Help build your confidence; Self affirmations. ## Communication Cycle or Communication Loop 1. **Sender:** - **Message:** - **Encode:** Package message. - **Channel:** How to take in the message. 2. **Receiver** - **Decoding** - **Feedback:** Any response - **Noise/Barrier/Hindrances** ## September 18th 2024 ## Types of Noise In communication, noise refers to any interference that distorts or interrupts the message being transmitted between a sender and receiver. Noise may not be orally, aural meaning sound, or something you hear. When external factors in the environment disrupt communication, for example, loud music, bad weather, or poor connection during a phone call. ### Physical Noise This type of noise involves disruptions caused by physical conditions in the sender or receiver, for example, hearing problems, fatigue, or illness, may prevent someone from fully engaging in communication. ### Psychological Noise Internal factors such as preconceived notions, stress, or emotions can affect how messages are received and interpreted. For example, if someone is anxious, they may misinterpret neutral comments. ### Cultural Noise Occurs when differences in cultural backgrounds or context cause misinterpretation or misunderstanding of messages, for example, body language, or gestures can have different meanings in different cultures. ### Organisational Noise Problems within an organization, such as communication structure, unclear channels for communication, and misaligned goals that disrupt the flow of information, for example ### Semantic Noise Concerns use of language styles, sentence structure. These misunderstandings that occur due to language or word choice, such as jargon. ### Technical Noise Issues with the medium or channel of communication, such as distorted sounds in phone calls or low video quality in virtual meetings. ## Verbal Communication Involves language. It refers to the use of our words to transmit ideas or information, both writing and speaking are forms of verbal communication, essays, speeches, text, and conversations. ## Non-Verbal Communication Refers to the transmission of messages or information without the use of words. It involves a wide range of behaviors that people use to convey meaning or express emotions, at times unconsciously. ### Communicative Behaviors #### Types of Non-Verbal Communication 1. **Facial Expressions:** These are one of the most powerful forms of non-verbal communication. Universal emotions are often conveyed through the expression of our face. Anger, happiness, fear, sadness. 2. **Non-Oral:** - **Spoken language:** Laughing, crying, coughing, choking - **Body Language:** Gestures ## Organisational Context Communication which takes place in an organizational environment such as work, school/college, banks, post office, supermarkets. ### Characteristics - **Perintane:** Significant amount of information taking place. - **Complex:** Several patterns of communication taking place at the same time. **Patterns:** Downward, Upward, Horizontal, Grapevine. ## Academic Context Aural, oral, or written communication, all part of academic communication. - Attentive listening - Effectual group work - Comprehensive oral (written reporting (labs or projects)) - Effective note-taking - Persuasive proposal writing/presentations - Constructive questioning - Succinct writing (essays,...) - Coherent summarizing ## September 24th ## Contexts of Communication ### Intrapersonal Context The active internal involvement of individuals in symbol processing of messages. The individual becomes their own sender and receiver, providing feedback to themselves. - **Example:** Talking to yourself. #### Internal Discourse - Thinking, analyzing, daydreaming, nocturnal dreaming, contemplation, meditation. #### Solo vocalizing - Speaking aloud to oneself. #### Solo writing - Diary writings or notes to self ### Interpersonal Context 4 principles: It is inescapable, it is irreversible, it is complicated, it is contextual. - Inescapable because, as human beings, we must communicate. - Irreversible: One cannot rewind or delete words spoken or gestures made. - Complicated: Two or more personalities involved, there would be misunderstanding and misinterpretation. - Contextual: ### Small Group Context Communication that occurs in groups between two or twelve individuals. - Classroom group discussion. - Chat room, blog, or Facebook page online. - Audio or video conferencing. - Discussion boards and listservs. ## Body Language and Gestures Refer to the gestures, movements, and mannerisms by which a person communicates. Varies across cultures. ## Proxemics The physical distance people maintain from others in different situations. Varies across cultures. ## Chronemics How people use time to communicate. ## Appearance and Dress Clothing, grooming, and other aspects of personal appearance can communicate non-verbal cues about status, personality, and mood. ## Para Language Involves tone, pitch, and volume of voice. For example. ## Graphics and Symbols A visually perceptible figure with a particular meaning used to transmit information independent of language (House). ## Intercultural Context Interactions of between persons of different cultural communities. ## Contexts of Communication The forms and process to the actual process in which communication occurs. ## Interpersonal Communication Refers to communication that takes place between two or more persons and usually face-to-face or in close proximity. ## Activity 3.1: Interpersonal Skills Would be important. ### Teamwork Interacting with colleagues would require effective communication and conflict resolution skills. ### Customer Service Interacting with others. Interpersonal skills would be essential for customer service. ### Public Speaking To deliver great speeches or presentations. ### Parenting Requires good skills to set boundaries. ## October 1st 2024 ## Definition of Language Why is it important to society? Elements: Syntax, Grammar, Usage, Vocabulary, Spelling, Punctuation, Emunication. Language is a principal method of human communication which consists of words used in a structured and conventional way which is displayed by speech, writing, or gestures. ## Importance of Language to Society Allows individuals to relate to one another, facilitating the sharing of information, for example: - Language establishes social norms and conveys critical information within a community. - Transmit cultural knowledge from one generation to the next. - Enables the development of legal, political, and educational systems contributing to social structures. - Supports recreational and creative expressions, which are essential. ## October 8th 2024 ## Characteristics of Language 1. **Language is Human** Meaning it is unique to human beings. The possession of language as a communication tool has been the main catalyst in our development as the most creative species on earth. 2. **Language is Verbal** Language must be spoken in order to meet the requirements of a language, which either animals or sounds in nature don't consider being a language. 3. **Language is Written (Recordable)** It must be uniform with regular features, so that it could be recorded by writing. What is writing? It is a conventional system of marks/signs representing our utterances of a language. It functions with symbols. These symbols, the words and signs, are symbolic in the form of words and signs. Moreover words need definitions because they are symbols of meaning. To order things, dictionaries record the symbolic meaning of words. 4. **Language is Systematic** It has a regular set of patterns which are essential to language structure. The absence of structure results in discontinuity of the language. 5. **Language is Symbolic** Language is symbolic, meaning that words can stand in for things in the real world. However, we need definitions because words, overall, are also symbolic, meaning 6. **Language is Conventional** Language is an agreement, but a changing agreement, of how words are used. 7. **Language is Universal** All human societies have language. 8. **Language is Flexible** Language can change over time, and new words can be created, like "selfie." 9. **Language is Dynamic** This feature of language indicates that it changes over time. For instance, change takes place when there is an invention of new words and also a change in the meaning of existing words. 10. **Language is Natural** It grows and develops. It is established in communities designed to fit the purpose of every group. 11. **Language is Non-Instinctive** Developed because of our innate urge or desire to communicate, language is a human creation, a tool that humans have developed to help us communicate. ## October 2nd 2024 ## Language Survive by Continuity/Progression A formal structure in organizations is used to help keep the flow of continuity. ## The Most Important Mechanism for Language To Be Successfully Transmitted is The Human Society ## Levels of Comprehension 1. **Literal Understanding** Knowledge-based information about what is actually said. 2. **Interpretive** Understanding what is implied or meant, rather than what is actually stated. 3. **Analysis** Assessing, drawing conclusions, and summarizing from information, for example, finding a theme in a story or drawing a conclusion from factual information. 4. **Application** Applying knowledge-based information as well as comparing one situation to another. 5. **Synthesis** Integrating ideas and combining knowledge based information. 6. **Evaluation** Deducing conclusions from information presented. ## October 8th 2024 ## Purpose and Functions of Language ### Purpose The purpose of language is to: 1. **Question** 2. **Direct** 3. **Provide Etiquette/Pleasure** 4. **Inform** ## Functions of Language 1. **Referential (Informative) Function** We use language to share facts, details, and information about all subjects and topics in our world. 2. **Emotive (Expressive) Function** Language used to express our emotions, feelings, and attitudes. 3. **Conative Function** We employ language to persuade or influence others. For instance, we make requests or give commands. 4. **Phatic Function** We use language to maintain social relationships. For example, we use language to make small talk and during our general everyday interactions. 5. **Metalingual or Metalinguistic Function** We use language to speak about language itself. 6. **Poetic Function** The use of language for artistic purposes such as poetry, storytelling, or wordplay.