WHAT IS COMMUNICATION?

•Communication is a sort of sharing that takes

place when messages get received and
interpreted.
•This may include:
–Information
–Ideas
–Thoughts
–Feelings
–Emotions
•Communication happens when messages are
received and interpreted.
•It is not communication when the author writes
a book.
•It is communication when you read and
understand the book.
At least two kinds of things happen when people
communicate with each other.
One is message transportation.
Other is Interpretation

Communication can thus be defined as what

happens when a receiver of a message assigns a
meaning to it.
To emphasize the interpretation function of
communication is to emphasize the role of receiver
in communication.
If I am sending messages to you, then effectiveness
of the message depends upon your receiving
behavior as much as my sending behavior.
 You must be paying attention:
 You must be interested to receive the message
 You must have some means of understanding:
what I am saying
 So, value in viewing communication is as
interpretation of messages and assigning
meanings to messages.

Communication is message reception and

interpretation.
 GLOSSARY
Communication
The assigning of meanings to messages by
receivers.
Encoder (Sender)
A person who sends a message. Persons cannot
stop sending messages.
Decoder (Receiver)
A person who senses and interprets messages.
Channel ( Medium)
The medium through which a message travels to
receiver. In interpersonal communication, it is
often simply the space between the persons.
Message
The message is the core idea you wish to
communicate. It consists of both verbal(written
or spoken) & non verbal(unspoken) symbols.
System
A system of interacting variables. Most
communication phenomena seem to be complex
systematic events.
Context
The system background against which a message
occurs. The context is made up of those other
things that are happening that give the message
its meanings.
• Communication is normally done by:
– Speech
– Signals
– Writing
– Behavior
Process of Communication

Sender Channel

Message Feedback

Channel Receiver
 SENDER RECEIVER
PLACE WHERE PLACE WHERE
MESSAGES GET MESSAGES GET
MEANING MEANING

RECEIVER SENDER
 Types of Communication
People communicate with each other in
number of ways with each other that depends
upon the message and its context in which it is
being sent.
Types depend upon the channel of
communication:
• Verbal
• Non-verbal
 Verbal Communication
• It refers to the form of communication in
which message is transmitted verbally
• Communication is done by word of mouth and
a piece of writing
• In verbal communication the acronym
‘KISS’
(Keep It Short and Simple)
 Verbal Communication (contd..)
• Verbal Communication is further divided into:
– Oral communication
– Written communication
 ORAL
Spoken words are used
Includes face-to-face communication, speeches,
radio, videos, televisions etc
Influenced by pitch, volume, speed, tone
Advantages:
 Easy to convey message
 Quick feedback
Disadvantage:
 In face to face conversation, user is unable to deeply think about
what is delivering and may convey wrong or encounter a fault
message.
 WRITTEN
Written signs and symbols are used
Message can be transmitted via letter, e-mail, report
etc
Mostly used for business and official purposes
Advantages:
 Message can be edited or revised
 Provide record/backups
 Enable user to understand thoroughly with an appropriate feedback
Disadvantage:
 Instant feedbacks are not possible.
 Need time for composing
 Need special skills
 Non-Verbal Communication
• Sending or receiving wordless message.
– Include gestures, body language, posture, tone of
voice or facial expression.
• Non-verbal communication is all about body
language of a person.
Elements of Non-Verbal Communication:
• Appearance:
Speaker
Clothing, hair style, make up etc
Surroundings
Include room (size, lightning, furnishing)
• Appearance:
Facial Expressions, gestures, postures
• Sounds:
Voice tones, volume, speed of speech
 Level of Communications
• Intrapersonal Communication
• Interpersonal Communication
• Small Group Communication
• One-to-group Communication
• Mass Communication
 Intrapersonal Communication
Intrapersonal communication is
communication that occurs in your own mind.
It is the basis of your feelings, biases,
prejudices and beliefs
– Example
when you make any kind of decision, what to eat
or wear. When you think about something.
 Interpersonal Communication
Interpersonal communication is the
communication between two people but can
involve more in informal conversations.
– Examples
when you are talking to your friends. A teacher
and student discussing an assignment. A patient
and a doctor discussing a treatment.
 Small Group Communication
Small group communication is communication
with informal or informal groups or teams. It is
group interaction that results in decision
making, problem solving and discussion within
an organization.
– Example
a group planning a surprise birthday party for
someone.
 One-to-group Communication
One-to-group communication involves a
speaker who seeks to inform, persuade or
motivate an audience
– Example
teacher and a class of students. A preacher and a
congregation.
 Mass Communication
Mass communication is the electronic or print
transmission of messages to the general
public. Outlets called mass media include
things like radio, television, film or print
material.
– Example
TV commercial, newspaper, books,
news channel
Barriers of Communication
Types of Barriers
• Physical Barrier
• Perceptual Barrier
• Emotional Barrier
• Cultural Barrier
• Language Barrier
• Gender Barrier
 How to overcome these barrier
• Taking receiver more seriously
• Crystal clear message
• Delivering message skillfully
• Focusing on the receiver
• Using multiple channels instead of relying on one
channel
• Ensuring appropriate feedback
• Be aware of your own state of
mind/emotions/attitude
 Tools of Effective Communication
• Be brief
• Manners
• Using ‘I’
• Be positive
• Good Listener
• Spice up your own word
• Clarity
• Pronunciation
Improvement In Communication:

The more skills you have, the more likely you

are to be able to structure your messages to be
effective and appropriate.
The combination of our motivation, knowledge,
and skills leads us to perform confidently in our
encounters with others.
 COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Message-formation skills increase the accuracy
and clarity of the messages you send.
Conversational-climate skills increase the
likelihood that you and your partner will develop
a supportive relationship in which you trust each
other.
Listening-for-understanding skills increase the
likelihood that you are able to understand the
meaning of another person.
Emphatic-response skills increase the
likelihood that you are able to understand and
respond to the emotional experience of another
person.
Disclosure skills increase the likelihood that
you will share your ideas and feelings in an
honest and sensitive manners.