Introduction to Basics of Communication
1. Communication and its Various Definitions
Communication is the process by which information, thoughts, feelings, and ideas are exchanged
between individuals or groups. It can be defined in several ways:
- **Human Communication**: A process in which people generate meaning through the exchange of
verbal and non-verbal messages.
- **Information Exchange**: The act of transmitting information from a sender to a receiver.
- **Social Interaction**: A social process that involves creating shared meaning, fostering
relationships, and understanding among people.
2. Features/Characteristics of Communication
1. **Process-Oriented**: Communication is an ongoing, dynamic activity rather than a one-time
event.
2. **Two-Way**: It involves both a sender and a receiver, making it a bidirectional process.
3. **Verbal and Non-Verbal**: It includes words (spoken or written) as well as non-verbal cues like
gestures, facial expressions, and tone of voice.
4. **Contextual**: The effectiveness of communication is highly dependent on the context, including
cultural, social, and relational aspects.
5. **Purposeful**: It aims to inform, persuade, entertain, or express emotions.
6. **Symbolic**: Communication relies on symbols like language, signs, and body movements.
3. Process of Communication
The communication process involves several key steps:
1. **Sender**: The person who initiates the message.
2. **Encoding**: The process of turning thoughts or ideas into communicable messages.
3. **Message**: The actual information, thoughts, or ideas to be conveyed.
4. **Medium**: The channel through which the message is transmitted (e.g., spoken word, text,
email).
5. **Receiver**: The person for whom the message is intended.
6. **Decoding**: The receiver interprets and makes sense of the message.
7. **Feedback**: The response from the receiver that indicates understanding or further exchange.
4. Communication Models and Theories
Several communication models and theories help explain how communication works:
1. **Linear Model**: The simplest model, where communication flows in one direction from sender to
receiver.
2. **Interactive Model**: Introduces feedback, making communication a two-way process.
3. **Transactional Model**: Emphasizes that communication is simultaneous, with both parties
acting as senders and receivers.
4. **Shannon-Weaver Model**: Focuses on how messages are transmitted and the potential "noise"
that can distort them.
5. **Berlo's SMCR Model**: Considers the Source, Message, Channel, and Receiver components of
communication.
6. **Theories**: Theories such as Constructivist Theory, Communication Accommodation Theory,
and Social Exchange Theory further elaborate on different aspects of the communication process.
5. Barriers to Effective Communication
Barriers to effective communication can hinder understanding and clarity. Common barriers include:
1. **Physical Barriers**: Environmental factors that prevent effective communication (e.g., noise,
distance).
2. **Language Barriers**: Differences in language or vocabulary that cause misunderstandings.
3. **Emotional Barriers**: Personal emotions, such as fear or anger, can interfere with
communication.
4. **Cultural Barriers**: Differences in cultural backgrounds can lead to different interpretations of
messages.
5. **Perceptual Barriers**: Differences in perception that cause the sender and receiver to
understand the message differently.
6. **Organizational Barriers**: Structural issues within organizations that affect communication flow.
