Understanding Communication
Defining Communication
Communication is a natural, constant, and interactive process of exchanging information, ideas,
and feelings. It utilizes both verbal and non-verbal methods.
Key Definitions of Communication
Harold Lasswell: Views communication as a linear process defined by five key components:
Who (Sender) Says What (Message) In Which Channel (Medium) To Whom (Audience) With
What Effect (Outcome).
Barker & Gaut (2002): Emphasize communication as an interactive process using verbal and
non-verbal language to create meaning and influence others.
Berko, Wolvin & Wolvin (2010): Define communication as a sender conveying a message that
a receiver interprets. Effective communication requires clear organization of ideas.
Defining Communication Theory
Communication theory is the academic study of how messages are created, transmitted, and
interpreted. It examines effective communication methods and aims to improve communication
in various settings: academic, professional, and social.
Types of Communication
Extrapersonal Communication: Communication with non-human entities (e.g., talking to a pet
or a computer).
Intrapersonal Communication: Internal dialogue or self-talk, crucial for emotional awareness,
decision-making, and self-reflection.
Interpersonal Communication: Occurs between two or more people, essential for building
and maintaining relationships. It requires empathy and listening skills.
Group Communication: Involves three or more people working towards a shared goal. It
requires organization and cooperation.
Public Communication: One person addressing an audience. It is typically formal and
planned, with feedback received through audience reactions.
Mass Communication: Messages sent to large, dispersed audiences via media channels (TV,
radio, newspapers, websites). Feedback is usually limited and delayed.
Social Media Communication: Communication via digital, interactive platforms. It offers
immediate feedback but requires responsible use.
Intercultural Communication: Communication between people from different cultural
backgrounds. It is influenced by language, values, and norms, and promotes cultural
sensitivity and mutual understanding.
The Role of Cognition in Communication
Cognition plays a vital role in communication, involving mental processes like:
Encoding: The process of creating a message.
Decoding: The process of interpreting a message.
Key Cognitive Functions in Communication
Attention
Perception
Memory
Reasoning
Problem-solving
Executive function
Why Cognition Matters
Individual differences in perception, biases, emotions, stress, and fatigue can all influence how
messages are interpreted. Shared knowledge, or "common ground," is essential for clarity.
Effective communication relies on focused attention, accurate interpretation, reliable memory,
logical reasoning, and emotional regulation.
Models of Communication
Communication models help illustrate how communication functions.
1. Lasswell's Model (Linear)
Formula: Who Says What In Which Channel To Whom With What Effect?
Components:
Who: Communicator/Sender
Says What: Message
In Which Channel: Medium
To Whom: Receiver/Audience
With What Effect: Outcome
Advantages: Simple, focuses on outcomes.
Limitations: One-directional, lacks feedback, does not account for "noise" (interference).
2. Jakobson's Model
This model expands on Lasswell's by including six key elements:
Addresser: The sender.
Message: The content being conveyed.
Addressee: The receiver.
Context: The situation or circumstances surrounding the communication.
Code: The shared language or system of signs used.
Contact: The channel or physical/psychological connection between sender and receiver.
This model highlights the importance of shared language and context, and acknowledges that
communication can break down if any of these elements are problematic.
3. Transactional Model
Core Concept: Communication is a simultaneous process of sending and receiving
messages, involving continuous feedback.
Influences: This model emphasizes that communication is shaped by social, cultural, and
relational contexts.
Focus: The co-creation of shared meaning between communicators. It views communication
as a dynamic, ongoing interaction.
Comparing the Models
Lasswell: Linear, effect-focused.
Jakobson: Adds context and shared code to the linear model.
Transactional: Dynamic, relational, and highlights simultaneous interaction and the co-
creation of meaning.
Conclusion
Understanding communication theory provides valuable insights for analyzing communication
problems, identifying barriers, improving clarity, adapting messages to specific audiences, and
ultimately communicating more effectively in all contexts.