Definition of Communication
Communication is a process of sharing and conveying messages or information from one
person to another within and across channels, context, media, and cultures. (McCornack
2014.)
Derivation of Communication
Communication derived from the latin word "communicare", which means to share, impart,
participate, exchange, transmit or to make common. It emphasizes on sharing common
information, ideas and messages. It is not merely issuing orders and instructions.
Nature of Communication
1. Communication is a process
2. Communication occurs between two or more people (the speaker and receiver)
3. Communication can be expressed through written or spoken words, actions, or both
spoken words and nonverbal actions at the same time. (Social Context)
Features of Communication
1. Completeness - complete communication is essential to the quality of the
communication process in general.
2. Conciseness - does not mean keeping the message short, but making it direct or
straight to the point.
3. Consideration - understand the audience’s background, values and needs.
4. Concreteness - use clear facts and examples, not vague language.
5. Courtesy - be respectful and polite to create a positive impact.
6. Clearness - use simple words and focus on one idea to avoid confusion.
7. Correctness - use proper grammar and facts to improve credibility.
Characteristics of Communication
Exchange of information communication involves the sharing of ideas, thoughts and
messages.
Sender & Receiver communication requires both a sender and receiver (who receives and
interprets it.)
Verbal & Non-verbal communication can be expressed through spoken or through gestures.
Encoding and decoding the sender encodes their message into a form that can be
understood, and the receiver decodes the message.
Feedback loop it is where the receiver respond to the senders message.
Contextual communication is influenced by the situation, culture and environment in which it
occurs.
Transactional it is a two-way process where both sender and receiver actively contributes to
the interactions.
Purposefect communication should have purpose to inform, persuade, entertain, request,
etc.
Noise barriers that interferes with communication.
Dynamics communication is constantly evolving so it needs to be changed it’s dynamics
Process of Communication
The speaker generates an idea
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The speaker encodes an idea or converts the idea into words or actions.
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The speaker transmits or sends out a message.
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The receiver gets the message.
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The receiver decodes or interprets the message based on the context.
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The receiver sends or provides feedback.
Elements of Communication
1. Speaker - the source of information or message.
2. Message - the information, ideas, or thoughts conveyed by the speaker in words or
in actions.
3. Encoding - the process of converting the message into words, actions, or other
forms that the speaker understands.
4. Channel - the medium or the means, such as personal or non-personal, verbal or
nonverbal, in which the encoded message is conveyed.
5. Decoding - the process of interpreting the encoded message of the speaker by the
receiver.
6. Receiver - the recipient of the message, or someone who decodes the message.
7. Feedback - the reactions, responses, or information provided by the receiver.
8. Context - the environment where communication takes place.
9. Barrier - the factors that affect the flow of communication.
Functions of Communication
Control - communication function to control behavior.
Social interaction - communication allows individual to interact with others.
Motivation - communication motivates or encourage people to live better.
Emotional expression - communication facilitates people's expression of their feelings and
emotions.
Information dissemination - communication functions to convey information.
Dimensions of Communication
- Miscommunication can lead to a total break of interaction.
Five (5) dimension of communication:
Verbal & Non-verbal - it talks about the use of language or words and body gestures and
facial expression.
> Verbal communication - it emphasizes the use of language, words, and clarity in conveying
a message.
> Nonverbal communication - it doesn't use word but rather facial expression, body
language, gestures, and eye contact.
Oral & written - under verbal communication means spoken communication and the
transcription of thoughts and ideas.
> Oral communication - it emphasizes active listening and responding it real time.
> Written communication - it transcript thoughts through waiting form
Formal and informal - it speaks of factors that may not highlight traditional and conventional
communication.
> Formal communication - it uses politeness when interacting.
> Informal communication - uses casual approach with less emphasize on formalities.
Intentional and unintentional - this rely on the fact that message always have purpose.
> Intentional communication - it is used when the sender actually have specific purpose.
> Unintentional communication - it can be similar to nonverbal. Communication that occurs
without conscious effort.
Cultural and gender - culture and gender influence communication and society.
> Cultural communication - it emphasizes intercultural sensitivity and understanding.
> Gender communication - it is how gender roles affect communication.
Verbal Communication
- Uses words to share messages effectively.
Key principles:
Appropriateness - uses language that fits the situation.
Brevity - be direct and avoid unnecessary words.
Clarity - clearly express ideas and feelings.
Ethics - choose words with respect for others’ background.
Vividness - use creative words to make your message engaging.