The Communication Process
The communication process is defined as the exchange of messages between a sender and
a receiver, involving the transmission of the message through chosen channels and the
subsequent feedback from the receiver, which determines the effectiveness of the
communication.
Steps of the communication process
Communication is the sharing of thoughts, ideas, information, and feelings.
The communication process involves two or more individuals that exchange information. The
five basic steps in communication include a sender (source), a message, a channel (mode of
communication), a receiver, and feedback. The person sending a message, through various
channels, is the sender, and chooses how to transmit the message. The channels may be
spoken words, written messages, or nonverbal body language. The message is encoded by
the sender, meaning that a specific expression is made through certain words and other
channels.
There are five C’s of communication: complete, concise, clear, cohesive, and courteous. The
message contains complete information, using everything that is necessary to be
communicated. It must be concise, without any unnecessary information, clear, and not
obscure or ambiguous. The message must be cohesive, using organization and logic. It
must also be courteous to others, indicating respect and consideration. The channel
between the sender and receiver may be downward, upward, or horizontal.
A downward channel is one from a superior to an employee. An upward channel is from an
employee to a superior. A horizontal channel is between people with similar responsibility
levels. The receiver of the message decodes it based on his or her understanding. A
message can be decoded incorrectly, often due to noise or other interference. There are two
forms of noise: external, from the environment, and internal, from the receiver’s own
thoughts.
Where do you encounter Communication Process and Models in school, online,
home, or future work?
You can encounter the Communication Process and Models in many areas of daily life:
1. In School – During class discussions, reporting, group activities, and when teachers
give instructions. Students and teachers exchange messages, provide feedback, and
clarify ideas.
2. Online – Through social media, emails, video calls, chats, and online learning
platforms. People send and receive messages using different digital channels.
3. At Home – When family members talk about daily activities, make decisions, solve
problems, or express feelings. Effective communication helps maintain
understanding and good relationships.
4. In Future Work – Communication is essential for meetings, teamwork, customer
service, presentations, and professional correspondence. Employees need to
communicate clearly with colleagues, supervisors, and clients to achieve
organizational goals.
Summary: Communication processes and models are present everywhere—in school,
online, at home, and in the workplace—because they help people share information,
understand one another, and work together effectively.
Write one example and one question about the topic
Example:
During an online class, a teacher explains a lesson through a video call (sender), the lesson
is the message, the video call platform is the channel, the students are the receivers, and
when students ask questions or answer activities, they provide feedback.
Question:
How does feedback help make the communication process more effective?