UNIT-1 Communication Skills-1
Q1) What is communication? Explain the basic methods of communication.
A1) Communication means the exchange of ideas and information through speech, writing, gestures or some other
means. It can also be defined as the process by which a message is transmitted from a source by which a message is
transmitted from a source to a receiver. E.g. A teacher teaching in the class, an author expressing his ideas in his
books, A manager of a company communicates his policies and instructions to his employees, father talking to his son
etc.
Methods of communication:
1) Verbal Communication: It is a type of communication in which we pass on knowledge and information
through speaking or writing. It is of two types:
a. Oral Communication/Voice-based communication: When a message or information is
communicated to others by speaking or through word of mouth it is called oral communication. Eg. A
manager passing instructions to his team.
Some important devices for oral communication are Telephone, Mobile Phones, Radio and Television
etc.
Advantage: we get immediate feedback. It is convenient, quick and direct.
Disadvantage: It cannot be preserved for future reference as no records are maintained.
b. Written Communication: The form of communication where message or information is passed to
others in written form. E.g. emails, letters, memos, circulars, newspapers.
Important means of written communication are:
Postal services , letters, telex, fax, e-mail, websites, printed pages, advertisements etc.
Advantage: It has a record & can be preserved for future reference.
2) Non-Verbal Communication: It takes place without speaking or writing any word, simply through facial
expressions, touch, one’s posture, eye contact, body language and hand gestures.E.g:a thumbs up, thumbs
down, winking, shrugging shoulders etc.
3) Visual Communication: It refers to communication through pictorial or visual representation of information.
It is more powerful than verbal and non-verbal forms of communication. E.g: Signboards, maps, pictures,
displays, charts, graphs, television programs, hoardings, banners etc.
Q2) Why is it important to have good communication skills? Or
What are the benefits of effective communication skills?
A2) Communication plays an extremely vital role in human life, be it at home, at school or at workplace or in society.
Effective/Good communication skills are essential to make a lasting impression. Benefits of good communication skills
are :
a) Helps to boost morale
b) Increases managerial skills
c) Better decision making
d) Builds effective relationships
e) Helps one to express himself better
f) Develops trust and builds confidence.
Q3) Can an email be considered a form of written communication? Give Reasons?
A3) Yes, an email be considered a form of written communication as it provides a written record of the
communication done.
Q4) What is the main purpose or function of communication?
A4) The main functions of communication are:
a) It binds people together in a community, society or organization.
b) It makes social interactions possible by strengthening relationships.
c) It makes business possible by telling what we want to buy or sell.
d) It allows to express and share ideas, opinions etc
e) It brings together people to work together for social and political development.
Q5) Write any six characteristics of communication?
A5) Communication has certain characteristics features. They are:
a) Communication is a two way process: It involves both the information communicated as well as its
understanding. Communication is not complete unless the receiver has understood the message properly and his
response is known to the sender.
b) Communication process involves atleast two people.
c) Communication must have a message for eg. Letter, speech, order, instruction etc. if there is no message there is
no communication.
d) Communication may be written, oral or gestural.
e) Communication may be formal or informal.
f) Continuity: Communication is an endlessly ongoing process of information sharing between individuals and groups
at different levels.
Q6) Define Symbolic Communication.
A6) Symbolic Communication uses certain signs and symbols to communicate a message. E.g traffic light on road
convey a definite meaning to people travelling on road. Deaf and blind people use special signs & geture base
languages. Such communication is caleed symbolic communication.
Q7) Explain the communication cycle along with its elements.
The communication cycle expresses how the system of conveying and understanding messages operates.
Sender: the person or entity who wants to convey an idea or concept to others.
Message/Idea: the information that the sender wishes to convey.
Encoding: how the sender chooses to bring the message into a form appropriate for sending.
Channel: the means by which the message is sent.
Receiver: the person or entity to whom the message is sent.
Decoding: how the receiver interprets and understands the message.
Feedback: the receiver's response to the message.
SENDER
IDEAS
ENCODING OF MESSAGE
Feedback
Feedback
CHANNEL
ORAL, WRITTEN, SYMBOLS, ETC
RECEIVER
DECODING THE MESSAGE
LISTENING, READING, ONSERVING
COMMUNICATION MISCOMMUNICATION
As Noise
Q8) What is meant by perspective? Name any four factors that affect our perspective on
communication.
A8) Perspective refers to our approach or point of view about something. Various factors that affect our perspective
of communication are:
a) Visual Perception: It is the ability to see, organize and interpret our environment.
b) Language: It is one of the fundamental tools of human communication. People speaking different languages
may perceive the same information differently.
c) Prejudice: It refers to the attitudes and feelings- positive or negative, conscious or non- conscious- that
people have about members of other group.
d) Past Experiences: Events that have occurred in the past have a profound influence on our senses and thought
process.
e) Environment: Location, weather, time or day etc environmental factors may affect communication.
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