Q: What is Communication?
(7 marks)
Communication is the process of exchanging information, ideas, thoughts, or feelings between
individuals or groups using verbal, non-verbal, written, or visual means.
Berelson and Steiner correctly state that “Communication is the transmission of information, ideas,
emotions, skills, etc., by the use of symbols—words, pictures, figures, graphs, etc.”
At its core, communication involves the following key elements:
These elements are explained hereby:-
1. Sender
The sender is the person who initiates the communication process. They have a thought, idea, or
piece of information that they want to share with someone else. The sender can be an individual, a
group, or even an organization. The effectiveness of the communication largely depends on how
clearly the sender can express their intention and how well they understand the audience.
Example: In a classroom, the teacher is the sender who wants to convey knowledge to the students.
2. Encoding
Encoding is the process through which the sender translates their thoughts or ideas into a message.
This could be done using spoken or written words, gestures, body language, symbols, or images.
The sender must choose the appropriate language, tone, and medium based on the context and the
receiver’s level of understanding.
Example: The teacher encodes the concept of photosynthesis by using simple language, a diagram
on a chart, and an example related to everyday life.
3. Message
The message is the actual content or information that the sender wants to communicate. It can
include facts, ideas, feelings, instructions, opinions, or emotions. A message can be verbal (spoken
or written), non-verbal (body language, facial expressions), or visual (charts, graphs, pictures). A
clear, well-organized message improves the chances of successful communication.
Example: “Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use sunlight to make their food.”
4. Receiver
The receiver is the person or group for whom the message is intended. The role of the receiver is to
listen to, read, or observe the message and try to make sense of it. Just like the sender, the receiver’s
background, attention, mood, and knowledge level influence how they interpret the message.
Example: A student sitting in class, listening to the teacher’s explanation, is the receiver.
5. Decoding
Decoding is the process by which the receiver interprets and understands the message sent by the
sender. This involves translating the sender's symbols, words, or gestures into meaning. Successful
decoding depends on the receiver’s language skills, experience, knowledge of the subject, and level
of focus.
Example: The student thinks about the teacher’s explanation and connects it to what they already
know about plants and sunlight.
6. Feedback
Feedback is the response or reaction that the receiver gives back to the sender. It helps the sender
know whether the message was received accurately and understood as intended. Feedback can be
verbal or non-verbal, immediate or delayed. It is essential in making communication a two-way
process and for clarifying misunderstandings.
Example: The student might ask a question, give an answer, smile, nod, or even look confused—
these are all forms of feedback.
7. Noise
Noise refers to anything that interferes with or distorts the communication process. It can occur at
any stage—during encoding, transmission, or decoding. Noise can be external (like background
sounds or a bad phone connection), internal (such as anxiety or lack of concentration), or semantic
(when unfamiliar words or jargon are used). Noise can reduce the effectiveness of communication,
leading to confusion or misinterpretation.
Examples:
Physical Noise: Loud fan or people talking in the corridor
Psychological Noise: The student is distracted due to stress
Semantic Noise: The teacher uses scientific jargon that the student does not understand
Conclusion:
Communication is a cyclical and interactive process involving a sender who encodes a message and
delivers it to a receiver, who decodes and responds through feedback. Noise may interfere at any
stage, so all parties must work toward clarity and understanding for communication to be truly
effective.
OR
Communication is how people connect, understand, and respond to each other. Effective
communication ensures the message is clearly understood, encourages mutual understanding, and is
crucial for personal, professional, and social relationships.