ORAL COMMUNICATION 11 NOTES

The Communication Process and the Elements of Communication

Communication is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, allowing us to convey

thoughts, ideas, emotions, and information to others. The communication process
involves several interconnected elements that work together to facilitate the exchange
of messages between individuals or groups. Understanding these elements is crucial for
effective communication.

Elements of Communication

1. Sender- The sender, also known as the communicator or the source, initiates the
communication process by formulating a message. This message can be verbal,
non-verbal, or written, and it carries the information or ideas the sender wishes to
convey to the recipient.
2. Message- The message is the content or information being communicated. It
can take various forms, including spoken words, written text, body language,
gestures, or even visual aids. The sender must encode the message in a way
that the recipient can understand.
3. Encoding- Encoding involves converting thoughts and ideas into a format that
can be easily transmitted to the recipient. This process can include selecting
words, organizing ideas, and considering the tone and delivery method to ensure
the message is clear and coherent.
4. Channel- The channel refers to the medium or means through which the
message is transmitted from the sender to the recipient. Common
communication channels include face-to-face conversations, phone calls, emails,
letters, video conferences, and social media platforms. The choice of channel
can significantly impact how the message is received and interpreted.
5. Receiver- The receiver, also known as the audience or the recipient, is the
individual or group for whom the message is intended. They play a crucial role in
the communication process by decoding and interpreting the message. The
receiver's perception, background, and communication skills can influence their
understanding of the message.
6. Decoding- Decoding is the process by which the receiver interprets and makes
sense of the message. This involves deciphering the encoded information and
translating it into meaningful thoughts or actions. Effective communication occurs
when the decoding process aligns with the sender's intended message.
 7. Feedback- Feedback is an essential element of the communication process that
helps ensure understanding and clarity. It involves the receiver responding to the
sender, either verbally or nonverbally, to confirm their understanding, seek
clarification, or express their thoughts and feelings related to the message.
Feedback enables both parties to adjust their communication as needed.
8. Context- The context in which communication takes place includes the
surrounding environment, the relationship between the sender and receiver,
cultural norms, and the timing of the communication. Context can significantly
influence how the message is interpreted and the effectiveness of the
communication.
9. Barrier- A communication barrier refers to any factor or obstacle that hinders the
effective exchange of information or messages between a sender and a receiver.
Barriers can disrupt the communication process and lead to misunderstandings,
misinterpretations, or the failure to convey the intended message.

The Process of Communication

Communication Models

A communication model is the framework we use to share messages and thoughts

with others. They dictate how we interact with the people around us, and help to
facilitate understanding and collaboration. The following are some of the models of
communication:

1. Shannon-Weaver Model
2. Schramm Model
3. David Berlo’s Model of Communication

1. SHANNON-WEAVER MODEL

One of the most widely used frameworks for understanding and improving
communication is the Shannon-Weaver model, predicated on the notion that
communication is a one-way, linear process. This model consists of six components.

Claude Elwood Shannon and Warren Weaver created the model, mathematical
theory of communication to explain how information is transmitted between sender and
receiver in 1948.

1. Source/ Sender- The person or entity that has a message to communicate. Is

the primary source of the information.
2. Transmitter - converts the message into signals. It is also known as encoding.
3. Channel- the reception place of the signal which converts into message. A
reverse process of encode or the decoding.
4. Receiver- Destination of message from the sender or source.
5. Destination- The recipient or entity of the message is known as the destination.
6. Noise- Any interference or distortion that degrades the signal’s message’s quality
or clarity is known as the noise.

ADVANTAGES OF THE SHANNON-WEAVER MODEL

● Concept of noise helps in making the communication effective by removing the
noise or problem causing noise.
● This model takes communication as a two way process. It makes the model
applicable in general communication.
● Communication is taken as quantifiable in the Shannon Weaver model.

DISADVANTAGES OF THE SHANNON-WEAVER MODEL

● It can be applied more for interpersonal communication than group
communication and mass communication.
 ● Receiver plays the passive part in the communication process as sender
plays the primary role that sends messages.
● Feedback is taken as less important in comparison to the messages sent
by the sender.
● The model is taken by some critics as a "misleading misrepresentation of
the nature of human communication" as human communication is not
mathematical in nature.

2. SCHRAMM MODEL

This model was proposed by Wilbur Schramm. This model emphasizes the interactive
nature of communication with a focus on continuous two-way message exchange
between sender and recipient, highlighting the importance of feedback and mutual
information exchange. It also highlights six elements; sender, message, receiver,
receiver's feedback and the encoding and decoding process.

Effective communication requires successful decoding by the recipient. Feedback

occurs when both sender and the recipient exchange information based on the received
message, allowing the sender to assess whether the message was correctly
understood.

HISTORY OF THE SCHRAMM MODEL

Traced back to 1954 when Charles E. Osgood, an American-born psychologist,

explained that for communication to be effective, it has to occur in a circular manner. He
is well known for his technique called the semantic differential, a technique widely
applied in understanding people's perceptions, biases, and attitudes.

Wilbur Schramm, a communication scholar, took Osgood's thoughts and expanded

them. Schramm further held that communication can only be complete if a message is
interpreted successfully and if the receiver gives feedback. For this reason, Schramm’s
model is also known as the Osgood-Schramm model of communication.

Schramm further held that communication can only be complete if a message is

interpreted successfully and if the receiver gives feedback.

WHEN TO USE THE SCHRAMM MODEL?

● Schramm's model is used when you need to determine how communication

between two people work when they're exchanging information, ideas or
attitudes.
● It can be used to identify and understand the components and relationship of the
communication process being studied.
ADVANTAGES OF THE SCHRAMM MODEL

● The Schramm Model underscores interactive communication.

● Promotes two-way communication, in contrast to older linear models.
● This model values feedback in communication.
● It considers the impact of context on communication.

DISADVANTAGES OF THE SCHRAMM MODEL

● The Schramm Model simplifies communication.

● Although it is a cyclical representation of communication.
● While it acknowledges feedback's importance.
● Schramm Model, influenced by Western norms.

3. DAVID BERLO’S MODEL OF COMMUNICATION

It is the most basic form of communications used to analyze one-way communication

(e.g. advertising). David Berlo developed this communication model in 1960, where he
emphasized that the sender and the receiver should be at the same level to have
effective communication. It is also called the “Sender-Message-Channel-Receiver
(SMRC) Model of communication”. This model has only four elements.

1. Sender- The sender in communication acts as the source of information; they

are the one to deliver the message (e.g. reporter).

5 Components of a sender:

● Communication Skills- Has strong communication skills, and the ability

to convey information through speaking and writing.
● Attitude- Has a positive attitude towards each other and establishes
effective communication. A negative attitude might hinder or cause a
miscommunication in between.
● Knowledge- Knows the information that needs to be conveyed.
● Social System- Aware of the social environment where they’re trying to
communicate.
● Culture- Being familiar with the values, beliefs, and other cultural aspects
that might influence one’s ability to communicate.

2. Message- A message in communication is the information being conveyed by the

sender that creates a connection to the receiver (e.g. written text).
 5 Factors affecting the message:

● Content- what is contained in the message.

● Element- Language, Facial Expressions, Gestures ,etc.
● Treatment- The way the message is being delivered to the audience.
● Structure- How the message is arranged.
● Code-Includes the language, body movements, gestures, and
expressions used by the speaker.

3.Channel- The channel is the medium through which the sender conveys the message
to the receiver (e.g. telephone). The factors affecting the Channel are the 5 senses (
Hearing, Seeing, Touching, Smelling and Tasting).

4. Receiver- The receiver, also known as the audience or decoder, is the person or
group who receives and interprets the message in communication.

5 Factors affecting the receiver:

● Hearing- Good communication skills are required to understand the

message.
● Attitude- Having a positive attitude towards the sender.
● Knowledge- Must know about the topic or subject.
● Social System- Same social system with the sender.
● Culture- Same cultural background with the sender.

ADVANTAGES OF DAVID BERLO’S MODEL OF COMMUNICATION

● It is relatively straightforward in comparison to modern communication models.
The sender encodes the message, and if it aligns with the receiver's channel, the
receiver can decode it.
● The model takes into account the alignment of the message and the medium with
the receiver.

DISADVANTAGES OF DAVID BERLO’S MODEL OF COMMUNICATION

● The idea that the sender and receiver must be on the same level in terms of
communication skills, attitudes, knowledge, social system, and culture, is
absurdly impossible.

Prepared by Group 5