The term Communication is defined as:

• social interaction through messages.

• an exchange of facts, ideas, opinions, knowledge or experience by
two or more persons.
• an exchange of human feelings and emotions from one person or
group to another.
• the transfer of information from one or more people to one or more
other people.
• the giving and receiving of messages.
• Is the process of passing information (sending) and understanding
(receiving) the same from one person to another through verbal and
non-verbal communication

Communication Cycle

Characteristics of Communication
• is a dynamic Process
• is a two-way process
• is a complex a process
• Intentional
• Irreversible
Elements of Communication:
Communication is a two-way process that results in a shared meaning or common
understanding between the sender and the receiver.

The basic communication model consists of five elements of five elements of

communication: the sender, the receiver, the message, the channel and feedback.

I. Source (sender)

This is the originating point of any communication. It is the source who gets the
urge that necessitates communication for the purpose of satisfying that urge.

 The stronger the stimulus or the urge the greater is the need to communicate.
 The greater the need to communicate, the more the need is for effectiveness.
 The source is referred to as the sender, or encoder

Encoding is the process of putting ones thoughts into words. Encoder is the
person who translates his/her thoughts into meaningful words.

II. Receiver

The receiver means the partner to whom the sender transmits the message. A
receiver can be one person or an entire audience of people. A receiver is the
eventual recipient of the message. The receiver is also the decoder of the
message.
Decoding of a message is as integral to communication as encoding it. Decoding is
the process of giving meaning to the encoded message. It can also interpreting
what was encoded by the sender.

III. Message
The message is the most crucial element of effective
communication. The message can come in many different forms, such as an oral
presentation, a written document, or just a comment.

IV. Channel
The message travels from one point to another via a channel of communication.
The channel sits between the sender and receiver. There are many channels for
example, from the spoken word to radio, television, an Internet site or something
written, like a book, letter or magazine.

 Every channel of communication has its advantages and disadvantages. For

example, one disadvantage of the written word, on a computer screen or
in a book, is that the receiver cannot evaluate the tone of the message.

For this reason, effective communicators use written communications clearly so

they don't rely on a specific tone of voice to convey the message accurately.

 The advantages of television as a channel for communication include its

expansive reach to a wide audience and the sender's ability to further
manipulate the message using editing and special effects.

V. Feedback
 The last element of effective communication is feedback.
 Feedback is the receiver's response or reaction to the sender's message.
 The receiver can transmit feedback through asking questions, making
comments or just supporting the message that was delivered.

Feedback helps the sender to determine how the receiver interpreted the message
and how it can be improved. Without feedback the communication process breaks
down.
Most Common Ways Of Communication

Much of the communication that takes place between people is both verbal and
non-verbal; that is, it is based on language and gestures.

1) Verbal Communication

 Verbal communication involves using speech to exchange information

with others.
 We usually communicate verbally in face-to-face conversations such
as; meetings, interviews, conferences, speeches, phone calls etc

Verbal communication of the vocal category includes spoken language, while

nonvocal verbal communication involves written communication as well as
communication that is transmitted through transmitted through finger spelling,
Braille, or other similar alternatives to verbal language

2) Para verbal/paralinguistic/ paralanguage features

 Paralinguistic or paralanguage features are the aspects of spoken

communication that do not involve words

 Paralinguistic features accompany verbal communication and are the vocal

signals beyond the basic verbal message

 Paralinguistic elements in a person's speech, convey meaning beyond the

words and grammar used. Examples of paralinguistic features include pitch,
rate, quality of voice and amplitude.

2) Non-Verbal
 Non-verbal communication is a type of communication that employs
gestures and body language.
 Body Language" is the communication of personal feelings, emotions,
attitudes, and thoughts through body-movements such as gestures,
postures, facial expressions, touch, walking styles and positions among
others.
 These movements can be done either consciously or voluntarily; more often
they ‘happen’ subconsciously, and are accompanied, or not accompanied, by
words.
 There are basically three elements in any face-to-face communication. These
three elements account differently for the meaning of the message:
 Words account for 7%
 Tone of voice accounts for 38%
 Body language accounts for 55% of the message

Non-verbal communication includes:

(P)OSTURES & GESTURES

(E)YE CONTACT
(O)RIENTATION
(P)RESENTATION
 (L)OOKS
(E)PRESSIONS OF EMOTION

Body language and kinesics are based on the behavioural patterns of non-verbal
communication.

Body language can actually contradict verbal communications and reveal

our inner feelings about any particular person or topic

The way in which you fold your arms, cross your legs, sit, stand, walk, move
your head, eyes, lips reveal what you may be thinking or feeling. For example, you
may be sitting and conversing with a person; suddenly, he leans forward and with
both arms clutches the chair. By doing so he non-verbally communicates to you his
desire to end the meeting.

I. Hand Gestures
Hands and arms are used by most of us to communicate our thoughts

 People rub arms together, keep their arms closed, and clinch the fists. All
these tell what the person has in his mind involuntary. It is a way that people
non-verbally communicate positive expectations.

 Hands clenched together seems to be a confident gesture as some people

who use it are often smiling and sound happy. However, if the hands are
clenched too tightly, it is indicative of frustration or hostile attitude.

II. Eye/ Facial Expressions

Eyes focus on the face more often than on any other part of the body. and the
expressions have widely accepted meanings.

 If a prospect's eyes are downcast and face turned away, you're being shut
out, however, if the mouth move, he is probably considering your
presentation.

 If his eyes engage yours for several seconds at a time with a slight, one-sided
smile extending at least to nose level, he is weighing your proposal.
 III. Personal space and distance
 The extent to which people will keep out of or encroach upon our personal
space, depends on a multitude of factors including culture, personality,
age, sex, status and dominance. For example, women typically adopt
closer distances than men, particularly with other women.

 The distance that people put between themselves and others can also be
instrumental in reflecting attitudes, creating feelings and indicating the
balance of power

IV. Personal Appearance

 Research has shown that the more attractively that a person presents
themselves, the more advantages they will have in most aspects of life.

 Many workplace situations for the health and social care professions call for
the wearing of a uniform.

Levels of Communication
 I. Intra-personal Communication

 Def. is the communication with the own self. It take place within an
individual.

Intrapersonal communication where a person is sending message and the same

person receives them.

 Type Of Communication used/ Which Channel???

 Goals:
1- Clarifying what is known as Self-Concept & Self Awareness
2- Enhance Self esteem
3- Help decision making
 Examples
 Self-talk.
 Imagination and visualization , recall memory.

II. Inter-personal Communication

 Def. sending and receiving messages between two individuals

 Type Of Communication used/ Which Channel???
 Goals: Typical function of communication
 Examples
 Talking with a friend.
 Chatting/ Calling
 Writing an E-mail
 Face to Face interviews

III. Group Communication

 Def. is an extension of interpersonal communication where more than
two individuals are involved in exchange of ideas, skills and interests.
A group is a number of people with a common goals who interact to
achieve their goals or complete the target tasks
  Goals:
1- Accomplish tasks more efficient
2- Helps changing in attitudes and beliefs

IV. Organizational Communication

 Def. is the communication that takes place between individuals within

an organization.

It is internal (among employees, management, and departments) or external

(with clients, partners, stakeholders, or the public).

 Goals:

1- Centered around ensuring effective information exchange

2- Aligning individual and collective efforts with the overall goals and
values of the organization
3- Ensure satisfaction
4- Foster loyalty

V. Mass Communication

 Def. Refers to communication involves messages through a printed or

an electronic media. Message is intended for masses of individuals.
Audience is relatively large, heterogeneous, and unknown to the
source.
 Goals:
1- Inform the audience about events, policies, or important issues.
2- Increase public knowledge and awareness on various topics
3- Entertainment
4- Influence public opinion, attitudes, or behaviors.
 Examples:
 Newspapers
 Social Media
 Talk shows/ TV/ Radio
 Advertisements
VI. Extra-personal Communication

 Def. is a communication between human being and non-human entities or

non-living objects; like animals, machines, wall
 Type Of Communication used/ Which Channel???
 Goals:

1- Controlling the machines, systems, or devices (e.g., using voice

commands)
2- Asking a smart device for information.
3- Reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your
mood.

 Examples:

 Communication with animals

 Talking to machines
 Shouting at telephone while not working.