Communication: Its Elements and Types

Communication

The process of giving and receiving information between a human source and a human receiver using words, symbols, or actions; a two-way process of sharing and exchanging messages, information, ideas, and feelings for mutual understanding.

Nature of Communication

Communication is a process where two or more people exchange ideas through written or spoken words using verbal and/or nonverbal communication.

Process of Communication

The sender encodes thoughts into signals, sends them through a channel where noise may occur, the receiver decodes the signals, and gives feedback by becoming the sender.

Sender

Conveys messages by converting thoughts into symbols or observable signals through codification.

Codification (Encoding)

The process of converting thoughts into symbols or observable signals, usually through language.

Receiver

Hears the signals and converts the symbols into thoughts through decoding, deciphering, or interpretation.

Decoding (Deciphering/Interpretation)

The process of converting received symbols into thoughts.

Messages

Ideas or thoughts transmitted from the sender to the receiver through the interpretation of symbols.

Schema (Field of Experience)

The combined culture and experience of the sender and receiver that affects the correct interpretation of messages.

Symbols

Observable signals transmitted from the sender to the receiver that stir up meaning in the receiver's mind.

Verbal Symbol

Symbols in the form of spoken words or utterances from the mouth.

Nonverbal Symbol

Symbols communicated through body movements other than those of the mouth.

Channel

The medium through which the message is sent, connecting the sender and the receiver.

Noise

Anything that reduces the quality of the signal or distracts communication between the sender and receiver.

Feedback

The response sent by the receiver that allows the sender to adjust or improve the message for better understanding.

Intrapersonal Communication

Communication with oneself through deliberation or meditation to organize thoughts, make decisions, and understand oneself better.

Interpersonal Communication

Communication between one person and another person or a limited number of people.

Dyad

Interpersonal communication between two people, where clarification and feedback are maximized.

Small Group Communication

Interpersonal communication between three or more people, where clarification and feedback are reduced because there are more participants.

Public Communication

Communication with a large and diverse audience that requires clear explanations, avoids jargon or slang, and limits opportunities for feedback and clarification.