The Communication Process

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definition, components, context types, noise categories, and participants of the communication process.

Communication

The process of sharing meaning in any context, characterized as a two-way process wherein messages (ideas, thoughts, feelings, and opinions) are transmitted to create and interpret meanings.

Communication (Wood, 2003)

A systemic process in which people interact in our lives, as defined in Julia Wood's 2003 book 'Communication in our lives'.

Context

The setting in which communication occurs, shaping the meaning, interpretation, and effectiveness of the encoded messages transmitted between the sender and the receiver.

Physical Context

The environmental setting where communication takes place, influenced by factors such as temperature, lighting, and noise level.

Social Context

The specific relationship that exists between and among participants, such as communication between friends, family, workmates, or strangers.

Historical Context

The time period, historical events, social conditions, and cultural circumstances that influence how people communicate and understand messages.

Participants

The individuals engaged in communication, consisting of both the sender and the receiver.

Sender

The participant who forms messages and transmits them through various means.

Receiver

The participant who receives, processes, and reacts to the transmitted message.

Channel

Defined by Verderber (1999) as both the route through which a message travels and the means by which it is transmitted.

Noise

Any interference that disrupts or affects the communication process.

External Noise

Environmental sights, sounds, and other stimuli that divert people's attention away from what is being said.

Internal Noise

Mental and psychological distractions, such as daydreaming in class, feelings, thoughts, and emotions, that interfere with the communication process.

Semantic Noise

Unintended meanings aroused by certain symbols that impede comprehension, including jargon, ambiguous phrasing, unfamiliar words, and technical terms.

Feedback

The response given to a message that indicates how the transmitted message was heard, seen, and understood.