Intro to Human Communication

Overview of Communication Studies

  • In 2014, it was emphasized by the Huffington Post that studying communication is vital due to significant changes in personal, professional, and social lives resulting from technology reliance.

  • This importance has been amplified by recent global events (e.g., pandemic, political polarization).

  • A deep understanding of communication principles affects individual lives and has broad global implications.

  • The role of daily social media communication underscores these principles.

Importance of Communication

  • Conflict Resolution: Effective in resolving disputes at personal and national levels.

  • Economic Impact: Essential for local and national economies.

  • Organizational Tool: Fundamental for engaging customers and facilitating collaboration among employees.

  • While communication may not solve all issues, enhanced practices can alleviate many challenges.

  • A thorough grasp of communication theory and research is critical for effective communication.

Definition of Communication

  • The term "communication" derives from the Latin "communicare", meaning to make common or to share.

  • Defined as the process of using messages to generate meaning.

  • Recognized as a process due to the active nature of exchanging messages. It encompasses unfolding behaviors rather than being an object.

Components of Communication

People

  • Individuals serve both as sources and receivers of messages.

  • Source: Initiates the message.

  • Receiver: Intended target of the message.

  • People communicate simultaneously in different roles, with diverse backgrounds influencing understanding.

Messages

  • Messages consist of verbal (spoken/written) and nonverbal (body language, tone) forms of ideas, thoughts, or feelings.

Channels

  • The channel refers to the medium through which the message is conveyed.

  • Different forms, such as face-to-face conversations, phone calls, texts, or social media posts, illustrate varying channels.

  • Choice of channel can alter the message's meaning (e.g., breakup via text vs. face-to-face).

Codes

  • Code: A systematic arrangement of symbols for meaning generation.

  • Similar to how computers use binary code, humans use language for communication.

  • Verbal Codes: Include words, phrases, and sentences.

  • Nonverbal Codes: Include bodily movements, space, clothing, sounds.

  • Nonverbal codes encompass all non-oral cues as well.

Encoding and Decoding

  • Encoding: Process of translating ideas into a code.

  • Decoding: Assigning meaning to the received message.

Feedback

  • Feedback: Receiver's response, both verbal and nonverbal, to the source's message, indicating message reception.

Noise

  • Noise: Any interference during encoding and decoding that reduces message clarity. Types of noise include:

    • Physical Noise: Loud sounds, distractions.

    • Psychological Noise: Interference from thoughts or emotions (e.g., daydreaming, pain).

    • Semantic Noise: Misinterpretations due to language or cultural differences.

Situation

  • The situation represents the location/context where communication occurs.

  • Context affects the tone and formality of communication (e.g., casual conversations vs. formal speeches).

Principles of Communication

Communication Begins with the Self

  • One's self-perception influences communication style (extroverted vs. introverted).

Communication Involves Others

  • Interactions shape one's sense of self based on communication experiences.

  • Example: Simone Biles's success attributed to encouragement from adoptive parents emphasizes external influence in self-determination.

Content and Relational Dimensions

  • Every message has both a content dimension and a relational dimension.

  • Content is the explicit message while the relational dimension offers insight into the relationship dynamics.

Communication Involves Choices

  • Choices around message components, channels, audience characteristics, and context influence communication outcomes.

  • More communication does not guarantee improvement in understanding or harmony; poor communication can exacerbate conflicts.

Communication is Pervasive

  • Communication is a continuous process present in all aspects of life. Non-verbal cues also communicate messages.

Communication Cannot be Reserved or Reversed

  • Once communicated, messages cannot be unsaid. This necessitates careful consideration before speaking or writing.

Context of Communication

  • Communication occurs in various contexts: between friends, colleagues, or in public speaking scenarios. Each has unique behaviors and setting characteristics.

  • Different contexts include interpersonal communication, interviewing, small groups, public speaking, and mass communication.

Types of Communication

Intrapersonal Communication

  • Communication with oneself; it mediates understanding before engaging with others.

Interpersonal Communication

  • Interaction between at least two people, allowing for speaking and listening interchange.

  • Includes subsets: dyadic communication (two-person interaction) and small group communication (interaction among small groups).

Public Speaking

  • Speaker conveys messages to an audience with the aim of informing or persuading. It is characterized by structure and planning.

Mass Communication

  • Involves messages sent to a vast audience mediated through channels (e.g., newspapers, radio, social media).

  • Involves both technological convergence and ways to create a community through shared communication technologies.

Technological and Online Communication

Media Convergence

  • The integration of distinct communication channels via modern technology.

Online Communication

  • Utilizes platforms like social media to connect individuals. Allows for synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous (delayed) interaction modes.

Goals of Communication Study

  1. Practicing Communication Competence: The ability to effectively convey meaning through symbols.

  2. Communicating Ethically: Understanding and adhering to moral principles that guide communication.

  3. Understanding Communication Theory and Research: Utilizing theoretical frameworks to offer clearer narratives about processes and effects in communication, often grounded in social scientific research methods. This understanding can improve personal effectiveness in communication situations.