Communication: A Hands-on Approach

General Information

  • Editor: Sandra Cleary
  • Authors: Sandra Cleary, Marcelle Harran, Jacqueline Lück, Sally Potgieter, Eileen Scheckle, Renée van der Merwe, Karen van Heerden
  • Publisher: Juta and Company (Pty) Ltd
  • Publication Dates:
    • First published: 2007
    • Revised reprint: 2009
    • Second edition: 2014
    • Third edition: 2021
  • ISBN: 978 1 48513 092 5 (Print), 978 1 48513 093 2 (Web)
  • Rights: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission.

About the Authors

  • All authors have over 200 years of collective experience in language education
  • Authorship spans diverse intensive instruction across South Africa, South Korea, and the Middle East
  • Expertise includes significant achievements in:
    • Under- and postgraduate teaching
    • Publication of chapters in edited books and peer-reviewed journals
    • Presentations at conferences and community educator support
    • Examination roles in IELTS
    • Creation of training manuals

Preface

  • Contextual importance of communication in the 21st century amidst crises (e.g. COVID-19) and globalization
  • Emphasis on soft skills like effective communication in job market
  • Focus on communication as creating meaning and its practical applications in diverse contexts
  • Structure of the book: Starts with communication theory, followed by reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills

Table of Contents

Chapters Overview

  1. Communication Theory
    • Models of interpersonal communication
    • Barriers and effectiveness
    • Verbal and non-verbal communication
  2. Audience and Purpose
  3. Reading and Note-Taking
  4. Listening
  5. Communication and Difference
  6. Small-Group Communication
  7. Meetings
  8. Oral Presentations
  9. Written Communication
  10. Business Correspondence
  11. Shorter Business Messages
  12. Online Business Presence
  13. Business Career: Employment Communication
  14. Academic Writing
  15. Academic Referencing
  16. Report Writing
  17. Grammar in Use

Chapter 1: Communication Theory

Objectives

  • Describe the interpersonal communication process using models.
  • Identify elements like sender, encoding, decoding, medium, audience, and feedback.
  • Understand communication contexts and barriers.

1.1 A Model of Interpersonal Communication

  • Definition: Communication is the process of creating meaning through expression and interpretation of messages.
  • Success of Communication: Dependent on shared understanding between sender and receiver.
  • Communication Model: Illustrates interactions:
    • Elements: Sender, Message, Medium, Audience, Decoding, Feedback, Environment.
    • Example: Sender encodes a message to borrow a textbook, receives feedback confirming the action.

1.2 Elements in the Communication Process

1.2.1 Sender
  • The initiator of communication with an idea to convey.
  • Also known as source or encoder, bearing responsibility for success.
1.2.2 Encoding
  • Process of putting an idea into code for the receiver.
    • Verbal Code: Language (spoken/written).
    • Non-verbal Code: Body language and gestures.
1.2.2.1 Code
  • Set of symbols conveying meaning when combined according to agreed rules.
    • Verbal Codes: Alphabet characters forming words.
    • Non-Verbal Codes: Include gestures, clothing choices affecting communication.
1.2.3 Message
  • The subject matter or content communicated by the encoder.
  • Importance of clarity in message comprehension for successful communication.
1.2.4 Medium
  • The medium is the vehicle transporting the message.
  • Types:
    • Written Mediums: Emails, texts.
    • Spoken Mediums: Conversations, meetings.
1.2.5 Audience
  • Active participant receiving and interpreting the message, having unique experiences affecting understanding.
1.2.6 Decoding
  • Audience's process of interpreting and understanding the received message.
  • Possible barriers can impede shared meaning.
1.2.7 Feedback
  • Audience's response essential for effective communication, indicating understanding or need for clarification.
1.2.8 Communication Environment
  • Refers to physical and social situations impacting communication interactions, shaping expectations and interactions.

1.3 Communication Effectiveness and Efficiency

1.3.1 Communication Effectiveness
  • Defined as the alignment between intended message from the sender and perceived message by the receiver.
  • Shared meaning is a result of effective communication, illustrated by the overlap of sender's meaning and receiver's understanding.