Communication & Types of Communication

Identify the principles, processes, and ethics of communication.
Describe elements of verbal and non-verbal communication in various multicultural contexts.
Practice effective communication skills.
Evaluate communication skills.
Reflect on a learning experience.

Definition: Communication is an exchange of information, ideas, thoughts, or feelings between individuals or groups.
Channels: Can be through spoken or written language, body language, gestures, and visual representations.
Importance: Essential for building relationships, resolving conflicts, and achieving outcomes in personal and professional settings.

Sender: Initiates communication by formulating and transmitting a message.
Message: Core content that the sender wants to convey.
Encoding: Process of converting an idea into communicative symbols and words.
- E.g. expressing a thought verbally.
Channel: Means by which the message is conveyed (e.g. face-to-face, phone).
Decoding: Interpretation of the message by the receiver.
Receiver: Individual who receives and interprets the message.
Feedback: Response from the receiver that indicates understanding or misunderstanding of the message.
Barriers: Obstacles that hinder effective communication, such as noise, cultural differences, and psychological factors.
Context: Environment or setting in which communication occurs, influencing how messages are perceived.

Context: The specific circumstances like the relationship between sender and receiver, and social factors.
Noise: Distractions that disrupt message transmission and reception.
Cultural & Linguistic Differences: Influence how messages are perceived and understood due to unique cultural communication norms.

Verbal Communication: Use of spoken words; involves active listening.
Non-verbal Communication: Expression through body language, gestures, and facial expressions, often reinforcing or contradicting verbal messages.
Written Communication: Conveying messages through written words, crucial in digital age.
Visual Communication: Use of images, graphics, and diagrams, especially for complex data exposition.

Linear Model: One-way process of communication emphasizing sender-message dynamics (Shannon & Weaver).
Interactive Model: Two-way process with feedback loops, acknowledging sender and receiver roles (Schramm).
Transactional Model: Views communication as co-creating meaning within social, relational, and cultural contexts.
- Focuses on relationship building and forming social alliances.

Communication fulfills purpose: to inform, persuade, or entertain.
Can be intended or unintended - understanding one's audience is crucial.
Complexity demands consideration of audience needs, topic clarity, and feedback seeking.

Mutuality: Avoid creating embarrassment.
Individual Dignity: Ensure accurate information sharing.
Access to Information: Ensure communication channels do not hinder access.
Accountability: Both sender and receiver must ensure understanding and ethical conduct.
Relative Truth: Acknowledge others' perspectives.
Ends vs. Means: Ensure ethical alignment with communication goals, particularly in power imbalances.
Rights vs. Responsibilities: Balancing individual rights with responsibilities to others in communication.

Identify a real-world communication problem (e.g., misunderstanding).
Collaborate to design a model including roles (sender/receiver), stages (encoding, decoding), and a relevant medium.
Visual Elements: Use charts or graphics to enhance communication clarity.