Intro to Communication: Quick Reference
Purpose and Overview
Reasons we communicate: identity management, social connection, relationship maintenance, goal attainment (interviews, assignments), education, persuasion.
Core definition (this course): the process of creating meaning through symbolic interaction; requires two or more entities; it is a process, relational, symbolic, and irreversible; treated as transactional in class.
Models of Communication
Linear model: sender encodes → message → receiver decodes; one-way; no ongoing feedback; not used in class.
Transactional model: back-and-forth exchange; encoding/decoding by both sides; continuous feedback; includes noise and environment; core model used in course.
Key Terms
Sender/Encoder, Receiver/Decoder, Message, Noise, Feedback, Environment, Audience Analysis, Context.
Noise: anything that distorts or breaks down the message (physical, semantic, or psychological).
Feedback: responses (oral, written, nonverbal).
Environment: where the communication occurs; affects how messages are sent and interpreted.
The Message and Encoding/Decoding
Encoding: turning thoughts into communicable form (speech, writing, visuals).
Decoding: interpreting the received message.
Transactional flow: roles can switch as conversation continues.
Symbols and Irreversibility
Symbols: words/signs are arbitrary representations of meaning.
Irreversible: once a message is sent, you can’t fully retrieve it; can apologize or clarify, but original is out there.
Types of Communication (seven)
Intrapersonal: one person; thinking through problems; not true communication without another party.
Interpersonal (dyadic): two or more; socializing and relationship-building.
Small Group: at least 3; one specific goal or task.
Organizational: affiliated with a group (RSOs, teams, military); larger-scale communication toward common goals.
Public: one speaker in front of a group.
Mass Communication: one speaker to unknown, broad audience (media or online).
Social Media Communication: communication through social platforms; can apply to any of the above contexts.
Quick Applications (types in real scenarios)
Party: intrapersonal and interpersonal; social interaction.
Business meeting: organizational or small group; possible public speaking if presenting.
Coffee shop: interpersonal or small group; social/ordering communication.
Funeral: intrapersonal and interpersonal; reflection and social comfort.
College classroom: public (teacher’s speech), small group activities, possible organizational context.
Football stadium: interpersonal (social) and small group (team goals).
Political rally: public or mass depending on reach.
Podcast: social media, mass, or public depending on distribution.
Communication Competence
Four core ideas:
No single ideal way to communicate; tailor to audience.
Competence is situational.
Competence is relational.
Competence can be learned and developed.
Characteristics of good communicators:
Range of behaviors; adapt to context.
Delivery/performance; effective message transmission.
Perspective-taking and empathy; understand others’ viewpoints.
Cognitive complexity; consider multiple viewpoints.
Self-monitoring; adjust to fit the situation.
Commitment to the relationship; invest in interactions.
Self-Assessment (Page 18)
Four questions focus on your preferred style: distractor, impatient, tactful, accommodator.
Reflect on which describes you; aim for tactful, adaptable communication.
Misconceptions
There is no universally ideal way to communicate for all contexts.
Meaning is constructed by individuals and is context-dependent.
Silence can be valuable; listening is a form of communication.
Communication requires a second party to be genuine communication.
Next Topics Preview
Overview slides aid exam prep; you can print or view online.
Upcoming focus: perception, social media, and your first speeches.
There will be in-class discussions and activities; some prompts may not be on Canvas.