1. Introduction to Human Communication

Defining Communication Study

What is Communication Study?

• Common misconceptions about Communication, such as:

  • Teaching radio, television, public speaking, etc.

  • Overlapping with Journalism or Mass Communication.

• Major question: "What is Communication?"

• People generally know communication but lack clear understanding of the discipline.

Communication Definition by Scholars

• Bruce Smith, Harold Lasswell, and Ralph D. Casey's definition:

  • Communication study focuses on:

    • Who says what

    • Through what channels (media) of communication

    • To whom

    • What will be the results?

• National Communication Association (NCA) perspective:

  • Focus on how people use messages to generate meanings.

  • Emphasizes effective and ethical practices in human communication.

  • Encompasses inquiry by social scientists, humanists, and cultural scholars.

Foundations of Communication

Historical Development

• Course structure follows Smith, Lasswell, and Casey:

  • Discuss historical development, channels, listen to the audience, and analyze theories and methods.

Definition of Communication

• For this text, communication is defined as:

  • The process of using symbols to exchange meaning.

Models of Communication

Shannon and Weaver's Linear Model

• Basic communication process:

  • Message transmission from sender to receiver.

  • Key elements include:

    • Sender: Encodes and sends messages.

    • Message: Meaning/content intended to be understood.

    • Receiver: Decodes (interprets) the message.

    • Channel: Method of communication (verbal/nonverbal).

    • Noise: Any interference affecting the message.

Limitations of Linear Model

• One-directional communication does not reflect personal experiences.

• Example: Watching TV is a unidirectional process.

Barnlund's Transactional Model

• Improved understanding of communication:

  • Simultaneous roles of sender and receiver.

  • The continuous exchange of messages and feedback.

  • Acknowledges that personal filters influence the communication process.

Complexities of Communication

• Studying communication includes:

  • Focus on senders, receivers, channels, messages, noise, context, and outcomes.

  • Exploring the implications of these components on human interaction.

Areas of Study in Communication

Exciting Possibilities in Research

• Examples of studies in communication:

  • History and use of YouTube.

  • Deception in texting.

  • Communication in family dynamics.

• Studying communication can provide insights into complex interactions and contexts.

Importance of Communication

Personal and Professional Success

• Skills in communication enhance success in:

  • Personal relationships.

  • Social interactions.

  • Professional environments.

• National Association of Colleges and Employers identifies communication skills as crucial for job seekers.

Careers with a Communication Degree

Valuable Skills Developed

• Skills that are sought by employers include:

  1. Teamwork abilities.

  2. Problem-solving skills.

  3. Planning and organizing.

  4. Verbal communication proficiency.

  5. Information processing.

  6. Data analysis.

  7. Technical job-related knowledge.

  8. Computer software proficiency.

  9. Writing and editing skills.

  10. Sales and influence skills.

Defining Communication Study

What is Communication Study?

Communication study is a multifaceted discipline that investigates the complexities of human interaction through the transmission of messages. It explores the principles and practices that govern effective communication across various contexts. Common misconceptions about communication include:

• Teaching radio, television, public speaking, etc.: Communication study extends beyond these mediums to include the underlying theories and practices applicable in diverse situations.

• Overlapping with Journalism or Mass Communication.: While these fields use communication principles, communication study focuses more comprehensively on the exchange of meanings and the dynamics of interpersonal interactions.

The major question at the heart of communication study is: "What is Communication?" Most people understand the concept of communication intuitively but lack a thorough understanding of this academic discipline's theoretical framework and its relevance.

Communication Definition by Scholars

Scholars such as Bruce Smith, Harold Lasswell, and Ralph D. Casey offer definitions that emphasize different facets of the communication process:

• Who says what: This aspect focuses on the source or sender of the message.

• Through what channels (media) of communication: This pertains to the methods used in transmitting messages, which can include verbal, nonverbal, visual, and written forms.

• To whom: Understanding the audience is crucial as it shapes how messages are constructed and interpreted.

• What will be the results?: This addresses the impact and outcomes of communication, which can range from changes in knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors to emotional responses and social interactions.

The National Communication Association (NCA) perspective adds depth to this definition by emphasizing the significance of meaning-making in human relationships. It highlights effective and ethical practices in communication and recognizes the inquiry conducted by social scientists, humanists, and cultural scholars who all contribute to a comprehensive understanding of communication dynamics.

Foundations of Communication

The course structure adheres to the framework set by Smith, Lasswell, and Casey, encapsulating not only historical developments but also the evolution of channels, audience engagement, and analysis of theories and methodologies that define communication.

Definition of Communication

For this text, communication is defined as the process of using symbols—words, gestures, images, and sounds—to exchange meaning. This definition underlines that communication is not merely about sending messages but about creating shared understanding among participants.

Models of Communication

• Shannon and Weaver's Linear ModelThis model represents the basic communication process in a straightforward manner:

  • Message transmission occurs from the sender to the receiver.

  • Key elements include:

    • Sender: The individual or entity that encodes and sends messages.

    • Message: The content or meaning intended to be conveyed.

    • Receiver: The person or group who decodes or interprets the message.

    • Channel: This refers to the method or medium of communication, which can be verbal (spoken or written) or nonverbal (body language, tone).

    • Noise: Any interference that disrupts the clarity or effectiveness of the communication process, which can include physical sounds, emotional states, or distractions.

Limitations of Linear Model: The linear model is inherently one-directional and fails to capture the nuances of personal experiences and feedback that occur in interactive communication. For instance, watching television is a passive, unidirectional process where feedback from the viewer is neither sought nor acknowledged.

• Barnlund's Transactional ModelThis model offers a more holistic understanding of communication:

  • It presents the simultaneous roles of sender and receiver, emphasizing that both parties are interactive participants in the exchange.

  • It recognizes the continuous exchange of messages and feedback, which occurs in real-time rather than in a sequential manner.

  • Personal filters—such as experiences, beliefs, and emotions—interact within the communication process, shaping how messages are sent and received.

Complexities of Communication

Studying communication necessitates an examination of various elements involved:

• Focus on senders and receivers, channels, messages, noise, context, and overall outcomes.

• Researchers investigate how these components influence human interaction and the implications for understanding interpersonal dynamics, cultural exchanges, and social practices.

Areas of Study in Communication

Researchers in the field of communication explore exciting possibilities such as:

• The history and use of YouTube and its implications on modern communication practices.

• Deception in texting and its consequences on relationships and social interactions.

• Communication in family dynamics, exploring how communication shapes familial relationships and influences individual development. Studying communication offers critical insights into complex interactions, enhancing our understanding of various contexts.

Importance of Communication

Effective communication skills are vital for both personal and professional success, contributing significantly to:

• Personal relationships: Facilitating understanding and fostering connections with others.

• Social interactions: Enabling individuals to navigate diverse social situations effectively.

• Professional environments: Promoting collaboration and ensuring clarity in workplace communications.The National Association of Colleges and Employers identifies communication skills as crucial for job seekers, highlighting the increasing demand for proficient communicators in the workforce.

Careers with a Communication Degree

Graduates with a communication degree develop a variety of valuable skills that are sought after by employers, including:

• Teamwork abilities: Collaborating effectively with others to achieve common goals.

• Problem-solving skills: Analyzing challenges and finding viable solutions.

• Planning and organizing: Managing tasks and projects efficiently.

• Verbal communication proficiency: Articulating ideas clearly and persuasively.

• Information processing: Effectively gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing information.

• Data analysis: Interpreting data and making informed decisions based on findings.

• Technical job-related knowledge: Understanding the tools and technologies relevant to specific job roles.

• Computer software proficiency: Using digital tools to enhance communication and productivity.

• Writing and editing skills: Crafting compelling written content for various audiences.

• Sales and influence skills: Persuading others and facilitating negotiations.