GC Dr. OUCHOUID notes

Module Overview

  • Focuses on communication theories, not skills such as public speaking.

  • Communication exists in all contexts; it is constant and cannot be avoided.

  • Intentionality in communication: what is communicated can be intentional or unintentional.

Understanding Communication

  • Definition: Any act of communication is a message.

  • Communication involves:

    • Sender: Encodes the message.

    • Receiver: Decodes the message.

  • Feedback helps interpret meaning; there is often a mismatch between intended and received messages.

  • Semantics vs. Pragmatics: Semantics is meaning outside of context; pragmatics involves meaning within context.

Types of Communication

Vocal vs. Verbal

  • Not all vocal communication is verbal, and vice versa.

Intrapersonal Communication

  • Communication with oneself (thoughts and internal dialogue).

Interpersonal Communication

  • Exchange of information between two or more people.

Models of Communication

Transactional Models

  • Communication is dynamic and context-driven; both sender and receiver influence the process.

Gatekeepers in Mass Communication

  • Control the flow and selection of information.

Components of Communication

  • Essential components: sender, receiver, message, channel, and feedback.

Axioms of Communication (Watzlawick's Model)

  1. Cannot not communicate: Communication is always happening.

  2. Content and relationship: Communication has both aspects.

  3. Punctuation: The interpretation of communication sequences varies.

  4. Digital and analogical communication: Clear words vs. tone, gestures, etc.

  5. Symmetric and complementary: Relationships can be equal or hierarchical.

Characteristics of Communication**

  • Dynamic, continuous, circular, irreversible, complex, and unrepeatable.

Types of Public Communication**

  • Ceremonial: Occurs in formal settings.

  • Demonstrative: Shows how something works.

  • Informative: Provides information.

  • Persuasive: Aimed at influencing attitudes.

Public Relations Objectives**

  • To inform, persuade, entertain, and connect individuals or groups.