Student Library

Fundamentals of Communication

3 min read

Objectives

  • Define what is communication.
  • Cite the different forms and uses of communication.
  • Identify the different functions of communication in our lives.
  • Realize how can communication help in various aspects.
  • Identify main types and elements of communication.

What is Communication?

Communication

  • the act of sending information from one person to group to another
  • a process of exchanging meaningful information through the use of common symbols.
    • it can vary based on the needs and the context of the scenario.

Different Forms and Uses of Communication

  1. As a process
    • The communication that takes place between two persons is active.
    • It is often more original and a more convenient form of communication for them.
    • It is often used to accomplish a goal, aim, or purpose.
  2. As interaction
    • Interaction takes place as listening and talking.
    • They are both important parts of communication.
    • The goal is to make sure that the listeners/audience understands the sender’s messages.
  3. As social context
    • The production and delivery of symbolic messages can happen anywhere.
    • It may happen in churches, schools, or other social gatherings.

How does Communication Help?

  1. In Interaction
    • The goal in interaction is to understand what is being said.
  2. In Success
    • Having good communication can help you move up in your career.
  3. In Relationships
    • It may help you get to know other people well.
  4. In your own Self
    • It can be a big part of how you see yourself.
    • It can help you in solving problems, learning new things, and building your career.

Functions of Communication

  • Regulation
    • It can be used to control someone’s behavior or actions
  • Interaction
    • It can be used to make social connections
    • It is also used to build bonds, intimacy and relationships
  • Motivation
    • It is a tool used to inspire others.
    • It can also be used to urge people to lead a better life.
  • Information
    • It can be used to convey useful information

Types of Communication

  • Verbal\
    • communication that makes use of language or speech in expressing ideas or emotions
  • Non-verbal
    • does not utilize speech to communicate.
    • it may involve body language, gestures, appearance, and silence

Elements of Communication

  • Sender
    • Starts the process of communication
    • They encrypt the meaning of a message and picks a channel to send it through the recipient
  • Receiver
    • The one how decodes, interprets and responds the the sender’s message.
    • They give response or feedback to the sender.
  • Medium
    • The system of communication used in the communication process.
    • The type of environment by which where the message is delivered between the sender and the receiver.
    • (eg. print, mass media, electronic, digital/virtual)
  • Channel
    • The device used to transmit or deliver a message to its target audience
    • (eg. phone calls, text messages, emails, video, radio, or social media)
  • Noise
    • Anything that stops a receiver from fully comprehending a message.
    • It can disrupt communication any time
    • It can be internal or external.
      • internal noise: knowledge gaps, lack of attention, etc.
      • external noise: loud sound, distracting stimuli
  • Feedback
    • The reaction or response of the receiver.
    • It can provide insight as to how the receiver interprets and understands the message of the sender.
  • Context
    • The collection of observable conditions that both the sender and reader can use to associate the same elements with a message.
    • The interconnected factors that had an impact on the message.
    • They can be a physical, psychological, social, or a cultural context.
      • They should be considered in the communication process.

Graph View