Module 2 Communication: Definition and Elements
Intended Learning Outcome:
Describe the nature, elements, and functions of verbal and non-verbal
communication in various multicultural contexts (CLO 1);
PRESENTATION
STUDY
Communication
Comes from the Latin word communicare, which was first used in 1529 and
archaically means “share” (Meriam Webster, Inc, 2017) The specific sense of the
word is “to make common to many” or “to impart” (Chambers Dictionary of
Etymology as cited by WordPress.com, 2011)
is (sometimes) defined as the process of sending and receiving messages
(Satterwhite & Olson-Sutton, 2007)
is the process of using verbal and non-verbal messages to generate meaning
within and across various contexts, cultures and channels (Engelberg & Wynn,
2008)
ELEMENTS OF COMMUNICATION PROCESS
SENDER/ RECEIVER
The sender is the participant who initiates the communication process and
establishes the purpose of the message. On the other hand, the receiver is the
one for whom the message is intended and sent. In simultaneous
communication, these two components consecutively interact with each other,
making a participant a “transceiver,” sending and receiving messages at the
same time (Chesebro, O’Connor, & Rios, 2007)
MESSAGE
It contains the information, thought, and feelings that a communicator expresses
to the other participant in the communication process. The sender determines the
purpose of the message, and this can be one of these three forms: to inform, to
persuade, or to take action.
CHANNEL/MEDIUM
It identifies how the message is delivered. In a verbal and face-to-face
communication, air serves as the medium, and messages are transmitted
through sound and light waves. A channel can also be sensory such as how
somebody holds or shakes hands with you. It can also be any other means, like
the use of technology or any other medium (i.e., telephone, e-mail, voice mail,
video recording, written memo).
FEEDBACK
It refers to the receiver’s response to the sent messages. This makes
communication two-way process. It indicates how the message is interpreted –
how it is seen, heard, understood; it conveys the receiver’s emotions or feelings
about the message and toward its sender.
CONTEXT
It affects the way communicators send and receive messages. It refers to the
circumstances- situation, condition, environment – where communication occurs.
According to Roebuck (2006), environment can include room temperature,
lighting furniture, timing, as well as the climate and relationships that exist
between the communicators. The way you express ad interpret messages will
depend upon whom you are talking to: your sibling, a stranger, your clique, etc.
The role of context in communication is discussed in more detail as part of the
characteristics of communication.
NOISE
It is defined as an impediment to successful communication. It is anything that
hinders shared understanding. Generally, noise is classified as external, internal,
and semantic.
External noise originates from the communicator’s surroundings or
environment. Some examples of this noise are boisterous laughter, the
videoke sessions in the neighborhood, and the sound of a fast-moving
vehicle.
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Internal noise includes anything that is self-related-your attitudes, opinions,
beliefs- that may hamper effective sending and receiving of messages.
Examples can include any physiological state, like hunger and pain out of
illness and psychological thoughts, like worry, fear, anxiety, disappointment,
and prejudice.
Semantic noise gets in the way when the sender and receiver do not share
the same meanings for their verbal or nonverbal signals. Examples are the
jargons.
FRAME OF REFERENCE
Communicators bring into their interactions their own value system or culture,
preferences, world views, self-concept, expectations, and experiences. These
factors make every communicator unique. Nevertheless, when commonalities
are identified, these will help establish a starting point for communication. Frame
reference is also termed as field of experience and will be mentioned in the
succeeding section.
