Lesson 1: Nature and Elements of Communication | Oral Communication in Context

Summary

This lesson delves into the nature and elements of communication, defining it as a dynamic, systemic, and proactive process of sharing information between individuals. Key features highlighted include its irreversibility and the potential for individual interpretation. The script outlines the components of communication, such as the speaker, message, encoding, channel, decoding, receiver, feedback, context, and barriers, illustrating the process from sender to receiver with the aim of effective understanding and interaction.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ Communication is defined as the process of sharing and conveying messages or information from one person to another within and across channels, context, media, and cultures.
• 🔍 The root of the word 'communication' comes from 'communis' in Latin, which means working together, emphasizing the collaborative aspect of communication.
• 🔄 Communication is a dynamic process that is always changing and is not static, reflecting its evolution over time and across different situations.
• 👥 It involves communicators, including a speaker and a receiver or listener, who play distinct roles in the communication process.
• 🔁 Communication is systemic, following a step-by-step process that includes encoding, transmitting, decoding, and feedback.
• ⏳ It is irreversible, meaning once a message is sent and received, it cannot be taken back, highlighting the importance of careful wording.
• 🎯 Proactive communicators engage with a goal in mind, anticipating responses and navigating the communication process with intention.
• 🤝 Communication is a symbolic interaction, where the intent or outcome is often implied rather than explicitly stated.
• 🌐 Meanings in communication can be individually construed, varying among listeners and influenced by factors such as cultural background and socio-economic status.
• 🔑 The elements of communication include the speaker, message, encoding, channel, decoding, receiver, feedback, context, and barriers.
• 🚫 Barriers or noise in communication can disrupt the process, preventing effective transmission or reception of messages.

Q & A

What is the root word of 'communication' and what does it imply about the concept?

The root word of 'communication' is 'communis' from Latin, which means working together. It implies that communication involves collaboration and interaction with others.

According to McCornack in 2014, how is communication defined?

McCornack defined communication as a process of sharing and conveying messages or information from one person to another within and across channels, context, media, and cultures.

How is communication characterized in terms of its nature?

Communication is characterized as a dynamic process that is always changing and involves communicators. It is systemic, irreversible, proactive, and involves symbolic interaction.

What are the two main roles that communicators can play in the communication process?

The two main roles that communicators can play are that of the speaker and the receiver or listener.

Why is it important to be careful with what we say during communication?

It is important to be careful with what we say because communication is irreversible; once a message is delivered, it cannot be taken back, and it may be received by unintended audiences.

What does it mean for communication to be described as 'proactive'?

Being proactive in communication means that communicators engage with a goal in mind, anticipating responses and outcomes, and navigating the communication process with intention.

Can you explain the concept of 'encoding' in the context of communication?

Encoding is a sub-process that occurs with the speaker before delivering the message. It involves analyzing and formulating the message, considering the most effective way to convey it to the intended recipients.

What is the role of the 'channel' or 'medium' in communication?

The channel or medium in communication refers to the method by which the message is delivered, such as verbal expression, written text, body language, or multimedia presentations.

What is 'decoding' and how does it differ from encoding?

Decoding is the process by which the receiver or listener processes and interprets the message they have received. Unlike encoding, which occurs in the mind of the speaker, decoding happens in the mind of the receiver.

What is the significance of 'feedback' in the communication process?

Feedback is significant as it is the response from the receiver to the sender's message. It informs the sender that the message has been received and can indicate understanding or misunderstanding, thus playing a crucial role in effective communication.

Why is 'context' important in communication?

Context is important in communication as it includes the setting, situation, time, and background of the recipients, which can all influence how a message is interpreted and the overall success of the communication.

What are 'barriers' or 'noise' in communication and how can they affect the process?

Barriers or noise in communication refer to any disruptions or hindrances that can interrupt or negatively affect the communication process. These can be external factors like loud noises or internal misunderstandings that prevent effective message transmission and reception.