Components of Communication

Essential components of communication Source /Sender Message Channels Noise/interference Receiver Feedback Environment Context

Keep in view of the Principles of Communication……. Communication is a process Communication is a system Communication is both interactional and transactional Communication can be intentional and unintentional

Source /Sender It is the creator of the message More than one source can exist at one time Both persons ( as in the diagram) function as a source; sending messages simultaneously to one another

Source / Sender : Roles Determines the meaning of what is to be communicated Encodes the meanings into a message Sends the message Perceives and reacts to the response from the receiver

What does each person bring to the system? Knowledge Attitudes Sociocultural background. “Everything” The greater the difference between Person A and B, the greater the effort and skill needed to communicate between them. Respecting each others’ view is a good starting point

Source/sender : Meanings of message The meaning behind the message determines how you create will create the message. Your tone of voice, your choice of words and other non-verbal behaviours will help indicate the meanings.

Source/sender :Encoding Once a source has chosen a meaning, s/he encodes it. Encoding is a process by which the source translates thoughts or feelings into words, sounds and physical expressions, which together make up the actual message that is meant to be sent.

Source /sender : Sending The source then sends the message, which involves the source’s ability to communicate overtly, that it to use voice and body to express the intended message accurately Reacting : Since communication is a process and a system, the source/ sender must interpret the receicver’s response to the message. A source’s perception of a receiver’s response in most communication situations is simultaneous with the response.

Message The message is the stimulus produced by the source. Messages are comprised of words, grammar, organization of thoughts, physical appearance, body movement, voice, aspects of the person’s personality and self-concept, personal style etc. Environment and noise can also shape the message Each message is unique, even if the same message is created over and over again. It would differ in each instance because messages cannot be repeated of received exactly the same way or in the same context.

Channels A channel is the route by which message flow between sources and receivers. The channels can differ, such as the light waves and sound waves, which allow us to hear and see each other, or by writing, or by or kinds of media ( films, videotapes, etc) . We also receive communication by smelling, touching and tasting. All five senses contributed to communication.

Noise / Interference Anything that changes the meaning of the intended message is called interference. Interference is present in all communication process. Interference can be external and physical, such as noise caused by people talking. Interference can be non physical such as unpleasant environment: eg. A room which is too hot or too cold, a smoke-filled room, distracting characteristics of a person, talking too fast or too slow etc

Receiver In the model of the communication, both persons function as receivers. A receiver analyses and interprets messages, translating them into meaning ( this process is called decoding). In a communication dyad, both people are simultaneously a receiver and a source. Just like the source, the receiver has many roles.

Feedbacks A feedback is the response to a message, that a receiver sends back to a source Feedback enables a sender to determine whether the communication has been received and understood as intended. To share meaning accurately, the sender must correct faulty messages, misconceptions, repeat missed meanings and correct responses as necessary.

Feedbacks Served as a control mechanism in the communication process. Miscommunications happen because of not utilising the feedback mechanism. Another advantage of feedback is the increased reception of information. As the amount of feedback increases, so does the accuracy of communication and the does the recipient’s confidence in performance.

Environment The environment refers to the psychological and physical surroundings in which communication occurs. Environment encompasses the attitudes, feelings, perceptions and everything else in the physical world and the psychological world. The environment affects the nature and quality of the communication. Effective communication can occur anywhere. Pleasing and comfortable environments are more likely to produce positive exchanges.

Context Context means: the broad circumstances or situation in which communication occur. Communication does not occur in a vacuum. Each context affects what we say and how we say it. Context also determines the type of communication used.

Ethics in Communication Honesty Respect Concern for others Open mindedness Clarity No manipulation or coercion Would there be times when there is conflict in terms of ethics?

References: Seiler, W. J (2008). Communication. Making Connections (7th ed). Boston: Pearson Verderber . R.F and Verderber , K. S. (2005). Communicate ( 11th ed). Belmont : Thomson. Tyler, S, Kossen, C and Ryan, C (2002). Communication. A Foundation Course. Revised edition. NSW, AU: Prentice Hall Hybels, S. and Weaver II, R. L (2004). Communicating Effectively ( 7th ed) .Boston: Mc Graw Hill

A VERY IMPORTANT COMMUNICATION: THE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN US AND GOD, OUR CREATOR Have we checked if our communication with God is effective? If not, what can we do? If yes, what can be improved?