Communication The creation of meaning Through color, space, time, use of verbal and nonverbal symbols, gestures, tone of voice, posture, and appearance. A dynamic process whereby a sender relays a message to a receiver through a channel

Components & Variables of the Communication Process Receiver Sender Message Channel Communication Skills Attitude Knowledge Social System Culture Sight Taste Touch Smell Hearing Content Structure Treatment Code Communication Skills Attitude Knowledge Social System Culture

Models of Communication Linear communication model – does not include feedback. S  M C R Circular communication model – includes feedback and shows that a comm. Is both sender and receiver. M C S/R R/S

Barriers to Communication Bypassing (misinterpreting symbols/ messages stimuli) A. Context (setting where communication occurs) influences perception and message interpretation Channel or Medium (the verbal or non verbal method the sender selects to convey the message). A. Possible to send mixed messages

Barriers to Communication (Cont.) Field of experience A. knowledge of subject may differ Audience A. hostile and does not accept your ideas B. passive and does not respond C. active and responds readily Physical barriers A. audience can not see/ hear

Communication Situations Intrapersonal- talking silently to one’s self 1. Enables you to think through what you are going to say 2. Enables you to organize how you’re going to say it 3. Enables you to plan to respond to an opposing idea (counter/ignore the idea)

Communication Situations (Cont.) Interpersonal- a direct interchange between 2 or more individuals. Both sender and receiver are actively involved in communication process using dialogue. Audience is spontaneous (immediate feedback)

Communication Situations (Cont.) Levels of interpersonal Phatic communion- consists of clichés and small talk. Intended to convey very little info. Reporting facts- person gives facts as he/she sees them. Response is compared to your own attitudes and values. Presenting ideas and opinions- person shares thoughts and reveals opinions.

Communication Situations (Cont.) Sharing feelings and emotions- function is to deal with attitudes about people with whom you communicate. Expressing appreciation for others and the things they do for you. Peak communication – a total sharing, understanding and acceptance of what a person says. Very rare.

C. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION Speaker aims at reaching a larger audience as receivers. Speaker has little idea who is in the audience and what their beliefs, values, attitudes are. Audience analysis is critical. Passive response from audience.

D. MASS COMMUNICATION enables a communicator to transmit the same message to thousands simultaneously. Contact with the audience is indirect. Feedback is in the form of polls, ratings, surveys. Examples of mass communication: tv, radio, books, movies, pamphlets.

Improving Comm. Skills 1. Be aware of feedback (verbal – nonverbal) make adjustments to make meaning clear and correctly interpreted by explaining differently, giving examples, simplifying, or elaborating 2. Use language that is understood by listeners. Explain new/unfamiliar words/terms. 3. Be aware of physical barriers. Speak loud enough to be heard. Seat audience appropriately

Panel discussion- linear seating Group discussion- circular seating 4. Take attitude differences into consideration as you present ideas 5. Understand your strengths and weaknesses. Practice listening. 6. Ask questions