1. Chapter 1 - Introduction to Communication Studies
Chapter 1 - Introduction to Communication Studies

2. Why is it Important to Study Communication?
Improve the WAY YOU SEE YOURSELF.
Improve the WAY OTHERS SEE YOU.
Understand HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS.
Teach you important LIFE SKILLS.
CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY.
SUCCEED professionally!
Understand our DIVERSE WORLD.

3. Definition of Communication
“Communication is the sharing of meaning between two or more people.”
Assumes that communication is a negotiation (back and forth)
Perception of communication is what is important
What “image” has the other constructed for you?

4. The Components of Communication
People [Sender & Receiver(s)]
Message
Channel
Feedback
Encoding & Decoding
Noise

5. Components of Communication…
SOURCE: the person (or thing) that generates a message
RECEIVER: the intended target of a message (sometimes there is NOT one)
MESSAGE: the ‘thing’ being communicated; (un)intended

6. Components of Communication…
CHANNEL: the way(s) the message gets from the source to the receiver
ENCODING: turning an idea into code
DECODING: assigning meaning to a code

7. Components of Communication…
FEEDBACK: the way(s) the receiver responds to the message
NOISE: anything that interferes with the clarity of a message

8. The Interaction Model of Communication
Step 1
Channel
Sender/
Receiver
Encode
Decode
Receiver/
Sender
Step 2
Channel
Decode
Encode
Context
Noise

9. Communication: Sharing Meaning
Person 2
Person 1
Communication is the shared meaning constructed between the two people
CONTENT & RELATIONAL dimensions.

10. Communication Contexts
Intrapersonal
Interpersonal (Dyadic)
Small Group
Public
Mass
Computer Mediated Communication (CMC)

11. Any Questions???

12. Group Activity Choose a communication context.
Using paper and markers, draw the context.
Identify –
Sender, Receiver, Message (Code; V/NV), Channel, Noise, Feedback, Context
Be prepared to present this to the class.