Meaning and Process of Communication Flashcards

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Meaning

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Communication is the transfer of information between people resulting in a common understanding. It is a dynamic process that can be verbal or non-verbal and is aimed at creating shared meaning.

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Transfer of information

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Communication involves transferring facts, ideas, opinions, or emotions from one person to another. The goal is to achieve a shared understanding through this transfer.

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Common understanding

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The essential outcome of communication is a shared or common understanding between sender and receiver. This hinges on accurate encoding, transmission, decoding, and feedback.

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Two-way exchange

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Communication is a two-way process that includes both sending and receiving messages. Feedback from the receiver helps the sender adjust and clarify the message.

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Sender/Encoder

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The sender or encoder is the person who initiates the message by converting thoughts into signals or symbols. They choose the content and form of the message.

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Receiver/Decoder

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The receiver or decoder is the person who interprets or attaches meaning to the message. Decoding may be accurate or misinterpreted depending on context and clarity.

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Message

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A message is any signal that prompts a response from the receiver. It can be intentional or unintentional, and it may be verbal or non-verbal.

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Channel

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The channel is the medium used to deliver the message, such as email, letter, telephone, or face-to-face conversation.

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Feedback

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Feedback is the receiver's response to the message. It can be verbal, written, or non-verbal and is essential for confirming understanding and guiding adjustments.

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Context

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Context is the setting of the communication and includes physical, social, chronological, and cultural factors that influence meaning and interpretation.

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Physical context

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Physical context refers to the tangible surroundings of the communication, like office, factory, or a social event, which can affect how a message is perceived.

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Social context

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Social context concerns the relationship between sender and receiver, such as hierarchy, familiarity, and rapport, shaping interpretation and response.

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Chronological context

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Chronological context involves time-related factors, such as when the message is delivered (morning vs. end of day) and current events that affect reception.

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Cultural context

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Cultural context encompasses background factors like language, nationality, religion, and values, which influence how messages are understood.

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Verbal communication

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Verbal communication uses spoken or written words to convey information, ideas, or emotions.

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Non-verbal communication

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Non-verbal communication includes body language, facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, and other signals without words.

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Unavoidable

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It is impossible not to communicate; even silence, body language, and timing convey messages in daily life.

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Process

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Communication is a process comprising encoding, transmission, decoding, and feedback, evolving with context and time.

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Dynamic

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The communication process is dynamic, continuously influenced by feedback, context, and changing situations.

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Noise

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Noise refers to disruptions—physical, psychological, or semantic—that distort or interfere with the message being communicated.

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Miscommunication

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Miscommunication occurs when the receiver interprets the message differently from the sender, often due to poor encoding, wrong channel, or insufficient feedback.