Elements of communication - BEGAE 182

 Some popular definitions of communication

"Communication is the process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior." - W. H. Newman

"Communication is the exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium." - Oxford English Dictionary

 According to Shannon and Weaver "Communication is the process by which one mind may affect another mind."

McQuail "Communication is a social process in which individuals employ symbols to establish and interpret meaning in their environment."

Little john and Foss (2008): "Communication is the process of making known to others one's thoughts, feelings, or perceptions."

These definitions capture the essence of communication as a means of conveying information, ideas, and emotions between individuals or groups.

 

Elements of communication

Communication is a complex process that involves several key elements:

Sender: This is the person or entity who initiates the communication. They have a message to convey or information to share.

Message: The message is the information, idea, or content that the sender wants to communicate. It can be in the form of words, images, sounds, or other forms of data.

The code : the language of the message such as English,  Hindi and French etc.

Channel: The channel is the medium through which the encoded message is transmitted. It can be face-to-face, written, spoken, electronic (like email or social media), or any other method of communication like letter or telephone.

Receiver: The receiver is the person or entity for whom the message is intended. They are responsible for decoding and interpreting the message.

Decoding: Decoding is the process by which the receiver interprets the message. They try to understand the content and context of the message.

Feedback: After receiving and decoding the message, the receiver may provide feedback to the sender. This feedback can be verbal or non-verbal and indicates whether the message was understood as intended.

Context/ setting: The context includes the circumstances, situation, and environment in which the communication takes place. It greatly influences how the message is interpreted. (Formal / informal)

 

Successful communication depends on the effective interplay of these elements. Clarity, empathy, and active listening are essential to ensuring that messages are accurately transmitted and understood.