What is communication?

You have probably heard this question several times already and you get answers like
"sending and receiving of messages between individuals," "the lifeblood of an organization," "sharing of mutual
understanding," or quoting Paul J. Meyer (a book author), "the human connection."

The Key Elements in the Communication Process:

a. Sender - the information source; a person or group of persons trying to communicate with someone else

b. Receiver - a person or group of persons for whom a message is intended

c. Encoding- translating an idea into a message using verbal and/or nonverbal symbols

d. Decoding- translating a received message into a perceived meaning

e. Channel- the pathway or medium through which messages are transmitted

f. Barrier- anything that interferes with the sending and receiving of symbols with meanings

g. Feedback- the message sent by the receiver back to the sender as a form of response, comment, or reaction to
the original message

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People often use models to illustrate a concept to make it easier to understand. So, to help us appreciate the
process of communication more, let us take a look at these three simple models:

1.Linear communication model - views communication as a one-way or linear process where a sender uses
symbols to encode a message through a channel. Upon receipt, the receiver then decodes the message. There is
no means for immediate feedback.

Examples: mass communication like on television, radio, and newspapers

2. Interactive communication model - views communication as a twoway interactive process. The sender encodes
the message then the receiver decodes it. Afterward, the roles reverse where the receiver, who is now the sender,
encodes a message as a feedback to the sender, who is now the receiver.

Examples: exchange of text messages, telephone calls, email exchanges

3.Transactional communication model - views communication as a continuing process where the sender and the
receiver are mutually dependent. Both elements act as a speaker and a listener. Thus, sending and receiving
messages can be done simultaneously.

Examples: everyday conversations with friends, group meetings or discussions

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People can communicate in two ways: verbally or nonverbally.

Verbal communication uses words to communicate a message. This can be either:

a. Oral communication – like face-to-face conversation, or through the use of the telephone; or

b. Written communication – through letters, e-mail exchanges, text messaging, etc.

Nonverbal communication, on the other hand, does not use words to

communicate a message. This takes place through facial expressions, body

language, gestures, and posture, among others. Its major categories are:

a. Appearance – the appearance of a person speaks a lot of his personality

(example: your choice of clothing shows what mood you have for the day)

b. Proxemics – the amount of distance and space between communicators which is influenced by social norms and
level of familiarity

(example: an employee maintaining a considerable amount of distance when talking to his boss)

c. Haptics – involves the use of touch to express emotions and feelings

(example: hugging a friend to show comfort)

d. Chronemics – involves the role of time in communication (example: punctuality for a set appointment shows
interest and respect)
e. Kinesics – deals with body movements, facial expressions, and gestures

(example: smiling to express being glad about something, slouching to show boredom, shaking your head back
and forth to say “no”)

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Barriers often disturb communication and may occur at any stage in the process. A few of these are listed below:

a. Physical barriers – include interruptions from noises, visitors, and distractions from surroundings that interfere
with communication.

b. Physiological barriers – may result from the sender’s or receiver’s physical state, such as hearing problems or
speech difficulties.

c. Language barriers – involve the improper use of words and mixed messages (cues that are contradictory in their
purpose). Meanings for words can be filtered due to the differences in beliefs, knowledge, education, culture, and
experience.

d. Interpersonal barriers – include interpersonal challenges such as lack of trust, personality differences, biases like
stereotypes and prejudices, or a bad reputation which can impede communication.

“Every word and every action have their function in communication.” In this

context, function refers to how people use communication for different purposes.

Communication has five major functions: regulation/control, social interaction,

emotional expression, motivation, and information.

1. Regulation/Control

Communication functions to regulate or control a person’s behavior.

Examples:

a) In a job interview, an applicant controls her behavior to create a desirable first impression on the employer.

b) Doctor’s prescription: “Take your medicine three times daily.”

c) Mother’s instruction to her child: “Wash the dishes first, so I will allow you to go to your friend’s house later.”

2. Social interaction and Emotional Expression

These two functions always come together. Through communication, people can express their feelings and
emotions. Emotions “coordinate social interactions,” thereby producing social relationships.

Examples:

a) Appreciation/gratitude: “I am so glad you are always there when I need help.” “I love you, Mom.”

b) Expressing a need: “I need your company. Please do not leave me here.”

3.Motivation

Communication functions to motivate or encourage someone to do something.

Examples:

a) Encouraging someone: “Reach the finish line. You can do it!”

b) Advising a friend: “Move on from what’s disappointing you. You can do better next time.” In some instances,
however, communication can give negative motivation.

An example is when a person experiences fear or anxiety when engaged in a communicative situation. Some
people might feel an upset stomach or get sweaty palms, and they are somehow motivated to avoid
communication.

4.Information

Communication functions to convey information. For information to exist, the potential for communication must
be present. These two concepts communication and information – often come together in definitions. For
example, communication is “the exchange of information among individuals.”
Example: Two friends talking about the Nobel Prize Awards 2020

Nikki: Have you heard of this year’s Nobel Prize in Literature?

Lea: Yes! The prestigious award is given to an American poet named

Louise Glück. It was announced two days ago.

Nikki: Louise Glück? I know her! She’s the one who wrote The Wild Iris and Faithful and Virtuous Night. In 1993,
she got the Pulitzer prize for poetry. And in 2003, she was appointed as US Poet Laureate.

Lea: Wow! That sounds great!