2 Introduction to Communication
What is Communication?
Learning Objectives
Upon completing this chapter | module, you should be able to:
- describe the communication process and the eight elements of communication listed.
- categorize given premises as one of the eight elements of communication.
When you make a phone call, send a text message, or like a post on Facebook, what is the purpose of that activity? Have you ever felt confused by what someone is telling you or argued over a misunderstood email? The underlying issue may very well be a communication deficiency.
There are many current models and theories that explain, plan, and predict communication processes and their successes or failures. In the workplace, we might be more concerned about practical knowledge and skills than theory. However, good practice is built on a solid foundation of understanding and skill. For this reason this module will help you develop foundational skills in key areas of communication, with a focus on applying theory and providing opportunities for practice.
Defining Communication
The word communication is derived from a Latin word meaning “to share.” Communication can be defined as “purposefully and actively exchanging information between two or more people to convey or receive the intended meanings through a shared system of signs and (symbols)” (“Communication,” 2015, para. 1).
Let us break this definition down by way of example. What images come to mind as you hear their story? Is your friend using words you understand to describe the situation? Are they speaking in long, complicated sentences or short, descriptive sentences? Are they leaning back in their chair and speaking calmly, or can you tell they are excited? Are they using words to describe the events leading up to their big goal, or did they draw a diagram of the rink and positions of the players on a napkin? Did your friend pause and wait for you to to comment throughout their story or just blast right through? Did you have trouble hearing your friend at any point in the story because other people were talking or because the milk steamer in the coffee shop was whistling?
All of these questions directly relate to the considerations for communication in this module:
- Analyzing the Audience
- Choosing a Communications Channel
- Using Plain Language
- Using Visual Aids
- Evaluating Communication via Feedback
Before we examine each of these considerations in more detail, we should consider the elements of the communication process.
The communication process includes the steps we take in order to ensure we have succeeded in communicating. The communication process comprises essential and interconnected elements detailed in the figure above. We will continue to reflect on the story of your friend in the coffee shop to explore each element in detail.
Source: The source comes up with an idea and sends a message in order to share information with others. The source could be one other person or a group of