COMM 2 important concepts presented in the definition of

communication:
Dimensions of communications - Communication as a process
- Understanding as a requirement in the
Verbal Dimension communication process
- use of language, word chosen
Communication as a process
Non-Verbal Dimension
- Is an active phenomenon
- facial expressions, gestures, bodily movement
- Involves continuous exchange of messages between
- in daily life, people use 35% verbal and 65% non-verbal
verbal sender (communicator) to the receiver and vice-versa.
Haptics - Cannot be realized fully without the presence of all
Oral Dimension The use of touch to express what cannot be said other communication elements
- Spoken communication
Gestures Understanding in the communication process
Written Dimension Most common type of non-verbal communication - Every communication activity has its intended goal to
- Transcription of thoughts and ideas 4 types: achieve.
Emphasizing - Punctuate what one wants to - Information sent that is correctly decoded and
Formal Dimension highlight in a message. understood, both S-R have reached a common
- Meticulous observation of appropriateness in dress, Regulating - Used to control the flow of understanding (field of experience)
language and setting communication. - Communication is meaning sharing.
Illustrating - Used to show size, height, - If there is no sharing of meaning, no communication.
Informal Dimension
distance, etc.
- Casual approach with no regard for formalities Sender
Emblems - Gestures associated with specific
meanings. - The initial source of information
Intentional/Unintentional
- Also known as the encoder
- A speaker may not be aware of the unintended meaning of a
Facial expression - Decides on the purpose or goal of the communication
message.
- Validation is made through Feedback 7 basic human emotions and their expression:
Joy Receiver
Non-Verbal Communication Surprise - The target of the communication
Contempt - Initially decodes the messages but could later on
Paralanguage Sadness encode reactions or feedback.
- “How” something is said, not what is said. Anger
- Manner, tone or voice Disgust Message
Fear - The heart of communication
Chronemics - A “signal, or a combination of signals that serve as a
The use of time based on position or power Posture and personal appearance… stimulus for a receiver” (DeVito, 1986)
- Can ve verbal or non-verbal
Proxemics
Process of communication
The use of space to show importance
From the Latin word ‘communis’ which means common
Medium/Channel - Meanings are not static - they are dynamic, change as
- The means by which the message is sent through from one’s experience changes
S to R - Pre-encoded message sent could differ to lesser or
- Can be device-mediated communication greater extent from the de-coded message received.

Feedback The basics of speech: American English Vowel sounds

- Makes the entire communication process meaningful
- The basis of completion of the communication process
or a start of a new cycle
- Can be instantaneous or delayed

Communication situation
- Physical situation chosen for the purpose it will serve
- Psychological setting depends on the participants

Noise/Barrier
- Anything that interferes with the transmission of the
message by the S to R

3 types of noise (DeVito, 1986)

1. Semantic/language
2. Psychological/emotional
3. Physical or Environmental Barrier

Linear Model of communication

David Berlo (1960)

- Communications consist of the transmission of
messages; not the transmission of meanings
- Meanings are not in the message; they are personal
and internal to the message sender and receiver
- Meaning is applied to the message in the encoding or
decoding (reducing the message to language, for
example) process of message transmission and
reception
- People can have similar - but not identical - meanings
but only to the extent that they have had similar
experiences