ORALCOM – LESSON 1

Communication is a process of sharing and conveying messages or information from one person to another within and
across channels, contexts, media, and cultures (McCornack, 2014). There is a wide variety of contexts and situations in
which communication can be manifested; it can be a face-to-face interaction, a phone conversation, a group discussion,
a meeting or interview, a letter correspondence, a class recitation, and many others.

Nature of Communication

1. Communication is a process.

2. Communication occurs between two or more people (the speaker and the receiver).

3. Communication can be expressed through written or spoken words, actions (nonverbal), or both spoken words and
nonverbal actions at the same time.

Elements of Communication

Communication is divided into elements which help us better understand its mechanics or process. These elements are
the following:

1. Speaker – the source of information or message

2. Message – the information, ideas, or thoughts conveyed by the speaker in words or in actions

3. Encoding – the process of converting the message into words, actions, or other forms that the speaker understands

4. Channel – the medium or the means, such as personal or non-personal, verbal or nonverbal, in which the encoded
message is conveyed

5. Decoding – the process of interpreting the encoded message of the speaker by the receiver

6. Receiver – the recipient of the message, or someone who decodes the message

7. Feedback – the reactions, responses, or information provided by the receiver

8. Context – the environment where communication takes place

9. Barrier – the factors that affect the flow of communication

Models of Communication

1. Shannon-Weaver Model

Known as the mother of all communication models, the Shannon-Weaver model (1949) depicts
communication as a linear or one-way process consisting of five elements: a source (producer
of message); a transmitter (encoder of message into signals); a channel (signals adapted for
transmission); a receiver (decoder of message from the signal); and a destination.
This model, however, has been criticized for missing one essential element in the communication
process: feedback. Without feedback, the speaker will not know whether the receiver understands
the message or not.

2. Transaction Model

Unlike the Shannon-Weaver Model, which is a one-way process, the Transaction Model is a twoway process with the
inclusion of feedback as one element.

As shown in Figure 2, this model is more interactive. There is a collaborative exchange of messages between
communicators with the aim of understanding each other. It also shows that a barrier, such as noise, may interfere with
the flow of communication.

Functions of Communication

Basically, there are five functions of communication. These are control, social interaction, motivation, emotional
expression, and information dissemination.

1. Control – Communication functions to control behavior.

2. Social Interaction – Communication allows individuals to interact with others.

3. Motivation – Communication motivates or encourages people to live better.

4. Emotional expression – Communication facilitates people’s expression of their feelings and emotions.
ORALCOM – LESSON 1
5. Information dissemination – Communication functions to convey information.

Features of an Effective Communication

In their pioneer book Effective Public Relations, Professors Broom, Cutlip, and Center (2012) list
the 7 Cs of Effective Communication. This list is widely used today, especially in public relations and
advertising.
1. Completeness
Complete communication is essential to the quality of the communication process in general.
Hence, communication should include everything that the receiver needs to hear for him/
her to respond, react, or evaluate properly.
2. Conciseness
Conciseness does not mean keeping the message short, but making it direct or straight to the
point. Insignificant or redundant information should be eliminated from the communication
that will be sent to the recipient.
3.Consideration
To be effective, the speaker should always consider relevant information about his/her
receiver such as mood, background, race, preference, education, status, and needs, among
others. By doing so, he/she can easily build rapport with the audience.
4. Concreteness
Effective communication happens when the message is concrete and supported by facts,
figures, and real-life examples and situations. In this case, the receiver is more connected to
the message conveyed.
5. Courtesy
The speaker shows courtesy in communication by respecting the culture, values, and beliefs
of his/her receivers. Being courteous at all times creates a positive impact on the audience.
6. Clearness
Clearness in communication implies the use of simple and specific words to express ideas. It
is also achieved when the speaker focuses only on a single objective in his/her speech so as
not to confuse the audience.
7. Correctness
Correctness in grammar eliminates negative impact on the audience and increases the
credibility and effectiveness of the message.

Barriers to Communication

There are instances when miscommunication and misunderstanding occur because of certain
barriers. To become an effective communicator, you should recognize these barriers that hinder
the communication process. This will enable you to control the situation, reset conditions, and
start anew.

Verbal Communication and Nonverbal Communication

Verbal Communication refers to an interaction in which words are used to relay a message.
For effective and successful verbal communication, use words to express ideas which can be easily
understood by the person you are talking to. Consider appropriateness, brevity, clarity, ethics, and
vividness when engaging in this type of communication.

1. Appropriateness
The language that you use should be appropriate to the environment or occasion (i.e.,
ORALCOM – LESSON 1
whether formal or informal).

2. Brevity
Speakers who often use simple yet precise and powerful words are found to be more credible.
Try to achieve brevity by being more direct with your words. Avoid fillers and insubstantial
expressions which do not add to the message, such as “uh,” “you know,” “I guess,” and others.

3. Clarity
The meanings of words, feelings, or ideas may be interpreted differently by a listener; hence,
it is essential for you to clearly state your message and express your ideas and feelings.

4. Ethics
Words should be carefully chosen in consideration of the gender, roles, ethnicity, preferences,
and status of the person or people you are talking to.

5. Vividness
Words that vividly or creatively describe things or feelings usually add color and spice to
communication. Hence, you are encouraged to find ways to charm your audience through
the use of vivid words.

Nonverbal communication refers to an interaction where behavior is used to convey and

represent meanings. All kinds of human responses that are not expressed in words are classified as
nonverbal communication. Examples of nonverbal communication are stares, smiles, tone of voice,
movements, manners of walking, standing and sitting, appearance, style of attire, attitude towards
time and space, personality, gestures, and others.
Mastery of nonverbal communication is important for several reasons:

1. It enhances and emphasizes the message of your speech, thus making it more meaningful,
truthful, and relevant.
2. It can communicate feelings, attitudes, and perceptions without you saying a word.
3. It can sustain the attention of listeners and keep them engaged in the speech.
4. It gives the audience a preview to the type of speaker you are.
5. It makes you appear more dynamic and animated in your delivery.
6. It serves as a channel to release tension and nervousness.
7. It helps make your speech more dramatic.
8. It can build a connection with listeners.
9. It makes you a credible speaker.
10. It helps you vary your speaking style and avoid a monotonous delivery.