What is communication?

Purposive communication

Communication comes from the Latin word communicare which means to share or to make
common. (Weekly,1967)

It is defined as the process of understanding and sharing meaning (Pearson & Nelson,2000)

According to Griffin (2012) “communication is the relational process of creating and interpreting
messages that elicit a response.

Communication is the exchange of information, ideas, thoughts, and feelings by one individual to other.

Nature of Communication

Communication is a process. When we say process, we follow certain steps.

 Its start with a source, who has something to convey to another person. This source thinks of
how he will deliver the information.
 The message is delivered through a channel.
 This message is then received by the receiver who interprets the message.

Interference can affect the communication.

Communication takes place between two or more people

 Communication happens between and among people.

 We call this interpersonal communication.

Communication is much more than words

 When people communicate, they do not only use words.

 In face-to-face communication the body language, facial expressions, and even the tone of the
voice are considered messages.

Elements of Communication

Source

 This is the one who comes up with an idea or information

 He is the one who has something to convey to others and decides how he will share this
information.

Message

 This is the information idea thought etc.

Channel

 This is the means by which the message is communicated.

 It may be through words sounds images body language etc.

Receiver

 The receiver is the one for whom the message was created.
 The one who will decode the message and try to understands its meaning.
 Also known as decoder listener reader.
 The background culture personality etc. affect or influence how the receiver gives meaning to
the information that he receives.

Feedback

 The response of the receiver.

 It doesn’t have to be through words.

Context

 This is the situation or the scene where the communication event is taking place coupled with
the psychological and psychosocial expectations of both communicators.
 Different context influences how a communicator interacts with other people.

Interference

 Because of barrier the communication might become problematic which, in some cases, will
lead to misunderstanding/ miscommunication.

External barriers

 Interferences outside of the communicators.

Internal barriers

 Interference within the communicators.

 Includes physical and mental conditions of the source and receiver.