What is Communication?

Communication can be defined as

the process by which people share ideas,
experience, knowledge and feelings
through the transmission of symbolic
messages.

The means of communication are

usually spoken or written words, pictures
or symbols. But we also give information
through body language, gestures, and
looks, facial expressions can show how
we feel and what we think about an issue
or another person.
 Communication Key Elements
•Message
•Source (sender)
•Channel
•Receiver
•Feedback
 The Communication Process

Medium

Barrier
SENDER RECEIVER
(encodes) (decodes)
Barrier

Feedback/Response
Types of Communication
 Barriers to Communication
In terms of sender, receiver and medium
•Physical Barriers
•Psychological Barriers
•Cultural Barriers
•Language Barriers
•Organizational barriers
 Characteristics of effective
communications
Effective communication requires the sender to:

• Know the subject well

• Be interested in the subject
• Know the audience members and establish a rapport
with them
• Speak at the level of the receiver
• Choose an appropriate communication channel
 Characteristics of effective
communications
Effective communication requires the message
to be:
• Clear and concise
• Accurate
• Relevant to the needs of the receiver
• Timely
• Meaningful
• Applicable to the situation
 Characteristics of effective
communications
The channel should be:
• Appropriate
• Affordable
• Appealing
• Devoid of distortions
 Characteristics of effective
communications
The receiver should:
• Be aware, interested, and willing to accept the
message
• Listen attentively
• Understand the value of the message
• Provide feedback
 Techniques of Effective
Communication
1. Utilize the power of silence
2. Mirror your partner (body language,
tone and energy level)
3. Be a flexible listener
4. Request feedback.
5. Cultivate curiosity:
6. Try to forget yourself (ego
suspension)
7. Stay positive
8. Communicate with enthusiasm
9. Use the compelling power of humor.
10. Make use of open-ended questions
11. Express your approval of others
12. Understand the importance of eye
contact.
13. Eliminate filler words : um, uh,
like, so, yeah, I mean
14. Communicate openly and reveal
things about yourself
15. Avoid information overload
16. Communicate that you’re on the
same team
17. Be empathetic
18. Mention the other person’s name
19. Speak as an equal rather than a
superior
Questions