Unit 1: Understanding the

Communication Process
 MODULE 1:
NATURE AND
ELEMENTS OF
COMMUNICATION
Module 1: Nature and Elements of Communication
At the end of this module, I can:
• Define communication.
• Explain the nature and process of
communication.
• Differentiate the various models of
communication from one another.
• Distinguish the unique features of
one communication process from
the other.
• Explain why there are breakdowns
in communication.
Defining Communication…

Communication is a
process of sharing and
conveying messages or
information from one
person to another within
and across channels,
contexts, media, and
cultures.
Nature of Communication…

Communication is a process.

Communication occurs between two or more people.

Communication can be expressed through words

(verbal), actions (nonverbal), or both at the same time.
Elements of Communication(1/3)

• Speaker– the source of information or message. 🗣

• Message – the information, ideas, thoughts, conveyed by
the speaker in words or in actions. ✉
• Encoding – the process of converting the message into
words, actions, or other forms that the speaker
understands. 💭
Elements of Communication (2/3)

• Channel – the medium or the means, such as personal or

non-personal, verbal or nonverbal, in which the encoded
message if conveyed. 👄📞📬
• Decoding – the process of interpreting the encoded
message of the speaker by the receiver. 💭

• Receiver – the recipient of the message, or someone

who decodes the message. 👂👤
Elements of Communication (3/3)

• Feedback – the reactions, responses, or information,

provided by the receiver. 🗣

• Context – the environment where communication takes

place. 📍

• Barrier – the factors that affect the flow of the

communication. ⚠
Models of Communication (1/6)
1. Linear Model (Shannon and Weaver - Berlo)
 This model shows a straight path of relaying information.
It is one-directional.
Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver introduced an
important concept in this model: NOISE, or barriers to
effective communication.
 Later on, communications professor and author
David Berlo modified this model by identifying four
key elements: the source or sender, the message,
the channel, and the receiver.
Models of Communication (2/6)
1. Linear Model
Models of Communication (3/6)
2. Interactive Model (Schramm)
 This model takes into consideration feedback from
the receiver. Thus, the message in this model
originates from two sources: the message from the
sender and the feedback from the receiver.
Wilbur Schramm introduced the interactive
model in 1954.
Models of Communication (3/6)
2. Interactive Model (Schramm)
Models of Communication (5/6)
3. Transactional Model (Barnlund)
 Dean Barnlund developed this model in 1970.
 Shows communication as occurring continuously
and simultaneously between or among people.
Models of Communication (6/6)
3. Transactional Model (Barnlund)
Communication Breakdown and Noise (1/3)
 A Breakdown in communication occurs when the
message or feedback is not sent or received properly
– at least in the way that the sender intends – or is
not received by the concerned party altogether.
 Many of the causes of communication breakdown
can be classified as noise. Noise is the technical term
used to refer to all the possible barriers to effective
communication.
Noise may be……(2/3)
 Physical noise – comes from the environment.
 Psychological noise – originates from the emotional state,
mental state, and psychological makeup of a person.
 Physiological noise – are “bodily conditions” that
compromise the ability of a person to send or receive
messages.
 Semantic noise – refers to anything related to the
meaning of words that distorts or masks a message and
confuses the listener.
CLASSROOM SCENARIO (3/3)
You and your classmate are listening to a lecture by
your math teacher.
Physical noise:
Psychological noise:
Physiological noise:
Semantic noise:
Verbal and Nonverbal cues (1/3)
Verbal and Nonverbal cues (2/3)
Verbal and Nonverbal cues (3/3)
 -end of unit 1-

Ms. Mary Joyce G.

Soriano