Communication

Processes, Principles,
and Ethics
WHAT IS COMMUNICATION?
 the process of understanding and sharing meaning (Pearson &
Nelson)
 the flow of information from one (1) person to another (Axley)
 the art and process of creating and sharing ideas (McPheat)
 one activity among others such as planning, controlling, and
managing (Deetz)

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COMMUNICATION PRINCIPLES
1. Communication is unavoidable.
2. Communication operates on two (2) levels
(content and relational).
3. Communication is irreversible.
4. Communication is a complex process.
5. Communication is not a panacea.
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ELEMENTS OF COMMUNICATION
1. Sender (Source)
2. Receiver
3. Message
4. Medium (Channel)
5. Feedback
6. Interference
7. Context
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TYPES OF COMMUNICATION
1. Verbal Communication – uses words; employs readily
understood spoken and written words.
2. Nonverbal Communication – expressing messages by
other than linguistic means.

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When to use written communication?
 Conveying facts
 The message needs to become part of a permanent file
 There is little time urgency
 You do not need immediate feedback
 The ideas are complicated

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When to use oral communication?
 Conveying emotions and feelings
 The message does not need to be permanent
 There is time urgency
 You need immediate feedback
 The ideas are simple or can be made simple with explanations

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Communication Etiquettes (Phone)
 Be aware of your speaking volume
 Don’t answer your phone or place your phone when meeting
with others
 Let the other person when you have them on speakerphone

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Communication Etiquettes (E-mail)
 Use professional e-mail address
 Use exclamation points sparingly
 Think twice before hitting “reply all”
 Be cautious with humor

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Communication Etiquettes (Text & IM)
 You should know the person
 Keep the conversation short
 Never send bad news via IM
 Be careful with abbreviations

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Communication Etiquettes (Video Chat)
 Look at the camera
 Don’t gesture too much
 Dress appropriately
 Skip the crowds

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Characteristics of an Ethical Communicator

 Egalitarian
 Respectful
 Trustworthy

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