INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION

ONE-WAY COMMUNICATION

Definition: In one-way communication, the sender transmits a message, the receiver gets it, and the process is complete. Example of one-way communication: An employee calls in to report she is ill and will be out for the day. The person receiving the call understand the message makes note of it, and hangs up.

IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS

Upward Communication- Feedback of data or information from lower levels in the organization to upper-management levels. This type usually deals with problems, clarifications, attitudes, ideas, and accomplishments. Downward Communication- Follows the organization's formal chain of command from top to bottom. This type covers procedures, policies, goals, assignments, and directives. Lateral Communication- Occurs between departments or functional units, usually as a coordinating or problem-solving effort.

WHAT IS COMMUNICATION

Communication is the exchange of messages. Communication is the bases of all our relationships. Messages can be verbal, using spoken or written words. Messages can be nonverbal, using symbols, gestures, expressions, and body language. For communication to take place, there must be a sender, a person who transmits the message, and a receiver, a person who gets the message. The purpose of communication is to get your point across to others clearly, minimizing misunderstanding. Communication is only successful when both the sender and the receiver understand the same information as a result of the communication. Communication can break down at any stage in the communication process.

THE COMMUNICATION PROCESS

Feedback- A receiver's response to a sender's message. Context the situation in which your message is delivered. This may include the surrounding environment or broader culture (corporate culture, international cultures, and so on). A breakdown in communication can occur in any stage of the communication process.

BREAKING DOWN

Filtering- the tendency for a message to be watered down or halted completely at some point during transmission. Distraction- Anything that interferes with the sender's creating and delivering a message and the receiver's getting and interpreting the message. Distortion- How people consciously or unconsciously change messages. Grapevine- Involves transmission of information by word of mouth without regard for organizational levels, and often provides a great deal of useful information.

THE COMMUNICATION PROCESS

Source- Where the message begins. Message- The information you want to communicate. Encoding- transforming a message into an understandable sign and symbol system. Speaking is encoding, as are writing, printing, and filming a television program. Channel- The method of communication used. Examples include verbal, written, and nonverbal. Decoding- Interpreting the encoded signs and symbols. decoding occurs through listening, reading, or watching a television show. Receiver- The listener, reader, or observer in the communication process. Another name for receiver is audience.

TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION

Definition: In two-way communication, the sender transmits a message, the receiver gets it, and subsequently the receiver responds with another message. The process may continue with the sender and receiver alternating roles, giving each other feedback. Examples of two-way communication: Office conversations and business correspondence are examples of two-way communication.

TYPES OF NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

1. Facial Expressions- Smiling, frowning, and raising your eyebrows are facial expressions which communicate feelings. 2. Eye Contact Making- eye contact when speaking with someone is usually desirable. 3. Body Language- Nodding your head, shrugging your shoulders, gesturing with your hands, or shifting your weight from side to side are examples. 4. Voice Qualities A person's voice can be loud or soft, high or low pitched, fast or slow, pleasant or harsh.

EMOTICONS

Emoticons- Facial expressions created with keyboard symbols; used to express feeling in an e-mail or text message.

NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

Studies of face-to-face communication have shown that 80 to 90 percent of the impact of a message comes from nonverbal elements, such as facial expressions, eye contact, body language, and tone of voice. In face-to-face communication, 55 percent of what we communicate is in our body language, 38 percent in how we speak, and 7 percent in what we say.