Introduction to communication LESSON AFNR D1-1

Anticipated Problems What is communication and its purpose? What are the major components of the communication process? What are the five levels of the communication process?

Terms to Know communication context deadline external stimuli feedback group communication interference internal stimuli mass-media communication medium message one-to-one communication public communication receiver self-communication sender

Communication Communication is a complex process involving distinct elements that together convey a message. Involves conscious and unconscious decisions Shares a message with the receiver

Communication Communication is the process of sending and receiving messages in which two or more people achieve understanding. It is the process of exchanging information.

Communication Three major goals or purposes of communication are: To inform To influence To express feeling

Components of Communication The six major components of communication process are: Context Sender Message Medium Receiver Feedback

Context Context is the part of a written or spoken statement that surrounds a particular word or passage and determines its meaning. A sender can communicate ideas effectively by considering external stimulus and internal stimulus.

Context External stimuli are items that incite action (e.g., sending a message). Examples: letters, memorandums, penciled notes, emails, faxes, telephone calls

Context Internal stimuli are items that influence how people translate ideas into a message. When a person encodes, his or her own world of experience affects how he or she communicates. A person’s opinion, attitude, likes, dislikes, emotions, experience, education, and confidence all play a role in how an idea is translated.

Sender The sender is a person who seeks to communicate something by speaking, writing, sending nonverbal signs, or producing a visual message. Example: A customer contacting a landscaper to show interest in having his or her yard landscaped.

Message The message is the information exchanged between sender and receiver. The sender decides what message will be communicated and the main points of the message and information to include. Example: A customer explaining his or her landscaping needs.

Medium The medium is the channel through which the sender will communicate a message. The message may be sent by print, electronic, or sound. The choice of the medium can be influenced by the relationship between the sender and receiver. Example: A landscaper sending a written landscape plan to a customer to review.

Receiver The receiver is a person who seeks to understand the sender’s meaning by listening to a verbal message or by reading or observing the nonverbal signals of a visual message. Example: A landscape designer chosen by the customer based on his or her expertise and knowledge of plants and design.

Feedback Feedback is the return from the receiver to the sender that allows for the evaluation of communication. The after effect of the message is the feedback. Example: Feedback between a customer and a landscape designer is a family inventory survey.

Success of Communication Two factors that affect the success of communication are the deadlines and interference. A deadline is the limited time a person has to communicate about a problem or to gather information. Interference is “noise” or a barrier to communication.

Success of Communication

Five Levels of Communication Self-communication One-to-one communication Group communication Public communication Mass-media communication

Self-Communication Self-communication is the interchange of opinions or thoughts directed at yourself. It is sometimes referred to as an intrapersonal conversation. A never-ending process External communication is not successful unless a person communicates effectively with him/herself

One-to-One Communication One-to-one communication is an interaction that takes place when an individual communicates directly with another person. Can be informal A quick hello A formal prepared presentation The most widely used form of communication

Group Communication Group communication is a discussion among numerous people. Each participant must have an equal opportunity to speak. This is used most widely in informal settings, such as departmental meetings, board meetings, and business meetings.

Public Communication Public communication is an exchange that involves presentations to groups of 20 to 25 participants. Includes oral presentations, press conferences, classroom situations, workshops, etc. In a public encounter, one person at a time has the presentational responsibility, while others in attendance act as message receivers.

Mass-media Communication Mass-media communication is an exchange that takes place when the sender is separated from the receiver by a communication medium (e.g., print, film, radio, or television).

Review Questions What are the three major purposes of communication? Name three types of mediums that might be used to convey a message. What is the difference between group communication and public communication?