What is Communication?

Types of Communication Intrapersonal Interpersonal Small Group Public Mass On-line

Communication is… Adler and Rodman: the process of human beings responding to the symbolic behavior of other persons Gamble and Gamble: the deliberate or accidental transfer of meaning

Why is the study of Communication Important? 61% of our time is spent in some form of communication It helps us meet our needs Physical Identity needs Social Practical

Models help us Visualize a Process Linear vs Transactional

Elements Communicators –(senders/receivers) Message –(encodes/decodes) Channels –(verbal/nonverbal; medium) Noise –(physical, psychological, physiological) Environment –Physical setting, communicators’ backgrounds) Feedback –Verbal/nonverbal; “one cannot not communicate” – in transactional but not linear model

Communication is: an ongoing process. Messages sent simultaneously. something we do “with someone” not “to someone” unrepeatable and Irreversible

An effective Communicator… 1.Has a wide range of behavior responses 2.Knows how to choose the best response 3.Skillfully uses these responses

An Effective Communicator… 4.Empathizes with the other person 5.Cares about the Relationship 6.Uses Cognitive Complexity 7.Engages in Self-Monitoring