1. Communication theory
Chapter 2
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2. What is communication?
Communication is the process by which human beings interact with, and relate to, one another.
Any behaviour that is noticed by others is communication, and every communication in some way creates a relationship between those involved.
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3. What is a theory?
Explains information or behaviour that has been observed.
Is useful because it can be applied to questions about observed behaviour to analyse or explain it.
Can be used to suggest solutions to problems, or improvements to a situation.
Often breaks down the components of a process into its parts and then explains the relationship of these parts.
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4. Why a model? Presents a theory in visual form. Simplifies a theory.
Can aid our thinking about a concept or idea.
Shows the major elements in a process and the relationship of these elements to each other.
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5. An interactional model of communication
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6. A shared meaning model of communication
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7. An integrated model of communication
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8. Components of the communication process
Participants
Sender: the participant transmitting the message.
Receiver: the participant receiving the message.
Encoding: the translation of a message (thoughts or ideas of the sender) into words or symbols that the receiver will understand.
Decoding: the translation by the receiver of words or symbols (the encoded message) into thoughts or ideas.
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9. Components of the communication process
Channel: the route through which communication takes place.
Context: the situation/environment in which communication occurs – includes time, place and socio/psychological factors.
Perception: a person’s understanding or interpretation of a particular event/message.
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10. Components of the communication process
Purpose: what the sender and receiver intend as the outcome of the communication.
Barriers (sometimes known as noise): anything that interferes with effective communication.
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11. Principles of communication
Communication is:
a two-way process: we communicate with others
a collection of signals: it is more than words
always on two levels: content and relational
punctuated
inevitable
irreversible
unrepeatable
rarely completely understood.
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12. Some truths about misconceptions
Meanings are in people, not in words.
Intention and meaning are not the same.
More communication is not always better.
Communication will not solve all problems.
Communication is not a natural ability.
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