Communication is a process that involves sending and receiving of messages through a verbal and non-verbal method. The sender sends a message, the receiver receives a message and sends it back with the feedback to the sender again.
The methods of communication involve oral and speech communication, written and graphical representations. Additionally, it includes the cultural sphere, a tool utilized to communicate, location, etc. Though it looks simple, communication is generally a very complicated subject.
In other words, communication is a two-way means of communicating information in the form of thoughts, opinions, and ideas between two or more individuals with the purpose of building an understanding.
Types of Communication
The four main categories of communication are
Verbal – It is a method that uses speech in the form of speaking to convey a message or information. It is the most popular and effective mode of communication, usually practised during video conferences, phone calls, presentations, one-on-one conversations, and meetings. It supports both nonverbal and written communication.
Nonverbal – It is basically a practice of gestures, facial expressions, and body language to send information. It can be implemented intentionally and unintentionally when communicating. For instance, a person can smile unintentionally when they hear an interesting piece of information or a pleasant idea.
Written – It is all about typing, printing symbols, numbers, letters, and writing to send a piece of information. Sometimes used to record information for evidence or reference purpose. In general, the written style of communication is used in books, blogs, pamphlets, memos, and letters to share and spread information. In the workplace, e-mail is a common example of written communication.
Visual – It uses art, photographs, sketches, graphs, charts, and drawings, to pass on the information. It is used especially during presentations to present to give a visual effect and support written or verbal communication.
Communication Process
The communication is a process that starts with the development of thoughts by a sender who conveys the message using a various channel to the receiver, who then sends him a message as feedback. There are seven main components of the communication process:
Sender – Here, the sender conceptualizes the idea or the conversation he wants to convey it to the recipient.
Encoding – Now the sender starts the encoding process where he utilizes words or non-verbal means to translate the thought into a message.
Message – After encoding, the sender receives the message that he wants to send.
Communication Channel – The sender then decides through which medium or channel he/she wants to send the message to the recipient. They must choose the channel to have an effective and correct interpretation of a message to the recipient.
Receiver – The receiver receives the message and tries to comprehend in the best possible way.
2. Communication
Essential for the functioning of any programme
It is a two way process by which the messages are
transmitted from the source to the receiver.
It is the process by which information, decisions and
directions pass through a social system and the ways in
which knowledge, opinions and attitudes are formed or
modified
It is a process by which two or more people exchange
ideas, facts, feelings or impressions in a way that each
gains common understanding of a message bringing the
sender and receiver together.
Gestures and symbols are very important in the process
of communication
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4. Purpose of Communication
To issue instructions and orders
To communicate with employees
To convey the right information
To receive suggestion
To learn
To achieve organizational goals
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5. Elements of Communication
Element Description
Sender The person or device intending to transmit the
information
Message The information in the form of an idea, thought,
attitude, feeling, opinion, etc
Receiver The person willing to share the message with the
sender
Feedback The reactions and responses of receiver to the sender
after receiving the message
Noise The barriers to the message resulting in the distortion
or blackout of communication
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7. Types of Communication
1. Verbal Communication
The traditional way of communication
has been by word of mouth.
The advent of written and printed
matter are of comparatively recent
origin.
Direct verbal communication by word
of mouth may be loaded with hidden
meanings
It is persuasive.
Non- direct or written communication
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8. 2. Non- verbal Communication
Communication without words
It includes a whole range of
bodily movements, postures,
gestures, facial expressions
etc.
Silence is non-verbal
communication
It speaks louder than words
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9. 3. Formal Communication
Formal communication is defined as the
communication in which the information is
reached through proper channels or routes.
This communication is considered as an
effective communication mode as it saves
time through its systematic flow of
communication.
There are four kinds of formal
communication, i.e., upward communication,
downward communication, vertical
communication, and horizontal
communication.
Examples of formal communication include
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10. 4. Informal Communication
It is defined as communication that does
not undertake formal methods to
communicate.
There are no official rules, systems, or
guidelines to communicate.
It is very flexible.
The disadvantage of this kind of
communication is that rumors or
misinformation spread at a rapid pace.
The main aim of informal communication is
to meet personal interests and needs.
Talking to your friend or family is a common
example of informal communication.
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11. 5. Visual Communication
It is the process of conveying information
and ideas through visual elements such as
images, symbols, typography and colours.
It helps in conveying messages quickly,
making it ideal for social media platforms,
websites, and digital advertisements.
Cartoons, comic strips. Collages. Dolls,
toys. Drawings, paintings, traffic signals.
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12. 6. Audio- Visual Aids
Suggestions for an effective and efficient
use of audio- visual aids:
The school must have the audio-visual
department for acquiring, co-ordinating and
providing counseling about the use of audio-
visual aids.
The advisory services of the departments in
national institutes connected with the audio-
visual aids should be sought.
The liaison should be maintained with the
state level and national institutes connected
for getting the audio- visual materials on
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13. 7. Intra-personal Communication
Intrapersonal communication is the
process of communicating with oneself.
It is a self-talk process that helps
individuals understand their thoughts,
emotions, and behavior.
It involves both conscious and
subconscious thoughts, which play a
crucial role in shaping a person’s
personality.
Examples are thinking to oneself "I'll do
better next time" after having made a
mistake or imagining a conversation with
one's boss in preparation for leaving work
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14. 8. Interpersonal Communication
It is the most common channel.
It is also called face-to-face
communication
It is more persuasive and effective
than any other form of communication
It is important in influencing the
decisions of the undecided persons
The superiority of interpersonal
communication over mass media for
creation of motivational effect has
been well documented.
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16. 1. Complete: Containing all
necessary facts
2. Concise: Using least possible
words
3. Consideration: Communicate
accordingly
4. Clear: Specific message
5. Concrete: Being specific, clear and
definite
6. Courteous: Polite, pleasant
behavior that shows respect for
other people
7. Correct: Grammar, spelling,
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