Communication Theory

Communication:

• Process of sharing information by using symbols to send and receive messages

Components of theCommunication Model

• Sender- person who transmits the message

• Receiver- person to whom the message is directed to

• Feedback- a return message

• Message- consists of the ideas/feelings that make up the content of communication

• Interference- anything that gets in the way of clear communication

Linear Model

Sender

Receiver

Encodes Message Decodes 

Describes communication as a one way event in which a message flows from a sender to a receiver.

Interference

Interference

Sender

Receiver

Sender

Receiver

Encodes

EncodesDecodes

Decodes Message

Message/Feedback

 

             

 

Describes communication as a two way event in which the sender and receiver exchange messages in response to one another.

Interactive Model

Transactional Model

Sender &Receiver

Receiver & Sender

Encodes &Decodes

Decodes & Encodes

Message

Interference

Describes communication as the simultaneous sending and receiving of messages in an ongoing, irreversible process.

4 Basic Needs Fulfilled by Communication

• Physical Needs

• Identity Needs

• Social Needs

• Practical Needs

Physical Needs

• Communication effects health

• The presence or absence of satisfying communication effects stress, blood pressure, depression, etc.

Identity Needs

• We learn who we are through communication.

• We become who we are in response to the reaction of others.

Social Needs

• There are 3 social needs fulfilled by communication:– Inclusion– Control– Affection

• Inclusion– The need to feel a sense of belonging to some

personal relationship.

• Control– The desire to influence others or to feel some

sense of power over your own life.

• Affection– The need to know that we matter to other people.

Practical Needs

• The communication needed for everyday functions in life.

5 Types of Communication

• Intrapersonal Communication

• Interpersonal Communication

• Small Group Communication

• Public Speaking

• Mass Communication

• Intrapersonal Communication– Communication within yourself

• Interpersonal Communication– Communication between two or more people

• Small Group Communication– Communication between 4 – 12 people

• Public Speaking– Communication where one person

addresses an audience

• Mass Communication– Using technology to communicate with

many.

Developing the Communication Process

5 Steps

1. Finding Ideas

• Need something interesting to talk about.

• Always consider your audience, the setting, and the time allowed.

• Crucial for group discussions and public speaking.

2. Adapting to Your Audience• As a speaker, you must meet the needs of

your audience.

• This allows you to anticipate their response, interpret their feedback, and respond appropriately.

• 3 categories of audience characteristics you need to consider:

– Individual Characteristics– Cultural Characteristics– Sociological Characteristics

Individual Characteristics

• The audience’s– Personality– Interests– Background– Goals

Cultural Characteristics

• The audience’s:– Age– Religion– National/ethnic background

Sociological Characteristics

• The audience’s:– Educational background– Occupations– Affiliations

3. Encoding & Decoding Messages

• As an effective communicator, you must determine how to send and interpret messages.

• Encoding– Planning how you want to state a certain idea.– Formal communication requires careful

encoding.

• Decoding– The receiver translates the message into

meaning that makes sense in their given context.

4. Interpreting Feedback• Formal Communication:

– Most feedback is nonverbal• Smile for approval, yawn for boredom, etc.

• Informal Communication:– Feedback is frequently in verbal and nonverbal

forms.• Smiling for support • Asking questions for clarification

5. Dealing with Interference

• Interference – Anything that gets in the way of clear communication.

• Three types of Interference:– Physical Noise– Psychological Noise– Semantic Noise

• Physical Noise– Sounds that prevent a person from being heard

• Psychological Noise– Thoughts and feelings that distract people from

listening to what is said

• Semantic Noise– Caused by words that trigger strong negative

feelings against the speaker or the content of the speech.

– Leads to misunderstandings

Communication Settings– Informal Settings– Formal Settings

Informal Communication

• Informal settings - casual & unstructured– Majority of your communication– Usually spontaneous (think as you speak)

• Includes:– Talking with friends and family– Introducing people– Giving instructions– Talking on the telephone– Giving and receiving information in class– Asking for directions

Formal Communication

• Prepared for ahead of time– Much less of your communication time, but

these situations can influence people in important positions.

• Includes:– Job and college interviews– Group discussions– Public speaking– Debate/Parliamentary procedure– Interpretive situations – Mass communication