Overview
This lecture introduces the field of communication studies—its history, key concepts, forms, models, principles, and the importance of communication competence in academic, professional, personal, and civic life.
The Field of Communication Studies
- Communication is the process of generating meaning by sending and receiving verbal and nonverbal symbols influenced by context.
- The origins trace back to ancient Greece with philosophers like Plato and Aristotle studying rhetoric (effective persuasion).
- Communication studies now include nonverbal, perception, listening, intercultural, group, media, and more.
- Careers include business, public relations, media, nonprofit, government/law, and education.
History and Forms of Communication
- Early humans used talking and gestures; writing developed in the Manuscript Era (~3500 BCE).
- The Print Era (1450–1850) enabled mass communication via printed texts.
- The Audiovisual Era (1850–1990) brought radio, telephone, and TV.
- The Internet Era (1990–present) introduced rapid digital communication.
- Five main forms: intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, public, and mass communication.
Forms of Communication Explained
- Intrapersonal: communication within oneself; supports self-concept and emotional processing.
- Interpersonal: communication between people influencing each other; central to relationships.
- Group: communication among three or more people to achieve shared goals.
- Public: one person conveys information to an audience; formal and sender-focused.
- Mass: messages sent to large audiences via print or electronic media; feedback is less direct.
Models of Communication
- Transmission Model: linear, one-way process from sender to receiver; subject to noise.
- Interaction Model: two-way with feedback; considers physical and psychological context.
- Transaction Model: simultaneous sender/receiver roles; influenced by social, relational, and cultural contexts.
Communication Principles
- Integrated into academic, professional, personal, and civic life.
- Meets physical, instrumental, relational, and identity needs.
- Communication is a continuous, dynamic process—irreversible and unrepeatable.
- Guided by culture, context, learned rules, and norms; communication ethics are important.
Communication Competence
- Communication competence is knowing effective/appropriate patterns and being able to use/adapt them in context.
- Involves cognitive knowledge, behavioral skills, and adaptability.
- Competence levels: unconscious incompetence, conscious incompetence, conscious competence, unconscious competence.
- Mindfulness enhances competence; self-reflection and practice are key.
- Communication apprehension and public speaking anxiety are common but manageable.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Communication — process of generating meaning by exchanging verbal and nonverbal symbols.
- Rhetoric — art of speaking well and persuasively.
- Intrapersonal Communication — communication within oneself.
- Interpersonal Communication — communication between people influencing each other.
- Group Communication — communication among three or more for a shared goal.
- Public Communication — one person sending information to an audience.
- Mass Communication — information sent to large groups via media.
- Transmission Model — linear, sender-to-receiver communication.
- Interaction Model — communication with two-way feedback, context considered.
- Transaction Model — simultaneous senders/receivers, constructing social reality.
- Communication Competence — knowledge and ability to use/adapt communication effectively and appropriately.
- Communication Apprehension — fear/anxiety about real or imagined communication.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses as a communicator.
- Track your daily communication types and contexts.
- Practice mindful communication and self-monitoring.
- Review the NCA Credo for Ethical Communication.
- Prepare for presentations by practicing and managing anxiety.