Overview
This lecture covers the core concepts and models of purposive communication, including its definition, elements, types, barriers, and key frameworks for effective communication.
Communication Basics
- Communication is exchanging ideas, thoughts, feelings, and emotions through verbal or non-verbal symbols.
- The need to express oneself and connect with others is a basic human need.
Elements of Communication
- The sender initiates the message.
- The receiver receives the message and provides feedback.
- The message is the information, idea, or opinion conveyed.
- Encoding turns ideas into symbols (words, images, etc.).
- Decoding interprets these symbols back into meaning.
- The channel is the medium used (phone, email, social media).
- Feedback is the receiver's response to the message.
- Context is the environment shaping the communication.
- Gatekeeper controls the message flow (in some models).
Types of Noise (Barriers)
- Physical noise: External sounds like thunder or traffic.
- Physiological noise: Sender/receiver’s physical issues (e.g., headache, deafness).
- Psychological noise: Mental states or attitudes (e.g., beliefs).
- Semantic noise: Misunderstood words, jargon, or grammar errors.
- Technical noise: Technology issues like poor connection.
- Cultural noise: Cultural differences in expectations or etiquette.
Types of Communication
- Oral: Using spoken language; speak confidently and avoid fillers.
- Non-verbal: Using body language, gestures, and facial expression; be intentional and observant.
- Written: Using writing or symbols; focus on clarity and simplicity.
- Visual: Communicating via images, art, charts; ensure appropriateness for audience.
Communication Models
- Aristotle's Model: Speaker, speech, audience, effect.
- Lasswell’s Model: Who says what, in which channel, to whom, with what effect.
- Shannon-Weaver Model: Sender, encoder, channel, decoder, receiver, noise, feedback.
- Berlo’s Model (SMCR): Source, message, channel, receiver; adds influence of skills, attitudes, knowledge, social system, and culture.
- Schramm’s Model: Emphasizes reciprocal, equal exchange of information.
Effective Communication
- Communication is improved by considering environmental, social, and cultural factors.
- Immediate feedback is ideal for face-to-face discussions.
- Gatekeepers influence the flow and content of messages in certain settings.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Encoding — Turning ideas into symbols for communication.
- Decoding — Interpreting symbols to extract meaning.
- Channel — Medium through which messages travel.
- Feedback — Receiver’s response.
- Context — External environment influencing the message.
- Noise — Any interference disrupting communication; can be physical, physiological, psychological, semantic, technical, or cultural.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Memorize the 9 elements of communication in order.
- Know the 6 types of noise and examples for each.
- Understand the difference between encoding and decoding.
- Identify which communication model applies to given scenarios.
- Practice distinguishing the four types of communication with examples.