Communication Elements

Communication Process: Communication is the dynamic process of sharing meaning through

a continuous flow of symbolic messages." (Adapted from Froemling 5). Communication
involves a back-and-forth exchange of symbolic messages between communicators to convey
and receive meaning. This process is dynamic and ongoing, emphasizing the interactive nature
of communication.

Communicator (Sender/Receiver): Communicators are active participants in the

communication process, with roles reversing regularly.

Message: A message is a single uninterrupted utterance, conveyed verbally or nonverbally.

Code: Code is a system for creating and carrying messages through a specific medium,
involving encoding (putting into code) and decoding (taking out of code).

Channels (Verbal, Nonverbal, etc.): Channels are the specific mechanisms or pipelines used
to transmit messages.

Medium (Face-to-face, Television, Web, Phone, etc.): Medium refers to the form or
technology of transmission, influencing the type of code used.

Noise: Noise refers to interference with the message, categorized as external (physical),
internal (mental), or semantic (misunderstanding/reaction).

Environment (Physical, Temporal, Relational, Cultural): The environment surrounds and

provides a basis for the meaning of a message.

Feedback: Feedback checks the effects of messages and can be positive (reinforcing) or
negative (suggesting a change).
 MODES OF COMMUNICATION

The five modes of communication encompass different ways in which humans convey and
interpret messages. Each mode engages specific sensory channels and cognitive processes,
offering various means for individuals to express themselves and understand others.

1. Visual Communication
Visual communication involves the use of visual stimuli, such as images, symbols, graphs,
charts, diagrams, and videos, to convey information. It primarily engages the sense of sight.
Examples include presentations, infographics, maps, paintings, and facial expressions.
Visual communication is effective for conveying complex information, illustrating concepts,
and evoking emotional responses.
2. Aural Communication

Aural communication relies on auditory stimuli, such as spoken words, music, sound effects,
and tone of voice, to convey messages. It primarily engages the sense of hearing.
Examples include conversations, lectures, podcasts, radio broadcasts, and musical
performances.
Aural communication is essential for verbal exchanges, storytelling, conveying emotions
through voice modulation, and auditory learning.
3. Linguistic Communication
Linguistic communication involves the use of language, including spoken, written, or signed
forms, to convey meaning. It encompasses vocabulary, grammar, syntax, and semantics.
Examples include conversations, speeches, written texts, emails, sign language, and poetry.
Linguistic communication is the foundation of human verbal interaction, facilitating the
expression of thoughts, ideas, beliefs, and emotions through structured language systems.
4. Gestural Communication
Gestural communication utilizes bodily movements, gestures, facial expressions, and body
language to convey messages. It engages both visual and tactile senses.
Examples include hand gestures, nods, facial expressions, body posture, and eye contact.
Gestural communication enhances verbal communication by providing additional cues for
understanding intent, emotions, emphasis, and context.
5. Spatial Communication
Spatial communication involves the use of physical space, arrangement, and environmental
cues to convey information and meaning. It encompasses spatial relationships, organization,
and design.
Examples include architecture, interior design, urban planning, navigation systems, and spatial
orientation.
Spatial communication influences how individuals perceive and interact with their
surroundings, facilitating navigation, wayfinding, and creating environments conducive to
communication and collaboration.
Each mode of communication plays a unique role in interpersonal interactions, cultural
expression, and knowledge dissemination. Understanding and effectively utilizing these modes
empower individuals to communicate more comprehensively and connect with others across
diverse contexts and sensory preferences.
 THE COMMUNICATION PROCESS

The communication process is a dynamic and complicated system by which people transmit
information, ideas, and emotions. At its heart, the process consists of a sender encoding a
message, which is then broadcast via a specific channel, received by a recipient, and decoded
to extract meaning. Feedback loops, which include replies and reactions, are critical for refining
the message and guaranteeing mutual understanding. The complexity and diversity of human
communication have resulted in the development of different communication models by
various persons, each with a distinct perspective on how communication works. This variability
stems from the multimodal nature of communication, which includes verbal and nonverbal
elements, contextual circumstances, and the impact of technology.

DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION MODELS

1. Aristotle Model of Communication

Aristotle was the first to take an initiative and design the communication model.
In this communication model, the speaker assumes a central and influential role, taking full
control of the communication process. The sender is responsible for meticulously crafting a
compelling message by articulating thoughts into words with the aim of persuading or
influencing the recipients. The emphasis in this model is placed on the speaker's ability to
prepare an impressive and impactful content that resonates with the audience, prompting them
to respond in the desired manner. Effectiveness in this model hinges on the speaker's skill in
conveying the message in a manner that captivates the listeners, leading to their persuasion or
alignment with the speaker's objectives.

2. Berlo’s Model of Communication

Berlo’s model of communication takes into account the emotional aspect of the message.
Berlo’s model of communication operates on the SMCR model.
S - Source
The source in other words also called the sender is the one from whom the thought originates.
He is the one who transfers the information to the receiver after carefully putting his thoughts
into words.
• Communication Skills- An individual must possess excellent communication skills to
make his communication effective and create an impact among the listeners.
• Attitude- It is rightly said that if one has the right attitude, the whole world is at his feet.
There is actually no stopping for the person if he has the right attitude.
 • Knowledge- Here knowledge is not related to the educational qualification of the
speaker or the number of degrees he has in his portfolio.
• Social System- The displeasure of the listeners was simply because the speaker ignored
the social set up of the place where he was communicating. He forgot the sentiments,
cultural beliefs, religious feelings of the second party.
• Culture- Culture refers to the cultural background of the community or the listeners
where the speaker is communicating or delivering his speech.

M – Message
When an individual converts his thoughts into words, a message is created. The process is also
called as Encoding.
Any message further comprises of the following elements:
• Content- Content is actually the matter or the script of the conversation. It is in simpler
words, the backbone of any communication.
• Element- The speech must be coupled with lots of hand movements, gestures, postures,
facial expressions, body movements to capture the attention of the listeners and make
the speech impressive.
• Treatment- Treatment is actually the way one treats his message and is conveys to the
listeners. One must understand how to present his message so that the message is
conveyed in the most accurate form.
• Structure- A message cannot be expressed in one go. It has to be properly structured in
order to convey the message in the most desired form.
• Code- Your body movements, your language, your expressions, your gestures are
actually the codes of the message and have to be accurate otherwise the message gets
distorted and the recipient will never be able to decode the correct information.

C - Channel
All the five senses are the channels which help human beings to communicate with each
other

R – Receiver
When the message reaches the receiver, he tries to understand what the listener actually wants
to convey and then responds accordingly. This is also called as decoding. The receiver should
be on the same platform as the speaker for smooth flow of information and better understanding
of the message. He should possess good communication skills to understand what the speaker
is trying to convey. He should have the right attitude to understand the message in a positive
way. His knowledge should also be at par with the listener and must know about the subject.
He should also be from the same social and cultural background just like the speaker.

3. Shannon and Weaver Model of Communication

Shannon and Weaver model is the most popular model of communication and is widely
accepted all over the world.
The Shannon-Weaver Model of Communication, crafted by Claude Shannon and Warren
Weaver in 1949, serves as a fundamental framework for understanding the transmission of
information from a sender to a receiver. It outlines the key elements involved in this process,
starting with the sender or information source, who encodes the message for transmission
through a chosen channel. The channel serves as the medium through which the encoded
message travels to the receiver. However, the model recognizes the presence of noise, which
can distort the message during transmission. Upon reaching the receiver, the message is
decoded, and feedback is generated, completing the communication loop. While this model is
linear and initially designed for technical communication, it has had a significant impact on
communication theory, particularly in the realms of information theory and
telecommunications. Despite its simplicity, the model laid the groundwork for subsequent
developments in understanding the intricacies of human communication.

4. Schramm’s Model of Communication

He emphasizes that the communication is incomplete unless and until the sender receives
feedback from the recipient. Schramm believed that communication is actually a two-way
process between the first party and the second party.
Wilbur Schramm, a prominent communication scholar, contributed to the field with his model
of communication that emphasizes the interactive nature of the communication process.
Schramm's Model, often referred to as the Interactive Model of Communication, was proposed
in the mid-20th century and builds upon the earlier work of Shannon and Weaver. In Schramm's
model, communication is seen as a dynamic and reciprocal exchange between the sender and
the receiver, allowing for simultaneous encoding and decoding of messages. Unlike the linear
nature of some earlier models, Schramm recognizes that communication involves mutual
understanding and feedback. The model highlights the importance of shared meaning and the
influence of the social context on the interpretation of messages. Schramm's contribution
reflects a shift towards a more interactive and relational perspective, acknowledging that
communication is a two-way process influenced by various contextual factors. This model has
been influential in shaping contemporary communication studies, particularly in emphasizing
the significance of feedback and the bidirectional flow of information in interpersonal
interactions. Schramm believed that an individual’s knowledge, experience and cultural
background also play an important role in communication. Individuals from diverse cultures,
religion or background tend to interpret the message in different ways.

5. Helical Model of Communication

The Helical Model of Communication, introduced by Frank Dance, deviates from traditional
linear models by portraying communication as a dynamic and evolving process. Proposed in
the late 1960s, the helical model envisions communication as a continuous, spiraling
interaction between individuals. Unlike linear models that suggest a unidirectional flow,
Dance's helix recognizes that communication is ongoing and that previous interactions
influence subsequent ones. The model suggests that as communicators engage over time, their
understanding deepens, and the communication process becomes more nuanced. The helix
represents a continuous cycle of encoding and decoding, with each interaction building upon
the previous ones, leading to a more comprehensive and enriched communication experience.
Dance's Helical Model emphasizes the importance of context, relationships, and the evolving
nature of communication in understanding the complexities of human interaction. This
dynamic approach to communication aligns with the idea that each exchange contributes to an
ongoing, spiraling growth in mutual understanding.
The Helical model of communication understands communication in a broader perspective and
considers almost all the activities of an individual from day one to till date. It cumulates all the
activities occurring in the complete span of an individual that affects the process of
communication, which in turn goes forward and also depends on the past activities.
 GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Since communication is a two — way process, it is important that you know the principles to
be observed to make it effective. For both oral and written communication, you should be able
to apply the following principles:
1. Know your purpose in communicating.
2. Know your audience.
3. Know your topic.
4. Adjust your speech or writing to the context of the situation.
5. Work on the feedback given to you.
PRINCIPLES OF EFFECTIVE ORAL COMMUNICATION
1. Be clear about your purpose. You should know by heart your objective in communicating.
2. Be complete with the message you deliver. Make sure that your claims are supported by
facts and essential information.
3. Be concise. You do not need to be verbose or were they with your statements. Brevity in
speech is a must.
4. Be natural with your delivery. Punctuate important words with appropriate gestures and
movements. Exude a certain degree of confidence if you do not feel confident enough.
5. Be specific and timely with your feedback. Inputs are most helpful when provided on time.

7 C’S PRINCIPLE OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

1. Be clear
2. Be concise
3. Be concrete
4. Be correct
5. Be coherent
6. Be complete
7. Be courteous
 ETHICS OF COMMUNICATION
The ethics of communication refers to the principles and standards that guide behavior and
decision-making in various forms of communication. Ethical communication ensures that
information is conveyed in a truthful, respectful, and responsible manner.
1. Truthfulness and Accuracy
Communicators should provide accurate information and avoid misleading or deceiving others.
This includes fact-checking and verifying the information before sharing it.
2. Respect and Consideration
Ethical communication requires respect for others' opinions, cultures, and identities. It involves
listening actively, avoiding offensive language, and acknowledging diverse perspectives.
3. Confidentiality and Privacy
Protecting sensitive information and respecting the privacy of individuals are crucial. Ethical
communicators should be cautious about sharing personal data and ensure they have consent
before disclosing private information.
4. Fairness and Justice
Communicators should strive for fairness, giving all parties an equal opportunity to express
their views. They should avoid bias, discrimination, and any form of unfair treatment.
5. Integrity and Accountability
Ethical communicators take responsibility for their words and actions. They are willing to
admit mistakes and correct misinformation. They also stand by their ethical standards even
when it's challenging.
6. Transparency and Openness
Being open about intentions, purposes, and any potential conflicts of interest is a key aspect of
ethical communication. Transparency builds trust and credibility.
7. Avoiding Harm
Communication should not intentionally cause harm or distress to others. Ethical
communicators are mindful of the impact of their words and actions on others’ well-being.
8. Inclusiveness
Ensuring that communication is accessible and inclusive, addressing and considering the needs
of all members of the audience, is essential for ethical communication.
APPLICATIONS OF COMMUNICATION ETHICS
Media and Journalism: Upholding truth, accuracy, and fairness in reporting news. Avoiding
sensationalism and respecting individuals' privacy.
Business Communication: Ensuring transparency, honesty in advertising, and protecting
consumer rights. Avoiding deceptive practices.
Interpersonal Communication: Building trust through honesty, active listening, and respect in
personal relationships.
Academic and Research Communication: Presenting research findings truthfully, avoiding
plagiarism, and respecting intellectual property rights.