Unit – 4 Communication

Communication comes from the Latin word communicare,

which means “to make common” or “to share.” We define
communication as the process of using messages to generate
meaning. Communication is considered a process because it is
an activity, an exchange, or a set of behaviors—not an
unchanging product. Communication is not an object you can
hold in your hand; it is an activity in which you participate.
• Communication begins with the self.
• Communication involves others.
• Communication has both a content and a relational
dimension.
• Communication involves choices.
• Communication quantity does not increase quality.
• Communication is pervasive.
• Communication cannot be reversed.

Myths about Communication

• Communication is the magical cure for all our woes – a
Panacea
• Communication Can Break Down (here can be a difference
of opinion but communication cannot break down,
machines break down)
 • Communication is Merely Skill Building. Communication is
a complex process that must be taken and understood as a
whole.
• If I say the words, they should understand.
• I can turn “on” being a great communicator.
• I can improvise my communication, so no need to prepare.
• I’m good at talking, so public speaking should be easy.
• Some people aren’t born to be great communicators.
Contrary to popular belief, great and effective
communicators are made, not born.

7 C of effective communication : Clear, Concise, Concrete,

Correct, Coherent, Complete and Courteous.
4 S of effective communication : Shortness, Simplicity, Strength,
Sincerity.

Linear Model of communication

Originally developed by Shannon & Weaver in 1948, this model
describes communication as a linear process. This model
describes how a sender, or speaker, transmits a message to a
receiver, or listener. More specifically, the sender is the source
of the message. A message may consist of the sounds, words,
or behaviours in a communication interaction. The message
itself is transmitted through a channel, the pathway or route
for communication, to a receiver, who is the target or recipient
of the message. There may be obstacles in the communication
process, or noise. Noise refers to any interference in the
channel or distortion of the message. This is a fairly simple
model in which a message is simply passed from sender to
receiver.

Interactional Model of communication

In the move to a more dynamic view of communication,
interactional models follow two channels in which
communication and feedback flow between sender and
receiver. Feedback is simply a response that a receiver gives to
a sender. Feedback can be verbal (i.e. “yes”) or nonverbal (i.e. a
nod or smile). Most importantly, feedback indicates
comprehension. It can help senders know if their message was
received and understood. By focusing on flow and feedback,
interactional models view communication as an ongoing
process. The final feature of this model is the field of
experience. The field of experience refers to how environment,
experiences, culture, and even heredity can influence how a
sender constructs a message. Keep in mind that each person
brings a unique field of experience to an interaction. Likewise,
each communication interaction is unique. While the
interactional model is more dynamic than the linear model, it
still contains some limitations. For instance, this model implies
that while people can be both senders and receivers, they
cannot do so simultaneously. In lived communication, roles are
not quite so clear-cut and in fact are much more fluid.

Transactional Model of communication

The transactional is the most dynamic of communication
models. One notable feature of this model is the move from
referring to people as senders and receivers to referring to
people as communicators. This implies that communication is
achieved as people both send and receive messages.
Fundamentally, this model views communication as a
transaction. In other words, communication is a cooperative
action in which communicators co-create the process, outcome
and effectiveness of the interaction. Unlike the linear model in
which meaning is sent from one person to another, also unlike
the interactional model in which understanding is achieved
through feedback, people create shared meaning in a more
dynamic process in the transactional model.
Teaching as transmission puts the instructor at the center of
the learning process. The instructor delivers information and
the student receives it. In this view of teaching, a well-worded
explanation is seen as having the most impact on student
learning. While this mode of teaching is still highly regarded by
both students and instructors, there is growing evidence that
questions its effectiveness.
In a transactional learning environment, learning happens
through interactions with people and experiences. While
teaching as transmission reflects more behaviorist learning
theories, teaching as transaction is rooted in more
constructivist perspectives. Here, learners build their
understanding of content by interacting with activities and
through social meaning-making processes with their peers and
their instructors. Instead of delivering information, instructors
work to plan experiences that can help their students learn and
work with them to foster their understanding.

Communication components
Source : A message initiator.
Receiver : A message target.
Message : The verbal or nonverbal form of the idea, thought, or
feeling that one person (the source) wishes to communicate to
another person or a group of people (the receivers).
Channel : The means by which a message moves from the
source to the receiver of the message. When you talk to a
friend, the sound waves that carry your words constitute the
channel. When you write something, the piece of paper
becomes the channel. Newspapers, Magazines, radio, television
and internet become the channels in mass communication.
Feedback : The receiver’s verbal and nonverbal response to the
source’s message.
Code : A systematic arrangement of symbols used to create
meanings in the mind of another person or persons.
Verbal codes : Symbols and their grammatical arrangement,
such as languages.
Nonverbal codes : All symbols that are not words, including
bodily movements, the use of space and time, clothing and
adornments, and sounds other than words.
Encoding : The process of translating an idea or a thought into a
code. The process of translating your thoughts into words.
Decoding : The process of assigning meaning to the idea or
thought in a code. The process of assigning meaning to others’
words in order to translate them into thoughts of your own.
Noise : Any interference in the encoding and decoding
processes that reduces message clarity.
Situation : The location where communication takes place.

Communication types
Intrapersonal Communication : The process of using messages
to generate meaning within the self. Eg: Soliloquy.
Transpersonal Communication : It occurs with in one’s spiritual
domain. This refers to conversing with spirits and ancestors.
Extra personal Communication : Sometimes we communicate
with non human entities like birds, animals etc. we speak to
parrots, or cow and our pet dogs, cats etc to follow our
instruction. They respond with happiness by moving around us
or by wagging their tails. This type of communication is extra
personal communication.
Interpersonal Communication : The process of using messages
to generate meaning between at least two people in a situation
that allows mutual opportunities for both speaking and
listening.
Dyadic communication : Two-person communication.
Small-group Communication : The process of using messages
to generate meaning in a small group of people.
Public communication : The process of using messages to
generate meanings in a situation in which a single speaker
transmits a message to a number of receivers.
Mass communication : The process of using messages to
generate meanings in a mediated system, between a source
and a large number of unseen receivers.

Communication is direct or natural if it is achieved without the

help of any instrument other than the human faculties.
Language, faculties of speech, body language, symbols using
the bodily organs etc. facilitate direct or natural
communication.
Indirect or technological communication, on the other hand,
uses technology developed by science. Indirect communication
may be between people who are far away in time and space.
Verbal communication : Use of words and symbols and
organised in sentences using language. Oral and written types
are included.
Non-verbal communication : It is the art of interchanging or
imparting thoughts, opinions and information, without using
words, but by gestures, body language etc.
Graphical communication : Creating, producing and
distributing material incorporating words and images to convey
data concepts and emotions.
Factual Communication : Sharing information on the basis of
statistics, pictures, and other factual evidences is factual
communication. Such communication is used to prove a point.
Evaluative Communication : Offering suggestions or opinion
on some issue after evaluating it is evaluative communication.
But such communication may create a conflict if the recipient
responds with his/her own evaluation and opinion. Offering any
suggestion or opinion voluntarily is always risky.
Phatic communication : Communication that is used to
establish a mood of sociability rather than to communicate
important information or ideas. Use of such words at the
beginning and end of any conversation helps to establish a
rapport between the communicator and the recipient.
Synchronous communication : The instantaneous sending and
receiving of messages, as occurs in face-to-face or some text-
message interactions. Sender and receiver should be on live
interaction. Eg: Video conferencing or live chats.
Asynchronous communication : Interactions in which there is a
small or even substantial delay, as occurs with e-mail or
discussion-board posts. Sender and receiver need not be
interacting at the same time. Eg: email.
Formal communication means the communication which
travels through the formally established channels. In other
words, communication which travels through the formal chain
of command or lines of hierarchy of authority is called the
formal communication. Under it, information is given through
the formally designed channel or network. It is designed,
controlled and regulated by the management
In an organization, communication flows in 5 main directions:
1. Downward Flow of Communication: Communication
flowing from a superior to subordinate or junior in an
organisation. In organisational hierarchy, downward flow
of communication is statutory and part of duty for smooth
working of the organisation. This communication is oral as
well as written under statutory commitments.
2. Upward Flow of Communication: Communication flowing
from subordinates or juniors to their seniors n Upward
flow of communication. Subordinates report to their
seniors about the compliance of orders from seniors.
 There is upward communication by the subordinates to
their seniors as part of routine duty in an organisation.
This communication is oral or written.
3. Horizontal or Lateral Communication: Communication
flow among the same level of hierarchy in an organisation
is Lateral or Horizontal Communication. Manager-manager
communication and clerk-clerk communication of an
organisation is Lateral or Horizontal communication. This
communication can also be oral or written.
4. Diagonal Communication: This communication flows
between superiors of a department or organisation and
subordinates of another department or organisation. Such
communication generally flows in training courses,
workshops, and other such events.
5. External Communication: This is a communication
between an organisation with external players like
bankers, raw material suppliers, and government offices.

Informal communication refers to the communication which

takes place on the basis of informal relations between the
members of a group. It is personal communication in nature
and not a positional communication. It does not flow along with
the formal lines of authority or formal chain of command. Even
it is not regulated by the formal rules and procedures.
Normally, members of informal group use this form of
communication in order to share their ideas, views, opinions
and other information.
Grapevine Communication: This refers to informal
communication network, spreading gossips, rumours, with no
direction, no plan, spreading like grapevine.

Communication competence : The ability to effectively

exchange meaning through a common system of symbols or
behaviour.

Non-verbal communication
Nonverbal communication is the process of using messages
other than words to create meaning with others. Nonverbal
communication can include behaviors that you see, like facial
expressions and gestures; things that you hear, like vocal
volume or the speed of talking; and even non-word
vocalizations, like “ahh” and “umm.” Although precise
estimates of how much communication is verbal or nonverbal
are difficult, researchers estimate that between 60% and 90%
of our daily communication behaviors are conducted
nonverbally.
• Nonverbal communication works in conjunction with the
words that we utter in six ways: to repeat, to emphasize,
to complement, to contradict, to substitute, and to
regulate.
Repeating occurs when the same message is sent verbally and
nonverbally.
Emphasizing is the use of nonverbal cues to strengthen your
message.
Complementing is different from repeating in that it goes
beyond duplication of the message in two channels. It is also
not a substitution of one channel for the other. The verbal and
nonverbal codes add meaning to each other and expand the
meaning of either message alone.
Contradicting occurs when your verbal and nonverbal
messages conflict.
Substituting occurs when nonverbal codes are used instead of
verbal codes.
Regulating occurs when nonverbal codes are used to monitor
and control interactions with others.

The ambiguity of nonverbal communication occurs for two

reasons: people use the same code to communicate a variety of
meanings, and they use a variety of codes to communicate the
same meaning.
Kinesics : The study of bodily movements, including posture,
gestures, and facial expressions, is called kinesics, a word
derived from the Greek word kinesis, meaning “movement.
• Emblems : Nonverbal movements that substitute for
words and phrases.
• Illustrators : Nonverbal movements that accompany or
reinforce verbal messages.
• Affect displays : Nonverbal movements of the face and
body used to show emotion.
• Regulators : Nonverbal movements that control the flow
or pace of communication.
• Adaptors : Nonverbal movements that usually involve the
unintended touching or manipulating of our bodies or
artifacts to fulfill some physical or psychological need.

Proxemics—the study of the human use of space and distance.

Temporal communication, or chronemics, is the way that

people organize and use time and the messages that are
created because of their organization and use of that time.
• Monochronic people view time as very serious and they
complete one task at a time. Polychronic people work on
several tasks at a time.
Tactile communication is the use of touch in communication.
The ways in in which people interact and communicate by the
sense of touch is referred to by haptics.

Paralinguistic features : The nonword sounds and nonword

characteristics of language, such as pitch, volume, rate, and
quality.
• Vocal cues : All of the oral aspects of sound except words
themselves.
• Pitch : The highness or lowness of the voice.
• Rate : The pace of your speech. Inflection The variety or
changes in pitch.
• Volume : The loudness or softness of the voice.
• Quality : The unique resonance of the voice, such as
huskiness, nasality, raspiness, or whininess.
• Nonword sounds : Sounds like “mmh,” “huh,” and “ahh,”
as well as the pauses or the absence of sounds used for
effect.
• Pronunciation : Saying a word correctly or incorrectly.
• Articulation : Coordinating one’s mouth, tongue, and
teeth to make words understandable to others.
• Enunciation : Combining pronunciation and articulation to
produce a word with clarity and distinction.
• Silence : The lack of sound.
Objectics, or object language, is the study of the human use of
clothing and artifacts as nonverbal codes. Artifacts are
ornaments or adornments you display that hold communicative
potential, including jewelry, hairstyles, cosmetics, automobiles,
canes, watches, shoes, portfolios, hats, glasses, tattoos, body
piercings, and even the fillings in teeth. Your clothing and other
adornments communicate your age, gender, status, role,
socioeconomic class, group memberships, personality, and
relation to the opposite sex.

Verbal communication terms

Semantics : The study of the way humans use language to
evoke meaning in others.
Syntax : The way in which words are arranged to form phrases
and sentences.
Pragmatics : The study of language as it is used in a social
context, including its effect on the communicators.
Slang : Informal, casual language used among equals with
words typically unsuitable for more formal contexts.
A cliché is an expression that has lost originality and force
through overuse. Common clichés include “No pain, no gain,”
“Beauty is only skin deep,” “Another day, another dollar,” and
“If you love something, set it free.” So many clichés exist that
avoiding them would be impossible in your day-to-day
conversations, and doing so is unnecessary.
Euphemism : A more polite, pleasant expression used instead
of a socially unacceptable form.
Profanity, or verbal obscenities, is a type of swearing that uses
indecent words or phrases. Profanity, like slang, may provide a
vehicle for establishing group norms, gaining attention, or
developing relational closeness in some settings, but it can also
make you immediately lose credibility in other situations.
Jargon is the language particular to a specific profession, work
group, or culture and not meant to be understood by outsiders.
Regionalisms are words and phrases specific to a particular
region or part of the country.
Polysemy is the association of one word with two or more
distinct meanings, and a polyseme is a word or phrase with
multiple meanings.
Redundancy: It is the superfluous information in a
communication session.
Entropy: It refers to the breaking down of communication flow.
Perception and listening
Perception : The process of using the senses to acquire
information about the surrounding environment or situation.
Active perception : Perception in which your mind selects,
organizes, and interprets that which you sense.
Subjective perception : Your uniquely constructed meaning
attributed to sensed stimuli.
Perceptual constancy : The idea that your past experiences
lead you to see the world in a way that is difficult to change;
your initial perceptions persist.
Selective exposure : The tendency to expose yourself to
information that reinforces, rather than contradicts, your
beliefs or opinions.
Selective attention : The tendency, when you expose yourself
to information and ideas, to focus on certain cues and ignore
others.
Selective perception : The tendency to see, hear, and believe
only what you want to see, hear, and believe.
Selective retention : The tendency to remember better the
things that reinforce your beliefs than those that oppose them.
Interpretive perception : Perception that involves a blend of
internal states and external stimuli. When interpreting stimuli,
people frequently rely on the context in which the stimuli are
perceived, or they compare the stimuli to other stimuli.
Sometimes context helps, but other times it can create
confusion in interpretation.

Stereotyping : Making a hasty generalization about a group

based on a judgment about an individual from that group.
Prejudice : An unfavorable predisposition about an individual
because of his or her membership in a stereotyped group.
Out-group : A group of people excluded from another group
with higher status; a group marginalized by the dominant
culture.
Perception checking : A process of describing, interpreting, and
verifying that helps us understand another person and his or
her message more accurately.

Seven deadly sins related to listening :

Filtering : This is when a person’s mind is sifting through
another’s words and tuning in only when he or she hears
agreement.
Second Guessing : Someone who is second-guessing usually
misses important details because they are too busy (a)
imagining someone has hidden motives for saying what they’re
saying, and (b) trying to figure out what those hidden motives
might be.
Discounting : This sin occurs when a listener lacks respect for a
speaker. What the speaker is saying could be 100% dead on
correct, but a Discounter will either internally or publicly scoff
at what’s being said, for any number of reasons. The sad thing
about Discounters is that they often miss the solutions to the
problems before them, simply because they don’t like the
source.
Relating : A Relater is someone who continually finds
references from his or her own background and compares them
to what the speaker is saying.
Rehearsing : This sin blocks much listening as it is simply
waiting for the other speaker to finish what he or she is saying
so the rehearser can start talking again. While someone else is
talking, the rehearser is thinking about how to say the next
sentence.
Forecasting : Someone who takes an idea from the speaker and
runs light years ahead of the topic at hand is forecasting.
Forecasting can stem from being bored with the subject matter,
or simply because one’s mind automatically thinks ahead.
Placating : Worst of all listening sins, placating agrees with
everything anyone else says, just to avoid conflict.
Communication styles
Passive Style: Passive communication is based on compliance
and hopes to avoid confrontation at all costs. In this mode,
people do not talk much, question even less, and actually do
very little.
Aggressive Style : Aggressive communication always involves
manipulation. Managers adopting the aggressive style create a
win-lose situation.
Passive-aggressive Style: A combination of styles, passive-
aggressive avoids direct confrontation (passive), but attempts
to get even through manipulation (aggressive). The passive-
aggressive people incorporate elements of both of the previous
styles.
Assertive Style: The most effective and healthiest form of
communication is the assertive style. It’s how people naturally
express themselves when their self-esteem is intact, giving
them the confidence to communicate without games and
manipulation. The assertive people are direct with the goal of
creating a win-win situation. They operate from the belief that
each person is responsible for solving his or her own problems,
and neither party in communication has to justify themselves to
each other. They take responsibility for their own decisions and
actions.
Mass media
Mass media are the means of public communication reaching
to the large, scattered, heterogeneous and anonymous
audience at the same time.

Types of Mass Media

1) Traditional Media: Every society has its respective folk and
cultural heritage. Folk and classical arts like dances, songs,
plays, songs, paintings, drama, poetry, etc. carry messages
and these are conveyed spontaneously to a large number
of the audience. This media also fulfils the commitment of
infotainment or edutainment.
2) Print Media: Print media is the production of modern
times. This includes newspapers, journals, magazines,
books, and periodicals.
3) Electronic Media: Electronic media is a sort of revolution
in mass media services. Electronic media include radio,
television, and cinema.
4) Social Media or Web Media: Internet communication
technology has given birth to social and web media. It has
brought revolution in mass communication. In web or
social media, mass communication is effected through e-
mail, podcasts, websites, e-books, e-newspapers, blogs
and social networking sites, Internet radio, Internet
television, etc. Social media include Facebook, WhatsApp,
Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, etc.
Media convergence : The unification of separate channels of
communication through new communication technology. Now,
when you want to listen to news, watch movies, or enjoy music,
you do not use separate mediums like newspapers, television,
and radio. Your smartphone (and similar devices) has
converged those traditional forms of media into one easily
accessible portal.
Technological convergence : The consolidation of voice, data,
video, audio, and other channels of communication through
smartphones and other devices.

• The four functions of mass communications are:

surveillance, correlation, cultural transmission and
entertainment.

Surveillance of the Environment

Mass communication exists to observe and inform. Mass media
keeps citizens informed of news and events. In times of crisis,
mass media announcements offer warnings and instructions.
The first function of mass communication is to serve as the eyes
and ears for those seeking information about the world. The
internet, televisions, and newspapers are the main sources for
finding out what’s going around you.
The correlation function is otherwise known as the opinion or
editorial function of the press. It addresses how the media
presents facts that will change the way we see the world
(Communication Theory). This function of the mass
communication helps the individual to know the viewpoints of
various people, which help him or her to evaluate an issue.
Many people believe that because the information given to use
through media is non-bias, therefore it must be true.
Cultural Transmission and Influencing Societal Norms
Although the first two functions are to provide and interpret
news and information, the third allows media to reflect and
influence societal norms. The media serve as transmitters of
cultural messages, letting the masses understand what are
considered acceptable forms of behavior. Cultural transmission,
however, evolves. What once was taboo can become the norm
when enough people embrace it and when the media report on
it.
Education and Entertainment
Media also serves as cultural transmitters that educates and
entertains. Long before the advent of mass media, people were
forced to entertain themselves. The advent of mass
communication enabled viewers and listeners to see and hear
and learn in real time from wherever they are.
Infotainment: When mass media provides information along
with entertainment
Edutainment: When mass media provides education with
entertainment While providing information or education.

Some terms related to media :

Gatekeeping: It is a process through which mass media filters
any type of information meant for the audience.
Yellow journalism: Publishing sensational news in the
newspaper which attracts maximum attention of readers, thus
increasing circulation.

Mass media in India

Prasar Bharati was created in 1997 as a public broadcaster. All
India Radio and Doordarshan are its two constituents. Prasar
Bharati is supervising broadcast and telecast of AIR and
Doordarshan respectively. Major aim of Prasar Bharati is to
provide information, education, and entertainment to people
under two heads, i.e., ‘Edutainment’ and ‘Infotainment.’
Press Information Bureau (PIB): PIB is working as a nodal
agency of Government of India. It furnishes information about
government plans, policies, and achievements to print
electronic and new wave media. PIB was established in 1919.
Press Council of India (PCI): PCI was established in 1966 by the
Parliament on the recommendation of the first Press
Commission to raise standard of the press and ensure freedom
of the press.
Press Trust of India (PTI) : PTI is India’s largest news agency of
India.
Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP) : It is a
nodal agency of the government of India which undertakes
multimedia advertising of various policies and programmes of
the government through print and electronic media.
Satellite Instructional Television Experiment or SITE was an
experimental satellite communications project launched in
India in 1975, designed jointly by NASA and the Indian Space
Research Organization (ISRO). The project made available
informational television programs to rural India. The main
objectives of the experiment were to educate the financially
backward and academically illiterate people of India on various
issues via satellite broadcasting, and also to help India gain
technical experience in the field of satellite communications.

All India Radio (AIR), officially known since 1957 as Akashvani

(“Voice from the Sky”), is the national public radio broadcaster
of India and is a division of Prasar Bharati. It was established in
1936 after converting Indian State Broadcasting Service of
1927.
Unit 4 - Communication practice
1. The term “Yellow Journalism” refers to [December-2014]
(a) Sensational news about terrorism and violence
(b) Sensationalism and exaggeration to attract
readers/ viewers.
(c) Sensational news about arts and culture.
(d) Sensational news prints in yellow paper.
Ans. (b)

2. Which one of the following is known as fourth estate?

[December-2018]
(a) Media
(b) Judiciary
(c) Office of the President of India
(d) Parliament
Ans. (a)

3. The dance of the honeybee conveying to other bees where

nectar will be found is an example of: [24th June 2019-Ist
Shift]
(a) Mass communication
(b) Group communication
(c) Interpersonal communication
(d) Intrapersonal communication
Ans. (b)
 4. Which of the following is a function of mass media? [24 th
June 2019-Ist Shift]
(a) To transmit culture.
(b) To formulate national policies.
(c) To help the judiciary take its decisions.
(d) To stabilise the share market
Ans. (a)

5. Today’s media – society equation is largely: [24th June

2019-Ist Shift]
(a) Mystical
(b) Morally bound
(c) Consumer conscious
(d) Tradition centric
Ans. (c)

6. Which of the following NOT correctly matched? [24th June

2019-Ist Shift]
A) Gyan Darshan – Satellite based educational T.V.
channel
B) Gyan Vani – Educational FM radio network
C) MOOCs – Massive open online credits
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(a) only (A) and (B)
(b) only (B) and (C)
 (c) only (C)
(d) only (A) and (C)
Ans. (c)

7. Which of the following is a characteristic of modern mass

media? [24th June 2019-IInd Shift]
(a) Capital intensive
(b) Labour intensive
(c) Sustainable
(d) Developmental
Ans. (c)

8. In both mass communication and classroom

communication, filtering of information and contents is
referred to as [25th June 2019-Ist Shift]
(a) Rationalisation
(b) Gate keeping
(c) Content correction
(d) One – way flow
Ans. (b)
 9. Gate keeping by Media to ensure what audiences
consume is indicative of [25th June 2019-IInd Shift]
(a) The audience voice is Media Programming
(b) Media control on society
(c) Feedback received by the media
(d) Media role in-creating culture
Ans. (b)

10. Mass media do not have pre-determined functions

for everyone and people use them the way they like. This
is suggestive of the fact that, [26th June 2019-Ist Shift]
(a) Audiences are active
(b) Content is of little significance
(c) Content lacks plurality
(d) Audiences are homogeneous
Ans. (a)

11. Assertion (A): The correlation function of mass media

is vital for any society.
Reason (R): The interpretational aspects that
include advertising and public relations shape and
influence public opinion. [20th June 2019-Ist Shift]

Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:

 Codes:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct
explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct
explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Ans. (a)

12. Assertion (A): Media entertainment does not

enhance the cultural level of society.
Reason (R) : Most media entertainment encourages
escapism, not content quality.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct
explanation of (A)
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct
explanation of (A)
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true
Ans. (a)
 13. Assertion (A) : A blog is a form of social media.
Reason (R) : A blog allows anyone to communicate
to a public audience.
In the light of the above two statements, choose the
correct option.
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct
explanation of (A)
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not the correct
explanation of (A)
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true
Ans. (a)

14. Match the two lists.

List 1 (Media)
(A) Audio
(B) Advertising
(C) Internet
(D) Newspaper

List 2 (Transmission / Communication)

(1) Bandwidth
(2) Linear communication
(3) Non-personal communication
(4) Frequency modulation
 Choose the correct code:
(a) (A)-(3), (B)-(4), (C)-(2), (D)-(1)
(b) (A)-(1), (B)-(2), (C)-(3), (D)-(4)
(c) (A)-(4), (B)-(3), (C)-(1), (D)-(2)
(d) (A)-(2), (B)-(1), (C)-(4), (D)-(3)
Ans. (c)

15. Match the two lists.

List 1 (Communciation channel)
(A) Blogging
(B) Television
(C) Periodicals
(D) Collection of sites
List 2 (Distinguishing type)
(1) Electronic media
(2) Print media
(3) Social media
(4) World Wide Web
Choose the correct code:
(a) (A)-(4), (B)-(2), (C)-(1), (D)-(3)
(b) (A)-(2), (B)-(4), (C)-(3), (D)-(1)
(c) (A)-(1), (B)-(3), (C)-(4), (D)-(2)
(d) (A)-(3), (B)-(1), (C)-(2), (D)-(4)

Ans. (d)
 16. Which of the following groups has the components of
paralanguage communication? [4th Dec. 2019-IInd Shift]
(a) Voice, Emphasis and Impression
(b) Social Space, Voice and Impression
(c) Voice, Social Space and Expression
(d) Emphasis, Social Space and Voice
Ans. (a)

17. Identify the communication which is valid as

documentary evidence from the following: [5th Dec. 2019-
Ist Shift]
(a) Written Communication
(b) Verbal Communication
(c) Gestural Communication
(d) Non – verbal Communication
Ans. (a)

18. Identify the correct sequence of one way process of

communication, from the following sequences [5th Dec.
2019-IInd Shift]
(a) Sender, Decoding, Message, Channel, Encoding,
Receiver
(b) Sender, Encoding, Message, Channel, Decoding,
Receiver
(c) Receiver, Encoding, Message, Channel, Decoding,
Sender
 (d) Sender, Message, Decoding, Encoding, Channel,
Receiver

Ans. (b)

19. Swapping of encoder- decoder roles in

communication happens due to [6th Dec. 2019-Ist Shift]
(a) Cognitive disruptions
(b) Semantic noise
(c) Feedback analysis
(d) Weak channelization

Ans. (c)

20. Semantic barrier of communication is implied when

[24th June 2019-IInd Shift]
(a) signal is lost before reaching the receiver
(b) message transmitted by the source is unclear
(c) receiver’s attention is diverted.
(d) receiver does not understand the meaning of the
message.

Ans. (d)
 21. What are the barriers to effective communication?
[July-2016]
(a) Moralising, being judgemental and comments of
consolation.
(b) Dialogue, summary and self-review.
(c) Use of simple words, cool reaction and defensive
attitude.
(d) Personal statements, eye contact and simple
narration.
Ans. (a)
22. We listen attentively to and favourably interpret
messages which boost our self image, and reject or
misinterpret messages which threaten that image. This is
called: [25th June 2019-Ist Shift]
(a) communication selectivity
(b) change resistance
(c) image rationalisation
(d) communication distortion
Ans. (a)
23. Some of the barriers to effective communication are:
[20th June 2019-Ist Shift]
(A) Polysemy
(B) Simple language
(C) Use of Cliché’s
(D) Easy construction of sentences
 Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:
(a) (A) and (B)
(b) (B) and (C)
(c) (C) and (D)
(d) (A) and (C)
Ans. (d)
24. Which of the following are barriers to effective
communication? [21st June 2019-Ist Shift]
(1) Physical noise
(2) Semantic noise
(3) Psychological noise
(4) Non-semantic noise
Choose the correct answer from the options given below.
(a) (1), (2) and (4)
(b) (1), (2) and (3)
(c) (1), (3) and (4)
(d) (1) and (4) only
Ans. (b)

25. ‘Non-content behaviours such as rate of speaking,

loudness, tendency to interrupt and pronunciation
peculiarities’ are referred to as _____________ behaviour.
[21st June 2019-Ist Shift]
(a) Extra-personal
(b) Animated
 (c) Extra-linguistic
(d) Involuntary
Ans. (c)

26. Which of the following will help overcome

communication barriers? [6th Dec. 2019-IInd Shift]
(a) Focused listening
(b) Neglecting semantic noise
(c) Top-down command structure
(d) Use of cliched idioms
Ans. (a)

27. Since most interactions with other people take place

at a highly superficial level, making good
________________ becomes difficult. [25th June 2019-Ist
Shift]
(a) Course corrections
(b) Predictions
(c) Deeds
(d) Announcements

Ans. (b)
 28. A major barrier in the transmission of cognitive data
in the process of communication is an individual’s [June-
2011]
(a) personality
(b) expectation
(c) social status
(d) coding ability
Ans. (d)

29. In communication, a major barrier to reception of

messages is :
(a) Audience attitude
(b) Audience knowledge
(c) Audience education
(d) Audience income
Ans. (a)

30. Which of the following signifies non-verbal

communication in an essential way? [24th June 2019-IInd
Shift]
(a) Instructions written on a question paper.
(b) Learner attending an online class.
(c) The dress code followed by an individual.
(d) Yoga instructor teaching yoga poses to the pupils
Ans. (c)
 31. The cognitive domain of communication involves
matters related to [25th June 2019-Ist Shift]
(a) Emotions
(b) Knowledge
(c) Fantasy
(d) Escapism
Ans. (b)

32. Which of the following principles a good

communicator should follow? [26th June 2019-IInd Shift]
(1) He should stay organised
(2) He should avoid the use of visuals
(3) He should be authoritarian
(4) He must adjust to the medium
(5) He should prefer the method of
story-telling
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(a) (1), (2) and (3)
(b) (2), (3) and (5)
(c) (2), (4) and (5)
(d) (1), (4) and (5)
Ans. (d)
 33. Non-verbal communication is mostly [26th June 2019-
IInd Shift]
(a) mechanical
(b) organic
(c) unstructured
(d) structured
Ans. (c)

34. Assertion (A): Communication has the power to

inform, persuade and misinform.
Reason (R) : Propaganda blurs the thin line between truth
and falsehood to be persuasive.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
[21st June 2019-IInd Shift]
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct
explanation of (A)
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct
explanation of (A)
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true

Ans. (a)
 35. Assertion (A): Communication presupposes a shared,
symbolic environment, a social relationship even among
non-participants.
Reason (R) : It leads to social interaction, which in
combination with other factors contributes to a sense of
community.
Choose the correct option given below: [24th June 2019-
IInd Shift]
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct
explanation of A.
(b) Both (A) and (R)are true but. (R) is not the correct
explanation of a.
(c) (A) is true but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false but (R) is true
Ans. (d)

36. A customer writes to a bank, ‘Kindly send me a

statement of my transactions in my savings bank account
‘A’ during the last three months”. In terms of
communication it will be called: [26th June 2019-Ist Shift]
(a) Input
(b) Message
(c) Output
(d) Feedback
Ans. (b)
 37. A communication process can be considered
complete when: [26th June 2019-Ist Shift]
(a) The sender transmits the message
(b) The message enters the channel
(c) The message leaves the channel
(d) The receiver understands the message
Ans. (d)
38. In the context of communication, usual sequence is:
[26th June 2019-Ist Shift]
(a) Language → Communication → Society →
Civilization
(b) Communication → Society → Language →
Civilization
(c) Communication → Language → Society →
Civilization
(d) Language → Society → Communication →
Civilization
Ans. (c)
39. Which of the following is a stage of intrapersonal
communication? [24th June 2019-IInd Shift]
(a) Phatic stage
(b) Intimate stage
(c) Personal stage
(d) Transcendental communication
Ans. (d)
 40. Which of the following is a characteristic of
interpersonal communication? [25th June 2019-IInd Shift]
(a) It is both focused and unfocused
(b) It is not participation friendly
(c) It is philosophical
(d) It is metaphorical
Ans. (a)

41. The mode of communication that involves a single

source transmitting information to a large number of
receivers simultaneously, is called [December-2014]
(a) Group Communication
(b) Mass Communication
(c) Intrapersonal Communication
(d) Interpersonal Communication
Ans. (b)

42. Assertion (A): Formal communication tends to be fast

and flexible.
Reason (R) : Formal communication is a systematic and
orderly flow of information.
(a) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is correct
explanation of (A)
(b) Both (A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is not correct
explanation of (A)
(c) (A) is correct but, (R) is false
 (d) (A) is false but, (R) is correct
Ans. (d)

43. Which of the following are the characteristic features

of communication? [June-2015]
(A) Communication involves exchange of
ideas, facts and opinions.
(B) Communication involves both
information and understanding.
(C) Communication is a continuous process.
(D) Communication is a circular process.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
(a) (A), (B) and (C)
(b) (A), (B) and (D)
(c) (B), (C) and (D)
(d) (A), (B), (C) and (D)
Ans. (d)

44. The term ‘grapevine’ is also known as: [June-2015]

(a) Downward communication
(b) Informal communication
(c) Upward communication
(d) Horizontal communication
Ans. (b)
 45. Identify the skills promoted by communication from
the following: [5th Dec. 2019-IInd Shift]
(A) Reading and listening
(B) Listening and helping
(C) Helping and speaking
(D) Speaking and writing
Choose the correct option:
(a) (A) and (B) only
(b) (B) and (C) only
(c) (A) and (D) only
(d) (C) and (D) only
Ans. (c)

46. Select the advantage of feedback in the process of

communication from the following:
(a) It is beneficial in understanding of the subject
matter
(b) It diagnoses the defects in receiver
(c) It clarifies the communication
(d) It explores the defects in receiver

Ans. (c)
 47. Match the two lists.
List 1 (Types of communication)
(A) Formal communication
(B) Informal communication
(C) Outward communication
(D) Inward communication
List 2 (Distinguishing example)
(1) Government agencies
(2) Circular
(3) Memos
(4) Group chain
Choose the correct code:
(a) (A)-(3), (B)-(4), (C)-(1), (D)-(2)
(b) (A)-(2), (B)-(3), (C)-(4), (D)-(1)
(c) (A)-(1), (B)-(2), (C)-(3), (D)-(4)
(d) (A)-(4), (B)-(1), (C)-(2), (D)-(3)
Ans. (a)

48. Match the two lists.

List 1 (Communciation elements)
(A) Sender
(B) Receiver
(C) Message
(D) Medium
 List 2 (Description of process part)
(1) Brain
(2) Electro-magnetic impulses
(3) Central nervous system
(4) Sensory organs
Choose the correct code:
(a) (A)-(1), (B)-(3), (C)-(2), (D)-(4)
(b) (A)-(3), (B)-(1), (C)-(4), (D)-(2)
(c) (A)-(4), (B)-(1), (C)-(2), (D)-(3)
(d) (A)-(2), (B)-(4), (C)-(3), (D)-(1)
Ans. (c)

49. Match the two lists.

List 1 (Types of listeners)

A) Non-listener
B) Marginal listener
C) Evaluative listener
D) Active listener

List 2 (Characteristics)
(1) Is engaged in information other than
the one needed
 (2) Receives information without
processing the significance in the
context of communication
(3) Looks into the relevance of the
information to understand its
implication
(4) Pays heed to the communicated
information occasionally
Choose the correct code:
(a) (A)-(4), (B)-(3), (C)-(2), (D)-(1)
(b) (A)-(3), (B)-(4), (C)-(1), (D)-(2)
(c) (A)-(2), (B)-(1), (C)-(3), (D)-(4)
(d) (A)-(1), (B)-(4), (C)-(2), (D)-(3)
Ans. (d)

50. Communication becomes circular when :

(a) The decoder becomes an encoder
(b) The feedback is absent
(c) The source is credible
(d) The channel is clear

Ans. (a)
 51. Which of the following are rhetorical techniques for
structuring classroom communication? [3rd Dec. 2019]
A) Relating the day’s topic to students interests.
B) Providing scattered information to the target
audience.
C) Smooth transition from one idea to another.
D) Avoiding the use of artifacts.
E) Using media to improve the quality aspect of
reception of messages.
F) Opting for one-way communication.
Choose the correct option from the choices
given below:
(a) (A), (B) and (C)
(b) (B), (C) and (F)
(c) (A), (C) and (E)
(d) (D), (E) and (F)
Ans. (c)

52. Choose the person who has control over self, mode of
communication and method of delivery in classroom from
the following? [4th Dec. 2019-IInd Shift]
(a) Student
(b) Teacher
(c) Audience
(d) Visitor
Ans. (b)
 53. Successful educational communication is dependent
upon the skills of [6th Dec. 2019-IInd Shift]
A) Understanding the negative characteristics of
the audience
B) Verbal communication and body language
C) Estimating time for audience impact
D) Analyzing the audience needs
Choose the correct answer from the options given
below:
(a) A and B only
(b) B and C only
(c) C and D only
(d) B and D only
Ans. (d)
54. Dynamics of good classroom communication involves:
[2nd Dec. 2019-Ist Shift]
(A) Indifference
(B) Motivation
(C) Being organised
(D) Exclusivity
(E) Participation
(F) Gendered views
Choose the correct option from the following:
(a) (A), (B) and (C)
(b) (B), (C) and (D)
(c) (B), (C) and (E)
 (d) (C), (E) and (F)
Ans. (c)

55. A teacher tells his students — ‘When you learn this,

you will be able to carry out your project‘. What does this
communication suggest? [2nd Dec. 2019-Ist Shift]
(a) Continued interest
(b) Ambiguous advice
(c) Potential threat
(d) Positive reinforcement
Ans. (d)

56. Micro expressions, as part of classroom

communication, are [2nd Dec. 2019-IInd Shift]
(a) negative
(b) positive
(c) manipulative
(d) fleeting
Ans. (d)

57. Which of the following are essential for good

classroom communication? [2nd Dec. 2019-IInd Shift]
(A) Over-emphasis on certain words.
(B) Use of gobbledygook
 (C) Proper employment of redundancy
(D) Immediacy of feedback
(E) Non-verbal cues
(F) Sidelining student criticism
Choose the correct option from the following:
(a) (A), (B) and (C)
(b) (B), (C) and (F)
(c) (C), (D) and (E)
(d) (D), (E) and (F)
Ans. (c)

58. In the digital era, there is a fear that classroom

communication may result in [2nd Dec. 2019-IInd Shift]
(a) Over-stimulation
(b) Quick adaptation
(c) Stimulation
(d) Passive adaptation
Ans. (a)
59. Learner communication has relatively high potential
of challenging [3rd Dec. 2019-Ist Shift]
(a) Teaching as profession
(b) Innovative and creative ideas
(c) Methods of evaluation
(d) Long-held attitudes
Ans. (d)
 60. Effective classroom communication can transform [3rd
Dec. 2019-Ist Shift]
(a) academic administration
(b) academic marketing
(c) teaching-learning process
(d) management strategies
Ans. (c)
61. An important element in classroom communication is
[3rd Dec. 2019-IInd Shift]
(a) Physical infrastructure
(b) Fields of experience
(c) Conditioned feedback
(d) Linearity of Message
Ans. (b)
62. Effective oral communication demands [3rd Dec.
2019-IInd Shift]
(A) Self-confidence
(B) Long pauses
(C) Consistent practice
(D) Business like approach
(E) Knowing the audience
(F) Aggressive questioning
Choose the correct answer from the following option:
(a) (B), (C) and (D)
(b) (C), (D) and (F)
(c) (D), (E) and (F)
 (d) (A), (C) and (E)
Ans. (d)
63. When there is an animated discussion between a
teacher and his or her students in the classroom, it can be
classified as: [4th Dec. 2019-Ist Shift]
(a) Horizontal communication
(b) Mechanical communication
(c) Linear communication
(d) Categorical communication
Ans. (a)
64. A verbal communication technique used in teaching is
[4th Dec. 2019-Ist Shift]
(a) Slow expression of Words
(b) Varying the speed of voice and tone
(c) Presentation without pause
(d) Resorting to semantic jugglery
Ans. (b)
65. Classroom Interactions are influenced largely by [6th
Dec. 2019-Ist Shift]
(a) Student’s commitment
(b) Teacher centric environment
(c) Organisational oversight
(d) Unsolicited interventions
Ans. (a)
 66. Classroom communication is [6th Dec. 2019-Ist Shift]
(A) Like a computer- program
(B) Dictatorial
(C) Purposeful
(D) Pragmatic
Choose the correct option from those given below
(a) (A) and (C)
(b) (B) and (C)
(c) (B) and (D)
(d) (C) and (D)
Ans. (d)
67. Effective educational communication is [6th Dec.
2019-IInd Shift]
(a) Non-reciprocal
(b) Repetitive
(c) Continuous
(d) Coercive
Ans. (c)
68. Which of the following theories can be applied to
classroom communication? [6th Dec. 2019-IInd Shift]
(a) Theory of Social Constructivism
(b) Audience Marginalization Theory
(c) Ritualistic Theory
(d) Theory of Hegemony
Ans. (a)
 69. Assertion (A): The spoken and written words are two
media of many available for communication in the
classroom.
Reason (R) : Communication through any medium
does not happen through attitudes of encoders.

Choose the correct option.

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct
explanation of (A)
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not the correct
explanation of (A)
(c) (A) is true. But (R) is false
(d) (A) is false. But (R) is true
Ans. (c)

70. Assertion (A): Use of slang in formal teaching makes

communication lively and interesting.
Reason (R) : Academic decency demands the
avoidance of slang in the classroom environment.

Choose the correct option.

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct
explanation of (A)
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not the
correct explanation of (A)
(c) (A) is true. But (R) is false
 (d) (A) is false. But (R) is true
Ans. (d)

71. Assertion (A): Motivational aspects of learning and

communication efficacy are not inter-related.
Reason (R) : Communication as a social product has
its own variables in a learning environment.

Choose the correct option.

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct
explanation of (A)
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not the correct
explanation of (A)
(c) (A) is true. But (R) is false
(d) (A) is false. But (R) is true
Ans. (d)

72. Assertion (A): Classrooms communication is pre-

decided by social and institutional demands..
Reason (R) : Positive educative actions should guide
learners to acquire knowledge of social significance.

Choose the correct option.

 (a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct
explanation of (A)
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not the correct
explanation of (A)
(c) (A) is true. But (R) is false
(d) (A) is false. But (R) is true

Ans. (a)

73. Assertion (A): Pedagogy and social interaction are

two major result-oriented activities of a teacher.
Reason (R) : Communication has a limited role in
both these activities.

Choose the correct option.

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct
explanation of (A)
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not the correct
explanation of (A)
(c) (A) is true. But (R) is false
(d) (A) is false. But (R) is true

Ans. (c)
 74. Assertion (A): Defining the objectives of the topic of
discussion is not necessarily the first step in class-room
communication.
Reason (R) : Clear definitions of objectives make
students understand the topic well.

Choose the correct option.

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct
explanation of (A)
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not the correct
explanation of (A)
(c) (A) is true. But (R) is false
(d) (A) is false. But (R) is true
Ans. (d)

75. In the context of a classroom teaching ‘Smiles or

Frowns‘ when used as non-verbal cues, tend to perform
which of the following basic functions? [3rd Dec. 2019-IInd
Shift]
(a) contradicting the verbal cue function
(b) regulating the verbal cue function
(c) substitute function
(d) Supplement function
Ans. (c)