COMMUNICATION

By - Neeraj kumar
Roll no. :- 22/3006
B.A (hons) applied psychology
DEFINITION
Communication is simply the act of transferring
information from one place, person or group to
another.
Every communication involves (at least) one sender,
a message and a recipient. This may sound simple,
but communication is actually a very complex
subject.
TYPES
The different categories of communication include:

1. Verbal Communication, which includes face-to-face, telephone, radio or television and other media.

2. Non-Verbal Communication, covering body language, gestures, how we dress or act, where we stand, and even our
scent. There are many subtle ways that we communicate (perhaps even unintentionally) with others. For example, the
tone of voice can give clues to mood or emotional state, whilst hand signals or gestures can add to a spoken message.

3. Written Communication: which includes letters, e-mails, social media, books, magazines, the Internet and other media.
Until recent times, a relatively small number of writers and publishers were very powerful when it came to communicating
the written word. Today, we can all write and publish our ideas online, which has led to an explosion of information and
communication possibilities.

4. Visualizations: graphs and charts, maps, logos and other visualizations can all communicate messages.
PARTS
A communication therefore has three parts: the sender, the message, and the recipient.
The sender ‘encodes’ the message, usually in a mixture of words and non-verbal communication. It is
transmitted in some way (for example, in speech or writing), and the recipient ‘decodes’ it.

Of course, there may be more than one recipient, and the complexity of communication means that each
one may receive a slightly different message. Two people may read very different things into the choice of
words and/or body language. It is also possible that neither of them will have quite the same
understanding as the sender.

In face-to-face communication, the roles of the sender and recipient are not distinct. The two roles will
pass back and forwards between two people talking. Both parties communicate with each other, even if in
very subtle ways such as through eye-contact (or lack of) and general body language. In written
communication, however, the sender and recipient are more distinct.
ENCODING
All messages must be encoded into a form that can be conveyed by the communication channel chosen for the
message.

We all do this every day when transferring abstract thoughts into spoken words or a written form. However, other
communication channels require different forms of encoding, e.g. text written for a report will not work well if broadcast
via a radio programme, and the short, abbreviated text used in text messages would be inappropriate in a letter or in
speech.

Complex data may be best communicated using a graph, chart or other visualisation.

Effective communicators encode their messages so that they fit both the channel and the intended audience. They
use appropriate language, conveying the information simply and clearly. They also anticipate and eliminate likely
causes of confusion and misunderstanding. They are generally aware of the recipients’ experience in decoding similar
communications.

Successful encoding of messages for the audience and channel is a vital skill in effective communication.
DECODING
Once received, the recipient needs to decode the message. Successful decoding is also a vital
communication skill.

People will decode and understand messages in different ways.

This will depend on their experience and understanding of the context of the message, how well
they know the sender, their psychological state and how they feel, and the time and place of
receipt. They may also be affected by any Barriers to Communication which might be present.

There are therefore a wide range of factors that will affect decoding and understanding.

Successful communicators understand how the message will be decoded, and anticipate and
remove as many as possible of the potential sources of misunderstanding.
FEEDBACK
The final part of a communication is feedback: the recipient lets the sender know that they have received and
understood the message.

Recipients of messages are likely to provide feedback on how they have understood the messages through both
verbal and non-verbal reactions. Effective communicators pay close attention to this feedback as it is the only way to
assess whether the message has been understood as intended, and it allows any confusion to be corrected.

Bear in mind that the extent and form of feedback will vary with the communication channel. Feedback during a
face-to-face or telephone conversation will be immediate and direct, whilst feedback to messages conveyed via TV or
radio will be indirect and may be delayed, or even conveyed through other media such as the Internet.

Effective communicators pay close attention to this feedback as it is the only way to assess whether the message has
been understood as intended, and it allows any confusion to be corrected.
BARRIERS
❏ Physical Barriers: Obstacles like distance or physical objects that impede communication between
individuals or groups.
❏ Language Barriers: Challenges arising from differences in languages spoken, making it difficult for people to
understand each other effectively.
❏ Cultural Barriers: Differences in customs, traditions, and societal norms that can create misunderstandings
and hinder communication.
❏ Emotional Barriers: Psychological factors such as fear, mistrust, or emotional baggage that can impact the
ability to communicate openly and honestly.
❏ Cognitive Barriers: Varied mental processes and perspectives that may affect how individuals perceive and
interpret information during communication.
❏ Technological Barriers: Challenges related to the use of technology, such as issues with devices or
platforms, that may disrupt or complicate communication.
❏ Noise: Interference or distractions, both literal and metaphorical, that can disrupt the clarity of communication
by introducing unwanted elements or disturbances.
THANK
YOU