NAT U R E AN D E L E M E N TS

OF C O M MU N I C A T IO N
 NATURE OF COMMUNICATION
•Communication is a process.
•Communication occurs between two or more people (the
speaker and the receiver).
•Communication can be expressed through written or
spoken words, actions (nonverbal), or both spoken words
and nonverbal actions at the same time.
 ELEMENTS OF COMMUNICATION
1. Speaker – the source of information or message
2. Message – the information, ideas, or thoughts conveyed by the
speaker in words or in actions
3. Encoding – the process of converting the message into words,
actions, or other forms that the speaker understands
4. Channel – the medium or the means, such as personal or non-
personal, verbal or nonverbal, in which the encoded message is
conveyed
5. Decoding – the process of interpreting the encoded message
of the speaker by the receiver
6. Receiver – the recipient of the message, or someone who
decodes the message
7. Feedback – the reactions, responses, or information provided
by the receiver
8. Context – the environment where communication takes place
9. Barrier – the factors that affect the flow of communication
 Process of Communication Example

The speaker generates an idea. Daphne loves Rico, her suitor, as a friend.

The speaker encodes an idea or converts She thinks of how to tell him using their
the idea into words or actions. native language.

The speaker transmits or sends out a She tells him, “Rico, mahal kita bilang
message. kaibigan.”

The receiver gets the message. Rico hears what Daphne says.

The receiver decodes or interprets the He tries to analyze what she means
message based on the context. based on the content and their
relationship, and he is heartbroken.
The receiver sends or provides
feedback. He frowns and does not say something,
because he is in pain.
 MODELS OF COMMUNICATION
1. SHANNON-WEAVER
Model known as the mother of all communication models, the shannon-weaver model
(1949) depicts communication as a linear or one-way process consisting of five
elements: a source (producer of message); a transmitter (encoder of message into
signals); a channel (signals adapted for transmission); a receiver (decoder of message
from the signal); and a destination.
This model, however, has been criticized for missing one essential element in the
communication process: feedback. Without feedback, the speaker will not know whether
the receiver understands the message or not.
Information source Transmitter Channel Receiver Destination

Signal Receive Signal

Noise Source
Fig. Shannon-Weaver Model
2. TRANSACTION MODEL
Unlike the shannon-weaver model, which is a one-way process,
the transaction model is a two way process with the inclusion of
feedback as one element.
This model is more interactive. There is a collaborative exchange
of messages between communicators with the aim of
understanding each other. It also shows that a barrier, such as
noise, may interfere with the flow of communication
Study the diagram below. It represents the schramm
model. Schramm (1954) modified the shannon-
weaver model. What has schramm added to the
shannon-weaver model? Is the new model more
comprehensive? Why do you think so? How is it
different from or similar to the transaction model?
 FUNCTIONS OF COMMUNICATION
1. Control – communication functions to control behavior.
2. Social interaction – communication allows individuals to interact with
others.
3. Motivation – communication motivates or encourages people to live better.
4. Emotional expression – communication facilitates people’s expression of
their feelings and emotions.
5. Information dissemination – communication functions to convey
information.
 EXERCISE
1. THE TEACHER READS AND DISCUSSES CLASSROOM POLICIES TO HER STUDENTS.
2. ROSS GREETS RACHEL; THEN, THEY START TALKING ABOUT THEIR PLANS FOR THE
HOLIDAYS.
3. PHOEBE SHARES HER INSIGHTS ON HOW TO LIVE PEACEFULLY DESPITE A
COMPLICATED LIFE.
4. MONICA SHARES HER PERSONAL FRUSTRATIONS WITH CHANDLER.
5. THE GEOMETRY TEACHER LECTURES ABOUT MATHEMATICAL CONCEPTS.
6. SHEILA DELIVERS HER VALEDICTORY SPEECH.
7. THE PRESIDENT DELIVERS HIS LAST STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS.
8. A TELEVISION PERSONALITY THANKS THE SUPPORTIVE MOVIEGOERS DURING
AN INTERVIEW.
9. THE CITY MAYOR PRESENTS HER STRATEGIES TO EXECUTE THE PLANS IN A
PUBLIC FORUM.
10. A TOURIST GUIDE ORIENTS A GROUP OF TOURISTS ABOUT A HERITAGE SITE.
 FEATURES OF AN EFFECTIVE
COMMUNICATION
1. Completeness -complete communication is essential to the quality of the
communication process in general. Hence, communication should include
everything that the receiver needs to hear for him/ her to respond, react, or
evaluate properly.
2. Conciseness-does not mean keeping the message short, but making it
direct or straight to the point. Insignificant or redundant information should
be eliminated from the communication that will be sent to the recipient.
3. Consideration -to be effective, the speaker should always
consider relevant information about his/her receiver such as
mood, background, race, preference, education, status, and needs,
among others. By doing so, he/she can easily build rapport with
the audience.
4. Concreteness- effective communication happens when the
message is concrete and supported by facts, figures, and real-life
examples and situations. In this case, the receiver is more
connected to the message conveyed.
5. Courtesy -the speaker shows courtesy in communication by respecting
the culture, values, and beliefs of his/her receivers. Being courteous at all
times creates a positive impact on the audience.
6. Clearness- clearness in communication implies the use of simple and
specific words to express ideas. It is also achieved when the speaker
focuses only on a single objective in his/her speech so as not to confuse the
audience.
7. Correctness- correctness in grammar eliminates negative impact on the
audience and increases the credibility and effectiveness of the message.
 BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION
There are instances when miscommunication and
misunderstanding occur because of certain barriers. To
become an effective communicator, you should recognize
these barriers that hinder the communication process. This
will enable you to control the situation, reset conditions,
and start anew. The table below presents some barriers to
effective communication with corresponding solutions.
 Barrier Example Solution
Emotional barriers You are having a bad day or you feel Recognize these kinds of emotions, and politely ask
frustrated. the other person to give you a moment so you can relax
or calm yourself

Use of jargon You are a scientist discussing a Jargon refers to the set of specialized vocabulary in a
certain weather phenomenon with certain field. To avoid communication breakdown due
your neighbor who does not know to lack of clarity, adjust your language; use layman’s
much about the topic. terms or simple words.

Lack of confidence You are asked to share something Develop self-confidence by joining organizations
about your day or weekend, but you where you can share and develop your interests. Look
are hesitant because you are shy. for opportunities in your school or community that will
help you find your strengths and improve your
abilities.

Noisy environment You are having a conversation with Recognize that noise is a common barrier. Make some
some friends when a song was adjustments by asking someone to minimize the
played loudly volume or by looking for a quiet area where you can
resume the conversation
VERBAL AND NON-VERBAL
COMMUNICATION
Verbal communication refers to an interaction in which words are used to
relay a message. For effective and successful verbal communication, use
words to express ideas which can be easily understood by the person you are
talking to. Type are:
1. Appropriateness The language that you use should be appropriate to the
environment or occasion (i.e., whether formal or informal).
2. Brevity Speakers who often use simple yet precise and powerful words are
found to be more credible. Try to achieve brevity by being more direct with your
words. Avoid fillers and insubstantial expressions which do not add to the
message, such as “uh,” “you know,” “I guess,” and others.
3. Clarity the meanings of words, feelings, or ideas may be interpreted
differently by a listener; hence, it is essential for you to clearly state your
message and express your ideas and feelings.
4. Ethics words should be carefully chosen in consideration of the gender,
roles, ethnicity, preferences, and status of the person or people you are
talking to.
5. Vividness words that vividly or creatively describe things or feelings
usually add color and spice to communication. Hence, you are encouraged
to find ways to charm your audience through the use of vivid words.
Nonverbal communication refers to an interaction where
behavior is used to convey and represent meanings. All
kinds of human responses that are not expressed in words
are classified as nonverbal communication. Examples of
nonverbal communication are stares, smiles, tone of voice,
movements, manners of walking, standing and sitting,
appearance, style of attire, attitude towards time and
space, personality, gestures, and others.
Mastery of nonverbal communication is important for several
reasons:
1. It enhances and emphasizes the message of your speech, thus
making it more meaningful, truthful, and relevant.
2. It can communicate feelings, attitudes, and perceptions without
you saying a word.
3. It can sustain the attention of listeners and keep them engaged
in the speech.
4. It gives the audience a preview to the type of speaker you are.
5. It makes you appear more dynamic and animated in your
delivery.
6. It serves as a channel to release tension and nervousness.
7. It helps make your speech more dramatic.
8. It can build a connection with listeners.
9. It makes you a credible speaker.
10. It helps you vary your speaking style and avoid a monotonous
delivery.
Write T if the statement is true and F if the statement is false.
1. CONSIDER ETHICS IN YOUR SPEECH AT ALL TIMES.
2. EFFECTIVE USE OF NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION CAN STRENGTHEN YOUR
MESSAGE.
3. HOW YOU COMMUNICATE REFLECTS WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON.
4. ONE WAY TO HELP YOU BUILD CREDIBILITY IS THROUGH EFFECTIVE NONVERBAL
COMMUNICATION.
5. THERE ARE CERTAIN WORDS THAT ARE ONLY APPROPRIATE AT CERTAIN TIMES
AND PLACES.
6. To achieve clarity, we must speak the same language as our
listeners.
7. The use of too many fillers can distract your listeners.
8. Verbal communication is better than nonverbal communication.
9. When you talk to others, you should not assume too quickly that
they understand the message that you convey.
10. When you communicate, choose what you want to say and how
you want to say it.