8 elements of communication essay

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Elements Of Communication Essay Examples

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Communication , Culture , Media , Society , Skills , Knowledge , Information , Body

Words: 1000

Published: 12/23/2019

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Communication process involves transmission of message or information from the sender to the receiver through understandable medium.

Although communication starts with the sender and ends with the receiver, there are four major components of communication process namely encoding, channel of transmission, decoding and feedback. The sender initiates the communication and may be individual; a group or organization .The success or failure of the message is influenced by attitude, experience, knowledge, culture, skills and perception of the sender. Before imparting information the sender must encode the message into symbolized ideas e.g. words, languages, or gestures. The sender decides on what is to be transmitted based on the receiver’s knowledge and assumption with the mode of coding familiar to the receiver with the sender mentally visualizing the communication from the receiver’s point of view. The message transmission must be through proper channel. The channels may be oral e.g. telephone, written e.g. letters, memos and reports with visual channels increasingly advancing due to technology. The medium used to convey message must be effective although the effectiveness fluctuate as per the characteristics of communication for example when immediate feedback is needed, oral communication is more appropriate and when message is intended to larger audience the written communication may be more effective. Before settling on which medium to be used, the choice may be influenced by urgency of message, destination, receiver’s ability to understand the channel used and need for confidentiality and immediate feedback. The entity that receives the information becomes the receiver who decodes the message generating meaning or purpose out of it. Successful communication is when the receiver correctly interprets the sender’s message depending on the receiver’s cognitive ability. The receiver’s ability to comprehend the message may be influenced by culture, knowledge, receptivity to the message, relationship and trust between the receiver and the sender. When the sender’s idea is understood, the receiver in response communicates back to the sender. The sender will use the feedback to evaluate whether the receiver interpreted the message correctly giving the sender opportunity to take corrective action incase of misunderstanding. Verbal communication involves expressing thoughts with words as people communicate face to face using sounds, words and spoken language. Vocal cords produce sounds which turn into words .words are signed meaning to develop language resulting into speaking. Speaking may be interpersonal or public depending on the type of information to be imparted. With visual communication, the message is decoded through reading or looking upon through visible medium like texts or images. The eyes primarily sense by selecting and perceiving ideas using theories of cognition, perception and color, physics of light and eye anatomy. Visual communication may be in form of pictures, charts graphs, signs, signals and other forms of body expression. The message imparted may be analyzed by personal, technical, historical, ethical, historical, critical, cultural perceptions based on the interest of society. To understand the information being presented, visual aids must be in cooperated ranging from handouts to power points. The visual aids are to enhance effecting communication but may distort information when used incorrectly. Visual aids may be tables, maps, graphs, photographs, drawings or diagrams conveyed through chalkboard, handouts, video excerpts and projectors .body language shows how we react and act to others and vice versa. Reflects what’s on and may vary depending on an individual, culture and nationality. For example to convey disengagement or dissatisfaction audience may heads down, glazed eyes gazing differently, audience doodling or sitting slumped in the chair. To show being defensive the sender will arms closed in front of the body, down casting or showing little or no eye contact with body physically turned away. While to convey message of confidence, the sender will stand tall, have solid smiling face, slow and clear speech at a moderate tone. Social relationships when communicating in multicultural society should be considered since communication across cultures will depend on ability to communicate competently with people from other cultures whose ethics, behaviors, and languages may be totally different from one’s own way of life. Difference in words and behavior may increase chances of misunderstandings doubts and conflicts when communication is not effective. Size of the society should be given consideration as smaller the society the more effective communication becomes but, increasing cultural diversity due to migration of people with different cultural backgrounds create more barriers to communication. Duration of existence should be looked into since the longer the stay, the more visibility of co-cultures resulting into cultural assimilation with arrival of new emigrants hence possibility of universal culture emerging enhancing communication since a single mode can reach wide receivers. Intercultural communication to bring diverse groups in pluralistic society achieving national cohesion with creation of common goal while preserving cultural integrity bearing in mind the multiplicity of meanings, modes of living and sets of mind. The ambiguities that may arise due to shared meanings in a multicultural society and the ability to handle any miscommunication should also be taken into account. Effective communication should be accurate, relevant, brief, precise, and goal oriented to create good self- image of both the sender and the receiver. Communication across borders should be nurtured for democratic life in global multicultural society.

Colorado Services to Children with Deaf blindness. (2009)Fact Sheet, Receptive Communication, retrieved from http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdesped/download/pdf/dbReceptiveCommunication.pdf IQPC Worldwide.COM .The Importance of Effective Communication – Part 2 http://www.iqpc.com/uploadedFiles/Training/Asia_Training/The_Gateway/Article2_EffectiveCommunication2.pdf Lewis .C (2008).Intercultural Focus, Successful Communication in Multicultural Environments, retrieved from http://www.luthais.com/index_files/papers/Chad%20Lewis%20-%20Successful%20Communication%20in%20Multicultural%20Environments.pdf WordPress.com Elements of the Communication Process, retrieved from http://rodrigo75.wordpress.com/2011/01/23/elements-of-the-communication-process/

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The 8 Elements Of Communication: Characteristics And Examples

Communication elements such as the message, the sender, the receiver or the context, are concepts that help us understand the complexity of the communicative processes present in social interactions.

We will see in detail what elements of communication come into play where there are subjects exchanging information, and in what ways the variations in each of them can make the interpretation of the information received different.

Communication is a complex process that involves various elements working together to convey messages and exchange information effectively. Understanding these elements is essential for enhancing interpersonal relationships, teamwork, and organizational success. In this article, we delve into the characteristics and examples of the eight key elements of communication.

Table of Contents

What are the elements of communication?

By communication we understand the process by which it occurs an exchange of information between two subjects There is a debate about what the nature of these subjects involved in communicative activity should be: whether they can only be human beings and some animals with high capacities for abstract thinking, or they can also be other living beings with less complex nervous systems, and even machines like computers.

And a good part of what defines the communication process is the interpretation made of the results. To what extent does a Smartphone interpret the digital signals it receives from an antenna? Do bacteria communicate through the uptake and emission of chemical elements?

In any case, there is something that is independent of the type of subjects that share information with each other: the elements of communication. These are concepts that help us understand the phenomena that explain communicative activities, and each of them represents a piece in the process by which information travels from a data interpretation system to another that is located in a place. different from the one occupied by the first.

And although in communication there does not have to be a physical body that moves from one place to another, in practice communication is movement and dynamism, and that is why it cannot be explained as it could be done with a static element. The elements of communication are the pieces that articulate with each other to generate different meanings in real time Let’s see what they are.

The issuer is the subject who triggers the communicative process by exposing information that can be interpreted by other subjects In turn, the sender can emit coded information symbolically, or through non-verbal language, which expresses sensations, attitudes and moods, and which is more spontaneous than the previous one.

On the other hand, many times establishing who the sender is is something very relative, because it is not always easy to know with certainty which subject initiated the communication. For example, if someone meets their neighbor on the street and greets them with “hello,” this could in turn be a reaction to the expression on the neighbor’s face, and in this case it would be the person who has not spoken the who would have adopted the role of issuer in the first place.

Precisely for this reason, it is assumed that the sender is relatively so, establishing a single information sending cycle as a frame of reference. In a moment, whoever was the sender becomes the receiver, and vice versa.

The sender is the individual or entity initiating the communication process by encoding and transmitting a message to the receiver. Characteristics of the sender include clarity, credibility, and authenticity. For example, a manager delivering a motivational speech to employees is the sender in this communication interaction.

2. Receiver

The receiver is the individual or audience intended to receive and decode the message sent by the sender. Receivers play a crucial role in the communication process by interpreting and responding to the message. Characteristics of effective receivers include attentiveness, active listening, and feedback. For example, employees attending a training workshop are receivers of information from the facilitator.

The receiver is the subject who, voluntarily or involuntarily, receives the information issued by the sender and interprets it, either using a system of symbols that establishes equivalences between signifiers and meanings, or without a system of symbols, obeying the sensations produced by what comes through the senses.

As we have seen, there is an unresolved debate about whether a machine can be a receiver, but in practice signal reception systems are treated as real receivers, since not doing so would make it very difficult to understand how these systems work. devices.

The message is the information, idea, or content being conveyed from the sender to the receiver. It can be verbal, written, visual, or nonverbal in nature. Examples of messages include speeches, emails, reports, gestures, and facial expressions. The clarity, relevance, and coherence of the message influence its effectiveness in communication.

The message is what is used to transmit information, that is, the literal existence of what is being said by the sender and what the receiver is capturing Therefore, message is not equivalent to meaning, but rather it is the phenomenon to be deciphered to obtain, from its interpretation, a meaning.

For example, a message can be “I wish you luck”, while the meaning of this word of letters (if it is read) or of phonemes (if it is heard) depends on other aspects: in some cases it is a sign of appreciation, while which in others is an indirect mockery used through sarcasm, if it is formulated implying that the recipient lacks the necessary capabilities to do something.

In practice, the message is inseparable from the rest of the elements of communication, because we will never be able to know it and analyze it without a receiver, a sender, a channel, etc.

Noise refers to any interference or barrier that disrupts the communication process, leading to distortion, misunderstanding, or misinterpretation of the message. Noise can be internal (such as preconceptions, biases) or external (such as distractions, technical glitches). Minimizing noise through effective encoding, decoding, and feedback mechanisms improves communication effectiveness.

The noise is literally any phenomenon that interferes with the communication process and modifies the message in any of its aspects For example, the coverage cuts that we sometimes experience when talking on a mobile phone, or a burst of vision that distorts some phonemes.

Thus, noise is one of the most diverse elements of communication, because there are very varied ways in which a message can be altered: both physical (electronic failures in signal capture, wall material that keeps people separated, etc.) sender and receiver) as symbolic (errors when typing, errors in word recognition in software, etc.).

The existence of noise is what has made many people look for communication channels capable of very well controlling the variables that come into play in the transmission of information. Message exchange programs used by chat systems, for example, pay a lot of attention to this.

On the other hand, we must not forget that the noise It does not always have to come from phenomena outside the elements of communication ; Sometimes, it comes from within. For example, if the receiver has a brain injury, this can generate noise by making it difficult to analyze what the sender says, generating alterations such as Wernicke’s aphasia.

The code is the structured set of rules and signs that make it possible to express and emit complex messages Therefore, it is associated with the ability to use language, or at least a type of language that is somewhat less developed than that of adult human beings.

There are different code systems, and they can be applied in speech or writing. On the other hand, the existence of the code implies that to communicate the sender must carry out a coding process if he wants to issue a message of his own, and the receiver has to decode in order to interpret and understand it. For communication to take place, sender and receiver have to use the same code.

The channel refers to the medium or method used to transmit the message from the sender to the receiver. Channels can be verbal (such as face-to-face conversations, phone calls) or nonverbal (such as written documents, visual presentations). The choice of channel depends on factors like audience preferences, message complexity, and the urgency of communication.

The channel is the medium through which the message travels, passing from one place to another In spoken language, the channel is usually the sound waves that travel through the air, while on the Internet, the channel can be a chat or a binary system for transmitting digital signals, depending on the level at which we place our unit of communication. analysis of what happens.

In practice, among the most frequent channels that are part of the daily life of this element of communication are air, paper, emails, telephone systems, and light waves emitted by screens. Sometimes, two or more channels can occur at the same time.

Context refers to the situational, environmental, and cultural factors that influence the communication process. It includes the physical setting, social norms, organizational culture, and historical background. Adapting communication strategies to fit the context enhances message relevance, credibility, and reception.

The context is the space-time environment in which communication takes place. And we must not forget that The where and when greatly influence both the emission of the message and its reception and interpretation Around the subjects who communicate, there is always a more general environment that conditions the entire process.

For example, talking to someone from the team to which one belongs is not the same as talking to someone from the rival team, nor is saying something considered provocative in the 18th century the same as doing so in a Western country in the 21st century. Our environment conditions not only how we say things, but even the content of what we intend to communicate.

8. Feedback

Feedback is the response or reaction provided by the receiver to the sender’s message, indicating understanding, agreement, disagreement, or confusion. Feedback can be verbal (such as comments, questions) or nonverbal (such as nodding, facial expressions). Effective communication involves soliciting and incorporating feedback to ensure message clarity and comprehension.

Feedback is the response given by the receiver after having interpreted the message sent by the sender For this reason, it can also be considered another element of communication: the message given as sender, since it can be seen as what is said to initiate another communicative process.

A dynamic information exchange process

As we have seen, communication is defined as being a dynamic process, which cannot be captured in its entirety either from a static scheme, or from a linear descriptive model in which an element of communication produce the next one, and this one produces another, etc. When we communicate, everything arises at once, and we cannot separate each of these pieces and analyze them in isolation separated from the rest.

Therefore, this outline of the elements of communication only serves as a guide, like a map that helps us understand what is happening and through what means one or another information could be shared. At the end of the day, what really matters is the interpretation and conception of the messages, and these are always produced linked to a specific time and place.

Understanding the eight elements of communication provides a framework for analyzing, improving, and optimizing communication processes in various contexts. By paying attention to the sender, message, channel, receiver, feedback, context, noise, and purpose, individuals and organizations can enhance their communication effectiveness, foster mutual understanding, and build stronger relationships.

Related Content:

Components of Communication Process

In order to  understand the communication process, Let’s break it down into a series of eight essential components:

• Environment
• Interference

Each of these eight components serves an integral function in the overall process. Let’s explore them one by one.

Parts of the Communication Process

The communication process typically starts with the sender who initiates the message. Before the sender releases the message, they have to generate the idea and then encode it reasonably so that the receiver can easily understand it.

Encoding involves the sender translating his thoughts, ideas, or emotions into a series of verbal and non-verbal cues that they know will genuinely transmit their message perfectly. 

2. Transmission ( Message)

The message the sender releases is transmitted over a channel which then gets to the receiver in good time. A channel is the communication bond that connects the sender to the receiver. Examples of these communication channels include a computer, memorandum, a telephone, a television or Email, etc. 

How do you choose a channel of communication ? It depends on the communication situation, such as the type of audience or people, the age bracket of your audience, and the message you want to convey as the sender. 

There are so many ways for a message to travel between the sender and the receiver and this is called the channel. For example, think of your television. How many channels do you have on your television? Each channel takes up some space, even in a digital world, in the cable, or in the signal that brings the message of each channel to your home.

Noise is anything that distorts or interferes with the message being delivered fluidly. Noise can come from the receiver’s end or the senders. Since noise interferes with the communication process, both the sender and the receiver should choose a noise-free channel. 

Examples of noise include:

• Ambiguous symbols that encourage wrong encoding
• A faulty mobile connection
• A distracted receiver
• Poor decoding 
• Bad gestures and postures that distorts the message

5. Receiver

The receiver is the one the message is being transmitted to. For the receiver to decode the message well, they have to be ready to receive and understand the message. As a receiver, you shouldn’t be distracted so that you understand the information passed clearly. It involves the translation of symbols into ideas for clarity. 

The only way communication can be effective is if 

the sender and the receiver attach similar meanings to the message sent. For example, the sender shouldn’t use big terms if the sender is illiterate or unable to understand the words. When the recipient understands the information, then communication is complete.

6. Feedback 

Feedback is the receiver’s response to the message sent by the sender. It requires the recipient to understand the message before answering. Feedback is necessary to verify whether the message has been encoded, transmitted, decoded, and understood without any shortcomings. 

Feedback allows the sender to evaluate the effectiveness of his message. It informs the sender whether the message conveyed has been impactful on the individual through the content of the message.

How Communication Works? – The Processes Of Communication

To communicate with others perfectly, it’s essential to know how the process of communication works. Here are tips to give you an insight into the communication process:

1. An Idea is Developed By the Sender 

The start of the communication process involves the sender generating an idea, thought, or feeling and sending it to another person or group. It involves adequate planning so that you don’t transmit distorted messages. 

2. The Message is Encoded 

When the sender generates an idea, they translate it into a meaningful form to send to the receiver. The idea behind encoding is to have clarity of thought to transform the message into a particular format the receiver will relate to easily. For example, you have to translate your words into writing when communicating through a letter. 

3. Channel of Communication is Selected 

After properly encoding the message, the sender has to select the right channel for the transmission. This means the sender has to settle for the best medium of communication that the receiver will easily understand. Examples of communication mediums include speaking, electronic transmission, non-verbal communication, and writing. 

Note that you should find the best channel to make your message look professional when you’re communicating at work. 

4. Message Travels 

When the suitable medium of communication has been selected, the message begins the transmission process. The transmission process will depend on the medium of communication chosen. A suitable medium of communication will ensure the message is communicated effectively. 

5. Message is Received .

When the message has followed the right channel and medium, the recipient then receives the message. This part of communication is only complete when the recipient hears, feels, or sees the message sent. 

6. The Receiver Decodes the Message

The receiver has to decode the received message carefully and effectively to know the sender’s intention. The recipient interprets and converts the message into a clear thought that’s easy to relate to through decoding. 

The communication process is effective if both the sender and the receiver have the same meaning of the delivered message. 

7. Feedback is Provided By the Receiver 

A thought-out message should be able to receive feedback. Feedback is the response the recipient gives to the sender. It helps the sender verify whether the communication or the message sent was precise and meaningful. Feedback makes communication a two-way process. 

Tips for Improving the Communication Process

Here are tips you can use to develop your communication skills:

• Make your message simpler: For your message to be correctly understood, you should use simple language and go straight to the point.
• Understand your audience: It’s also crucial to consider the audience that you have generated the message for and their requirements and interests.
• Listen carefully: As a good communicator, listening to what the people around you are saying actively is vital. This will help you know the right message to put out. 
• Try to ask questions: It’s also equally important to ask good and relevant questions to keep the communication flowing. Ensure your questions are engaging and well thought out. 
• Find the right way to respond: When communicating, you have to consider how you reply to someone or a group of people to ensure you know what you want and need to say.
• Have the correct body language: If you’re communicating through a particular medium, it’s good to use body language that matches the message. Equally, be aware of the body language of the people or person you’re communicating with. 
• Maintain eye contact: You have to make good eye contact with the person or people you’re communicating with. This will show them that you’re actively listening to who you’re communicating with.
• Send clear messages: If the recipient is not getting what you’re trying to communicate, clarify your message to understand better.

Benefits of Effective Communication 

Let’s look at the benefits of effective communication you’ll notice in and outside your office once you’ve mastered these skills. 

1. Builds Trust

Good communicators are easy to trust because it’s easy to know their intentions. Effective communication builds trust between you and other people. Good communication involves listening attentively, taking into account other people’s opinions, and having emotional intelligence. 

When you’re a good communicator in your organization, your employees will look at you as their role model and strive to be good communicators. 

2. Prevent or Help Resolve Problems 

Communicating effectively plays a pivotal role in preventing conflicts from arising and resolving disputes. The critical aspect every good communicator must have is to stay calm throughout the mediation process. As a good communicator, you have to give both disputed parties a chance to air their opinions before you help them come to an understanding.

3. Gives a Clear Direction and Clarity 

Using effective communication skills, you can give clear directions to your team without any backlash. Proper communication makes your team entrust you with generating solutions to crucial problems. 

As an effective communicator, you also have to find ways to point out issues when your team or employees aren’t properly doing their work. When you point them in the right direction, they’ll quickly understand their role and deliver good services. 

4. Fosters Relationships  

Good communication develops and improves relationships in your personal life or at work with your employees or team. In this instance, listening carefully and understanding what someone is saying is essential to give quality feedback or solutions. 

5. Increases Engagement

When you feel more confident in your work and understand what you have to do, you’ll find yourself spending more time working because you enjoy it. However, confidence and understanding a specific matter depend on your communication skills , which come from listening effectively and understanding what has been said. Plan to prioritize communication so that you improve your engagement. 

6. Ceases Confusion

Nothing is frustrating in a workplace than an employee not understanding what’s required or expected of them in their designated roles and duties. Chaos can erupt when no one knows what they are supposed to do and at what time. As a good communicator, you need to find a way to explain to people their roles channeling their energy at the right places.

Bottom Line 

Having good communication skills will help you nurture a positive work experience for you and your team. There will be a good and favorable working environment when there’s an understanding between you and your employees. With the help of the above benefits of communication and ways to communicate effectively , you’ll be able to communicate perfectly anywhere you go. 

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The 8 elements of communication: characteristics and examples

Jul 16, 2021

Communication elements , such as the message, the sender, the receiver or the context, are concepts that help us understand the complexity of the communicative processes present in social interactions.

In this article we will see in detail which are the elements of communication that come into play where there are subjects exchanging information, and in what ways the variations in each of them can make the interpretation of the information received different.

• Related article: " The 28 types of communication and their characteristics

What are the elements of communication?

By communication we understand the process by which it is produced an exchange of information between two subjects . There is a debate about what should be the nature of these subjects involved in communicative activity: if they can only be human beings and some animals with high capacities for abstract thinking, or they can also be other living beings with less complex nervous systems, and even machines such as computers.

In any case, there is something that is independent of the type of subjects that share information with each other: the elements of communication. These are concepts that help us understand which are the phenomena that explain communicative activities, and each of them represents a piece in the process by which information travels from one data interpretation system to another that is located in a place other than the one occupied by the First.

And it is that although communication does not have to exist a physical body that moves from one place to another, in practice the Communication is movement and dynamism, and that is why it cannot be explained as it could be done with an element static. The elements of communication are the pieces that are articulated together to generate different meanings in real time . Let's see what they are.

1. Transmitter

The issuer is the subject that triggers the communicative process by exposing information that can be interpreted by other subjects . In turn, the issuer can emit information encoded in a symbolic way, or through language non-verbal, which expresses sensations, attitudes and moods, and which is more spontaneous than previous.

On the other hand, many times establishing who the sender is is something very relative, because it is not always easy to know with certainty which subject initiated the communication. For example, if someone meets his neighbor on the street and greets him with a "hello", this could in turn be a reaction to the expression of the neighbor's face, and in this case it would be the person who has not spoken who would have adopted the role of issuer in the first place place.

Precisely for this reason, it is assumed that the issuer is relatively so, establishing a single cycle for sending information as a frame of reference. In a moment, whoever was a sender becomes a receiver, and vice versa.

• You may be interested: " The 10 basic communication skills "

2. Receiver

The receiver is the subject who, voluntarily or involuntarily, receives the information issued by the issuer and interprets it, either by using a symbol system that establishes equivalences between signifiers and signifieds, or without a system of symbols, obeying the sensations produced by what comes through the senses.

As we have seen, there is an unresolved debate about whether a machine can be a receiver, but in practice it deals with signal reception systems as real receivers, since not doing so would make it very difficult to understand how these work appliances.

The message is what is used to transmit the information, that is, the literal existence of what is being said by the sender and what the receiver is picking up . For this reason, message is not equivalent to meaning, but rather it is the phenomenon to be deciphered in order to obtain, from its interpretation, a meaning.

For example, a message can be "I wish you luck", while the meaning of this word of letters (if it is read) or of phonemes (if he is listened to) depends on other aspects: in some cases it is a show of appreciation, while in others it is an indirect mockery used by means of sarcasm, if it is formulated implying that the receiver lacks the necessary capacities to do something.

In practice, the message is inseparable from the rest of the elements of communication, because we can never get to know it and analyze it without a receiver, a sender, a channel, etc.

The noise is literally any phenomenon that interferes with the communication process and modifies the message in any of its aspects . For example, the coverage cuts that we sometimes experience when talking on a mobile phone, or a burst of seeing that distorts some phonemes.

Thus, noise is one of the most diverse elements of communication, because there are many different ways in which a message can be altered: both physical (electronic failures in the capture of signals, material of the wall that keeps the emitter and the receiver separated) as symbolic (errors when typing, errors in the recognition of words of a software, etc.).

The existence of noise is what has made many people look for communication channels capable of controlling very well the variables that come into play in the transmission of information. The message exchange programs used by chat systems, for example, pay close attention to this.

On the other hand, do not forget that the noise it does not have to always come from phenomena unrelated to the elements of communication ; sometimes it comes from within. For example, if the receiver has a brain injury, this can generate noise by making it difficult to analyze what the sender says, generating alterations such as the Wernicke's aphasia .

The code is the structured set of rules and signs that make it possible to express and deliver complex messages . Therefore, it is associated with the ability to use language, or at least a somewhat less developed type of language than that of adult human beings.

There are different code systems, and they can be applied in speech or writing. On the other hand, the existence of the code implies that to communicate the issuer must carry out a process of encoding if he wants to broadcast a message of his authorship, and the receiver has to decode to be able to interpret it and understand it. For communication to take place, sender and receiver have to use the same code.

The channel is the medium through which the message travels, passing from one place to another . In spoken language, the channel is usually the sound waves that travel through the air, while on the Internet, the channel can be a chat or a binary digital signal transmission system, depending on the level at which we place our unit of analysis of what happens.

In practice, among the most frequent channels that are part of the daily life of this element of the communication are air, paper, emails, telephone systems, and light waves emitted by screens. Sometimes two or more channels can run at the same time.

The context is the space-time environment in which communication takes place. And it is that we must not forget that the where and when greatly influence both the emission of the message and its reception and interpretation . Around the subjects who communicate, there is always a more general environment that conditions the whole process.

For example, it is not the same to talk with someone on the team to which you belong, than to do it with someone on the team rival, and it is not the same to say something considered provocative in the 18th century than to do it in a western country of the XXI. Our environment determines not only how we say things, but even the content of what we intend to communicate.

8. Feedback

Feedback, or feedback, is the response given by the receiver after having interpreted the message sent by the sender . For this reason, another element of communication can also be considered: the message given as the sender, since it can be seen as what is said to start another communication process.

A dynamic information exchange process

As we have seen, communication is defined as being a dynamic process, which cannot be captured in its entirety or from a schematic static, nor from a descriptive model of a linear type in which one element of the communication produces the next, and this produces another, etc. By communicating, everything arises at once, and we cannot separate each of these pieces and analyze them in isolation , separated from the rest.

Therefore, this diagram of the elements of communication only serves as a guide, as a map that helps us to understand what is happening and through what means could one or the other be being shared information. At the end of the day, what really matters is the interpretation and conception of the messages, and these are always produced linked to a specific time and place.

Bibliographic references:

• Berlok, K.D. (2008). The communication process (introduction to theory and practice). Buenos Aires: The Athenaeum.
• Griffin, E.A. (1997). A first look at communication theory. 3rd edition, New York: McGraw-Hill.
• Trenholm, S.; Jensen, A. (2013). Interpersonal Communication Seventh Edition. New York: Oxford University Press.

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1.3 Eight Essential Components of Communication

The communication process can be broken down into a series of eight essential components, each of which serves an integral function in the overall process: source, message, channel, receiver, feedback, environment, context, and interference.

“ 4. Eight Essential Components of Communication ” from Communication for Business Professionals by eCampusOntario is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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The 8 Elements of the Communication Process

Understanding communication might sound straightforward. We talk, we listen, we write, and we read. But there’s more to it, and getting it right can make a big difference in how we connect with others, especially at work.

Let’s dive into the eight elements of the communication process, a theory developed by smart folks like Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver. Their work has helped us understand how messages get from one person to another, and what can go wrong along the way.

The Communication Process Theory

Back in the day, Shannon and Weaver were trying to figure out how to send messages over phone lines without losing information. They came up with a model that breaks communication down into clear parts. This model helps us see where things might go off track and how to fix them.

1. Sender: The Initiator

The sender is the person who starts the communication. Think of the sender as the one who has something to say or share. The sender’s job is to make sure the message is clear from the get-go.

If the sender isn’t clear, the whole message can be misunderstood.

2. Message: The Core Idea

The message is what you want to communicate . It’s the main idea or piece of information that needs to be shared.

The message needs to be clear and well-constructed to avoid confusion.

3. Encoding: Turning Ideas into Words

Encoding is how the sender turns their thoughts into words, images, or gestures. It’s about making the message understandable.

Good encoding means your message is clear and easy to understand. Poor encoding can lead to misunderstandings.

4. Channel: The Medium

The channel is the method you use to send your message. It could be spoken words, a written email, or even a text message.

Choosing the right channel is crucial. Some messages are better face-to-face, while others work well in writing.

5. Receiver: The Audience

The receiver is the person who gets the message. They need to understand and interpret it correctly.

The receiver’s ability to understand the message is key to effective communication.

6. Decoding: Interpreting the Message

Decoding is how the receiver makes sense of the message. It’s about understanding what’s being communicated.

Effective decoding ensures the message is received as intended. Misinterpretation can cause problems.

7. Feedback: The Response

Feedback is the receiver’s response to the message. It tells the sender that the message was received and understood.

Feedback closes the communication loop and helps the sender know if the message was clear.

8. Noise: The Interference

Noise is anything that interferes with the message. It can be literal noise, like loud sounds, or something more abstract, like stress or misunderstandings.

Minimizing noise helps ensure the message is clear and understood correctly.

Scenarios to Illustrate the Elements

Classroom scenario.

Situation: A teacher (Sender) explains a math concept (Message) to the students using a whiteboard (Channel). The teacher uses clear language and diagrams (Encoding). The students (Receivers) listen and interpret (Decoding) the information. One student raises their hand to ask a question (Feedback), indicating they need clarification. A loud noise from the hallway (Noise) briefly disrupts the lesson.

Knowing these elements helps the teacher ensure the lesson is understood, adjust teaching methods based on feedback, and minimize classroom disruptions.

Workplace Scenario

Situation: A manager (Sender) sends an email (Channel) to the team (Receivers) about a project deadline (Message). The email is written clearly (Encoding). The team reads and interprets (Decoding) the instructions. One team member replies with a question (Feedback). An unexpected IT issue (Noise) delays some team members from accessing the email promptly.

Understanding these elements helps the manager craft clearer emails, anticipate potential misunderstandings, and ensure timely project completion.

Busy Restaurant Scenario

Situation: A waiter (Sender) takes an order (Message) from a customer (Receiver) and writes it down (Encoding). The waiter conveys the order to the kitchen staff (Channel). The chef (Receiver) reads the order slip and prepares the meal (Decoding). The customer signals the waiter for a change in order (Feedback). The noise from the bustling restaurant (Noise) sometimes makes it hard to hear the orders.

Recognizing these elements helps the restaurant staff improve service, reduce order errors, and enhance customer satisfaction.

Be a Better Communicator

• Clarity is Key: Always ensure your message is clear and concise. Avoid jargon and be specific. When you’re clear, you reduce the chance of misunderstandings and make sure your point gets across.
• Choose the Right Channel: Pick the best method to convey your message based on the situation and the audience. Some conversations are better in person where you can read body language, while others might be perfectly fine over email or text.
• Encourage Feedback: Actively seek responses to confirm understanding and address any confusion. Asking for feedback can help you gauge whether your message was understood and allows you to clarify any points that might have been missed.
• Minimize Noise: Identify and reduce any potential distractions that could interfere with your message. This could mean finding a quiet place to talk, turning off notifications during meetings, or simply ensuring that your message is clear and straightforward.

By mastering these elements, we can communicate more effectively, reduce misunderstandings, and build stronger relationships in our professional lives. So next time you send a message, remember these eight elements and watch your communication improve!

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