1. Definition of Communication
Communication is the process of sharing information between two or more individuals or within a group to reach a common understanding.
It is a two-way process of giving (speaking/writing) and receiving (listening/reading) information.
2. Importance of Communication
- To inform – share facts, data, and information.
- To influence – persuade, motivate, or change views.
- To express feelings – share emotions and ideas.
3. Elements of Communication
- Sender – the person who sends the message.
- Message – the information, idea, or thought shared.
- Medium – the channel used (speech, writing, gestures, visuals).
- Receiver – the person who gets the message.
- Feedback – the response of the receiver to the sender.
4. Communication Cycle
- A step-by-step process of how communication takes place:
- Sender has an idea.
- Sender encodes the idea into a message.
- Message is transmitted through a channel/medium.
- Receiver decodes the message.
- Feedback is given by receiver.
👉 Ensures clarity, understanding, and proper response.
5. Barriers in Communication (in 1–2 lines each)
- Language – Difficult or unfamiliar words cause confusion.
- Visual Perception – Misinterpreting pictures, charts, or symbols.
- Past Experience – Earlier experiences affect present understanding.
- Prejudice – Fixed ideas or bias limit openness.
- Feelings – Anger, sadness, or fear affect clarity.
- Environment – Noise or disturbances cause distraction.
- Personal Factors – Fear, low confidence, poor habits.
- Culture – Gestures or signs differ across cultures.
6. 7Cs of Effective Communication (with definitions)
- Clear – The message should be easily understood, without confusion.
- Concise – Say the message in as few words as possible without losing meaning.
- Concrete – The message should be specific, supported by facts/examples.
- Correct – The information must be accurate and error-free.
- Coherent – The message should be logical, well-connected, and consistent.
- Complete – The message must contain all necessary details.
- Courteous – The tone should be polite, respectful, and considerate.
7. Choosing the Right Method of Communication
- Depends on:
- Message type – simple (verbal), complex (written + visual).
- Urgency – urgent (telephone, face-to-face), non-urgent (email, letter).
- Audience size – small (meeting), large (presentation, poster).
- Clarity needed – written for accuracy, oral for quick exchange.
8. Types of Communication
(a) Verbal Communication
- Definition: Communication using spoken or written words.
- Examples: Conversation, telephone calls, classroom teaching, letters, emails.
- Advantages: Quick, easy, immediate feedback, clarifies ideas.
- Disadvantages: Misinterpretation, language barriers, accent/slang confusion.
(b) Non-Verbal Communication
- Definition: Communication without words – using gestures, body language, facial expressions, tone of voice.
- Examples: Nodding head, handshake, smile, posture, pitch of voice.
- Importance:
- Strengthens spoken/written messages.
- Expresses feelings more effectively.
- Helps when language barriers exist.
- Builds trust and understanding.
- Advantages: Makes messages powerful, shows emotions clearly, useful when words fail.
- Disadvantages: May be misunderstood, differs across cultures, cannot explain detailed info.
(c) Visual Communication
- Definition: Communication through images, symbols, charts, or signs.
- Examples: Traffic lights, posters, maps, logos, graphs.
- Advantages: Simple, universal, easy to remember.
- Disadvantages: Cannot explain complex ideas, needs prior awareness of symbols.
9. Feedback in Communication
Importance of Feedback
- Ensures message is understood correctly.
- Helps sender improve future communication.
- Builds trust and clarity.
Types of Feedback
- Positive Feedback: Encouraging response (e.g., “Good explanation!”).
- Negative Feedback: Critical response to improve (e.g., “You need to speak louder”).
- Formal Feedback: Structured, official (e.g., appraisal, written review).
- Informal Feedback: Casual, spontaneous (e.g., nodding, smile).
- Written Feedback: Through notes, letters, emails.
- Oral Feedback: Spoken responses during/after communication.
Characteristics of Good Feedback
- Specific – Focused on particular behavior/action.
- Clear & Simple – Easy to understand.
- Constructive – Suggests improvements.
- Timely – Given immediately after action.
- Balanced – Includes positives and areas of improvement.
10. Public Speaking
- Definition: The act of speaking confidently before a group.
- 3Ps Method:
- Prepare – Plan the topic, audience, and key points.
- Practice – Rehearse in front of mirror, friends, or family.
- Perform – Stay confident, speak clearly, and maintain eye contact.
- Importance: Builds confidence, improves communication, inspires others.