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Communication Principles: Elements of Communication

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Communication

A girl sending a text message. The girl is labeled "sender" and the phone is labeled "medium." A second girl looking at her phone. She is labeled "receiver." A close-up of a cell phone screen depicting a text exchange. The first text is labeled "the message." The response is labeled "the feedback."

  • Sender: The person or entity initiating the communication by conveying a message.

  • Message: The information, idea, or intention being transmitted from the sender to the receiver. It can be conveyed through verbal, nonverbal, or written means.

  • Encoding: The process of converting the message into a form that can be easily understood by the receiver. This involves choosing the right words, tone, gestures, and other communication tools.

  • Medium: The medium through which the message is transmitted. It can be face-to-face conversations, phone calls, emails, written letters, social media platforms, or any other means of communication.

  • Receiver: The individual or group who receives and interprets the message sent by the sender.

  • Decoding: The process of interpreting and making sense of the received message by the receiver.

  • Feedback: The response or reaction from the receiver, indicating their understanding, agreement, disagreement, or any other relevant information. Feedback allows for clarification and adjustment of the message if needed.

  • Context: The circumstances, environment, and cultural factors that influence the communication process. Understanding the context helps ensure effective communication and prevents misunderstandings.

  • Noise: Any interference or barriers that can disrupt or distort the communication process. It can be physical noise (such as loud sounds), semantic noise (misunderstanding of words or meanings), or psychological noise (personal biases or distractions).

  • Purpose: The intended goal or objective of the communication. It can be to inform, persuade, entertain, instruct, or engage the audience.

9 Types of Nonverbal Communication

  • Body language: The movements, gestures, postures, and facial expressions that convey messages and emotions.
  • Eye contact: The act of maintaining visual contact with another person, which signals attentiveness, interest, and engagement.
  • Facial expressions: The various movements and expressions of the face that convey emotions, attitudes, and reactions.
  • Tone of voice: The way words are spoken, including pitch, volume, rhythm, and intonation, which can convey different meanings and emotions.
  • Proximity: The physical distance maintained between individuals during communication, which can indicate levels of comfort, intimacy, or social hierarchy.
  • Touch: The physical contact made during communication, such as handshakes, hugs, or pats on the back, which can convey emotions, support, or connection.
  • Posture: The position and alignment of the body, which can convey confidence, attentiveness, openness, or defensiveness.
  • Gestures: Hand movements, head nods, or other bodily actions that complement or emphasize verbal communication.
  • Appearance: The way one dresses, grooms, and presents oneself, which can convey social status, professionalism, cultural identity, or personal style.
  • Proxemics: The use of space and distance during communication, such as personal space preferences or the arrangement of furniture in a room.
  • Time: The perception and use of time, including punctuality, responsiveness, and the pace of speech, which can convey respect, urgency, or relaxation.

  • Vocabulary: The words and language used to convey messages and ideas.
  • Tone: The inflection, emphasis, and intonation used when speaking, which can convey attitude, emotion, and meaning.
  • Pitch: The highness or lowness of one's voice, which can convey emphasis, mood, or intention.
  • Volume: The loudness or softness of one's voice, which can convey confidence, authority, or attention.
  • Rate of speech: The speed at which one speaks, which can convey excitement, urgency, or calmness.
  • Clarity: The clearness and articulation of speech, ensuring that words and sounds are easily understood by the listener.
  • Fluency: The smoothness and flow of speech, indicating comfort and ease in expressing thoughts and ideas.
  • Pauses: Intentional breaks or silences during speech, which can emphasize important points, allow for reflection, or engage the listener.
  • Enunciation: The clear pronunciation of words and sounds, ensuring effective communication and understanding.
  • Grammar: The rules and structure of language, including sentence construction, verb tenses, and word order, which enable coherent communication.
  • Verbal fillers: Words or phrases used to fill pauses or moments of uncertainty, such as "um," "uh," or "like."
  • Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings and perspectives of others through verbal expressions of understanding, support, and validation.
  • Listening: Actively and attentively receiving and processing the spoken words of others, demonstrating understanding and engagement.

Videos: Speech Types

Speech Outlines

Developing an outline for a speech is crucial for effective communication. An outline serves as a roadmap, guiding the speaker through the presentation, ensuring clarity, coherence, and logical flow of ideas. It helps organize thoughts, identify key points, and establish a persuasive structure.

With an outline, speakers can

  • maintain focus;
  • stay on track;
  • avoid rambling or becoming disorganized;
  • effectively manage time;
  • and maintain audience engagement. 

Recommended Databases

 A library database is an organized, searchable collection of citations or full-text articles of periodicals (magazines, journals and news sources) or reports as well as images, recordings and videos often related to a specific subject area. Using library databases will help you find reliable information from trusted sources. 

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