1. Chapter 1
Communication:
Essential Human
Behavior

2. • Define the communication process
• Describe the functions of
communication
• Assess the quality, or
communicative value, of
communication by examining its six
characteristics
Chapter Outcomes

3. Chapter Outcomes (cont.)
• Define what communication
scholars consider to be competent
communication
• Describe the various visual
representations, or models, of
communication
• Describe why communication is vital
to everyone

4. How we use communication in
relationships
– Expressing affiliation
– Achieving goals
– Influencing others
The Functional
Perspective

5. Characteristics of
Communication
• Communication is symbolic.
– Both language and behavior are
symbols.
• Communication requires a shared
code.
– People construct messages (encode)
and interpret messages (decode).

6. Characteristics of
Communication (cont'd)
• Communication is linked to
culture.
– Culture includes shared beliefs,
practices, values, and language.
• Communication need not be
intentional.
– Spontaneous, unintentional
communication occurs through
emotions or body movements.

7. Characteristics of
Communication (cont'd)
• Communication occurs through
various channels.
– Channels include face-to-face, e-mail,
text messages, books, and so on.
• Communication is a
transactional process.
– It requires two or more people acting in
both sender and receiver roles.

8. • Process-Oriented
– Optimizes outcomes for both
partners, with mutual satisfaction
the goal
– Values ethical standards of right
and wrong
Competent
Communication Is…

9. Competent
Communication Is…
• Appropriate and Effective
– Adapts to the situation (behavioral
flexibility)
– Helps achieve goals based on the
situational context

10. Competent
Communication Is…
• Tied to well-developed
communication skills
– Requires understanding of social
norms and behaviors
• Related to using technology
– Requires using the right channel
appropriately

11. • The Linear Model
Modeling
Communication

12. • The Interaction Model
Modeling
Communication

13. • The Competent Communication
Model
Modeling
Communication

14. The Study of
Communication
• Basic communication processes
• Interpersonal communication
• Group and organizational
communication
• Public speaking
• Mass communication