The document discusses the importance of communication in life, highlighting that it occurs constantly through various forms such as verbal and non-verbal messages. It outlines a specific communication process involving ideation, encoding, transmission, decoding, and feedback, emphasizing the necessity of effective comprehension between sender and receiver. The document also categorizes communication based on channel and purpose, distinguishing between formal and informal communication styles.

1. Communication
Communication is an indispensable part of life. All living creatures on this earth communicate with each
other to convey their messages through languages, gestures, expressions etc. We are continuously
communicating, even while we are not speaking. We can never not communicate. A student sitting
quietly in the class, not participating in the class activities conveys that either he is incapable or not
interested.
Communication can be defined as transmission of verbal or non-verbal messages from the sender to
the receiver through a channel.
Oxford dictionary defines communication as imparting or exchanging information by speaking, writing,
or using some other indication.
Merriam Webster Encyclopedia defines it as a process by which information is exchanged between
individuals through a common system of symbols, signs or behaviour.
Process of Communication
Most of the times, communication might be done without any deliberate effort, in response to some
stimuli.
Generally, our verbal or non-verbal messages are spontaneous responses to the people and situations
surrounding us. But, for a meaningful communication, there has to be a specific process.
Ideation -> Encoding ->Transmission ->Decoding ->Feedback.
Ideation : Before one starts communicating,there has to have idea formation in the mind regarding
the purpose and context of communication .This process takes place on the sender’s end. It involves
clarity of thought about the context to be conveyed.This is the stage when the scope of the context is
determined.
For example, before going for an oral presentation, the speaker must make up his mind about what has
to be conveyed.
Encoding: Once ideation is over, the context has to be put into words. Effectiveness of communication
depends to a great extent on the kind of vocabulary and sentence structure used to convey the idea.
Adequate code of language must be used to express the idea effectively and clearly.
Once, the speaker has ideated well enough about the message to be conveyed to the
audience, he has to put it in appropriate words.
Encoding constitutes the second stage in the process of communication.

2. Transmission: Transmission is the third stage in the process of communication that takes place on part
of the sender. Once the context is ready to be conveyed, it has to be sent across to the receiver
through an appropriate channel of transmission. The channel depends on the context and purpose of
communication. Various modes of transmission include oral communication, documentation, e-mailing,
messaging, video-conferencing, fax,etc.
A presenter might select to take assistance of video clipping and PowerPoint slides to
make his presentation more effective.
It is essential that the mode of transmission must ensure optimum level of understanding on
part of the receiver. Communication would be considered complete only when the receiver is able
to comprehend the conveyed message completely.
Decoding : As the message reaches the receiver, he decodes it to understand what the sender
attempts to convey. Decoding, however, depends on the knowledge and understanding of the receiver.
The receiver would be able to comprehend the sender’s message only when he has appropriate amount
of knowledge of what is being conveyed. He should be able to understand the language used by the
sender.
For the communication to be complete, it is essential to have mental and linguistic
compatibility among the sender and the receiver.
Feedback: Communication process is not complete unless the sender receives proper feedback from
the receiver. After the receiver decodes the message and understands it, there has to be a response,
which could be given through words, gestures or facial expression.
The feedback given by the receiver determines the effectiveness of ideation, encoding
and transmission on the sender’s part and decoding on the receiver’s part. In case of any shortcoming
arising in any of these stages, the feedback would not be appropriate.
Forms of Communication
Any message to be conveyed can be done in different ways depending on the content and purpose of
communication. It depends on the sole discretion of the sender which form of communication must be
employed to convey the message.
Forms of communication can be categorized as follows:
I. Depending on the channel of communication :
a. Verbal Communication
b. Non – Verbal Communication.

3. Verbal Communication: Verbal communication comprises of communication through words. When we
put our thoughts into words, we use verbal communication mode.
It can be classified into:
I. Oral Communication
II. Written Communication
Oral Communication is the spoken form of verbal communication. Oral communication is the most
frequently used mode used in a day – to – day life. It begets spontaneous response and has a personal
feel to it as both the sender and the receiver are in direct contact with each other. Telephonic
conversation, video conferencing, oral presentations etc.are some examples of oral communication.
Written Communication is the coded form of communication where written form of language comes
into use. Written form of communication is considered more formal. It can be recorded for further
reference. Written form of communication also calls for accuracy of the use of language being used.
Non – Verbal Communication : The messages we convey without the use of words fall in category of
non- verbal communication. Non- verbal communication always accompanies the verbal mode. Two-
thirds of our communication is non-verbal.
Non – verbal mode of communication comprises of eye- contact, facial expression, gestures,
appearances and body language. Tone, pitch and volume also simplify the meaning of content in oral
communication.
In written communication, our handwriting and speed of writing are non-verbal cues of
communication.
II. Depending on purpose and style
a. Formal Communication
b. Informal communication
Formal communication: This is the mode of communication, oral as well as written, bound by rules and
regulations of writing. Formal communication follows a prescribed structure, format and vocabulary. All
technical communication falls in the category of formal communication.

4. Meetings, seminars, conferences, presentations are all examples of formal and oral/verbal
communication.
Technical papers, technical documents, technical proposals, technical reports are examples of formal
written communication.
Informal Communication: The communication taking place in our day - to- day life in various contexts is
termed as informal communication. It is not bound by rules of structure and format. Talking to relatives
and acquaintances, telephonic communications, e- mailing, chatting are examples of informal
communication.