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Chapter 3
Communication Process: Elements,
Characteristics, Models
communication
Communication - Meaning
Communication is derived from latin word ‘communis ‘
means ‘common/ commonness
• In simple words, communication is an act of exchange /
sharing / transferring of information / idea / message /
technology etc.
• Basic purpose of communication= Creation of MEANING
• We spend 70-80 per cent of our time in some kind of
communication
Communication is the process by which two or more people
exchange ideas, facts, feelings or impressions in way that each
gains a common understanding of the meaning, intent and use of
the message
According to Leagans (1961)
Communication - Definitions
Classroom Example: Teacher explains a
concept and students understand it
clearly.
Communication Process
Sender:
Sender is the source of communication.
May be a person, group, or organization.
Sender selects ideas, encodes them, and sends message..
THE SENDER SHOULD KNOW:
1. The audience: their needs, interest and abilities.
2. The message: its content, usefulness to the audience.
3. Proper channel that will reach the audience.
Example: A teacher plans to teach “Communication Process” and decides
to explain using PPT and diagrams.Here, the teacher = sender.
Message
• Message is the subject matter or theme of communication.
• Can be understood through receiver's sensory receptor
Message must be:
1.Clear – audience should easily understand
2.Specific – only necessary information
3.Significant – meaningful and useful
4.Attractive – interesting and engaging
5.Complete – not too long or too short
Classroom Example:
Teacher's message = “Steps in the communication process.”
He explains: sender → message → encoding → channel → decoding → feedback.
Encoding
• Encoding is transforming an abstract idea into a communicable message.
• Encoding also termed as "mental wrapping" of the communication message.
Explanation:
Encoding means converting ideas into words, pictures, gestures, charts, videos, etc., which
the receiver can understand.
Encoding depends on:
•Sender’s communication skills
•Receiver’s background
•Purpose of the message
Classroom Example:
Teacher draws diagrams to explain communication models.
This is encoding her idea into visual form.
Channel
Channel means medium of communication.
Explanation:
Channel is the pathway through which message travels.
Choosing the right channel improves understanding.
Classroom Channels:
•Blackboard
•PPT
•YouTube videos
•Class notes
Receiver
Receiver is the person who receives the message.
Explanation:
Receiver is the target audience.
Communication succeeds only if the receiver understands the message
correctly.
Classroom Example:
Students in a classroom are receivers.
Decoding
“Decoding means attaching meaning to the message.”
Explanation:
Decoding is the process of interpreting the message.
Every receiver interprets messages differently based on:
•Knowledge
•Experience
•Beliefs
•Culture
Classroom Example:
A student listens to a lecture and understands what “feedback” means.
Response
• Response is the reaction of the receiver after being exposed to the message.
• When the meaning of the message is properly understood by the receiver,
they respond verbally or non-verbally
Explanation:
After understanding the message, the receiver gives a reaction — positive or
negative.
Classroom Example:
A student starts taking notes after understanding the topic.
Feedback
• Feedback is part of the receiver’s response... ensures message is understood.
• Feedback means carrying some significant responses of the receiver or
audience back to the sender
Explanation:
Feedback helps the sender know if communication was successful.
Classroom Example:
A student answers a teacher’s question — shows understanding.
Noise:
Noise is any type of disruption that interferes with the transmission or
interpretation of information from the sender to the receiver.
There are four kinds of noise (Wood 2010):
Physiological Noise
1️
1️
⃣
Body-related problems like hunger, tiredness.
Classroom: Student sleepy.
Physical Noise
2️
⃣
External disturbances.
Classroom: Fan noise, construction sound.
Psychological Noise
3️
3️
⃣
Emotions, prejudices.
Classroom: Student angry or stressed.
Semantic Noise
4️
⃣
Difficult technical words.
Classroom: Use of unfamiliar academic terms.
CONCEPTS RELATING TO COMMUNICATION PROCESS
Frame of Reference
Each person has a stored experience of beliefs and values as an individual and also as a
member of the society. this provides the background of stimulation which influences a
person’s behaviour in a particular situation and is called the individual's frame of reference
Example:
• Student from rural background understands farming examples better.
• Experienced farmer understands irrigation advice faster.
Communication Fidelity
According to Berlo (1960).
Definition: Fidelity refers to the accurate and faithful transmission of a
message from the communicator to the receiver, ensuring the message
is understood as intended.
Elements of Fidelity
• Communicator: The sender of the message must be clear and precise.
• Message: The content of the message should be well-structured and free of
ambiguity.
• Channel: The medium through which the message is transmitted must be
appropriate and effective.
• Receiver: The recipient of the message must be able to correctly interpret the
message.
Communication Gap
Definition: A communication gap occurs when there is a difference between
what the sender intended to communicate and what the audience actually
understands or receives.
Types of Communication Gap
1.Message Not Reaching the Target:
2.Message Reaches But Fails to Impact:
Example:
Farmers receive leaflet but cannot read → gap
Students hear lecture but do not understand → gap
Time Lag in Communication
communication process itself may involve some time lag.
Delay in:
• Sending message
• Receiving message
• Understanding message
• Acting on message
Homophily
Homophily (Similarity)
1.Definition: Homophily refers to the tendency of individuals to
connect and interact with others who are similar to themselves
in characteristics like background, beliefs, or interests.
2."Birds of a feather": People are more likely to form
relationships with those who share similar experiences or traits.
3.Examples:
1.People from the same cultural background or social class
tend to bond easily.
2.In social media, users follow people with shared views or
hobbies.
Heterophily (Difference)
1.Definition: Heterophily is the opposite of homophily. It
describes the tendency of individuals to connect with others
who are different from themselves in some way.
2."Opposites attract": People engage with those who have
different backgrounds, perspectives, or knowledge.
3.Examples:
1.A partnership between people from different cultural or
professional backgrounds.
2.Global teams collaborating on projects with members from
various countries.
Empathy (Understanding and Sharing Feelings)
Definition: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the
feelings or experiences of another person.
1.Types of Empathy:
1.Cognitive Empathy: Understanding someone’s thoughts and
perspectives.
2.Emotional Empathy: Feeling what another person is feeling
emotionally.
3.Compassionate Empathy: Not only understanding and feeling
but also being motivated to help.