This document provides an introduction to communication, including definitions, elements, and differences between oral and written communication. It discusses the communication process, factors that can affect communication, and tips for effective written communication. Specifically, it defines communication as the exchange of information between parties to ensure complete understanding. The main elements are identified as the sender, message, channel, receiver, feedback, and context. Oral communication involves spoken language while written relies on written symbols. Tips for improving writing include reading, note-taking, and listening, as well as ensuring proper grammar, vocabulary, and organization.

1. Topic 1-Introduction to
Communication
You should be able to:
1. Explain what communication means
2. Identify the main elements in communication
process
3. differentiate between oral and written
communication
4. Highlight basic tips on writing
5. List common pitfalls to be avoided writing

2. Task 1
 Take two minutes to list down all the words
that you can associate with communication.
 Write down your own definition for
communication.

3. What is
communication?
Communication is „the act of giving,
receiving or exchanging information,
ideas and opinions so that the “message”
is completely understood by both
parties‟.

4. Elements in Communication
 Sender
 Message
 Channel
 Receiver
 Feedback
 Context

5. Task 2
 Time to mime!

6. Successful Communication
 Communication is successful only when
both the sender and the receiver perceive
and understand the message in the same
way.
 Three things required to get the message
across successfully are:
◦ The message;
◦ The audience or receiver; and
◦ How the message is received.

7. Task 3
The meaning of communication lies in the
way that it is received.
DO YOU AGREE?

8. Factors Affecting Communication
a. Status/Role
b. Cultural Difference
c. Choice of Communication Channels
d. Length of Communication
e. Use of Language
f. Disabilities

9. Factors Affecting Communication
Continued…
g. Known or Unknown Receiver
h. Individual
Perceptions/Attitudes/Personalities
i. Atmosphere/Noise/Distraction
j. Clarity of Message
k. Feedback

10. Task 4 - Effectiveness of
Communication
 Role plays in groups of 5.
 Comment on the effectiveness of what
is communicated?
 How would one choose the most
appropriate channel of
communication?

11. Difference between Oral and
Written Communication
 Oral communication-conveying ideas,
thoughts or information via spoken
language
 Written communication-exchanging
information using written symbols
(letters, words and sentences). It can
be in the form of letters, faxes, emails,
reports, memos, and advertisements.

12. continued…
 Writing can be improved through
◦ Extensive reading
◦ Note-taking
◦ Listening
 Grammar and vocabulary also
important for the unity and coherence
of the ideas and supporting points
presented.

13. Task 5-Importance of Written
Communication
 Read pages 6and 7 of your text and
summarise the advantages of record
keeping!

14. Tips on Written
Communication
 The writing process involves:
◦ Planning
◦ Writing
◦ Editing
 Pitfalls to avoid are:
◦ Confusing language
◦ Verbosity
◦ Poor sentence structure
◦ Information overload

15. Challenges in Written
Communication
 New technologies
 When others fail to respond
◦ unclear message
◦ weak language
◦ too much information
 Asking the right questions-self
evaluation
(clear purpose, objective information,
organisation of information, precision,
clear instructions)

16. Thank You!