A Model Of The Communication Process

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A Model Of The Communication A Model Of The Communication ProcessProcess

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Introduction• We define communication

operationally – with a model showing how it works.

• The model describes face–to–face communication. Later we adapt it to writing.

• The model relies heavily on theory, with significant factual support.

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A common misconception.

• Communication is not a natural human activity.

• Human communication, at least the verbal part of it – is far from being a natural function, that is, it is not the sort of thing we would do if left to nature’s devices , as we would many of our other activities.

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A common misconception (Cont)

• We learn to communicate.

• It is not instinctive but taught.

• It was originated by human beings and it must be acquired from human beings

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The Communication Environment

• Communication occurs in a sensory environment – the real world with all the signs the senses can detect.

• It is made up of all the signs existing in the world of reality that surrounds each of us.

• Your sensory environment is the real world surrounding you as you read these words.

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The Communication Environment (Cont.)

• By Real World We mean that which actually exists.

• It contrasts with the world that exists only in peoples minds.

• Of course one may argue that what exists in the mind also is real – that, right or wrong, the content of a mind exists only in that mind.

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• By Signs we mean everything from the real world that can act as a stimulus to us.

• In other words, it is everything that our sensory receptors can detect.

• They produces responses in us.

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• By Sensory Receptors we mean those body organs that we use to use to detect the signs in the real world.

• Specially the term refers to our eyes, noses, ears, mouths and flesh with its ability to detect surface and temperature differences.

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• Sign Detections:– Our sensory receptors continuously

pick up some of the infinite number of signs existing in our communication environment.

– Stated another way, the signs around us continuously produce responses within us through our receptors.

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• Consider these words that you are reading. Do you notice other signs?

• Perhaps you are not picking up all of them

• Perhaps there are noises around you• From time to time you may become

aware of being hot or cold, or your back may itch, or your sitting positions may become uncomfortable.

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• Thus, as have read the previous slide, your sensory receptors have continuously picked up signs from all these parts of the reality that surrounds you.

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• Sensory Limitations:– Sensory Receptors are limited; they

detect only a small part of the real world.

– In short they are restricted– They are not capable of detecting all

the signs that we know exists in the real world.

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• Sensory Limitations (Cont.):– Examples:– Our eyes can detect only a small part of the

total spectrum of wavelengths, and ability to detect from these wavelengths vary from person to persons.

– Dogs and birds can hear much that we cannot

– We can smell only the strong odor, while dogs do a much better job of smelling.

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• Selective perception:– Sensory receptors select signs to detect.– They tune in on one and ignore others.– Example:

• Place yourself in a roomful of talking people, and notice how you are able to tune in on one conversation and ignore others.

• Or notice how you are able to focus to your vision on one minute object and then expand your view to a much broader picture.

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• Varying alertness and perception:– Our detection or nondetection of

signs also depends on our receptiveness to sign.

– Our perception varies with the our degree of mental alertness.

– When you are asleep, you detect almost none.

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The Communication Process

• With the communication environment as a base, we shall review the communication process.

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The Communication Process (Cont.)

Receiver

Feedback

Noise

Understand

Decoding

ReceptionMessage transmission

SenderEncodingThought

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Encoding• The sender generates thoughts to be

conveyed.• The sender encodes the thoughts with

both verbal and non-verbal cues (Gestures).

• Noises from outside may disturb the encoding, which may alter the meaning.

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Transmission:• The encoded message gets

transmitted to the receiver. During the transmission, the both external and internal noise may alter the intended meaning of the original message.

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• Receiving and Decoding5. The receiver accepts the messages.6. (S)He then assigns meaning to the

message according to his mental filter.

7. With the meaning assigned, the receiver understands the messages and sends feedback to the sender.

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• Sending feedback also applies the same cycle.

• And the cycle keeps moving.

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• Reception of signals:– The signs echo and re-echo

throughout the receiver’s nervous system

– This is the preverbal neurophysiological stage

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• Flow to the brain:– Eventually the stimuli from the signs

reach the receivers brain.– The sensory flow is continuous but

may vary with sign intensity and degree of mental alterness.

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• Role of the filter– The mind filters the stimuli and gives

meaning to them– The filter includes knowledge,

viewpoints and emotions that influence interpretation of signs

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• Role of the filter (Cont.):– All filters are unique because no two

people have identical experiences, thoughts and emotional makeups.

– Thus meanings given to signs differ.– Meaning depends on filter content.– Words are but one type of sign

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• Role of the filter (Cont.):– Seeing snakes, feeling cool breezes

and such are non verbal signs we could detect.

– Many signs produce multiple, mixed or confused meanings.

– For example, we could respond to a politician numerous ways.

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• Role of the filter (Cont.):– Meanings in the filter may trigger

reactions – physical, verbal or both, most reactions are verbal.

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• The symbolizing stage:– The symbolizing stage begins when the

mind searches for symbols (usually) words with which to express the intended meaning.

– Intellect and knowledge of language relate directly to competency in symbolizing

– Symbolizing imperfect because of language and human limitations.

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• Act Of Encoding:– Encoding concludes the first cycle of

the communication process.

– It involves sending word and nonverbal symbols to a receiver.

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The Cycle Repeated• The first receiver now becomes sender

and vice versa.• Then Identical communication cycle

begins.• Communication occurs if receiver get the

meaning sender intended.• The meaning receiver receive may cause

him to respond, then another cycle occurs and the process may go on and on.

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The model and written communication

• Three differences exist when we apply the model to writing.

1. Greater Creativity

2. Time Lag

3. Limited Number of Cycle

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The model and written communication (Cont.)

• Greater Creativity:– Written communication involves more

creative efforts of the mind– In report writing, for example, there is little

message exchange. The final words are carefully though out.

– Letter writing may involve some exchanges, but even then the messages are deliberate and creative.

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The model and written communication (Cont.)

• Time Lag:– Time delays occur in moving written

messages to others’ sensory environments. – Feedback is slow.

• Limited Number of Cycles:– Written communication has fewer cycles.– Most writing involves only one cycle.

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Universal Ingredients of Human Communication• Human communication ahs four

universal ingredients:– The communication environment,– The Mental Filter,– The encoding, and – decoding process.

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Some fundamental truths of communication

1. Communication is imperfect:

– Communication is imperfect

– Symbols are imprecise, and

– peoples’ encoding skills vary.

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Some fundamental truths of communication (Cont.)

2. We communicate about ourselves:– We project ourselves into our

communications– The symbols we select for a message

tells how we feel.– We communicate based on only a

small part of reality

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Some fundamental truths of communication (Cont.)

3. Meaning is in the mind:• People have meanings but symbols

do not• Communication is successful when

two people give similar meanings to symbols.

• Emphasize the intended meaning in the sender’s mind – not the meaning received in your mind.

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Thank You

A Model Of The Communication Process

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