Communication is defined as a process by which we assign and convey meaning in an attempt

to create shared understanding. This process requires a vast repertoire of skills in intrapersonal
and interpersonal processing, listening, observing, speaking, questioning, analyzing, and
evaluating. Use of these processes is developmental and transfers to all areas of life: home,
school, community, work, and beyond. It is through communication that collaboration and
cooperation occur.
Fundamental Beliefs About Curriculum and Assessment - If there is one unifying theme that
crosses all disciplines, it is communication. Communication is our window to basic literacy and
academic excellence. Reaching levels of excellence and accuracy of expression mandate mastery
of formal English. These are the capabilities that cultivate the potential in each student and the
possibilities for our future.
Communication involves the imparting or interchanging thoughts, opinions, or information
among people by speech, writing, or signs. People communicate in different ways. How effective
is your communication style? Are you giving away thoughts you don't mean to?
Communication
The process of creating, transmitting, receiving and interpreting messages between a source and
receiver. (Williams)
The exchange of thoughts, messages or information (American Heritage 3rd Edition)
Kinds
Verbal
Verbal communication entails the use of words in delivering the intended message. The two
major forms of verbal communication include written and oral communication.
Written communication includes traditional pen and paper letters and documents, typed
electronic documents, e-mails, text chats, SMS and anything else conveyed through written
symbols such as language. This type of communication is indispensable for formal business
communications and issuing legal instructions. Communication forms that predominantly use
written communication include handbooks, brochures, contracts, memos, press releases, formal
business proposals, and the like. The effectiveness of written communication depends on the
writing style, grammar, vocabulary, and clarity.
Oral Communication
The other form of verbal communication is the spoken word, either face-to-face, or through
phone, voice chat, video conferencing or any other medium. Various forms of informal
communications such as the grapevine or informal rumor mill, and formal communications such
as lectures, conferences are forms of oral communication. Oral communication finds use in
discussions and causal and informal conversations. The effectiveness of oral conversations
depends on the clarity of speech, voice modulation, pitch, volume, speed, and even non-verbal
communications such as body language and visual cues.
Verbal communication makes the process of communication easier and faster, and remains the
most successful form of communication. Yet this makes up only seven percent of all human
communication!
Nonverbal Communication
Non verbal communication entails communicating by sending and receiving wordless messages.
They usually reinforce verbal communication, though it can also stand alone and convey
messages on its own.
Physical non verbal communication, or body language, includes facial expressions, eye
contact, body posture, gestures such as a wave, pointed finger and the like, overall body
movements, tone of voice, touch, and others. Facial expressions are the most common among all
nonverbal communication. For instance, a smile or a frown conveys distinct emotions hard to
express through verbal communication. Research estimates that body language, including facial
expressions, account for 55 percent of all communication.
Paralanguage
The way something is said, rather than what is actually said, is an important component of non
verbal communication. It includes voice quality, intonation, pitch, stress, emotion, tone, and style
of speaking, and communicates approval, interest or the lack of it. Research estimates that tone
of the voice accounts for 38 percent of all communications.
Other forms of non-verbal communication usually communicate ones personality. These
include:
Aesthetic communication or creative expressions such as dancing, painting, and the like
Appearance or the style of dressing, combing hair and the like which communicates of
ones personality
Space language such as paintings, landscapes and others communicate social status and
taste
Symbols such as religious, status, or ego-building symbols
Visual Communication
A third type of communication is visual communication through visual aids such as signs,
typography, drawing, graphic design, illustration, color and other electronic resources.
Visual communication such as graphs and charts usually reinforce written communication, and
can in many case replace written communication altogether. As the adage goes a picture is
worth a thousand words; such visual communication is more powerful than verbal and non
verbal communication on many occasions. Technological developments has made expressing
visual communications much easier than before.
A good understanding of different types of communications and communication styles help you
know and deal with people better, clear up misunderstandings and misconceptions, and
contribute to the success of the enterprise.

Characteristics
1. Two or More Persons
2. Exchange of Ideas
3. Mutual Understanding
4. Direct and Indirect Communication
5. Continuous Process
6. Use of Words as well as Symbols

Simple Communication Model
Levels of Communication
Intrapersonal Communication with in one person
Interpersonal Communication between two people
Small Group groups up to 25 people
Large Group groups of 25 or more
Organizational Communication within business, administration
Public or Mass special media directed to a large audience
International involving cross cultures

Types of Nonverbal Communication
Paralinguistics variations in pitch, speed, volume and pauses that convey meaning
Kinesics physical gesturing such as facial expression, eye movement and posture
Haptics the communication of touch
Proxemics the communication of space and proximity
Appearance the alteration of physical appearance such as clothes, make up & jewelry
Chronemics the effects of time on communication
Iconics symbols used to convey meaning
Olfactory the communication of smell

The ASSURE model is an ISD (Instructional Systems Design) process that was modified to
be used by teachers in the regular classroom The ISD process is one in which teachers and
trainers can use to design and develop the most appropriate learning environment for their
students. You can use this process in writing your lesson plans and in improving teaching
and learning.
The ASSURE model incorporates Robert Gagne's events of instruction to assure effective
use of media in instruction.
A Analyze learners
S State standards & objectives
S Select strategies, technology, media & materials
U Utilize technology, media & materials
R Require learner participation
E Evaluate & revise


Benifits
When communication is effective, both the student and the teacher benefit. Communication
makes learning easier, helps students achieve goals, increases opportunities for expanded
learning, strengthens the connection between student and teacher, and creates an overall positive
experience.

Self Esteem
In general, people want to be heard. If a teacher shows interest in a students opinions, that
student will feel that their thoughts or ideas are appreciated. This increases self esteem and
confidence. A confident student is less likely to second guess his answers on tests, and a self-
assured student is more likely to speak up in class. Class participation leads to increased learning
for the entire class.
Class Performance
Teachers who reward student communication and class participation will notice an improvement
in overall class performance. A teacher can gauge the effectiveness of a lecture by student
feedback. By asking questions, a teacher can determine if students were able to retain the
imparted information. If there are a lack of responses from the class, it is likely that the students
were unable to understand the lecture. This can lead to poor performance on exams.
Professional Growth
A degree of communication is required in every profession, and communication skills are
necessary at even the most preliminary stages of career growth. For example, an applicant must
be able to communicate her skills and abilities during an interview in order to acquire a job.