COMMUNICATION:

DEFINITION, ELEMENTS, LEVELS, TYPES,

POWERS, MISCONCEPTIONS

and REASONS WHY WE COMMUNICATE

Eunice V. Del Barrio

BACR 2-1

December 11, 2015

WHAT IS COMMUNICATION?

 Communication has been broadly defined as “the sharing of experience”, and to some extent
all living organisms can be said to share experience.

Source: Denis Mcquail and Sven Windahl. (1993) Communication Models For The Study of Mass
Communication. 2nd Edition Longman Wrap UK Limited. ISBN 0582 03650xPPR pg. 5

 Communication implies a sender, a channel, a message, receiver, a relationship between

sender and receiver, a context in which communication occurs and a range of things to which
“messages” refer. Sometimes, but not always, there is an intention, or purpose to communicate
or to receive. Communication can be any or all of the ff: an action on others, an interaction
with others and a reaction to others.

Source: Stewart L. Tubbs and Sylvia Moss. Human Communication 4 th Edition. McGraw-Hill. INC (1991,
1987, 1983, 190, 1977, 1974) pg. 5

 Communication can be thoughtful walk on beach at sunset, a tear, an outstretched arm, a

knowing smile, the sign language of the deaf mute, and even silence.

Source: Ruben, Brent D. (1984). Communication and Human Behavior. Bachelor in Journalism 3-1 SY.
2005-2006. Memillan Publishing Company. Collier Macmilla Canada, INC. ISBN-2-02-404-4270-6

 According to Julia Wood (2004), communication is “a systemic process in which individuals

interact with and through symbols to create and interpret meanings.”

Source: Abderrahim, Agnaou. (2012) "Communication" According to Julia Wood.

http://www.scoop.it/t/business-and-professional-communication

 The meaning of our communication is not in what we say, but in how the other person
responds. How they respond reveals what we actually communicated in spite of what we
thought we said.

SOURCE: PAYNE, JONATHAN. THE MEANING OF COMMUNICATION.

http://www.evancarmichael.com/library/jonathan-payne/THE-MEANING-OF-COMMUNICATION.html

Analysis: Communication is everything that we do in our daily lives. By the time we woke up talking to
ourselves, deciding if we are going to sleep again, that is communication. Every day that we greet our
friends and other people communication is present. Communication is a day to day interaction in
which we share experiences, information and opinions with one another. We can say that a
communication is successful when the receiver interprets the meaning the same as the sender sends it.

ELEMENTS OF COMMUNICATION

1. Sender/Receiver – who is trying to transmit a message

2. Messages – the message that the sender transmits it may be verbal or non-verbal and
intentional or unintentional.
3. Channels – if you are talking on the telephone, the channels that transmit the communicative
stimuli are the telephone wires.
4. Interference – or noise, that is anything that distorts the information transmitted to the receiver
or distract him/her from receiving it.
5. Receiver/Sender – the one who receives the message being transmitted.
6. Feedback – the return to you a behavior you have generated. (Luft, 1969)
7. Time
Source: Stewart L. Tubbs and Sylvia Moss. Human Communication 4 th Edition. McGraw-Hill. INC (1991,
1987, 1983, 190, 1977, 1974) pg. 5-18

1. source A message initiator.

2. receiver A message target.
3. message The verbal or nonverbal form of the idea, thought, or feeling that one person (the
source) wishes to communicate to another person or group of people (the receivers).
4. channel The means by which a message moves from the source to the receiver of the
message.
5. feedback The receiver’s verbal and nonverbal response to the source’s message
6. encoding The process of translating an idea or thought into a code.
7. decoding The process of assigning meaning to the idea or thought in a code.
8. noise Any interference in the encoding and decoding processes that reduces message clarity.

Source: Pearson, Judy C., Nelson, Paul E., Scoth Titsworth and Lynn Harter. (2011). Human
Communication 4th Edition. McGraw-Hill, an imprint of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 1221 Avenue
of the Americas, New York, NY 10020. Pg. 12

1. Control Analysis (Source) – this refers to the performance of the communicator.

2. Content Analysis (Message) - the effect of diff. forms of the same message may be compared
through variations in style, length, and etc.
3. Media Analysis (Channel) – various media perform the functions of informing, interpreting,
entertaining and selling.
4. Audience Analysis (Receiver) – the object of communication is to affect attitudes and behavior
of the receiver.
5. Impact Analysis (Effect) – what do people seek in the media? What happens when they use
media?

Source: Soriano, Robert T. and Henson, Ronald M. (2011). Communication Research (A Course Guide in
Communication Research) Booklore Publishing Corporation. ISBN 97181-7001-4 Pg. 9

(1) Sender:
The person who intends to convey the message with the intention of passing information and ideas to
others is known as sender or communicator.

(2) Ideas:
This is the subject matter of the communication. This may be an opinion, attitude, feelings, views,
orders, or suggestions.

(3) Encoding:
Since the subject matter of communication is theoretical and intangible, its further passing requires use
of certain symbols such as words, actions or pictures etc. Conversion of subject matter into these
symbols is the process of encoding.

(4) Communication Channel:

This information is transmitted to the receiver through certain channels which may be either formal or
informal.

(5) Receiver:
Receiver is the person who receives the message or for whom the message is meant for. It is the
receiver who tries to understand the message in the best possible manner in achieving the desired
objectives.
(6) Decoding:
The person who receives the message or symbol from the communicator tries to convert the same in
such a way so that he may extract its meaning to his complete understanding.

(7) Feedback:
Feedback is the process of ensuring that the receiver has received the message and understood in the
same sense as sender meant it.

Source: Chand, Smiriti. (2015). 7 Major Elements of Communication Process. Business Communication
Your Article Library. http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/business-communication/7-major-elements-of-
communication-process/25815/

1. Source
The source is the person (or thing) attempting to share information.
2. Message
The message is simply the information you want to communicate.
3. Encoding
Encoding is the process of assembling the message (information, ideas and thoughts) into a
representative design with the objective of ensuring that the receiver can comprehend it.
4. Channel
An encoded message is conveyed by the source through a channel. There are numerous channel
categories: verbal, non-verbal, personal, non-personal, etc.
5. Decoding
This is where listening, and reading directions carefully, makes its claim to fame—decode with care, my
friends.
6. Receiver
Ultimately, the message is delivered to the receiver.
7. Feedback
A better word might be “reaction” or “responses.” The source judges its success based on the
feedback it receives, so pay close attention.
8. Context
Context is simply the environment in which your message is delivered.

Source: Gemma, Will (2013). The Elements of Communication: A Theoretical Approach. Udemy blog
https://blog.udemy.com/elements-of-communication/

Analysis: Communication is a process, therefore it has steps/stages/elements in order to complete a

one whole cycle. The main elements of communication are what we call the SMCR, the sender,
message, channel and receiver where in the sender is the one who sends the message or someone
who wants to share something. The message is the one that is being transmitted by the sender, channel
is the tool that the sender will use to transmit the message and the receiver is the one who will receive
the message and interpret the meaning. But as the studies progresses it has additional elements, the
noise, and feedback. You need to pass through these elements to make a successful communication.

LEVELS OF COMMUNICATION

 Two-Person Communication – also dyadic communication is the basic unit of communication.

 Small-group Communication – is defined as “face to face” communication among a small
group of people who share a common purpose or goal.
 Public Communication – often referred to as public speaking.
 Organizational Communication – “the flow of messages within a network of interdependent
relationships” (Goldhaber, 1990).
  Mass Communication – communication that is mediated. Communicates through printed or
electronic media.
 Intercultural Communication – communication between members of different cultures.
 Communication Technologies

Source: Stewart L. Tubbs and Sylvia Moss. Human Communication 4 th Edition. McGraw-Hill. INC (1991,
1987, 1983, 190, 1977, 1974) pg. 5-18

 Intrapersonal Communication – happens when a person talks to oneself.

 Interpersonal Communication – a second level, takes place primarily when two people are
involved in the process.
 Group Communication – a third level, involves three to six person usually engaged in face-face
interaction.
 Public Communication – a fourth level, requires an individual to deliver messages or information
in front of a group.

Source: Martinez, Norma D. (2007). Responsible Speech Communication. National Book Store. ISBN 971-
08-6858-6 pg. 2

 Intrapersonal Communication (Level 1) – refers to communication with yourself.

 Interpersonal Communication (Level 2) – involves two persons or two groups of people who
share the role of sender and receiver.
 Group Communication (Level 3) – builds on the foundation of interpersonal communication
and interpersonal relationships often develop between dyads of group members.
 Public Communication (Level 4) – one person delivers his/her remarks to the remaining
members called the audience.

Source: Padilla, Mely M. et. al (2003). Speech For Effective Communication. Trinitas Publishing Inc. ISBN
971-42-0392-9 R0305 pg. 26-29

Intrapersonal communication is communication in which there is one person.

Interpersonal communication, which communication is between two people on inside a small group of
people in a less formal environment.

Social communication begins with two people, which is called a dyad.

In small group communication there is at least three individuals and can range up to what some social
scientist cap at about a dozen. There is no fixed number.

The context in which messages go up and down hierarchies is called organizational communication.

Intercultural communication is communication between (inter) cultures.

Public speaking is also known as presentational speaking, where one or more speakers address a
group or audience.

Mediated communication involved the use of technology or tools that have limitations in and of
themselves.

Source: Westin, Dawn. eHow contributor. Types & Levels of Communication.

http://www.ehow.com/info_8064650_types-levels-communication.html#ixzz2Hrz420dK
Intrapersonal Communication
- is also known as self-talk or thinking, and refers to the ways we communicate with ourselves.

Interpersonal Communication
- is the communication we have with other people. This type of communication varies from
highly impersonal to extremely personal.

Public Communication
- to public speeches that we deliver in front of audiences. Public communication serves three
main purposes: to entertain, to persuade and/or to inform.

Mass Communication
- refers to any type of media that is used to communicate with mass audiences. Examples of
mass media include books, television, radios, films, computer technologies, magazines and
newspapers.

Source: Lynch, Art (2013). Basic Levels of Communication. Communication Professor.

http://www.comprofessor.com/2012/08/basic-levels-of-communication.html

Analysis: Communication can widen its scope starting from talking to ourselves up to the big number of
people involved and it comes from different forms and levels. Each level has an amount of
communication skills of the person or people involved. Effective communication starts from us.
Communicating with ourselves helps us to know ourselves more. Understanding yourself is the first step
towards understanding bigger groups of people.

TYPES OF COMMUNICATION

 Intrapersonal Communication – when we talk to ourselves to develop our thoughts and ideas.
 Interpersonal Communication – when people talk to each other.
 Group Communication – when a number of people are involved.
 Mass Communication – capable of reaching thousands and even millions of people.

Source: Vivian, John. The Media of Mass Communication 5 th Edition. A Viacom Company, Copyright
(1999, 1997, 1995, 1993) MA 20494

 Verbal Communication – it uses either the written or spoken language.

 Non-verbal Communication – makes use of non-linguistic symbols such as sign, touch, facial
expression, body language, tone of voice, clothing and artifacts. (Montessa, 1999)

Source: Cabrera, Lucila del Mundo and Belen Zabala de Asis. (2008). Effective Speech
Communication for Filipinos. Booklore Publishing Corporation ISBN 978-971-817-138-7

Verbal Communication
- provides immediate feedback and so it is best for conveying emotions and
maintaining interpersonal relationships; it can involve storytelling and crucial conversations.
Non-verbal Communication
- a form other than written or spoken words, like gestures, facial expressions, or body language.
Written Communication
- requires appropriate use of grammar, word choice, structure, and punctuation to be effective.

Source: “Types of Communication: Verbal, Written, and Nonverbal.” Boundless Management.

Boundless, 21 Jul. 2015. Retrieved 08 Dec. 2015
from https://www.boundless.com/management/textbooks/boundless-management-
textbook/communication-11/understanding-communication-82/types-of-communication-verbal-
written-and-nonverbal-396-1385/

Verbal communications in business take place over the phone or in person. The medium of the
Message is oral.
 Storytelling has been shown to be an effective form of verbal communication.
 Crucial conversations—discussions were not only the stakes are high but also where opinions
vary and emotions run strong.

In contrast to verbal communications, written business communications are printed messages.

Examples of written communications include memos, proposals, e-mails, letters, training manuals, and
operating policies.

Research also shows that 55% of in-person communication comes from nonverbal cues like facial
expressions, body stance, and tone of voice.
 Body Language
 Eye Contact
 Facial Expression
 Posture
 Touch

Source: Mason Carpenter, Talya Bauer, and Berrin Erdogan. 12.3 Different Types of Communication.
Principles of Management, v. 1.0 ©2015 Flat World Education, Inc.
http://catalog.flatworldknowledge.com/bookhub/5?e=carpenter-ch12_s03

Analysis: Of course communication is not just only sharing experiences and information using words
and vocabularies, we can also communicate using sign languages, facial expression and others. For
me, it is still better to communicate verbally because you can easily understand what someone’s
trying to say and you can also give your opinions or feedbacks immediately unlike communicating
non-verbally and can avoid misunderstanding. In other way, nonverbal communication is also useful
like when sending a message to someone you can use a letter instead of saying it personally to avoid
wrong grammars.

POWER OF COMMUNICATION

1. Communication can inform – by simply talking to our friends, family and others we can be able
to get new facts or information, another example here is the classroom setting teacher
discussing and students listening and reciting.
2. Communication can convince and persuade other people.
3. Communication can also entertain.

Source: Igoy, Judy Imelda I., Saymo, Apolinario S. (2004). Effective Speech Communication in Various
Situations. Trinitas Publishing Inc. ISBN 971-42-0453-4 pg. 49

 Communication Shapes Career – ample evidence supports the impact of effective

communication has on career success. According to a study 95% indicated that when they
hire someone, it is because of good communication skills.
 Communication allows us to progress, to cooperate, to create, and resolve conflicts and to be
a human. It can prevent wars or start them, create friends or enemies and change our
behavior.

Source: Speiler, William J. (1988). Introduction to Speech Communication. Scott, Foresman and
Company, Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data. ISBN 0-673-18573-7
  Whoever said that the pen is mightier than the sword definitely knew what they were talking
about. To humans, words are more than a means of communication; they can shape our
beliefs, behaviors, feelings and ultimately our actions. Although swords can coerce us, and
threaten, nothing is more powerful than a tool which can shape our opinions.
 When it comes to language and communication, the rule is that it’s not what you say, but what
people hear. Words are one of the most powerful tools that we as humans possess; they can
ignite revolutions or defuse tension. The problem is that words are underestimated as being
central to thought and behavior processing as well as decision making.

Source: Richards, Erin. (2008). The Power Of Communication: Psychology Of Words And Language
Revealed.
http://www.science20.com/erin039s_spin/power_communication_psychology_words_and_language_r
evealed

 Based on what I know and personal views, communication has the power to manipulate
people. It can easily influence other people using rhetoric words. Televisions, advertisement
and internet bind people and control them to do whatever it suggests.
 Another thing, communication can satisfy our curiosity.
 Through communication we can talk, relate, make friends and it can develop relationships with
other people.
 Communication sometimes can solve problems like misunderstandings but not always.
 And according to them the people around me, communication is the best medicine to every
relationship.

Source: MYSELF (Since I wasn’t able to gather enough resources.)

Analysis: The power of communication depends on the person who will use it. Communication rules the
world. It can do everything that can affect every person and even the community. It can build
friendship and relationships but it can also create conflicts and misunderstandings. Communication is
indeed powerful and it is up to us on how we are going to use this tool.

MISCONCEPTION OF COMMUNICATION

Communication Can Solve All of Our Problems

 The art of communication with others does not carry any guarantees. Obviously without
communication we cannot solve our problems, but somehow communication can also create
problems.

The More We Communicate The Better

 Most of us assume that the more we communicate, the better we will be. Within limits, people
who communicate a great deal are often perceived as leaders, to be more friendly,
competent, and powerful. However, quantity of communication is the same as quality. It isn’t
about the act or the amount of communication, but the content of communication that
makes difference.

Meanings Are in Words

 Meanings are in the people, and not in the words we use. The notion that words contain
meanings is probably the most serious misconception of all. Words only have meaning when
we give them meaning. “No two people share the same meanings for all words.”
Source: William J. (1988). Introduction to Speech Communication. Scott, Foresman and Company,
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data. ISBN 0-673-18573-7

1. Communication does not require complete understanding

2. Communication is not always a good thing
3. Meanings Rest in People, Not In Words
4. Communication Is Not Simple

Source: http://ourhumancommunication.blogspot.com/2009/01/misconceptions-
aboutcommunication.html

1. Saying something is not the same as communicating it. The delivered message needs to be clear so
it can be understood in the same manner it was intended. Meanings are not in the words, it is assigned
by the receiver.
2. Communication means to talk. Communication skills are not just about talking its about listening as
much.

Source: Vvqas. P. (2014). Common Misconceptions about Communication Skills.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140619112727-38782804-the-strange-misconceptions-about-
communication-skills

1. We thought that we could take someone else’s message and simply pass it on.

2. We thought the message was more important than the people we were talking to.

3. We thought that how we lived didn’t have an effect on what we said.

4. We thought that leaders should always say something.

5. We thought that our own style of communication would work in every situation.

6. We thought that people would know how to respond to our message.

7. We thought that we only had to say it once.

8. We thought that all we had to use was words.

9. We thought if we had something important to say, people would naturally connect with us.

10. We thought that people wanted to hear every detail.

Source: (2013, 01). Ten Common Misconceptions About Communication.StudyMode.com. Retrieved

December 9, 2015, from http://www.studymode.com/essays/Ten-Common-MisconceptionsAbout-
Communication-1383799.html

Analysis: The use of communication really depends on the person on he/she will use it. We cannot
avoid instances that we thought communication can do anything and everything. Sometimes people
misuse it by simply communicating just to impress other. Remember, our job as a communicator is to
express not to impress. Don’t wish and even try to impress other people by using non-sense rhetoric
words in communicating, just say what is important and what is needed in a way that people will fully
hear it and understand.
REASONS WHY WE COMMUNICATE

1. We communicate to persuade: It means that we want someone to do something and this desire of
ours is communicated.
2. We communicate in order to give or provide information
3. We communicate seeking information
4. We communicate to express our emotions like courage or fear, joy or sorrow, satisfaction or
disappointment with appropriate gestures and words. Some people have unlimited skill to emote, (i.e.,
to display excessive emotion) to suit the occasion.

Source: http://communicationtheory.org/why-do-we-communicate/

1. Relationships
To make connections with others. Support, comfort, understanding, friendship, love, etc.
2. Information
To share facts (give or get) Instructions, reports, announcements, lectures, interviews, news, etc.
3. Your Thoughts
To develop your own thinking (your mind); Share your ideas, turning your thoughts into ,
reflecting, thinking out loud, your opinion, brainstorming, etc.
4. To Persuade
To influence others, evaluate the messages you receive from others, getting people to or
believe what you want them to, asking someone to do a task, sharing your opinion about a
controversial issue.
5. For Entertainment
For enjoyment. Jokes, movies, t.v.,video games, “chillin’ ” with friends, telling stories, I.M., cell
phones, ipod, music, sporting events, chatting with friends,reading a book, etc.
6. Routine
As a social ritual; do or say what is expected. Nonverbal cues are also routine: hand shake,
wave, smile, etc.

Source: https://fc.usd497.org/~sflakus@usd497.org/FOV1-0004B5FC/?OpenItemURL=S072249D7

1. We communicate to exchange information.

2. We communicate to influence others.
3. We communicate to meet needs.
4. We communicate to enhance and maintain our sense of self. Through communication we
learn who we are, what we are good at, and how people react to how we behave.
5. We communicate to fulfill social obligations. We use such statement as “How are you doing?”
“What’s happening” or simply “Hi” when we pass to people we know. By not speaking we risk
being perceived as arrogant or sensitive.
6. We communicate to develop relationship.

Source: Verderber, Rudolph F. Communicate! 9th Edition. Wadsworth Publishing Company, ITP
International Thomson Publishing Company. ISBN 0-534-52074-X
  In our daily lives, we exchange ideas with others using a communication language so that we
can come up with our objective of sharing. It is impossible for us to achieve our target without
communication.
 The solution to the problems of why and how can best be solved through effective
communication.
 Our communication, according to Hybels & Weaver II (1986), intends to influence what people
think and feel. We use communication to discover each other’s needs and to share our own
needs.

Source: Source: Igoy, Judy Imelda I., Saymo, Apolinario S. (2004). Effective Speech Communication in
Various Situations. Trinitas Publishing Inc. ISBN 971-42-0453-4 pg. 34

 As a process, communication is dynamic, adaptive and continuous. Being a survival

mechanism, communication helps us develop to be unique person, relating and cooperating
with others. It satisfies our physical, ego, social, and practical needs. That’s why it is indeed
essential in life and why do we really need to communicate.

Source: Padilla, Mely M., Bicomong, Ligaya C. et. al (2003). Speech For Effective Communication.
Trinitas Publishing Inc. ISBN 971-42-0392-9 R0305

Analysis: We communicate to gain more knowledge. We communicate to express ourselves. We

communicate to build friendship and relationships and we communicate to know ourselves more. We
need all of this because we are social beings, we are humans. A human can’t last a day without
communicating and expressing what they really feel. No man in an island that’s why we need to have
friends. We also communicate to lessen and solved problems. That’s why we really need to
communicate.