What is the concept of communication? How to communicate with others?
The term “communication” plays in different contexts with every individual. Others view it in a sense that helps them to form interpersonal relationships, while others see it as a way of achieving success.
Communication is not only about speaking. There are various types of ways people use to communicate with one another.
Concept of Communication
The word “communication” can be defined as a means of imparting or exchanging information, feelings, etc., between two or more people.
Communication is an extremely broad concept that encompasses many different forms and types of interactions such as verbal language (talking), written language (reading and writing), nonverbal communication (facial expressions and body movements) etc.
Features of Communication
There are five main features upon which all communication functions: content, emission, decoding, context and feedback.
These five aspects work to establish communicative behaviour whether it is verbal or non-verbal as well as to clarify the message that has been sent and received (communication).
Content
Content refers to the actual words used during a conversation.
The content is made up of both the information discussed and how it is communicated. For example, saying “I saw a black squirrel today” uses fewer words than saying “Today I saw a black squirrel that was running along the tree branch over my head.”
The meaning of each sentence remains the same but context affects meaning directly.
Emission
Emission refers to the process of communication, or how something is communicated. Emission also encompasses the idea that both verbal and nonverbal behaviours are used to communicate ideas.
For example, an individual saying “I don’t know” implies less information than pointing to his/her temple and moving their finger in a circle motion next to their head implying they are thinking about something.
An individual may also be considered to have communicated information through their nonverbal behaviours even if they are not speaking, such as writing a note to imply something.
Decoding
Decoding refers to the process of receiving and understanding messages that are sent in various forms. Decoding comes into play when an individual is communicating while simultaneously listening or watching another person communicate.
For example, an individual trying to decode a verbal message is listening to someone else’s words and making sense of them in his/her head. An individual decoding nonverbal messages is watching another person’s movement while simultaneously trying to understand their meaning.
Context
Context refers to the frame of mind created by previous events or situations that affect current situations. For example, if an individual is in a room with dark curtains and dim lighting they are processing their environment to be sad or lonely.
Context also includes the current situation that directly affects the way information is communicated. If someone was approached by another person while alone at night on a street he/she would likely feel threatened; this would affect the way that person communicates with the other.
Feedback
Feedback refers to how communication is responded to and processed by either an individual or a group. Feedback creates change in communication, such as when one person says “no” and it changes the way another person approaches communication.
Process of Communication
The process of communication is the act or instance of producing and sending out information. It explains how ideas are transferred from one person to another through the use of physical signs, symbols, signals, writing, images (pictures), sounds (music).
There are 4 steps in the process of communication. They include encoding, transmitting, decoding and receiving.
The encoding step is where information is turned into a form that can be sent by the sender, called the encoder. The decoder will take this encoded message and transform it back to its original meaning so that the receiver understands it.
Encoding begins with an idea in the mind of a communicator or designer, that they wish to communicate. This idea is then encoded into a message by the communicator or designer.
The encoder chooses signs, symbols, signals, images etc… To represent the information in the best way so that it can be communicated clearly and accurately to an intended receiver.
The second step of communication is transmitting or sending out the message. This is where the encoder converts the message into physical form. The encoder can use light, sound, print or electronic media to transmit the message out of his/her mind and onto paper so that it may be sent to an intended receiver.
The third step in communication is decoding or receiving. When you receive a message you usually do not need to decode it because you understand the language in which the message is written.
The decoder takes this message and changes it back into an idea that can be understood by a receiver or viewer. This sets out to prove that communication is a circular process that happens over and over again.
The fourth step of communication is receiving or decoding. This is where information in a message is received and decoded by the receiver. This usually happens when you read something and understand what it says without much effort.
The process of communication has opportunities for problems to occur such as miscommunication, noise, delay etc.. These problems add up to reduce intelligibility or clarity in the message that reaches the intended receiver.
Principles of Communication
To speak or write is easy, but to speak or write that which others will understand takes study and practice. We all know the frustration of repeating ourselves over and over again to an uncomprehending audience.
Communications can fail for many reasons, so it behooves us to try to learn what is involved in communicating effectively. The contents of this article are based on the experience of many people in various walks of life.
The following points summarize what is involved in communicating effectively. These points are listed in no particular order; each one depends upon all the others to make a well-functioning whole.
1) Know your topic
2) Know your audience
3) Use language that is clear, concise, correct and complete
4) Use words your audience will be familiar with
5) Avoid personal opinions
6) Know the difference between literal and figurative meanings
7) Keep sentences short
8) Organize clearly
9) Put the main idea in the beginning of a sentence or paragraph
10) Use the active rather than the passive voice
Types of Communication
When we communicate with others, we tend to use one or more of the following 10 types of communication.
Individual Communication
This is a one on one form of communication between two people, which may include letters or emails, personal conversations or instant messaging. It is important to individual communications that both parties fully understand each other without any distractions or disruptions.
Public Communication
Distinct from private communication in the sense that there are more than two parties (two or more), Public Communication is intended for a larger audience, such as speech given by political figures, announcements read on television news shows, or even large gatherings of people.
Small group communication
Like public communication but happens in smaller groups rather than large gatherings. These types of communications also need to be planned and organized beforehand so that they can be prepared and executed properly.
Joint communication
This is a form of communication that occurs when two or more individuals work together to achieve an end goal, such as building a house or creating a piece of art. The group often employs the use of meetings and collaboration tools like email, Wikis and message boards.
Organizational communication
This form of communication happens between employees, departments or even offices within the same organization. Organizational communication also occurs between an organization and its environment (government, media, etc.).
Mixed-motive communication
Also known as negotiation, mixed-motive communication is when two or more parties are trying to settle on something in which they both have a different outcome in mind.
Emergency communication
A form of communication that is quick and to the point, usually during urgent situations such as accidents, natural disasters or other emergencies. Emergency communication often uses radio transmissions or text messages sent from a mobile device.
Interpersonal communication
Interpersonal communication happens when two people communicate with each other on a personal level, which can range from conversations between friends to romantic encounters. Interpersonal communication requires attentive listening and good eye contact.
Negotiating
Another form of mixed-motive communication, negotiating means that two or more parties are trying to come to an agreement over something in which they both have different goals or their opinions differ on what is best.
Mediated Communication
When a message is not completely spontaneous and instead passes through another medium, such as social media or other types of news outlets before it reaches its final destination, this becomes mediated communication.
How to communicate with others?
When it comes to communicating with other people, there are hundreds of skills you must master. Whether you’re writing an email or talking face-to-face, there are so many nuances that’ll come in handy over time. Let’s skip the formalities and jump right into what you need to know!
Talk less, listen more
It’s hard to have a conversation when you don’t know how to communicate with others. And the biggest mistake people make is always being the one talking – even if they have nothing to say. Don’t be that person!
Frame your message in terms of benefits
The best way to do this? Use “you” instead of “I” as much as possible. We all say things like, “I love this movie.” But isn’t it more effective to state it as, “You’ll love this movie!”
Be concise
If you want people to listen to what you’re saying, learn how to communicate with others by knowing your message and cutting out the fluff. Say what you need to say, and no more . And if you’re not sure what the most important part of your message is? The answer is probably “no.”
Tell stories, don’t just state facts .
We all know that one person who can talk endlessly about themselves, but doesn’t really bring anything to the table. So what’s their secret? They’ve learned how to communicate by telling stories .
Always tell people why they should care
Whether you’re talking about a cause, a product, or yourself – always answer the question of “why?” People don’t buy based on features and benefits alone; it’s your job to tell them why they should care.
Be aware of your body language
Even when you’re not speaking, your body is communicating something to the people around you. Don’t ignore it! If you find yourself unsure, try smiling or nodding when appropriate – both signal that you’re listening and engaged in conversation.
If you’re talking to someone, and they seem like they want your attention – give it to them. Look at them. If they lean forward, they probably want more information; if they sit back, you might be overdoing it. Pay attention to the social cues of the people around you!
Be direct
People are more likely to listen to you if you’re direct, right? Right! So don’t be afraid to speak your mind. Be honest with what you’re saying, and people will appreciate it .
Get feedback often
If you want to know how well you communicate with others on a daily basis – find out! Ask people for feedback on how you’re doing, and see what they say. Try to pinpoint the times when you communicate best .
Know your audience
Being able to read people is important, but knowing how to communicate with others based on who they are is something else entirely. You’ll do far better in conversations if you can recognize demographic clues!