Communication is simply the act of transferring information from one place, person or group to

another. Every communication involves (at least) one sender, a message and a recipient. This
may sound simple, but communication is actually a very complex subject.

Types & Levels of Communication

Verbal Communication

Verbal communication refers to the use of symbols in the form of spoken words to transmit
messages. Verbal communication is complicated by the fact that language is arbitrary, meaning
that words change over time; ambiguous, meaning that many words lack clear-cut meanings; and
abstract, meaning that words are not the phenomena to which they refer. Thus,
miscommunication occurs when the meaning we attach to a word changes with time, when a
word lacks a clear-cut, precise meaning or when words are used that are too general. For
example, the word "love" is a very imprecise term; one person's definition of love may differ
substantially from another person's.

Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal communication refers to the use of symbols other than words to transmit messages. It
includes gestures, body language, how we utter words, aspects of our environment that influence
meaning and objects such as jewelry, furniture and clothing that send people messages about
ourselves. Research suggests that nonverbal communication constitutes anywhere between 65
and 93 percent of all human communication. Just like words, nonverbal symbols are ambiguous.
What is a polite gesture to one person may be considered rude by another person. Certain forms
of nonverbal communication may also have different meanings in different cultures. For
example, direct eye contact is appropriate in U.S. society but considered disrespectful in many
Asian countries.

Intrapersonal Communication

Intrapersonal communication is also known as self-talk or thinking, and refers to the ways we
communicate with ourselves. We use intrapersonal communication to plan our lives, rehearse
scenarios before we act them out, and tell ourselves what to do or not do. The way we
communicate with ourselves greatly affects our self-esteem. A person who tells himself, "I'm so
stupid" when he fails an exam will likely have poorer self-esteem than someone who thinks, "I
did really well on the previous four exams. I must have just been having an off day, and I'll do
better next time."

Interpersonal Communication

Interpersonal communication is the communication we have with other people. This type of
communication varies from highly impersonal to extremely personal. The degree to which we
communicate, or fail to communicate, with others influences how our relationships with them
develop, continue or come to an end.

Public Communication

Public communication refers to public speeches that we deliver in front of audiences. Public
communication serves three main purposes: to entertain, to persuade and/or to inform. It is
different from other forms of interaction in that it requires greater levels of planning and
preparation on the part of the speaker and involves less direct interaction. Audience members
still interact with the speaker via mostly nonverbal symbols, but there is a lesser degree of give
and take than there is in one-on-one conversations.

Mass Communication

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. Although mass communication does include certain
computer technologies, it does not include technologies like email that are used to communicate
one-on-one with someone. Mass communication is responsible for giving us views of events,
issues and people from cultures that differ from ours. It enables us to learn what is going on in
distant places in the world and lets us learn the viewpoints of people and cultures with whom we
do not have direct contact.

Elements of Communication Process:

Communication process involves elements like sender, receiver, encoding, decoding, channel/ media,
voice and feedback. These elements are explained below:

1. Sender:

He is the person who sends his ideas to another person. For example, if a manager wants to inform his
subordinates about the introduction of a new product, he is the sender.

2. Message:

The idea, feeling, suggestion, guidelines, orders or any content which is intended to be communicated is
message. For example, message is the introduction of new product.

3. Encoding:

It is the process of converting the idea, thinking or any other component of message into symbols,
words, actions, diagram etc. For example, message is connected in words and actions.
4. Media:

It is the medium, passage or route through which encoded message is passed by the sender to the
receiver. There can be various forms of media-face to face communication, letters, radio, television, e-
mail etc. For example manager inform about the introduction of a new product in a meeting through
presentation.

5. Decoding:

It means translating the encoded message into language understandable by the receiver.

6. Receiver:

He is the person to whom the message has been sent. For example, subordinates are receivers.

7. Feedback:

It is the response by the receiver. It marks the completion of the communication process.

8. Noise:

It is the hindrance in the process of communication. It can take place at any step in the entire process. It
reduces the accuracy of communication e.g. 1) Disturbance in the telephone lines, 2) An inattentive
receiver 3) Improper Decoding of Message etc.

Communication Process

(i) The sender formulates the message that he wants to convey to the receiver.

(ii) He encodes or translates his message. He may take the help of symbols, words, actions, diagrams,
pictures etc.
(iii) He selects an appropriate channel or medium through which the message is to be
transmitted. It can be face to face communication, letters, radio, television, e-mail etc.

(iv) The message is received by the receiver.

(v) Received message is decoded by the receiver so that the receiver can draw the meaning of
the message.

(vi) The receiver sends his response to the sender. In case of any confusion, the same is
conveyed and necessary clarification sought.Communication is to the organization as blood is to the
body. The success of all the functions of management depends upon the effective communication.

Significance of communication can be understood from the following points:

1. Acts as Basis of Coordination:

Communication helps in coordinating the activities of various departments and persons in an

organisation by providing complete information about organisational goals, ways of achieving them,
interpersonal relationship among persons etc. Hence, communication acts as basis for coordination.

2. Helps in Smooth Working of an Enterprise:

Communication ensures smooth functioning of an enterprise. Existence of an organisation depends fully

on communication. The activities of an organisation shall come to a standstill if communication stops.

3. Acts as Basis of Decision Making:

Communication helps in the process of decision making by providing all the necessary information. In
the absence of communication of relevant information, one cannot take any meaningful decision.

4. Increases Managerial Efficiency:

The various functions of the manager involve:

(a) Providing information regarding the goals and objectives of an enterprise.

(b) Providing instructions

(c) Allocating jobs and responsibilities

(d) Overseeing the work of the workers.

5. Promotes Cooperation and Industrial Peace:

To ensure smooth and efficient functioning of an organisation is the main aim of the management. This
is possible only when there is peace and harmony between the management and the workers. The two
way communication helps in establishing same.
6. Establishes Effective Leadership:

A good leader must possess efficient communication skills for influencing the behaviour of the
subordinates. Thus, communication is the basis of leadership.

7. Boosts Morale and Provides Motivation:

An efficient communication system helps in motivating, inspiring and satisfying the subordinates.
Moreover, it also helps in establishing participative and democratic type of management.

When communication occurs, it typically happens in one of three ways: verbal, nonverbal and visual.
People very often take communication for granted. Communicators constantly exchange information,
meaning people always seem to be either receiving or giving information. Understanding the different
methods of exchanging information is important especially in business and professional settings. Many
adults have chosen to go back to school and pursue a communication degree online to ensure they have
strong communication skills for a competitive job market.

3 Main Types of Communication Processes

1. VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Verbal communication seems like the most obvious of the different types of communication. It utilizes
the spoken word, either face-to-face or remotely. Verbal communication is essential to most
interactions, but there are other nonverbal cues that help provide additional context to the words
themselves. Pairing nonverbal communication with the spoken word provides a more nuanced message.

2. NONVERBAL CUES SPEAK VOLUMES

Nonverbal communication provides some insight into a speaker’s word choice. Sarcasm, complacency,
deception or genuineness occurs within nonverbal communication. These things are often
communicated through facial expressions, hand gestures, posture and even appearance, all of which can
convey something about the speaker. For instance, a disheveled speaker with wrinkled clothes and poor
posture would communicate a lack of confidence or expertise. A speaker with a nice suit, who stood up
straight and spoke clearly, may appear more serious or knowledgeable.

3. VISUAL COMMUNICATION

Visual types of communication include signs, maps or drawings as well as color or graphic design. These
typically reinforce verbal communication, and they help to make a point. Visual aids can help a speaker
remember important topics, give the audience something to look at, and generally help convey the
message being presented.
COMMUNICATION ETHICS

The principle governing communication, the right and wrong aspects of it, the moral- immoral
dimensions relevant to Interpersonal communication are called the ethics of Interpersonal
communication.

 Maintaining the correct balance between the speaking and listening

 The legitimacy of fear and emotional appeal degree of criticism and praise
 A death or an overdose of either of the factors could result in unfavorable consequences.
 The principle of honesty on both sides should be completely applied because any amount of
insincerity from either the listener or the speaker would not be prudent.

COMMUNICATION and GLOBALIZATION

Connecting with people on the other side of the world is now much easier than it was a few years ago.
Satellites, fiber-optic cables and the internet make it effortless to share information with those in
different time zones and locations. Global communication is directly affected by the process of
globalization, and helps to increase business opportunities, remove cultural barriers and develop a
global village. Both globalization and global communication have changed the environmental, cultural,
political and economic elements of the world.

 Increased Business Opportunities

Many companies today hire employees that are located in other countries. Using communication
vehicles such as video calling make it simple to converse with colleagues across the globe, almost
making it feel as if they are in the same room. Technology also makes it easier to connect with suppliers
and customers all over the world, and to streamline those relationship through improves ordering,
shipment tracking and so on. With this kind of communication technology, many businesses are able to
take advantage of opportunities in different countries or cities, improving the economic outlook on a
global level.

 Fewer Cultural Barriers

Many people perceive culture to be the root of communication challenges. When people from two
different cultures try to exchange information, the way they speak, their body language or their
mannerisms can be interpreted differently by the other person. The way people approach problems and
how they participate in communities is all influenced by culture.

 Creation of a Global Village

You’ve likely heard of the phrase "global village," coined by theorist Marshall McLuhan. Affected both by
globalization and global communication, the global village is created when distance and isolation no
longer matter because people are connected by technology. Wide-spread telephone and internet access
have been life-changing for many people across the world, especially those in developing countries.
Many are now enrolling in universities across the world without having to leave their desk chair. Virtual
assistant jobs are becoming commonplace, where employees from developing countries work with
companies in North America or Europe, providing administrative support and other business services
that can easily be conducted over the phone or via the internet.

Local and Global Communication in Multicultural Setting

At its root, global communication can be defined just as any communication can: a message is sent from
one person or group to another anywhere in the world.

When it comes to communicating globally, it is usually in the encoding and decoding that problems
occur. As with any communication, ensuring that the message is received as it was intended is the
responsibility of the sender.

Why cross-culture is important?

 Globalization
 Business opportunities
 Job opportunities
 Sharing of views and ideas
 Talent improvisation
 An understanding of diverse market

A local community is a group of interacting people sharing an environment. In human communities,

intent, belief, resources, preferences, needs, risks, and a number of other conditions may be present
and common, affecting the identity of the participants and their degree of cohesiveness.

The Multicultural Communication concentration focuses on the dynamics of communication across

cultures. It explores not only what happens when people of two different cultures meet, but also what
happens when people from a variety of cultures and ethnicities come together in one organization,
community or country.

MESSAGE

A message is a discrete unit of communication intended by the source for consumption by some
recipient or group of recipients. A message may be delivered by various means, including courier,
telegraphy, carrier pigeon and electronic bus. A message can be the content of a broadcast. An
interactive exchange of messages forms a conversation.

One example of a message is a communiqué (/kəˈmjuːnɪkeɪ/), which is a brief report or statement

released by a public agency.

Conveying a message to other people clearly might sound simple, but it's a process that is often fraught
with error.

Many people struggle to communicate effectively – verbally and in writing. They impart thoughts and
ideas that don't reflect their intended meaning, and that their recipients misinterpret or misunderstand.
This can result in confusion, frustration, wasted effort, and missed opportunities. Communication breaks
down, causing collaboration and progress to become impossible.

Research shows that good communication is one of the top "soft" skills that managers look for in
employees. But communication will only ever be successful when both the person sending the message
and the person receiving it understand the key messages being put across.

An audience is a group of people who participate in a show or encounter a work of art, literature (in
which they are called "readers"), theatre, music (in which they are called "listeners"), video games (in
which they are called "players"), or academics in any medium. Audience members participate in
different ways in different kinds of art; some events invite overt audience participation and others
allowing only modest clapping and criticism and reception.

Communication Aids and Strategies using Tools of Technology

SIGN LANGUAGE

Sign language, any means of communication through bodily movements, especially of the hands and
arms, used when spoken communication is impossible or not desirable. The practice is probably older
than speech. Sign language may be as coarsely expressed as mere grimaces, shrugs, or pointing or it may
employ a delicately nuanced combination of coded manual signals reinforced by facial expression and
perhaps augmented by words spelled out in a manual alphabet. Wherever vocal communication is
impossible, as between speakers of mutually unintelligible languages or when one or more would-be
communicators is deaf, sign language can be used to bridge the gap.

Language Barrier

Chinese and Japanese, whose languages use the same body of characters but pronounce them entirely
differently, can communicate by means of a sign language in which one watches while the other traces
mutually understood characters in his or her palm. Evidence of long use of sign language to
communicate around mutually unintelligible languages exists for Africa, Australia, and North America.
The most generally known model is that of the Plains Indians of 19th-century North America. Although
their languages were dissimilar, the mode of life and environment of all groups had many shared
elements, and, consequently, finding common symbols was easy. Thus, a cupped hand leaping and
bobbing away from the “speaker” was familiar to all as the rump of a bounding deer; a circle drawn
against the sky meant the moon—or something as pale as the moon. Two fingers astride the other index
finger represented a person on horseback; two fingers spread and darting from the mouth like the
forked tongue of a snake meant lies or treachery; and the gesture of brushing long hair down over the
neck and shoulder signified a woman. This sign language became so familiar that long and complex
narratives—in monologue or dialogue—could be signed and understood within large groups of Indians
otherwise unable to communicate.

Inability to Speak
The Indian sign language was codified by use into an explicit vocabulary of gestures representing or
depicting objects, actions, and ideas, but it made no attempt to “spell out” or otherwise represent
words that could not be conveyed by gestures. Several forms of sign language were developed to enable
signers to spell out words and sounds, however. Most of these are as complex and flexible as spoken
languages.

It was long thought in many cultures that the deaf were uneducable, and the few teachers willing to try
were available only to the wealthy. In the mid-18th century, however, the first educator of poor deaf
children, Charles-Michel, abbé de l’Epée, developed a system for spelling out French words with a
manual alphabet and expressing whole concepts with simple signs. From l’Epée’s system developed
French Sign Language (FSL), still in use in France today and the precursor of American Sign Language
(ASL) and many other national sign languages.
FSL was brought to the United States in 1816 by Thomas Gallaudet, founder of the American School for
the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut. The new sign language was combined with the various systems
already in use in the United States to form ASL, which today is used by more than 500,000 deaf people
in the United States and Canada; it is the fourth most common language in the United States. National
sign languages such as ASL have more in common with one another than with the spoken languages of
their country of origin, since their signs represent concepts and not English or French or Japanese words.
One system, Cued Speech, first developed by the American physicist R. Orin Cornett in 1966, does,
however, successfully employ hand signs representing only sounds (not concepts), used in conjunction
with lip-reading. It has been adapted to more than 40 languages.

STRATEGIES

WEB-BASED MEANING
A web-based application is any program that is accessed over a network connection using HTTP, rather
than existing within a device’s memory. Web-based applications often run inside a web browser.
However, web-based applications also may be client-based, where a small part of the program is
downloaded to a user’s desktop, but processing is done over the internet on an external server.

Web-based applications are also known as web apps.

Workplace communication is the transmitting of information between one people or group and another
person or group in an organization. It can include emails, text messages, voicemails, notes, etc.

Academic communication, also called scholarly communication, refers to methods of communication

that are highly structured and generally only used in pedagogical settings. Academic communication can
include the words and structures used to express ideas, as well as the methods by which ideas are
disseminated.