INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION

DEFINITION OF COMMUNICATION
Communication is transfer of information from one person to another,whether or not it elicits
confidence. But the information transferred must be understandable to the receiver G.G.
Brown.
2. Communication is the intercourse by words, letters or messages- Fred G. Meyer.
We can now proceed to define communication from what we have seen above. To define means
to give the precise and exact meaning of a word. The exact meaning of the word communicate is
to share or to participate. The dictionaries say that communication is the transmission of a
message or information by speaking or writing. Another dictionary declares that communication
is giving or exchanging information, signals, messages by talk or gestures or writing. Yet another
definition says that communication is social intercourse. Communication is all this and much
more. A good definition should not only give the precise meaning but also throw light on the
scope of the word / expression.
Communication is giving, receiving or exchanging ideas, information, signals or messages
through appropriate media, enabling individuals or groups to persuade, to seek information,
to give information or to express emotions.
This broad definition includes body-language, skills of speaking and writing. It outlines the
objectives of communication. It emphasizes listening as an important aspect of communication.
BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
The barriers to communication and the ways and means of over coming them to achieve
effective communication.
1. Barriers to communication result in undesirable reaction and unfavourable response.
2. The communication exercise fails because the feed back is absent or falls short of
expectation
3. Barriers to communication are caused by environmental, physical, semantic, attitudinal
and varying perceptions of reality
I.

Environmental and Physical barriers:

(a) Time adopt appropriate fast channels of communication

(b) Space maintain the distance in the communication exercise as determined by the situation
(c) Place Avoid overcrowded incommodious and ill-lit, ill- ventilated places to achieve
effective communication

(d) Medium Choose the appropriate medium oral / written (sign (audio/visual) medium.
II.

Semantic Barriers:

Connotational meanings of words Choose the correct and precise word depending on context
and the receivers felicity in the use of language.
III.

Cultural Barriers:

Understand and accept the cultural variations in individuals and groups. Appreciate them and
adopt your communication style to them.
IV.

Psychological Barriers:

Try to understand the receivers mental make up and attitudes.

V.

Perception of Reality:

Try to understand the different levels of perceptions of a situation and an issue. Be open, flexible
and transparent.

MODELS OF COMMUNICATION
WESTLEY AND MACLEANS MODEL OF COMMUNICATION
Introduction:
In 1957 Westley and MacLeans model of communication is proposed by Bruce Westley (19151990) and Malcolm S. MacLean Jr (1913-2001). Being one of the creators of journalism studies,
Westley served as a teacher at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, between 1946 and 1968.
Malcolm was director of University of Journalism School (1967-74) and co founder of the
University College at University of Minnesota.
This model can be seen two contexts, interpersonal and mass communication. And the point of
difference between interpersonal and mass communication is the feedback. In interpersonal, the
feedback is direct and fast. In the mass, the feedback is indirect and slow.

Westely and Maclean realized that communication does not begin when one person starts to talk,
but rather when a person responds selectively to his/her physical surroundings. This model
considers a strong relation between responds from surroundings and the process of
communication. Communication begins only when a person receives message from
2

surroundings. Each receiver responds to the message they received based on their object of
orientation.

X1, X2, X3 and X4.are news articles or information, Feedback (f), Clients (A), Reader or
Audience (B) and Gate Keeper (c)
Example:
A Daily News Papers will receive many Press releases from Many Public Relations Agencies on
behalf of their clients. In this case, News paper will publish the selected Press release due to the
space constraints. Then, Readers can directly respond to the client or they can respond to the
News daily which published in the Newspaper. If Readers responded to daily News paper, it will
communicate the feedback to concern PR Agency.
X1, X2 and X3are Press Release, Feedback (f), Clients (A), Reader (B) and Daily News Paper
(Gate Keeper) (c)
1.
2.
3.

Feedback Loop between Reader (B) and News Paper (C) fBC
Feedback Loop between News Paper(C ) and Client (A)- fCA
Feedback loop between Reader (B) and Client (A)- fBA.

Merits and Demerits:

This model accounts for Feedback.

3

It can account for different modes of communication, i.e., for both interpersonal
communication and Mass communication.
It is a predictive model of communication and very descriptive also.
It also account for non binary interactions, this means that it will remain good even for
communications involving more than two sources.
Westley and Maclean communication model is Two Dimensional.
It cannot account for multi dimensions; this means this model will not be applicable for
typical communication events that involve broader context and wide range of
communication messages.

ARISTOTLES COMMUNICATION MODEL

Aristotle, a great philosopher initiative the earliest mass communication model called
Aristotles Model of Communication. He proposed model before 300 B.C who found the
importance of audience role in communication chain in his communication model. This model is
more focused on public speaking than interpersonal communication.
Aristotle Model of Communication is formed with 5 basic elements
(i) Speaker, (ii) Speech, (iii) Occasion, (iv) Audience and (v) Effect.
Aristotle advises speakers to build speech for different audience on different time (occasion) and
for different effects.

Speaker plays an important role in Public speaking. The speaker must prepare his speech and
analysis audience needs before he enters into the stage. His words should influence in audience
mind and persuade their thoughts towards him.
Example:
Alexander gave brave speech to his soldiers in the war field to defeat Persian Empire.
Speaker

- Alexander

Speech

- about his invasion

4

Occasion

- War field

Audience

Soldiers

Effect

To defeat Persia

SHANNON AND WEAVER MODEL OF COMMUNICATION

In 1948, Shannon was an American mathematician, Electronic engineer and Weaver was an
American scientist both of them join together to write an article in Bell System Technical
Journal called A Mathematical Theory of Communication and also called as ShannonWeaver model of communication.
This model is specially designed to develop the effective communication between sender and
receiver. Also they find factors which affecting the communication process called Noise. At
first the model was developed to improve the Technical communication. Later its widely
applied in the field of Communication.
The model deals with various concepts like Information source, transmitter, Noise, channel,
message, receiver, channel, information destination, encode and decode.

Sender : The originator of message or the information source selects desire message.
Encoder : The transmitter which converts the message into signals.
Note: The senders messages converted into signals like waves or Binary data which is
compactable to transmit the messages through cables or satellites. For example: In telephone the
voice is converted into wave signals and it transmits through cables.
Decoder : The reception place of the signal which converts signals into message. A reverse
process of encode.
5

Note : The receiver converts those binary data or waves into message which is comfortable and
understandable for receiver. Otherwise receiver cant receive the exact message and it will affect
the effective communication between sender and receiver.
Receiver : The destination of the message from sender.
Note : Based on the decoded message the receiver gives their feed back to sender. If the message
distracted by noise it will affect the communication flow between sender and receiver.
Noise: The messages are transferred from encoder to decoder through channel. During this
process the messages may distracted or affected by physical noise like horn sounds, thunder and
crowd noise or encoded signals may distract in the channel during the transmission process
which affect the communication flow or the receiver may not receive the correct message.
Note : The model is clearly deals with external noises only which affect the messages or signals
from external sources. For example: If there is any problems occur in network which directly
affect the mobile phone communication or distract the messages.
Practical Example of Shannon-Weaver model of communication :
Thomson made call to his assistant come here I want to see you. During his call, noise
appeared (transmission error) and his assistant received I want only. Again Assistant asked
Thomson (feedback) what do you want Thomson.
Sender

: Thomson

Encoder

: Telephone (Thomson)

Channel

: Cable

Noise

: Distraction in voice

Reception : Telephone (Assistant)

Receiver

: Assistant.

Due to transmission error or noise, Assistant cant able to understand Thomsons messages.
*The noise which affect the communication flow between them.
Criticism of Shannon-Weaver model of communication :
1.
One of the simplest model and its general applied in various communication theories.
2.
The model which attracts both academics of Human communication and Information
theorist to leads their further research in communication.
3.
Its more effective in person-to-person communication than group or mass audience.
6

4.
The model based on Sender and Receiver. Here sender plays the primary role and
receiver plays the secondary role (receive the information or passive).
5.
Communication is not a one way process. If its behaved like that, it will lose its strength.
For example: Audience or receiver who listening a radio, reading the books or watching
television is a one way communication because absence of feedback.
6.
Understanding Noise will helps to solve the various problems in communication.

BERLOS SMCR MODEL OF COMMUNICATION

Formatted: Font: (Default) Times New Roman,
12 pt, Font color: Blue

The berlos model follows the smcr model this model is not specific to any particular
communication.
Berlos model lives a number of factors under each of the elements :
Source: The source is where the message originates.
Communication skills It is the individuals skill to communicate (ability to read, write, speak,
listen etc)
Attitudes The attitude towards the audience, subject and towards one self for e.g. for the
student the attitude is to learn more and for teachers wants to help teach.
Knowledge- The knowledge about the subject one is going to communicate for e.g. whatever the
teacher communicates in the class about the subject so having knowledge in what you are
communicating.
7

Note: It is not talking about the general knowledge it is all about the knowledge of the subject, so
it is the familiarity of what you are communicating.
Social system The Social system includes the various aspects in society like values, beliefs,
culture, religion and general understanding of society. It is were the communication takes place.
For e.g. class room differs from country to country like behaviors, how we communicate etc.
Note: We can communicate only to the extent that the social system allows, when we
communicate take social system into account.
Culture: Culture of the particular society also comes under social system.
All to this model, only if you have the above in the proper or adequate proportion v can
communicate.
Encoder: The sender of the message (message originates) is referred as encoder, so the source is
encoding the message here.
Message
Content The beginning to the end of a message comprises its content for e.g. From beginning
to end whatever the class teacher speaks in the class is the content of the message.
Elements It includes various things like language, gestures, body language etc, so these are all
the elements of the particular message. Content is accompanied by some elements.
Treatment It refers to the packing of the message. The way in which the message is conveyed
or the way in which the message is passed on or deliver it.
Note: When it is too much treatment also the communication will not happen properly.
Structure- The structure of the message how it is arranged, the way you structure the message
into various parts.
Note: Message is the same but if the structure is not properly arranged then the message will not
get to the receiver.
Code- The code of the message means how it is sent in what form it could be e.g. language, body
language, gestures, music and even culture is a code. Through this you get/give the message or
through which the communication takes place or being reached.
Note: Only when the code is proper, the message will be clear, improper use may lead to
misinterpretation.

Channel- It is nothing but the five senses through this only we do. The following are the
five senses which we use

Hearing
Seeing
Touching
Smelling
Tasting

Whatever communication we do it is there either of these channels.

Hearing: The use of ears to get the message for e.g. oral messages, interpersonal etc.
Seeing: Visual channels for e.g. TV can be seen and the message is delivered.
Touching: The sense of touch can be used as a channel to communicate for e.g. we touch and
buy food, hugging etc.
Smelling: Smell also can be a channel to communicate for e.g. perfumes, food, charred smell
communicates something is burning, we can find out about which food is being cooked etc.
Tasting : The tongue also can be used to decipher e.g. Food can be tasted and communication
can happen.
Note: Despite not mentioning a medium we need to assume that as communication is taking
place channels can be any of the 5 senses or combination.
Decoder : Who receives the message and decodes it is referred to as decoder.
Receiver: The receiver needs to have all the thinks like the source.
This model believes that for an effective communication to take place the source and the receiver
needs to be in the same level, only if the source and receiver are on the same level
communication will happen or take place properly. So source and receiver should be similar
For e.g. Communication skills on source side is good then the receiver should equally have good
listening skills.
We cannot say the entire message passed doesnt reaches the receiver has it is because the
receiver may not good in listening, so only for the effective communication the source and the
receiver to be in the same level.
Note: Self image differs from person to person, for communicating the person should consider
the receiver. Keep the receiver in mind, speak accordingly and give them what they need.
Criticism of berlos smcr model of communication:
9

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

No feedback / dont know about the effect

Does not mention barriers to communication
No room for noise
Complex model
It is a linear model of communication
Needs people to be on same level for communication to occur but not true in real life
Main drawback of the model is that the model omits the usage of sixth sense as a channel
which is actually a gift to the human beings (thinking, understanding, analyzing etc).

LASSWELLS MODEL

Harold Dwight Lasswell (February 13, 1902 December

18, 1978)
Harold Dwight Lasswell, the American political scientist states that a convenient way to describe
an act of communication is to answer the following questions

Who

Says What

In Which Channel

To Whom

With what effect?

This model is about process of communication and its function to society, According to Lasswell
there are three functions for communication:
1. Surveillance of the environment
2. Correlation of components of society
3. Cultural transmission between generation

10

Lasswell model suggests the message flow in a multicultural society with multiple audiences.
The flow of message is through various channels. And also this communication model is similar
to Aristotles communication model.
In this model, the communication component who refers the research area called Control
Analysis,
Says what is refers to Content Analysis,
In which channel is refers to Media Analysis,
To Whom is refers to Audience Analysis
With What Effect is refers to Effect Analysis
Example:
CNN NEWS A water leak from Japans tsunami-crippled nuclear power station resulted in
about 100 times the permitted level of radioactive material flowing into the sea, operator Tokyo
Electric Power Co said on Saturday.
Who TEPC Operator
What Radioactive material flowing into sea
Channel CNN NEWS (Television medium)
Whom Public
Effect Alert the people of japan from the radiation.
Advantage of lasswell model:

It is Easy and Simple

It suits for almost all types of communication
The concept of effect

Disadvantage of lasswell model:

Feedback not mentioned

Noise not mentioned
Linear Model

11

OSGOOD- SCHRAMM MODEL OF COMMUNICATION

Formatted: Font: (Default) Times New Roman,
12 pt, Font color: Blue

It is a Circular Model, so that communication is something circular in nature

Encoder Who does encoding or Sends the message (message originates)
Decoder Who receives the message
Interpreter Person trying to understand (analyses, perceive) or interpret
Note: From the message starting to ending, there is an interpretation goes on. Based on this
interpretation only the message is received.
This model breaks the sender and receiver model it seems communication in a practical way. It is
not a traditional model.
It can happen within our self or two people; each person acts as both sender and receiver and
hence use interpretation. It is simultaneously take place e.g. encoding, interpret and decoding.
Semantic noise is a concept introduced here it occurs when sender and receiver apply different
meaning to the same message. It happens mostly because of words and phrases for e.g. Technical
Language, So certain words and phrases will cause you to deviate from the actual meaning of the
communication.
Note: When semantic noise takes place decoding and interpretation becomes difficult and people
get deviated from the actual message.
Advantage of Osgood- Schramm model of communication
12

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Dynamic model- Shows how a situation can change

It shows why redundancy is an essential part
There is no separate sender and receiver, sender and receiver is the same person
Assume communication to be circular in nature
Feedback central feature.

Disadvantage of Osgood- Schramm model of communication

This model does not talk about semantic noise and it assume the moment of encoding and
decoding.

Communication loop / The process of

communication
Every bit of message communicated undergoes a certain process involving more than one
person. Nobody communicates to a vacuum or wilderness. Communication is considered
effective if it receives the desired result, response or reaction. All Communications are related to
some context. In any context, a communication loop exists to enable successful communication.
At one end of the loop is the sender of a message or information. He receives a stimulus to send
a message across. The stimulus may be external or internal. There might be an urging from an
outside source which is external stimulus. The internal stimulus might be a desire from within
the person to send across a message or information. He converts the message into a code. This
process is called encoding. The sender is also called the encoder. He chooses the appropriate
verbal or nonverbal code and puts the message into that code. Then the encoder transmits the
coded message through an appropriate medium. The sender or encoder chooses the appropriate
medium based on several factors such as the receiver, the message, its urgency or otherwise. He
may choose a non-verbal signal, body language, speech, writing or any other available medium
to transmit the encoded message. The message gets transmitted to the receiver. The receiver
decodes the message and perceives it. Unless the receiver is aware of the code and is adept in
using the medium, he cannot decode it. Misinterpretation may arise even if there is interference
in the medium. The receivers response or reaction is the feed back that the sender gets. The
feedback may again be a signal or an action.
In short communication is related to the context. Context is determined by country and culture
generally and the individuals mindset and attitude particularly. Environment and the stimuli,
external or internal determine the actual process of communication.

13

The sender in response to an external or internal stimulus perceives a message. He puts it into an
appropriate code of verbal or non-verbal symbols. He transmits it across to the receiver through
an appropriate medium. This act of the sender is conditioned by his mental attitude, his
experience and his perception of all the related factors. The receiver, based on his experience,
attitude and perception of all related factors decodes the message, interprets it and reacts or
responds to it. We should remember that the sender and the receiver should share a symbol that
will carry the same meaning for both. If they do not, misunderstanding is bound to occur. If the
boss asks his subordinate to present a bimonthly report to him, he may expect a report every
fortnight. But the subordinate may think that he has to send a report once in two months.
Bimonthly means both, twice in a month or once in two months. Misunderstanding has arisen
because the word bimonthly means two different things to the boss and the subordinate, both of
which are correct. The code used in this context is the English word bimonthly. The code
stands for two concepts and its use has led to the misunderstanding. The boss would have said a
fortnightly report or reports twice a month or the employee could have got the message
reconfirmed by a specific question. That is why the sender and the receiver should share the code
/ symbol with clarity. The choice of the symbol for encoding and the medium of transmission
play an important role in the process of communication. Effective communication takes place if
all the parameters like the encoder, his mental attitude, capacity to encode and transmit, the
medium, the decoder/and his capacity to decode that specific message are equal to the demands
of the communication exercise.

14

Forging an effective communication loop :

The message is the core idea a sender wants to communicate. The sender should carefully decide
upon the precise message that he wants to communicate and its purpose. He should take into
consideration the context of his communication and the attitude of the receiver. Based on these
factors, the sender should choose the code and the medium for transmitting the code. The
receiver should be familiar with the code and be competent to access the medium of
transmission. The sender cannot e-mail a message to a receiver who is not computer savvy nor
can he write a letter to an illiterate. The choice of the medium also depends on the urgency of the
message. If the sender wants an urgent feed back, he should choose the oral medium. You cannot
afford to write long memos or letters to a workman on the shop-floor. Instead a face-to-face
meeting with brief instructions will produce the desired results.

Body Language
Formatted: Font: (Default) Times New Roman,
12 pt, Font color: Blue

It is interesting to note that a vast majority of us communicate several messages without using
speech quite often. In fact, one theory on the origin of language is called the Gesture theory,
which tries to establish that speech originated from gestures. Someone has aptly said that
communication oozes out through ones finger tips. Though this may appear to be an
exaggerated statement, it is truth. Do we not nod our heads to show approval or shake our heads
to indicate disapproval. When you are offered a cup of coffee you not only say: No, Thank you,
but, also shake your head or cross your hands. When someone attempts to touch you for a penny,
you indicate your denial through words as well as shaking your palm. When someone is in
difficulty, he wrings (twists) his hands in frustration. The study of body movements is also
known as Kinesis. Body language is so important that a description of it has entered our spoken
language. You say that some one blinked to mean that he was confused, someone was bleary
eyed to mean that he was not focusing and some one kept his fingers crossed to mean that he was
eagerly anticipating and so on and so forth. Our language itself has several such expressions
recognising body language. Communication experts point out that only a small percentage of
15

communication is verbal whereas a large percentage is through body language. The following
features of ones bearing or demeanour (way of behaving) is part and parcel of communication.
Important features of Body Language
Posture
The way a person stands or sits is his posture. It is good to adopt a flexible erect posture rather
than a stiff or slouching posture. An erect posture reveals confidence and poise. Drooping
shoulders, sagging in the seat, etc., reveal a feeling of depression and lack of interest.
Head motion
In oral communication, the movement of the head plays an important role. No one is expected to
keep on shaking his head, but appropriate nods and shakes of the head enhance the level of
communication.
Facial Expression
Face is the index of the mind. We say, she put on a long face to mean that she was not in the
best of her moods. However much one tries, his hidden feeling of anger, fear, confusion,
uncertainty, enthusiasm and joy will get revealed by the facial expression. Sometimes, the words
that you utter may be contradicted by your facial expression. A teacher might ask the student if
he understood the idea, but he should not wait for an answer. A lack-lustre bewildered facial
expression would reveal that the student has not grasped anything.
Eye Contact
In an oral communication context, the speaker and listener should not only face each other but
also maintain correct eye contact. If someone avoids direct eye contact, he is suspected to be sly
or cunning. In eastern countries, subordinates or younger people may avoid direct eye contact out
of respect or deference, but it will be misunderstood in an international context. The Tamil poet
Subramanya Bharathi has praised upright bearing and straight eye contact.
Gestures
Movement of hands and fingers enhance communication. But, gestures are culture specific. A
clenched fist may mean emphasis for an American but disrespect for an Indian. A thumbs up
sign, a movement of the index finger communicate messages effectively. Continuous gestures
should be avoided. Non-verbal communication in short, adds, subtracts and amends our message.
In an oral communication context, all the above features of body language play an important
role. If you expect to communicate in a relaxed atmosphere, you have to kill and destroy the
stiffness with appropriate components of body language. Though gestures are culture specific
some of them have become universal cutting across cultural boundaries. They have become
emblematic. I iach sign is almost an emblem for a particular message. A V sign with index
linger and central finger stands for victory. A thumbs up sign stands for hitchhiking. A wave of
16

the arm is for a hello or a good-bye. Emblems directly stand for a verbal message. Certain
gestures are illustrators for they illustrate a point. An arm can be used to draw a circle. The index
finger shown with a little shake stands to emphasise a point as an illustrator.
Certain gestures made unconsciously will reveal the mental state of the speaker. Anger, fear,
nervousness etc., are often revealed by fidgeting, shifting of legs etc., Twisting the shirt button or
cuff-links, rubbing the neck-tie, scratching the cheek, nose, stroking the chin are some of the
innumerable unconsciously acquired gestures. If overdone, they may degenerate to the level of
mannerisms. One has to avoid the habit of over-gesturing in oral communication.
Body language can be studied elaborately under kinesis which makes a scientific and analytic
study of the subject. Oral communication takes place in face to face or one to one situation or
when a speaker addresses an audience. The audience may be small as in a group discussion or
large in the case of some business meetings. In all these situations, body language plays an
important role.
Paralanguage
In oral communication situations paralanguage plays an important role while speaking or
listening. The speaker or listener makes use of sounds like Hmm ha, or clicks his tongue or
chuckles. These sounds, though do not have a semantic value (meaning), are in fact important
prompters in maintaining an unbroken communication chain. They are effective tools of
listening. Empathetic listening (ability to imagine and share another persons feelings, etc.) is
characterised by the use of para-language. Our speech is affected by the volume of our voice, the
speed of articulation and such sounds made by clicking of our tongue, chuckling, etc. We come
across people whose voices quiver when excited. Some others raise the decibel level of their
voice. These are people who shriek or shout when provoked. All these lead to an evaluation of
the personality of the communicator.
Voice and Tone
It is possible to communicate an unpleasant information pleasantly or good news badly. When
you tell someone, you have done a great job, it is your statement and the tone together show the
receiver whether you are complimenting him or ridiculing him. A complimentary tone is
distinctly different from a sarcastic tone.
Space
In oral communication situations, the space between the speaker and the listener is important.
Americans consider that a person who comes very close to him while speaking, say, less than
two feet is invading into his privacy. Only in intimate and personal situations can people move
closer than a foot and a half. To us, who are used to overcrowded public transport system, the
American practice of maintaining space in the elevator will be rather surprising whereas to him
our invasion of his personal space revolting.

17

Silence
In oral communication situations, silence plays an important role. People quite often talk about
eloquent silence. Yes, silence can send communication signals. Silence in a particular situation
may mean acceptance, agreement and in certain others indifference, apathy or even anger.
Listening a Proactive Skill
In oral communication situations, listening plays an important role. Listening is different from
hearing. One can hear all noises and sounds and yet could be a poor listener. Listening is hearing
attentively and responding appropriately. Only a good listener can became a good speaker.
Attentiveness begins with the posture a listener adopts while he is listening. If a person inclines
towards the speaker, it means that the speaker is not clear either in the message or in his
articulation. If the listener tilts his head backwards, it shows that he is indifferent. A Good
listener is proactive. He is, as they usually say, all ears. He responds appropriately using
paralanguage. He says, Hmmyeahyescome on now and then. He asks questions and
verifies facts. A listeners role in an oral communication situation is as important as a speakers
role.
Listening in communication has several beneficial results. Good listening leads to getting useful
and updated information. Good listening creates a better understanding and rapport between the
speaker and listener. Good listening leads to better decisions. Good listening provides the best
feed back to the speaker.

18