Discipline

and Ideas in
the Applied
Social
Sciences
I. DEFINITIONS OF COMMUNICATION

- The exact meaning of the word communicate is ‘to share’ or ‘to participate’.
- Dictionary says 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.
- Another definition says that communication is social intercourse. Communication
is all this and much more.
- Communication is giving, receiving or exchanging ideas, information, signals or
persuade, to seek information, to give information or to express emotions.

II. ELEMENTS OF COMMUNICATION

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.

III. LEVELS OF COMMUNICATION

Five Levels of Communication
by Scott Jeffrey

These levels of communication are verbal, physical, auditory, emotional, and energetic.

Verbal Level of Communication

Although this is perhaps the most apparent level of human communication, people can
spend a lifetime trying to master it.

This level includes our selection of words based on an understanding of meaning

between the speaker and the listener.

There are multiple definitions for most words, and few of us hold the exact same
meaning for each word.

Different words evoke different images, memories, and meaning for different people.
The logic and reasoning of a statement or argument (Aristotle’s logos) influence the
effectiveness of the receiving message.

To communicate effectively on the verbal level, select the “right” words and usage for
the context of the conversation (including moral, religious, ethnic and religious
differences). Be clear and concise. When possible, formulate your thoughts to avoid
rambling. This is an art in itself.

Physical Level of Communication

Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) brought the importance of visual cues in how we

communicate to many people’s attention.

Visual cues like eye contact, gestures, movements, stances, breathing, posture, and
facial expressions influence how we feel and communicate.

When used with integrity, techniques like “matching and mirroring” people’s posture and
gestures (and certain words too) can increase their receptivity of your message.

To communicate effectively on the physical level, it’s helpful to physically align with
others, connecting with them in form and movement. It also helps to be mindful of your
posture, facial expressions, and hand gestures.

Auditory Level of Communication

The sound of our voice, including the tone, range, volume, and speed affects how our
messages are received and interpreted by others.

For example, fast talkers will find it beneficial to slow their speech when speaking to a
thoughtful, introverted person or risk being unheard.

Also, how we enunciate, inflect, and place emphasis on certain words affects how
others interpret the meaning of what we say.

To communicate effectively on the auditory level, become aware of various auditory

cues, speaking to others in a manner more akin to their own ways (another form of
“matching and mirroring”).

Emotional Level of Communication

Few people appreciate how our emotional states affect what we communicate and how
the message is interpreted by the recipient.
In rhetoric, Aristotle’s pathos represents an appeal to the audience’s emotions.

Are you more receptive to someone who is positive and life-affirming or one who is
negative and critical? Enthusiastic or boring?

The speaker’s emotions put the recipient in a particular state of mind and influence how
the listener interprets what is said.

To communicate effectively on the emotional level, become aware of your emotional

state, learning to pause and release negative emotions before attempting to connect
with others. Words delivered with pride, anger or fear are rarely well received.

Energetic Level of Communication

Also called the psychic level, this level of communication encompasses a vast range of
unseen factors including a person’s level of consciousness, the frequency or harmonics
of the message, and other subtle energies.

Some people seem to have an “X-factor”—a unique presence—that naturally imparts

their messages to others with greater receptivity and understanding.
To communicate more effectively, hold the highest intention for the other person’s
wellbeing. This requires a unique level of mindfulness generally cultivated through
compassion practices. When we are centered in a state of mastery, we’re more likely
to access this psychic dimension that holds great treasures of insights into others,
helping us communicate with greater ease.

IV. FUNCTIONS OF COMMUNICATION

FIVE FUNCTIONS OF ORAL COMMUNICATION

1. Regulation/Control- functions to control one’s behavior

Doctors’ Prescription
“Take your medicine 3 times a day.”
Parents’ Instruction to their child
“Wash the dishes now, or else I won’t allow you to go to the party later.”
Friends giving advice on what to do
“Move on. He doesn’t love you anymore”
 2. Social Interaction- used to produce social relationships; used to develop
bonds, intimacy, relations,; used to express preferences, desires, needs,
wants, decisions, goals, and strengths; used for giving and getting
information

Encouragement
“You can do it.”
Marriage Proposal
“Will you marry me?”

Invitation
“Would you like some coffee, tea, or me?”

3. Motivation- functions to motivate or to encourage people to live better.

4. Information- functions to convey information. Giving information…

“Did you know that there’s a secret apartment at the top of the Eiffel tower?”

5. Emotional Expression- facilitates people’s expression of their feelings and

emotions.
Appreciation
“I’m so glad that you came into my life.”
“I like you so much!
“Are you false teeth? It’s because I can’t smile without you.”
Expressing one’s ambition
“I want to finish up my studies with good grades to be accepted in a good
university.”
Expressing a need
“I need you in my life.”
Expressing prayers
“We pray for those who suffered a broken heart from their crush.”

V. RITUALS OF COMMUNICATION

o The ritual view of communication is a communications theory proposed by

James W. Carey, wherein communication–the construction of a symbolic
reality–represents, maintains, adapts, and shares the beliefs of a society
in time. In short, the ritual view conceives communication as a process
that enables and enacts societal transformation.