COMMUNICATION

What is communication
Communication is the process of passing or exchanging information, ideas,
thoughts and message between individuals, group, or organizations through a
common system of symbols, signs or behavior with a corresponding feedback.

Process of communication
The process of communication involves several steps that help ensure effective
message of information between the sender and the receiver. Here are the few
processes:
1. Encoding: This is the process whereby the sender translates their idea or message
into a formal that can be transmitted such as speech, text, or images.
2. Transmission: A process whereby the encoded message is sent through a
communication channel such as air, cable, or internet.
3. Decoding: The receiver interprets the message, and translates it back into a
meaningful idea or concepts.
4. Receiving: The Receiver gets the message and begins to process it.
5. Feedback: This is the response of the receiver. The receiver responses to the
message of the sender, which helps in clarifying or modifying the original
message.

Elements of communication
Elements of communications are the Entities or things that make communication a
reality. They are fundamental components that make up the communication process.
Here are the key elements:
1. Sender: This is the person or entity that initiates the communication process by
sending a message.
2. Receiver: This is the person or entity that receives the message and interprets its
meaning.
3. Message: This has to do with the information, idea, or thought that has been
communicated.
4. Channel: It is the medium or platform through which the message is transmitted,
such as speech, text, email, or social media.
5. Feedback: The response or reaction of the receiver to the message, which helps
to clarify or modify the original message.
6. Context: This has to do with situation, environment, or culture in which the
communication takes place, and this can affect the interpretation of the message.

Effective communication
Effective communication is the appropriate process of communicating or passing
information from one destination to another. The key characteristics are:
1. Clear purpose: The message must be clear, purposeful and goal achieving.
2. Accurate information: The information must be accurate and reliable.
3. Audience awareness: The message should be tailored to the audience’s needs.
4. Effective channel: The sender must choose the appropriate channel for the
message. In other words, the message must be transmitted through the most
suitable channel for the audience to decode.
5. Feedback: The communication process must include feedback to ensure
understanding so as to clarify any doubts.
6. Cultural sensitivity: The message must be sensitive to the cultural background
and values of the audience.
7. Timeline: The message is conveyed in a timely manner, taking into account the
audience’s needs and deadline.

Benefits
1. Effective communication helps to build true credibility with the audience.
2. Clear communication reduces the risk of misunderstanding.
3. It build strong relationship between individuals.
4. Each increases productivity.
5. It enhances good decision making.

Communication skills
Communication skills are the ability and techniques used to convey information,
ideas, thoughts or opinions effectively, and efficiently. These skills are essential in
personal and professional settings. This will enable individuals to build relationship,
convey messages, and achieve their goals.
Some of the skills to communication are:

A. Verbal communication skills

1. Articulation: This has to do with clearly pronouncing words, phrases, or
sentences.
2. Tone of voice: Using a suitable tone to convey emotions and attitudes.
3. Pitch and volume: Adjust voice speech and volume to engage the audience.
4. Pacing: Speed of speech to maintain interest.

B. Non-verbal communication skills

1. Body Language: Using posture, facial expressions, and gestures to convey
messages.
2. Eye Contact: Maintaining eye contact to engage and build trust with the
audience.
3. Proximity: Regulating physical distance to establish a comfortable and effective
communication environment.
4. Touch: Using physical contact, such as handshakes or gestures, to convey
emotions.
C. Written communication skills
1. Conciseness: Using brief and direct language to communicate effectively.
2. Clarity: Convey messages clearly, and concisely.
3. Grammar and Spellings: Ensuring accuracy in grammar, spelling, and
pronunciation.
4. Tone and Style: Adapting tone and style to suit the audience and purpose.

D. Presentation and Public Speaking Skills

1. Preparation: Researching and organizing contents to deliver effective
presentation.
2. Delivery confidently and clearly presenting information to engage the audience.
3. Visual Aids: Using visual elements, such as slides or graphs to support the
message.
4. Handling of Questions: Responding to questions and comments from the
audience.

Barriers To Effective Communication

Barriers to effective communication can be referred to the passing of information
between the Sender and the Receiver. Here are some common barriers:

Physical Barriers
1. Noise: Background noise, technical noise, or environmental distractions.
2. Distance: Physical distance between the sender, and the Receiver.
3. Language differences: Different language, or dialect spoken by the sender and
the receiver.

Psychological Barriers
1. Emotional Barriers: emotions like fear, anger, or anxiety can affect
communication.
2. Cognitive Bias: The conceived emotions or stereotypes that can influence
interpretation.
3. Personality Difference: different personality, traits, values, or attitudes can
create communication challenges.

Cultural Barriers
1. Cultural Differences: Different, cultural backgrounds, values or norms.
2. Ethnic Differences: Different ethnic backgrounds, or identity.
3. Social Economic Differences: Different social economic statuses or
backgrounds.
Technology Barriers
1. Technical Issues: Equipment, Internet connectivity issues, or software glitches.
2. Information Overload: Excessive information or data, leading to confusion.
3. Lack of Access: Limited access to communication or technology.

Organizational Barriers
1. Lack of Transparency: Limited information, sharing or transparency within the
organization.
2. Hierarchical Structure: Communication challenges due to organizational
hierarchy.
3. Bureaucratic Processes: Slow or inefficient communication due to
organizational processes.