INTRODUCTION TO
COMMUNICATIO
N
Course Lecturer:
Dr. Isyaku Hassan
Content
Definition of Communication
Characteristics of Communication
Communication Process
Factors Affecting Communication
It is a fact that we cannot live in this world without the
help of communication.
In other words, communication is the basic need of
every person or institution.
Definition of Communication
The word “communication” is derived from the Latin
noun “communis” whose verb is “communicare” which
means “to share” or “to make common”.
Thus, communication means making ideas, opinions, or
information common, i.e. sharing of ideas, opinions, or
information.
Robert Anderson defines communication as the
“interchange of thoughts, opinions or information by
speech, writing or signs”.
Newman and Summer simply define communication
as “an exchange of facts, ideas, opinions or emotions
between two or more persons”.
Communication progresses by means of keeping in
touch.
When communication is referred to in an organizational
context, it is known as organizational communication.
Nowadays, communication can take place via new
media; synchronous and asynchronous communication.
Characteristics of Communication
Involves at least two persons – the sender and the
receiver.
Involves transfer of ideas, facts, emotions, gestures,
symbols, and or actions from sender to receiver.
Communication may be intentional or unintentional.
Comprehension/understanding is an essential
component of communication.
Communication is a two-way process (feedback from
the sender to the receiver is an essential part).
Communication is a dynamic process. i.e., it grows and
develops.
Communication Process
Communication is a process
A process has a purpose
A process involves more than one
element
A process requires connectivity among
the elements involved in the process
A process is driven or initiated by someone
or something. It does not usually happen on
its own.
For a process to be effective, there must
be feedback
The communication process is the transmission
of a message from a sender to a receiver in an
understandable manner.
Communication is a five-step process: The sender has
an idea – the idea becomes a message – the message is
transmitted – the receiver gets the message – the
receiver reacts and sends feedback.
The sender encodes the message which is sent to
the receiver.
The receiver decodes the message which is shared
by the sender.
How the Communication Process Works
Components of Communication
There are four basic components in the communication
process:
Sender.
Message
Medium/channel
Receiver
Effective Communication
Communication is successful only when the sender and
receiver listen and understand the message in the same way.
Successful communication must be clear and complete.
Purpose of Effective Communication in the
Social Context
Maintaining the social order.
Interaction among members of the community as well
as between communities.
Ensuring the continuance of culture.
Ensuring the flow of knowledge from generation to
generation.
Sharing and dissemination of knowledge.
Factors Affecting Communication
Status/Role
Choice of communication channels
Length of communication
Disabilities
Noise; e.g. physical, semantic, physiological,
psychological, cultural, technical
Lack of interest
Questions
