Table of Contents
What is Communication?
Communication is a process where an individual can share information, thoughts, sign, love and expression with other individuals.
The origin of communication dates back to the beginning of creation, when humans first became aware of their needs and necessities. Then they began to communicate with others by sending letters tied to pigeons. After invention of machines, elections such as mobile, computer, telegraph, telegram, internet the medium of communication go through significant changes.
Message arrived a mass audience by using of various types of medium in a communication process. That is why communication theorist Marshall McLuhan stated in his book “Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man” that the medium is the message.”
Elements of Communication
Several essential elements are required for effective communication. Some of these are outlined below:
- Source: The source is the first component of communication system. In order to engage in communication, an individual must work with various types of information. Collected information must be followed by accuracy and transparency because of effective communication depands on ethical sources.
- Sender: Communication is a complex process that requires an active participant. The process begins when an individual sends a message. The sender initiates the act of communication.
- Message: Communication partly depends on the message. The message should be relevant to the recipient; otherwise, the process may become ineffective. Messages are often personal, reflecting the individuality of the sender. The sender communicates about topics that interest them or are important to them.
- Receiver: The receiver is the one who receives the message from the sender and responds accordingly. The communication process cannot be completed without the receiver’s interpretation and reaction.
- Channels: The medium or channel is a crucial component in communication. Channels can be of various types, such as mobile phones, which allow both voice and video interaction. In addition, platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, Reddit, and LinkedIn also serve as communication channels. In the past, people exchanged information through letters—a method not too distant in time. With the evolution of time, communication channels have developed and become more advanced.
6. Noise: Noise is any kind of interference or barrier in the communication process. This can include environmental noise, pronunciation issues, grammatical errors, physical disabilities, etc. Overcoming these barriers is essential for successful communication.
7. Feedback: Without feedback, the communication process becomes incomplete. If you receive a message but do not respond, the communication halts. Through feedback, we learn new things, gain understanding, and can address the limitations within the communication process.
8. Field of Experience: Talking about communication without discussing experience is incomplete. Field of experience refers to the background knowledge and experiences an individual brings into a communication situation. It involves what topics you have worked on and what experiences you’ve gained in those areas, including discussions and interactions with others related to those topics.
In addition to these, communication also includes several other interrelated components. Communication is a complex process that helps individuals fulfill their daily needs and can even shape someone into a person with exceptional personality.
