Unit 4: Communication Handwritten Notes

The Communication Process and Barriers

The document systematically breaks down the eight step communication process. It begins with the Sender who has an idea, followed by the Message or content. The idea is then converted into words or symbols through Encoding. The Channel or medium is the path the message travels. The Receiver gets the message and performs Decoding, which is the act of interpreting the message. The final element is Feedback, the response that confirms understanding. Throughout this process, Noise is identified as anything that interrupts or disturbs the exchange. The guide then addresses specific barriers, which include Physical barriers like noise or distance, Physiological barriers such as nerve disorders, Psychological barriers, Semantic or language barriers caused by jargons, and Cultural barriers due to a lack of similarities across different cultures.

Types and Levels of Communication

The guide thoroughly explains the two main types of communication. Verbal communication is the exchange of information using words, split into oral and written forms. Non Verbal communication, or body language, is the transmission of messages through non verbal platforms. Non verbal elements are categorized into Vocalics (voice quality like tone and pitch), Kinesics (body movements and gestures), Oculesics (eye contact), Haptics (touch based communication like a handshake), Proxemics (use of space), and Chronemics (use of time like punctuality). The notes also cover the five levels of communication: Intrapersonal (with oneself), Interpersonal (between two people), Group, Public (one person to a large audience), and Mass Communication (through mass media). Finally, it differentiates between formal communication, which follows rules and official hierarchy, and informal communication, which happens naturally and casually, often referred to as the Grapevine.

Effective Communication

The document concludes by emphasizing the seven C’s of effective communication. For a message to be functionally useful, it must have Clarity, be easy to understand, and be Conciseness, short and to the point. It must exhibit Correctness, meaning the information is accurate and right. Messages should have Completeness, giving all necessary details, and Concreteness, being exact and specific. Lastly, communication requires Courtesy, being polite and respectful, and Consideration, thinking about the receiver’s feelings and needs.