3.2.

Elements of Communication
On the basis of Figure 1.2, the elements of communication are as follows:
1. Sender
2. Message
3. Channel of communication
4. Receiver
5. Feedback
1. Sender: The sender is the person who initiates the process of communication. Whenever
the sender feels that there is a need to communicate some information to the other person
(receiver), he/she starts the process of communication. The sender must be aware of the
purpose of the communication and the receiver's abilities to understand the message in
terms of language, interest, etc.

2. Message: The message is created by the sender to convey the information, facts or
opinion to the receiver. The message should be clear and simple so that the receiver can
understand it in the same way as the sender desires. While creating a message, the sender
should take care of words, language, and meaning of the message if the message is to be
communicated in verbal or written form or he/she should take care of body language and
facial expression if the message is to be communicated in nonverbal form, along with the
abilities and professional competencies of the receiver.

3. Channels of communication: Communication channels are the medium through which

the message is communicated to the receiver. Channels of communication play an
important role in the process of communication. If the sender selects an appropriate
medium or channel of communication, there are more chances that the receiver will
receive the same message; or else, there are chances that the message may get distorted.
In this hi-tech era, there are a number of channels that can be used to communicate
message, e.g., mobile, e-mail, voice mail, person, radio, TV, Internet, blogs, etc.
Through proper channel is a common phrase used among the nurse
administrators/managers that signifies the importance of communication channels. For
example, a student of B.Sc nursing, II year, wants to communicate hostel problems to the
director of the institute. In order to reach to the intended receiver first, he/she should
communicate his/her message in the form of written application to the class teacher; the
class teacher will forward the application (message) to the principal and finally the

principal will forward the application to the director. That is how communication through
proper channel takes place. In this case, the class teacher and principal were the channels
of communication through which the message was communicated to the receiver
(director).
4. Receiver: The receiver is the person who receives the message. The receiver may be a
single person or a group of persons. The receiver understands the meaning of the message
and provides feedback to the sender. The receiver should have the same language ability,
comprehension, and cultural background as the sender. If not, it may lead to distorted
understanding of the meaning of the message by the receiver.

5. Feedback: It is the most crucial element of communication. It is provided by the receiver

to the sender. Receiving feedback is important for the sender to know that the receiver
has received the message and interpreted the meaning of the message in the desired way.
Without feedback, the process of communication cannot be complete. For example, when
you send a mobile SMS to your friend, you get feedback in the form of delivery report
that informs you whether your message has been delivered or not to the intended
receiver; it also happens in the same way in the case of e-mail.