NOTES on A Model of Communication

Elements of Communication
I. Communicator: (Definition) a person who is able to convey or exchange information,
news, or ideas, especially one who is eloquent or skilled.

(What a communicator does)

A. Sends messages to other people

B. Receives messages from other people

II. Messages: (Definition) a verbal, written, or recorded communication sent to or left for a
recipient who cannot be contacted directly.

A. Types

1. Verbal: (Definition) Verbal communication is the use of words to convey a

message. Some forms of verbal communication are written and oral
communication
2. Nonverbal: (Definition) Nonverbal communication is the transfer of information
through the use of body language including eye contact, facial expressions,
gestures and more. 

B. Delivery

1. Vocal: (Definition) Vocal communication may refer to: Speech, as a form of

human communication

2. Nonvocal: (Definition) Doesn’t use speech as a form of delivery. Does not

come out of the mouth

III. Process of Communication

A. Encoding: (Definition) Encoding is the process of turning thoughts into

communication. The encoder uses a ‘medium’ to send the message — a
phone call, email, text message, face-to-face meeting, or other
communication tool.
 B. Decoding: (Definition) Decoding is the process of turning communication
into thoughts. 

(What influences the process)

1. Culture

2. Age

3. Economic-level

4. Life experiences

IV. Channel: (Definition) How information is sent from one communicators to others

(What dictates the choice of channels)

A. Cultural expectations
B. Content of the message
C. Generational expectations of appropriate behavior

V. Noise: (Definition) anything that interferes the communication process and influences
how people understand each other.

(Types, Definition of each type, example of each type)

A. External Noise – any peripheral noise that interrupts communication

Example: Someone interrupting the conversation, noisy environment, hot room

B. Psychological Noise - Thoughts within the communicators’ mind that interrupts

communication.
Example: Being worried about something else, your mind is pe-occupied

C. Physiological Noise – An individual’s biology interrupting the communication

Example: Ailments, hearing impairments, diseases

VI. Context: It is where communication takes place and rules people are supposed to
follow