What is the communication process?

The communication process refers to a series of actions or steps taken in order

to successfully communicate. It involves several components such as the
sender of the communication, the actual message being sent, the encoding of
the message, the receiver and the decoding of the message. There are also
various channels of communication to consider within the communication
process. This refers to the way a message is sent. This can be through various
mediums such as voice, audio, video, writing email, fax or body language. The
overall goal of the communication process is to present an individual or party
with information and have them understand it. The sender must choose the
most appropriate medium in order for the communication process to have
worked successfully.
process
The communication process has several components that enable the
transmission of a message. Here are the various parts:

Sender: This is the person that is delivering a message to a recipient.

Message: This refers to the information that the sender is relaying to the
receiver.
Channel of communication: This is the transmission or method of delivering
the message.
Decoding: This is the interpretation of the message. Decoding is performed by
the receiver.
Receiver: The receiver is the person who is getting or receiving the message.
Feedback: In some instances, the receiver might have feedback or a response
for the sender. This starts an interaction.
Related: The Components of Effective Workplace Communication
How does the communication process work?
In order to successfully communicate, it's important to understand how the
process works. Here are the seven steps in the communication process:

 The sender develops an idea to be sent.

 The sender encodes the message.
 The sender selects the channel of communication that will be used.
 The message travels over the channel of communication.
 The message is received by the receiver.
 The receiver decodes the message.
 The receiver provides feedback, if applicable.
1. The sender develops an idea to be sent
The beginning of the communication process involves the sender creating an
idea that they plan to send to another person or group of people. Essentially,
they're planning the overall subject matter or information they want to transmit.

2. The sender encodes the message

Once the sender develops an idea, they translate it into a form that can be
transmitted to someone else. This means they transform the thoughts of the
information they want to send into a certain format. For example, if you are
writing a letter, you'll translate your idea into words. The message can also be
nonverbal, oral or symbolic.

3. The sender selects the channel of communication that will be used

Next, the sender decides how the message will be sent. This involves selecting
the most suitable medium for the message they're relaying. Some
communication mediums include speaking, writing, electronic transmission or
nonverbal communication. If you're communicating at work, make sure to
select the proper and most professional channel of communication.

4. The message travels over the channel of communication

After the medium is chosen, the message then begins the process of
transmission. The exact process of this will depend on the selected medium. In
order for the message to be properly sent, the sender should have selected the
appropriate medium.

5. The message is received by the receiver

Next, the message is received by the recipient. This step in the communication
process is done by hearing the message, seeing it, feeling it or another form of
reception.

6. The receiver decodes the message

The receiver then decodes the sender's message. In other words, they interpret
it and convert it into a thought. After they've done this, they analyze the
message and attempt to understand it. The communication process is
performed effectively when the sender and receiver have the same meaning for
the transmitted message.

7. The receiver provides feedback, if applicable

Lastly, unless it's a one-way communication, the receiver will provide feedback
in the form of a reply to the original sender of the message. Feedback provides
the recipient with the ability to ensure the sender that their message was
properly received and interpreted. Between two people, this is two-way
communication.

Importance of good communication:

Team building – Building effective teams is really all about how those team
members communicate and collaborate together. By implementing effective
strategies, such as those listed below, to boost communication you will go a
long way toward building effective teams. This, in turn, will improve morale
and employee satisfaction.

Gives everyone a voice – As mentioned above, employee satisfaction can rely a

lot on their having a voice and being listened to, whether it be in regards to an
idea they have had or about a complaint they need to make. Well established
lines of communication should afford everyone, no matter their level, the ability
to freely communicate with their peers, colleagues and superiors.

Innovation – Where employees are enabled to openly communicate ideas

without fear of ridicule or retribution they are far more likely to bring their idea
to the table. Innovation relies heavily on this and an organisation which
encourages communication is far more likely to be an innovative one.

Growth – Communication can be viewed both internally and externally. By

being joined up internally and having strong lines of communication you are
ensuring that the message you are delivering externally is consistent. Any
growth project relies on strong communication and on all stakeholders, whether
internal or external, being on the same wavelength.

Strong management – When managers are strong communicators, they are

better able to manage their teams. The delegation of tasks, conflict management,
motivation and relationship building (all key responsibilities of any manager)
are all much easier when you are a strong communicator. Strong
communication is not just the ability to speak to people but to empower them to
speak to each other – facilitating strong communication channels is key.
TYPES OF COMMUNICATION

What Is Verbal Communication?

Verbal communication is interpersonal communication that includes oral
communication, written communication, and sign language.
Verbal communication relies on words to convey meaning between two or more
people.

What Is Nonverbal Communication?

Nonverbal communication encompasses a whole host of physicalized nonverbal
cues that convey emotional states and complement verbal messages. Nonverbal
human communication involves many different parts of the body and can be
either conscious or subconscious on the part of the communicator.

Types of Nonverbal Communication

There are many different types of nonverbal communication,
including kinesics (body movement), proxemics (closeness and personal space),
body posture, haptics (touch), and paralanguage, which includes facial
expression, speaking volume, and tone of voice. These nonverbal cues all
contribute to how verbal communication is understood, either clarifying a
message or leading to misinterpretation.

1.  Kinesics (or body movements): These include deliberate hand gestures

and head movements like a thumbs-up or affirmative head shake. This is
one of the most easily controllable of the nonverbal forms of
communication.
2. Proxemics (or closeness/personal space): This is the measure of
physical distance between people when they communicate. The standard
amount of personal space expected by someone varies depending on
setting and is somewhat culture-specific.
3. Posture: The way that you sit or stand and how open your body is to
others around you communicates a lot about your attitude and emotional
state.
4. Eye contact: This is one of the primary ways that human beings gauge
interest or disinterest. Wavering eyes tend to communicate unease or
even dishonesty.
5.  Touch: Many interactions begin with an exchange of physical touch like
a hug or a handshake.
 6. Paralanguage: This category covers vocal qualities like loudness or tone
of voice. Paralinguistic signals are any aspect of the sound of a voice
outside a direct verbal translation of words being spoken.
7. Facial expressions: Facial expressions are one of the main indicators of
someone’s attitude. An emotional expression like a frown or smile can be
hard to consciously control.
8. Physiology: This category includes changes in body physiology like an
increase in sweat or blinking rapidly. These are nearly impossible to
deliberately control.

Principles of effective communication

The principles of effective communication include:

 Awareness: Communication begins with self-awareness. To be an

effective communicator, you need to be aware of your thoughts, feelings,
and behaviors and understand how they may impact how you
communicate. Awareness of your communication style, strengths, and
weaknesses can help you adapt and improve your communication with
others.
 Responsibility: Responsibility is an important principle of effective
communication. Effective communication requires taking responsibility
for your message and the way it is received. This means being mindful of
the words you use, the tone of your voice, and your nonverbal cues and
ensuring that your message is clear, concise, and appropriate for the
audience. It also means being willing to take responsibility for any
misunderstandings or miscommunications.
 Respect: Respect is a fundamental principle of effective communication.
This means treating others with dignity and courtesy and being mindful
of their feelings and perspectives. It also means being open-minded and
willing to consider different viewpoints and being willing to compromise
and find common ground.
 Trust: Trust is a key principle of effective communication. It means being
honest and transparent in your communication and building mutual trust
and respect with your audience. Building trust is essential because it
allows individuals to be more open and honest in their communication,
leading to more effective problem-solving and decision-making.
 Creativity: Creativity is another essential principle of effective
communication. It means being open to new ideas, thinking outside the
box, and being willing to take risks. Creativity allows individuals to come
up with new and innovative solutions to problems and communicate in
 engaging and memorable ways. This can be beneficial in marketing,
advertising, or public speaking situations.

By practicing these principles of effective communication everyday will help

you become better at communicating and expressing your thoughts and ideas.

Types of Communication Barriers

 Psychological Barriers:
The psychological condition of the receiver will power how the message is
received. Stress management is a significant personal skill that affects our
interpersonal relationships. For example, Anger is a psychological barrier to
communication. When we are angry, it is simple to say things that we may
afterwards regret and also to misunderstand what others are saying. Also,
people with low self-esteem may be less self-assured and therefore may not feel
comfortable communicating.

 Physical Communication Barriers:

Communication is usually easier over shorter distances as more communication
channels are obtainable, and less technology is obligatory. Although modern
technology often serves to decrease the crash of physical barriers, the
advantages and disadvantages of each communication channel should be
unspoken so that a suitable channel can be used to overcome the physical
barriers.

 Physiological Barriers:
Physiological barriers may affect the receiver’s physical condition. For
example, a receiver with condensed hearing may not grab the sum of a spoken
conversation, especially if there is significant surroundings noise.

 Language Barriers:
Language and linguistic aptitude may act as a barrier to communication.
However, even when communicating in a similar language, the terms used in a
message may act as a barrier if it is not easy to understand by the receiver.

 Attitudinal Barriers:
Attitudinal barriers are perceptions that stop people from communicating well.
Attitudinal barriers to communication may effect from poor management,
personality conflicts, and battle to change, or a lack of motivation. Active
receivers of messages should challenge to overcome their attitudinal barriers to
assist effective communication.

Effective communication consists of 7 C’s

1. Clarity: Clarity refers to the ability to communicate clearly and

straightforwardly. This means using simple, direct language that is easy
to understand. Transparency is essential because it ensures that the
message is received accurately and that there is no confusion.
2. Coherence: Coherence refers to the ability to organize and present
information in a logical and orderly manner. This means the message
should be structured in a way that is easy to follow, and different parts of
the message should be connected and make sense together. Coherence is
crucial because it helps ensure the message is received and understood
correctly.
3. Confidence: Confidence refers to the ability to communicate with
assurance and conviction. This means speaking in a powerful, self-
assured way that projects a sense of belief. Confidence is necessary
because it helps to build trust and credibility with the audience. When a
speaker is confident, the audience is more likely to believe and trust.
4. Concrete: Concrete refers to the ability to communicate specific
information and details rather than generalities or abstract concepts. This
means providing clear examples, facts, and data to support the message.
Concrete communication is essential because it helps the audience to
understand and remember the message more efficiently.
5. Correctness: Correctness refers to the accuracy and appropriateness of
the language and information used in communication. This means using
proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation and providing accurate and
reliable information. Correctness is vital because it helps to build
credibility and trust with the audience.
6. Conciseness: Conciseness refers to the ability to communicate the
message in as few words as possible without sacrificing clarity or
completeness. This means being succinct and avoiding unnecessary
information or repetition. Conciseness is essential because it helps to hold
the audience’s attention and make the message more memorable.
7. Courtesy: Courtesy refers to the ability to communicate politely and
respectfully. This means using appropriate language, tone, and nonverbal
cues and considering the audience’s perspective and needs. Courtesy is
 essential because it helps to create positive relationships and foster a
respectful and professional environment.

Together, effective communication consists of these 7 C’s help to create a clear,

accurate, concise, and courteous message that is more likely to be received and
understood correctly by the audience.