UNIT I.

COMMUNICATION: ITS NATURE, TYPES AND LEVELS; ELEMENTS

OF COMMUNICATION
Overview
This unit deals with Communication, particularly its nature, types and levels. It also covers
the various elements of communication. As you proceed with the lessons, you will also be apprised
of the so-called communication barriers. Along the way, you will get information on what listening
is and its kinds. Importantly, at the same time, you will be made to understand communication as a
process as well as the different principles and ethical standards of communication.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the unit, I am able to:

1. Define and explain the nature of communication;
2. identify and discuss the different elements of communication;
3. identify the various communication barriers;
4. define what effective listening is;
5. differentiate hearing and listening;
6. discuss the different levels of listening;
7. cite some tips on how to become a good listener;
8. familiarize themselves with the communication process;
9. explain the steps involved in the communication process;
10. define ethics in relation to communication;
11. elucidate the various ethical standards of communication; and
12. cite specific examples as to how these ethical standards of communication can be
applied in real life situations.

Setting Up

Name:______________________________________________________ Date:__________________
Course/Year/Section: _____________________________________

Imagine a world without communication? Do you think this is possible? What would most
likely happen if there is no communication among humans? You will most certainly say this is not
possible at all. The truth is, human beings are gifted with speech, making them capable of speaking
and expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Assuming that you were taken back in time during the past, what would you ask or say to
the following persons/personalities:

1. Jesus Christ-- during His time on earth with His disciples.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________.

2. Dr. Jose Rizal – before he was executed at Bagumbayan on December 30, 1896.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________.

Lesson Proper

The Nature of Communication

As we all know, human communication is vital for survival and it is one thing in life that we
cannot avoid doing.

Communication comes from two (2) Latin words:

1. ‘communis’, which means ‘common’, meaning “to come together” or “to commune”; and
2. ‘communicare’, which means “to share something”.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the definitions of “communication”.

 Communication is the process of exchanging ideas, thoughts, feelings and emotions
from one person to another with the use of symbols which may be verbal and/or non-
verbal and aims for understanding.
 Communication involves imparting ideas, concepts, and data to a group of listeners.
 Leagans define communication as a process by which two or more people exchange
ideas, facts, feelings or impression in such ways that each gains a common
understanding of the meaning and use of messages.
 Communication is about two people talking such as with a sibling, a parent, a teacher,
or a face-to-face conversation in real life or even via the Internet.
 Communication is the sharing of ideas among a bunch of individuals. It is imparting
concepts to an audience. It is sharing of experiences publicly for the common good.
The Types of Communication

1. VERBAL COMMUNICATION
2. ORAL COMMUNICATION

3. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
 4. NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION

The Levels of Communication

1. Intrapersonal Communication
2. Interpersonal Communication

3. Small Group Communication

4. One-to-group Communication

5. Mass Communication
 6. Computer-Mediated Communication

This level of communication basically and principally makes use of computer connected to
the internet and various websites.

The Elements of Human Communication

1. Sender - is the one who initiates or starts the communication.
2. Receiver - the individual whom the message is directed. The receiver also provides the
sender with feedback which may prompt the sender to clarify the message.
3. Message – is the central idea of the communication process. It is made up of the ideas
and feelings that a sender-receiver wants to share with others. The message is may be
sent either through verbal symbols – expressed through words or non-verbal symbols –
expressed through gestures, inflection, tone, etc.
4. Channel - the means through which we transmit the message in either vocal or non-
vocal messages. Vocal messages are verbal and spoken. Non-vocal messages could also
be expressed in words or non-verbal symbols
5. Feedback - the response of the sender-receiver to each other.
6. Noise – any unwanted sound that interferes or bars the message from being understood
or interpreted. Noise is an impediment to clear communication. Noise can be external or
internal.
 External noise comes from the physical environment.
  Internal noise comes from the psychological and sociological nature of individuals
when thoughts and feelings are engrossed on something other than the
communication at hand.
7. Context - refers to the surrounding or environment that helps shape the interaction
between individuals.
 Physical context is the physical environment where the communication takes place.
 Social context refers to the relationship the participants hold for each other.
 Psychological context has to do with the mood and emotions of the communicators
at the moment of communication.

References
Adler, Ronald B. and Rodman G. (2009) Understanding human communication, New York:Oxford
University Press

McCroskey and Wheeless, L.R. Introduction to Human Communication, Boston: Allyn & Bacon

https://www.google.com/search?
q=levels+of+communication+ppt&oq=Levels+of+&aqs=chrome.0.69i59j69i57.12434j0j7&sourceid
=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Assessing Learning
Activity 1
Name:______________________________________________________ Score:__________________
Course/Year/Section: ___________________________________ Date:___________________
Directions: Answer the following questions:

1. Explain briefly each of the definitions of communication as mentioned in the first part of
this Unit.

a. Definition No. 1
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

b. Definition No. 2
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

c. Definition No. 3
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

d. Definition No. 4
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

e. Definition No. 5
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

2. Cite at least 2 examples of each type of communication.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________
Activity 2

Name:______________________________________________________ Score:__________________
Course/Year/Section: ___________________________________ Date:___________________

Directions: Make your mind work by expressing your answer to the given questions below:

1. Which do you think is more effective: Verbal Communication or Non-Verbal

Communication? Defend your answer.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Argue: There are more advantages and only a few disadvantages of the computer-mediated
communication.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Agree or Disagree: With the technology we have now, personal or face-to-face

communication among members of the family is no longer as close, common, or as intimate
as it should be
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________

Setting Up

Name:______________________________________________________ Date:__________________
Course/Year/Section: ___________________________________

Have you heard about the Tower of Babel?

The Tower of Babel narrative in Genesis 11:1–9 is an origin myth meant to explain why the
world's peoples speak different languages. It is said that the Tower of Babel represents the pride of
mankind wanting to reach the heavens and be their own gods. It represents the unification of all
people in error. Because of their pride, which is a sin, the same sin that caused Lucifer to rebel, God
divided them by making them speak different languages. Because of this, mankind could no longer
understand each other, thus forcing them to go separate ways according to the language they spoke.
In effect, there was a barrier – language barrier – that hindered them from understanding one
another. This explains why there are English, Russian, Chinese, Australian, Japanese, Filipino, etc.
which are distinct and unique languages spoken in the different parts of the world.
Given this background, answer the following questions:
 1. If you were introduced to a foreigner whose language you don’t speak, what would you
do or say?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________

2. Assume that you’re a Filipina candidate in the Miss International beauty pageant who
was luckily included in the final 5. Just before you were asked to answer the final
question, you felt so nervous that you seemed to be not ready for any question. Would
you ask an interpreter to translate the question into Filipino language? Or you would
still answer in pure English? Why?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________

Lesson Proper

What is Communication Barrier?

Simply put, a barrier is a hindrance. Thus, communication barriers are factors that hinder
clear and understandable communication between the sender and the receiver.
The following are the kinds of communication barriers:

1. Physical Barriers to Communication

They are the foremost obvious barriers to effective communication. It include
barriers like closed doors, vehicular noise, faulty equipment used for communication, closed
cabins, etc. Sometimes, during an outsized office, the physical separation between various
employees combined with faulty equipment may end in severe barriers to effective
communication.

2. Perceptual Barriers
Different people perceive the same things differently. This is a truth which we must
consider during the communication process. All the messages or communique must be easy
and clear. There shouldn’t be any room for a diverse interpretational set.
3. Emotional Barriers
The emotional IQ of an individual determines the convenience and luxury with
which they will communicate. A person who is emotionally mature are ready to
communicate effectively. On the opposite hand, people that let their emotions take over will
face certain difficulties.
A perfect mixture of emotions and facts is important for effective communication.
Emotions like anger, frustration, humor, can blur the decision-making capacities of an
individual and thus limit the effectiveness of their communication.

4. Cultural Barriers
As the world is getting more and more globalized, any large office may have people
from several parts of the planet. Different cultures have a special meaning for several basic
values of society. Dressing, Religions or lack of them, food, drinks, pets, and therefore the
general behavior will change drastically from one culture to a different.
Hence it's a requirement that we must take these different cultures under
consideration while communication. This is what we call being culturally appropriate. In
many multinational companies, special courses are offered at the orientation stages that
permit people realize other cultures and the way to be courteous and tolerant of others.
5. Language Barriers
The barrier is one among the most barriers that limit effective communication.
Language is that the most ordinarily employed tool of communication. The fact that every
major region has its own language is one among the barriers to effective communication.
As per some estimates, the dialects of every two regions change within a few
kilometers. Even within the same workplace, different employees will have different
linguistic skills. As a result, the communication channels that span across the organization
would be suffering from this.
Thus, keeping this barrier in mind, different considerations need to be made for
various employees. Some of them are very proficient in a certain language and others will
be okay with these languages.

6. Gender barriers to communication

These barriers can incite problems at home and in the workplace. Societal
stereotypes, assumed gender roles can contribute to a communication gap between the
sexes. Men and ladies have assigned roles in society that exacerbate to the gender divide; it
is vital to remember, however, that not all men and ladies fit into a labeled category.
Recognizing the common differences and similarities may be a initiative toward creating
understanding.