TOPIC 1 COMMUNICATION: AN OVERVIEW INTRODUCTION This topic aims to give you an overview of communication in general.

It highlights different definitions of communication as offered by experts in the field. The topic also touches on types and models of communication. It then zooms in on oral communication, in particular, the forms it normally takes. Why do we need to study communication? From the time we were born, we communicated with the world. Even as babies, we babbled, cried, screamed and gurgled our way into our parents hearts (please refer to Figure 1.1). Then, as we grew up, we learnt words and began to communicate through language. Communication comes naturally to most of us except those who are physically challenged. Communication, just like love, makes the world go round. Studying about communication enables us to improve our skills at interacting with people. Professionally, people who are good communicators tend to do better in their careers. The good news is, effective communication is a skill that can be acquired if you make an effort to study the fundamentals of communication theories and principles.

1.1

WHAT IS COMMUNICATION?

Communication is an essential part of our lives. We communicate everyday with different people, at different times, in different ways. We communicate with ourselves in our thoughts. We also communicate with our family, friends, people at work, and people we meet (socially or professionally). At times, we may even need to communicate with a larger audience such as members of the public. Now, put on your thinking cap. Before looking at what experts have to say about communication, try and formulate some ideas about the nature of communication by drawing upon your prior knowledge. Reflect on these questions: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. What do you think communication is? Is it something static or does it involve a process? What happens during communication? Can a person communicate with himself? How many people does it take to communicate? In what ways can you communicate with another? Are geographical boundaries barriers to communication? How does information technology affect the nature of communication?

1.1.1

Defining Communication

Carl Rogers is one of the eminent psychologists of all time (please refer to Figure 1.2). Carl Rogers (1952) asserts that: Figure 1.2: Carl Rogers Source: http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/34/38434-004-065E4D77.jpg This is particularly apt in the case of oral communication as oral communication is not just speaking and articulating your thoughts well but also involves listening to what has been said and interpreting the message accurately as intended by the speaker. Elizabeth Tierney (1998) describes: "Communication as a process which begins when you have a message that you want to deliver to an audience. Your audience receives the message, reacts to it and then responds to your message. That response may lead you to react and give another message. This process may then go on and on."

The message can be anything that you wish to communicate to an audience. It may be an idea, a thought or a feeling that you wish to share with someone else. It can range from a simple greeting to a friend to a lengthy report at a formal meeting where many people may be present. What is important is that there is a sender and a receiver of the message. According to Julia T. Wood (2009): Communication is a systemic process in which people interact with and through symbols to create and interpret meanings. The key terms in this definition are:

Joseph Devito (2009) says that: Communication occurs when one person (or more) sends and receives messages that are distorted by noise, occur within a context, have some effect, and provide some opportunity for feedback. Process Systemic It happens within a system of interconnected parts that affect each other. Symbols These are what people use to represent things e.g. all language, non-verbal behaviours, art, and music. Meanings Any act of communication involves two essential aspects - the literal message and the relationship between those who communicate with each other. He lists six elements which are present in all communication acts: a) context : i- Physical 1.1.2 Types of Communication

According to Camp & Satterwhite (2002), there are three types of communication:

1.1.3

The Purposes of Communication

According to Camp & Satterwhite (2002), there are four main purposes of communication: i. ii. iii. iv. To inquire This involves obtaining information in various ways, for instance, by asking questions or through formulating questionnaires. To inform This entails the dissemination of information using different channels of communication. To persuade This aims to influence people and bring them round to your way of thinking. To develop goodwill This involves maintaining and forming cordial and harmonious relationships with people you are communicatin MODELS OF COMMUNICATION

1.2

In this section, you will learn about three models of communication: 1.2.1 Linear Model The linear model views communication as a one-way or linear process in which the speaker speaks and the listener listens. Laswells (1948) model was based on the five questions below, which effectively describe how communication works:

Shannon and Weavers (1949) model includes noise or interference that distorts understanding between the speaker and the listener. Figure 1.3 shows a linear model of communication:

Figure 1.3: A linear model of communication Source: Wood, J. T. (2009). Communication in our lives (4th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson-Wadsworth Top

1.2.2

Interactive Model

The main flaw in the linear model is that it depicts communication as a one-way process where speakers only speak and never listen. It also implies that listeners listen and never speak or send messages. Schramm (1955) in Wood (2009) came out with a more interactive model that saw the receiver or listener providing feedback to the sender or speaker. The speaker or sender of the message also listens to the feedback given by the receiver or listener. Both the speaker and the listener take turns to speak and listen to each other. Feedback is given either verbally or non-verbally, or in both ways. This model also indicates that the speaker and listener communicate better if they have common fields of experience, or fields which overlap (please refer to Figure 1.4):

Figure 1.4: An interactive model of communication Source: Wood, J. T. (2009). Communication in our lives (4th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson-Wadsworth

Top 1.2.3 Transactional Model

The main drawback in the interactive model is that it does not indicate that communicators can both send and receive messages simultaneously. This model also fails to show that communication is a dynamic process which changes over time. The transactional model shows that the elements in communication are interdependent. Each person in the communication act is both a speaker and a listener, and can be simultaneously sending and receiving messages. There are three implications in the transactional model: i. ii. iii. Transactional means that communication is an ongoing and continuously changing process. You are changing, the people with whom you arecommunicatingare changing, and your environment is also continually changing as well. In any transactional process, each element exists in relation to all the other elements. There is this interdependence where there can be no source without a receiver and no message without a source. Each person in the communication process reacts depending on factors such as their background, prior experiences, attitudes, cultural beliefs and self-esteem.

Figure 1.5 shows a transactional model of communication that takes into account noise or interference in communication as well as the time factor. The outer lines of the model indicate that communication happens within systems that both

communicators share (e.g., a common campus, hometown, and culture) or personal systems (e.g., family, religion, friends, etc). It also takes into account changes that happen in the communicators fields of personal and common experiences. The model also labels each communicator as both sender as well as receiver simultaneously.

Figure 1.5: A transactional model of communication Source: Wood, J. T. (2009). Communication in our lives (4th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson-Wadsworth.

1.3 N

FORMS OF ORAL COMMUNICATIO

Oral communication has been described as: The process of people using verbal and non-verbal messages to generate meanings within and across various contexts, cultures, channels and media. It encompasses various sets of skills including the ability to speak coherently and persuasively, understanding of communication theory and processess, knowledge of verbal and non-verbal cues, audience analysis, listening skills as well as communication ethics. In this section, we will describe seven forms that oral communication often takes:

1.3.1

Intrapersonal Communication

Intrapersonal communication is self-talk or a conversation you hold with yourself under certain circumstances for example, when you need to make an important decision or learn something about yourself. You may wonder whether intrapersonal communication is just another way of describing the thinking process. In a way, that would be correct.

Intrapersonal communication is a form of thinking that goes on inside us which relies on language to express itself. It is similar to the Shakespearean soliloquy where the character in question engages in self-talk to reflect on events that have transpired (please refer to Figure 1.6). Intrapersonal communication often increases self-awareness and mindfulness, and hones critical thinking skills.

1.3.2

Interpersonal Communication

Interpersonal communication is communication between several people. This form of communication may range from the impersonal to the very personal. Impersonal communication is when you talk with a person you do not really care about there is often a coldness or an indifference in your attitude when you engage in this kind of communication. Then, there is social communication where you engage in niceties with people you meet in a social context. The most personal type of communication occurs when you talk with people who are close to you, for example, your best friend, family members and colleagues. Such relationships are interdependent, meaning that the actions of one party very often directly affects the other party. Interpersonal communication can take place face to face as well as through electronic channels like video-conferencing, chat rooms, e-mail and Twitter.

1.3.3 Small Group Communication

Small group communication takes place in a group, usually comprising five to 10 people (please refer to Figure 1.7). This form of communication serves relationship needs (like companionship, family bonding and affection or support) as well as task-based needs, for example, deciding on disciplinary action or resolving conflict in the workplace. In academic institutions, students often form small groups which meet regularly for study discussions or to work collaboratively on projects. At the workplace, small groups may meet to discuss issues related to work, or for problem-solving or team-building purposes. Learning to communicate effectively in teams contributes to success and advancement in many careers. Small group communication allows you to interact with others, be it at home, in school, at the workplace or in public. You learn to exchange ideas, solve problems and share experiences.

1.3.4

Public Communication

Public communication, also known as public speaking, involves communication between a speaker and an audience. This audience may range from just a few people to thousands or even millions of people. The aim of the speaker is usually to inform or to persuade the audience to act,

buy, or think in a certain way. A teacher may address an assembly of students on codes of behaviour or school rules. A politician may make speeches on how he will be dealing with certain issues in order to win their votes. An executive may give a business presentation to get more sales. It is important to understand some of the basic principles of effective public speaking so that you are able to influence, persuade as well as entertain your audience when you communicate with them.

1.3.5

Mass Communication

Mass communication is communication that is sent out from a source to many receivers all over the world. It takes place through media like films, radio, videos and television. Modern avenues of mass communication like the Internet and blogs can be very powerful indeed as information is disseminated instantly.

1.3.6

Corporate Communication

Corporate communication is communication that takes place among members of an organisation, within that organisation. Interacting in teams, conferencing with co-workers, talking with a supervisor or manager, giving employees explanations and directions, interviewing and making presentations are some examples of corporate communication. Effective corporate communication skills enhance corporate image and impact positively on morale, commitment, and productivity in corporations. Is corporate communication compatible with morality and ethics? Please view the following thought-provoking video and form your own opinions on this matter:

1.3.7

Intercultural Communication

Intercultural communication is communication between people of diverse cultures and ethnicity. The world is increasingly becoming a global village and every country has people of various ethnicities. Thus, it is important to note differences in the communication practices of different cultures if intercultural harmony and understanding is to be maintained. For example, in many Asian countries, students will seldom contradict or disagree with a teacher in the classroom as this shows disrespect. In Western academic institutions, however, it is the norm for students to think for themselves and engage their teachers in debate and discussion. It is important to make efforts to recognise and respect the communication practices of people from different cultures and nationalities.

10.4 INVITING PARTICIPATION

At the end of your talk, you can invite questions and comments from the floor. However, you have to be cautious. Generally, at the end of speeches, speakers do not invite participation from the floor, for example, on occasions such as a school assembly or Childrens Day celebrations. Some useful phrases to invite participation are as follows:

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the end of my talk. Now let me open the floor for any questions or comments.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, concludes my talk for the day. I now invite questions and comments from the floor.