FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING

Communication is simply the act of transferring information from one place, person or group
to another. Communication educates, creates awareness and goes a long way to impact on the
lives of people. Communication is when a person or group of persons (sender) pass a
message through a channel to other person or group of persons and gets a feedback that
acknowledged the recipients’ understanding the message.

Definition

Communication is defined as the expression of thoughts and ideas, making known one’s idea
or feelings to other person or group.

The term communication is used to signify the process of transferring ideas or receiving it by
any means such as word of mouth, telephone, telegram, letter, message, etc. Thus,
communication stands for sharing of information, imparting or conveying ideas and
knowledge.

METHDOS OF COMMUNICATION

A connected team and a connected organization in today’s world is the only way we can
achieve greater things. Connections and relations are built with exchange of thoughts and
information. Communication serves as a valuable mechanism in building these connections
and engagement between people.

Communication is a very important skill and art. There are four different ways we
communicate with others. No matter what form of communication we choose, it is important
to have the right intention to connect with the other person.

1 . Oral/Verbal Communication

This is through the spoken words. It involves the exchange of message or information by
using words verbally through face to face or telephone conversations. It is the most common
type of conversation as it paves way to get feedback right after receiving the message. It is
known to be spontaneous as well. In verbal communication, the ability to listen and think
carefully before speaking is critical. Words, tones, and behaviour should convey interest and
concern. How something is said is as important as what is said. It is important to control
one’s emotion during verbal communication. A person’s tone or voice communicates
different emotions.
A person must be careful of the words or expressions to be said. Any word that has been
spoken cannot be taken back, so it is important to formulate expressions or sentences
carefully. Examples includes: Speaking, Shouting, Laughing, Crying, Hissing and Singing.

3. Non-Verbal Communication

Non-verbal communication is sending information without the use of words. It is mostly

through one’s body language, writing, hand gestures, eye-contacts, appearance, pitch and
tone of one’s voice, facial expression, body posture, Folded arms, Foot tapping, Nods,
Dancing, Smiling etc. one can communicate huge amount of feelings and emotions.

TYPES OF COMMUNICATION

1. Intra Personal Communication: This is communication within oneself. It includes the

justification one makes for one’s action.
2. Inter Personal Communication: This is person to person, face to face, verbal and non
verbal exchange of information, ideas, and feelings between individuals or small
groups
3. Mass Media communication: Passing or transmitting information messages to a large
range and diverse audience through some specialised media. Prints and electronics eg
newspaper, radio, television.