Communication

Communication is the meaningful interaction with people in such a manner that the ideal that the ideal thought is same and getting the feedback also. Communication is commonly defined as “the exchange of thoughts, ideas, feelings, information,opinions, and knowledge”. It also involves mutuality of understanding.

Definitions of Communication:

• Communication is meaningful interaction.
• Communication is information sharing.
• Communication is a link force.
• Communication is understanding.
• Communication is fundamental requisite of life.

Important Characteristics of Communication:

• It is a 2-way process.
• Communication process happens between or among two or more parties. (Sender and Receiver)
• Communication involves exchange of ideas, feelings, information, thoughts, and knowledge.
• Communication involves mutuality of understanding between Sender and Receiver.
• There are two types of Communication i.e., Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication.

Basic model of Communication/Communication Process:

Source/ Sender: Person who wants to convey something formulates a message, which can be best, understood and interpreted by the receiver. He is the originator and responsible for the content.
Encoding: The message which is to be conveyed to the receiver is converted cautiously as meaningful sentences, gestures, signs, etc. This is done keeping in mind various aspects like the attitude, perception and cultural background of the person.
Channel: The channel is the medium through which the message travels. This medium could be formal or informal. It is in context of the comfort level and social norms. For example, speaking to a friend would be an informal channel.
Decoding: Receiver interprets the message, which entirely depends upon his/her perception, cultural background, attitude, understanding, etc.
Receiver: Person towards whom the message is finally directed.
Feedback: This is very important and is aimed at reconfirming, what the sender wanted to send has been correctly interpreted and understood at the receiver or not.

Forms/ Types of  Communication:

Verbal Communication:

1. Oral Communication: Oral communication is information spoken by mouth; the use of speech. Some of the examples of Oral Communication are: Face to face communication,Telephonic Communication, Public Address System (Speech), Informal rumor mill (Grape Wine), Audio & Visual Media(Radio, TV), Lectures, Conference-Interchange of views, Meetings, Cultural Affairs.
2. Written Communication: Communication by means of written symbols (either printed or handwritten). Some of the examples are: Orders, Instructions, Letters, Memos, Reports, Policy manuals, Information Bulletin, Complaint System, Suggestion System, etc

Nonverbal Communication:

1. Body Language includes facial expression, eye contact, postures, gestures, touch.
2. Para Language is the way we say something rather than what we say, is another nonverbal code.
3. Space and Time Language:
   
   Space Language includes surroundings (Design & Language). It communicates social status also.
4. Sign Language: A sign language is a language which, instead of conveyed sound patterns, uses visually transmitted sign patterns.