Effective Communication: Elements, Process & Barriers

Posted on Oct 16, 2024 in Physical Education

Effective Communication

Definition

Communication is the process by which an individual (the sender/issuer) sends a message to another individual (the receiver) using a code understood by both, through a channel that serves as the vehicle for the message.

Elements of Communication

  • Sender/Issuer: The one who prepares and sends the message; the source of information.
  • Receiver: The one who receives and interprets the message.
  • Message: The coded information transmitted verbally or nonverbally.
  • Channel: The medium through which the message is transmitted (e.g., voice, written text, visual signals).
  • Code: A systematically arranged set of rules used to convey the message in a way understandable to both sender and receiver (e.g., language).

The Communication Process

  1. Preparation and Encoding: The sender formulates the message and encodes it into a suitable format.
  2. Transmitting: The sender sends the message through the chosen channel.
  3. Receiving and Decoding: The receiver receives the message and decodes it to understand its meaning.
  4. Feedback: The receiver’s response to the message, which becomes a new message and reverses the roles of sender and receiver.

Types of Messages

  • Verbal Messages: Spoken words conveyed through oral-auditory channels.
  • Nonverbal Messages: Gestures, images, smells, sounds, silence, tone of voice, etc.
  • Mixed Messages: Combining verbal and nonverbal elements.

Barriers to Effective Communication

Factors Attributed to the Sender/Issuer:

  • Inability to express the intended meaning clearly.
  • Lack of knowledge of the receiver’s language or code.
  • Physical or mental limitations of the sender.
  • Not considering the receiver’s knowledge level.

Factors Attributed to the Receiver:

  • Distraction and inattention.
  • Misinterpretation of the message due to differences in understanding of symbols or codes.
  • Cultural differences between sender and receiver.

External Factors:

  • Environmental noise.
  • Interference, power failures, or technical issues with communication channels.

Enhancing Communication

  • Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
  • Active Listening: Paying attention to both verbal and nonverbal cues, responding appropriately, and confirming understanding.
  • Clarity and Simplicity: Ensuring the message is easy to understand.
  • Appropriate Language: Using language suitable for the context and audience.

Formal vs. Informal Communication

  • Formal Communication: Uses careful and precise language, typically in professional or official settings.
  • Informal Communication: Relaxed and spontaneous language used in everyday interactions with friends and family.

Internal vs. External Communication

  • Internal Communication: Communication within an organization, between individuals or groups.
  • External Communication: Communication between an organization and the outside world, such as customers and suppliers.

Additional Tips

  • A smile costs less than electricity and gives more light: A smile is a powerful nonverbal message that creates a positive environment.
  • Tuning: Occurs when both parties fully understand and agree on the meaning of a message.