Human Communication: Process, Elements, and Workplace Tips

Posted on Jan 14, 2025 in Other subjects

Communication

Key dimension of human existence, the essential difference between animals and humans. Communication is essential; we are unable to live in isolation. We are bound from before birth.

Field of study of social sciences, explaining communicative exchanges and how they affect society.

The Nature of Communication

Communication involves several key elements:

  • Dynamic: It is constantly changing.
  • Inevitable: One cannot avoid communicating.
  • Irreversible: Once a message is sent, it cannot be stopped.
  • Bi-directional: Both parties express themselves.

“With so many media, man had never felt so alone.”

Communication Process

A sender transmits a message to a receiver through a channel.

Sender

  • Experiences the need to communicate
  • Crafts a message
  • Encodes the message
  • Delivers the information

Receiver

  • Receives the information
  • Reconstructs the message
  • Interprets the sender’s need

Feedback: A method to regulate one’s own words.

Elements of Communication

1. Technical

  • Message: Expresses the purpose of the sender
  • Code: Syntax of the message
  • Channel: Sound system and syntax
  • Feedback: Return of information

2. Psychological

  • Sender: The most important element; without it, there can be no communication. The sender encodes and sends the information.

The sender can use different types of communication:

  • Objective Communication: There is no room for discussion (used in science).
  • Expressive Communication: Conveys emotions, feelings, and the inner self.
  • Persuasive Communication: Attempts to convince others.
  • Critical Communication: Expresses personal and subjective opinions, potentially causing conflicts.

Types of Communication

Interpersonal Communication

Successful oral communication depends on factors that favor it, such as common experiences, similar culture or subculture, social class, ethnicity, and profession. It is subjective and depends on the theory of persons.

Nonverbal Communication

  • Interpersonal Distance
  • Visual Contact
  • Smile

Communication and Personality

  • The importance of empathy (understanding others, intelligence, social sensitivity)
  • Isolation and personality (common empathic ability)
  • Allport: tolerant personality, emotional resilience

Barriers to Good Communication

Sender

  • Lack of clarity
  • Unclarified assumptions
  • Poorly expressed message
  • Message not delivered

Receiver

  • Lack of attention
  • Emotional effects
  • Transmission loss
  • Social or work-related prejudice
  • Premature evaluation

Communication at Work

A fundamental task of the chief is to process data and information that must be translated for their employees.

How to Sustain Attention While Listening

  • Maintain eye contact with the person.
  • Be attentive to understand concepts.
  • Design an activity of interest and openness.
  • Indicate that you are listening through interventions.
  • Create an atmosphere of trust.

Tips for Effective Communication

Sender

  • Have a clear idea.
  • Understand and have knowledge of the interlocutor.
  • Craft a message with a specific purpose.
  • Use the appropriate channel.

Receiver

  • Have the ability and interest to capture the message.
  • Accept the source of information (respect).
  • Listen to the full message.
  • Provide feedback.
  • Perform the actions and responses indicated in the message.