Chapter 1 - Introduction to Communication Studies

Why is it Important to Study Communication?

1. Improve the WAY YOU SEE YOURSELF.

2. Improve the WAY OTHERS SEE YOU.

3. Understand HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS.

4. Teach you important LIFE SKILLS.

5. CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY.

6. SUCCEED professionally!

7. Understand our DIVERSE WORLD.

Definition of Communication

“Communication is the sharing of meaning between two or more people.” Assumes that communication is a

negotiation (back and forth) Perception of communication is what

is important What “image” has the other constructed

for you?

The Components of Communication

People [Sender & Receiver(s)] Message Channel Feedback Encoding & Decoding Noise

Components of Communication…

1. SOURCE: the person (or thing) that generates a message

2. RECEIVER: the intended target of a message (sometimes there is NOT one)

3. MESSAGE: the ‘thing’ being communicated; (un)intended

Components of Communication…

4. CHANNEL: the way(s) the message gets from the source to the receiver

5. ENCODING: turning an idea into code

6. DECODING: assigning meaning to a code

Components of Communication…

7. FEEDBACK: the way(s) the receiver responds to the message

8. NOISE: anything that interferes with the clarity of a message

The Interaction Model of Communication

Sender/Receiver

Encode Decode

Receiver/Sender

Channel

Noise

Decode EncodeChannel

Step 1

Step 2

Context

Communication: Sharing Meaning

Person 1 Person 2Communication

is the shared meaning

constructed between the two

people

CONTENT & RELATIONAL dimensions.

Communication Contexts

Intrapersonal Interpersonal (Dyadic) Small Group Public

Mass Computer Mediated Communication

(CMC)

Any Questions???

Group Activity

Choose a communication context. Using paper and markers, draw the

context. Identify –

Sender, Receiver, Message (Code; V/NV), Channel, Noise, Feedback, Context

Be prepared to present this to the class.