The transfer of information and common understanding from one person to another
Communis
A Latin word which means to make something common or to share
Communication process
Transmission of meaning, ideas and feelings
Unless a common understanding results from the transmission of information, there is no communication
Elements of Communication
Sender
Receiver
Message
Channel/Medium
Feedback
Encoding
Decoding
Noise
Sender
The person who initiates the conversation and creates a message
Receiver
The recipient of the information
Message
The information created by the source or sender
Channel/Medium
The carrier of messages. This is the way the information travels between the sender and the receiver
Feedback
The receiver's response to the sender's message
Encoding
The sender's process of converting ideas into understandable messages
Decoding
The process where the receiver interprets the information into meaningful messages
Noise
Also called as interference, is anything that blocks the communication process
Functions of Communication
Control
Motivation
Information
Emotional Expression
Kinesics
A branch of nonverbal communication that focuses on the study of body movements, gestures, and facial expressions
Adaptors
A type of nonverbal gesture that individuals use to satisfy personal needs, manage emotions, or cope with stress
Oculesics
The study of eye contact in nonverbal communication
Facial Expressions
Highly expressive and serve as powerful tools in nonverbal communication
Haptics
The study of communication through touch
Types of Touch
Functional Professional
Social Politic
Friendship Warmth
Love-Intimacy
Types of Hugs
Criss Cross Hug
Neck-Waist Hug
Engulfing Hug
Shake-First-Then-Tap Hug
Vocalics
Also known as paralanguage, is the study of the vocal qualities that accompany verbal messages
Proxemics
The exploration of how physical space and distance impact communication
Public Space
The area that is 12 feet or more away from a person. It is the most distant zone and is typically used in formal settings or when a person wants to create a sense of power or maintain safety and security
Voice
Plays a crucial role in communicating meaning, maintaining a smooth conversation, and signaling the level of intensity behind a message
Volume
Communicates intensity, with a louder voice typically perceived as more intense
Speaking rate
Influences impressions of emotional state, credibility, and intelligence, with slightly faster rates often seen as more credible and intelligent
Tone of voice
Influenced by pitch, volume, and emphasis, contributes to a person's vocal signature and can affect how others perceive them
Proxemics
The exploration of how physical space and distance impact communication. It explores the relationship between space, communication, and relationships
Personal space
Starts at the physical body and extends approximately 1.5 to 4 feet away. It is typical for friends, close acquaintances, and partners. This zone is where most of our daily communication occurs. Verbal communication is often used to indicate friendliness rather than intimacy
Intimate space
The closest proximity and is reserved for the closest friends, family, and romantic or intimate partners. It begins within 1.5 feet of a person's body. Breaching this space can evoke different emotional responses, as it involves a high level of physical and emotional closeness. Physical contact and touch play a significant role in this zone, providing comfort and a sense of connection
Chronemics
A type of nonverbal communication that focuses on the use of time in communication. It involves understanding how people perceive, structure, and use time during interactions
Biological time
Refers to the inherent rhythms and cycles of living organisms. Humans follow a circadian rhythm, which influences our daily activities such as eating, sleeping, and waking. Disruptions to our biological time, such as staying up all night or experiencing jet lag, can negatively affect our physical and mental well-being as well as our communication competence
Personal time
Refers to an individual's own preferences, priorities, and management of time. It includes factors such as personal schedules, time perception, and time preferences. Personal time management can vary widely between individuals and can be influenced by personality traits and individual goals
Social time
Refers to the shared understanding and expectations of time within a social or cultural group. It involves the norms, rules, and conventions related to time management, punctuality, and scheduling. Social time can differ across cultures, with some cultures valuing strict adherence to schedules and punctuality, while others may have more relaxed attitudes toward time
Monochronic time
A more rigid, linear view of time and tend to focus on one activity at a time
Polychronic time
Characterized by several events happening simultaneously
Artifacts
The physical objects or items that individuals use or display to convey messages about their identity, beliefs, values, and affiliations
Physical appearance
The observable characteristics of an individual's body, including features like height, weight, facial expressions, body language, grooming, and overall attractiveness
Silence
Often considered the absence of speech, it is a powerful form of non-verbal communication. While verbal communication is explicit and direct, silence can provide additional layers of meaning and can be equally impactful in conveying messages