FUNDAMENTALS

OF
COMMUNICATION
By the end of the lesson, you will have been able to…
⌂ explain the nature and process of communication;
⌂ differentiate various models of communication;
⌂ discuss functions of communication;
⌂ distinguish the unique features of one communication process from the other;
⌂ practice effective verbal and nonverbal communication during social
interactions;
⌂ explain why there is a breakdown of communication;
⌂ apply strategies in overcoming communication breakdowns;
⌂ practice effective communication skills;
⌂ evaluate the effectiveness of an oral communication;
COMMUNICATION
◦ Communication is a process of sharing and conveying
messages or information from one person to another within
and across channels, contexts, media, and cultures
(McCornack, 2014).
Nature of Communication
1. Communication is a process.
2. Communication occurs between two or more
people (the speaker and the receiver).
3. Communication can be expressed through
written or spoken words, actions (nonverbal), or
both spoken words and nonverbal actions at the
same time.
Verbal Communication and
Nonverbal Communication
◦ Verbal Communication refers to an interaction in which
words are used to relay a message. For effective and
successful verbal communication, use words to express
ideas which can be easily understood by the person you
are talking to.
1. Appropriateness
◦ The language that you use should be appropriate to the environment or occasion (i.e.,
whether formal or informal).
2. Brevity
◦ Speakers who often use simple yet precise and powerful words are found to be more
credible. Try to achieve brevity by being more direct with your words. Avoid fillers and
insubstantial expressions which do not add to the message, such as “uh,” “you know,” “I
guess,” and others.
3. Clarity
◦ The meanings of words, feelings, or ideas may be interpreted differently by a listener;
hence, it is essential for you to clearly state your message and express your ideas and
feelings.
4. Ethics
◦ Words should be carefully chosen in consideration of the gender, roles, ethnicity,
preferences, and status of the person or people you are talking to.
5. Vividness
◦ Words that vividly or creatively describe things or feelings usually add color and spice to
communication. Hence, you are encouraged to find ways to charm your audience through
the use of vivid words
Nonverbal communication
◦ refers to an interaction where behavior is used to convey and
represent meanings. All kinds of human responses that are not
expressed in words are classified as nonverbal communication.

◦ Examples of nonverbal communication are stares, smiles, tone of

voice, movements, manners of walking, standing and sitting,
appearance, style of attire, attitude towards time and space,
personality, gestures, and others.
Mastery of nonverbal communication
is important for several reasons:
1. It enhances and emphasizes the message of your speech, thus
making it more meaningful, truthful, and relevant.
2. It can communicate feelings, attitudes, and perceptions without
you saying a word.
3. It can sustain the attention of listeners and keep them engaged in
the speech.
4. It gives the audience a preview to the type of speaker you are.
5. It makes you appear more dynamic and animated in your delivery.
Mastery of nonverbal communication
is important for several reasons:
6. It serves as a channel to release tension and
nervousness.
7. It helps make your speech more dramatic.
8. It can build a connection with listeners.
9. It makes you a credible speaker.
10. It helps you vary your speaking style and avoid a
monotonous delivery.
Elements of Communication
1. Speaker – the source of information or message
2. Message – the information, ideas, or thoughts conveyed by the
speaker in words or in actions
3. Encoding – the process of converting the message into words,
actions, or other forms that the speaker understands
4. Channel – the medium or the means, such as personal or non-
personal, verbal or nonverbal, in which the encoded message is
conveyed
Elements of Communication
5. Decoding – the process of interpreting the encoded message of
the speaker by the receiver
6. Receiver – the recipient of the message, or someone who
decodes the message
7. Feedback – the reactions, responses, or information provided by
the receiver
8. Context – the environment where communication takes place
9. Barrier – the factors that affect the flow of communication
PROCESS OF COMMUNICATION
Models of Communication
1. Shannon-Weaver Model
◦ Known as the mother of all communication models, the Shannon-Weaver
model (1949) depicts communication as a linear or one-way process
consisting of five elements.
Models of Communication
2. Transaction Model
◦ Unlike the Shannon-Weaver Model, which is a one-way process, the
Transaction Model is a two-way process with the inclusion of feedback as
one element.
Functions of Communication
1. Control – Communication functions to control behavior.
2. Social Interaction – Communication allows individuals to interact with
others.
3. Motivation – Communication motivates or encourages people to live
better.
4. Emotional expression – Communication facilitates people’s expression
of their feelings and emotions.
5. Information dissemination – Communication functions to convey
information.
Features of an Effective Communication
1. Completeness
◦ Complete communication is essential to the quality of the
communication process in general. Hence, communication should
include everything that the receiver needs to hear for him/ her to
respond, react, or evaluate properly.

2. Conciseness
Conciseness does not mean keeping the message short, but
making it direct or straight to the point. Insignificant or redundant
information should be eliminated from the communication that will
be sent to the recipient.
Features of an Effective Communication
3. Consideration
◦ To be effective, the speaker should always consider relevant
information about his/her receiver such as mood, background,
race, preference, education, status, and needs, among others. By
doing so, he/she can easily build rapport with the audience.
4. Concreteness
◦ Effective communication happens when the message is concrete
and supported by facts, figures, and real-life examples and
situations. In this case, the receiver is more connected to the
message conveyed.
Features of an Effective Communication
5. Courtesy
◦ The speaker shows courtesy in communication by respecting the
culture, values, and beliefs of his/her receivers. Being courteous at
all times creates a positive impact on the audience.
6. Clearness
◦ Clearness in communication implies the use of simple and specific
words to express ideas. It is also achieved when the speaker
focuses only on a single objective in his/her speech so as not to
confuse the audience.
7. Correctness
◦ Correctness in grammar eliminates negative impact on the
audience and increases the credibility and effectiveness of the
message
Barriers to Communication
1. Emotional Barriers

Example
◦ You are having a bad day or you feel frustrated
◦ You sit in a meeting or class where you think the speaker is boring.

Solutions
◦ Recognize these kinds of emotions, and politely ask the other person to give you a
moment so you can relax or calm yourself.
◦ Recognize this kind of attitude, reset, and reflect on how you can be interested in
what the speaker is pointing out.
Barriers to Communication
2. Use of jargon
◦ Jargon refers to the set of specialized vocabulary in a certain
field.
Example
◦ You are a scientist discussing a certain weather phenomenon with
your neighbor who does not know much about the topic.

Solutions
◦ To avoid communication breakdown due to lack of clarity, adjust
your language; use layman’s terms or simple words.
Barriers to Communication
3. Lack of confidence

Example
◦ You are asked to share something about your day or weekend,
but you are hesitant because you are shy.

Solution
◦ Develop self-confidence by joining organizations where you can
share and develop your interests. Look for opportunities in your
school or community that will help you find your strengths and
improve your abilities.
Barriers to Communication
4. Noisy environment
Example
◦ You are having a conversation with some friends when a song
was played loudly.

Solution
◦ Recognize that noise is a common barrier. Make some
adjustments by asking someone to minimize the volume or by
looking for a quiet area where you can resume the conversation
END