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A Brief History of Communication
Definition of “Communication”The roots of the word communication (communis, or common) accurately portray its purpose. In communication the speaker is attempting to “be one” with the listener. In the process of “being one” we develop a communion, a transaction, a dialogue. At its foundation, communication involves a uniting and exchanging of thoughts. As a result, the speaker is obligated to create a clear picture of reality to stimulate listeners to “make common” his or her thoughts. (Cap 4-5)
How do we communicate?“Basically, we communicate by using the tools available to us, namely symbols. Verbal andnonverballanguage areessentially setsof commonlyaccepted symbolsto which weattach meaning.”(Capp 5)
Early Communications
Before human beings created languages and alphabets, they communicated with both sound and body language.
Early Communications
Arguably, the earliest humans related feelings and stories through sounds as well as body and hand gestures.
Early Communications
Some of these stories became illustrations, probably drawn in the dust on the ground before eventually developing into petroglyphs, or paintings created on cave walls.
Early Communications
As humankind’s communication abilities developed, other permanent symbols evolved:
Wooden totem poles
Early Communications
As humankind’s communication abilities developed, other permanent symbols evolved:
Wooden totem poles
Egyptian hieroglyphics
Early CommunicationsAs humankind’s communication abilities developed, other permanent symbols evolved:
Wooden totem poles Egyptian hieroglyphics Religious symbols like the Star of David and the Christian cross.
Development of Language
Even though scholars were creating ways to write languages, many people were unable to obtain a formal education and could not read these developing alphabets . . .
Language & Symbols
. . . so early commercial signage developed, like the barber pole and other symbols indicating the type of service a merchant provided.
Symbols
Today, this signage has developed into trademarks.
Insignia
Other identifying forms of communication from the past and present include insignia worn by military forces.
Insignia and Flags
These forces often routinely carried flags representing their countries.
Early Military Communications
Before electronic communications evolved, military forces found other ways to relay their plans. Roman soldiers used torches to signal their troops to attack.
Early Military Communications
Even animals were used to communicate important information. Carrier pigeons were instrumental during World War I.
Native American Communication
Native Americans used smoke signals and drums which were actually very effective and could be seen and heard from great distances.
Developing Technology
Another valuable form of communication from the past and still used today is Morse Code.
Developing Technology
When automobiles appeared, traffic signs and signals evolved out of necessity.
Developing Technology
Eventually, units of measure were printed on road signs to communicate distances and acceptable miles per hour for automobile drivers.
Physically Challenged Communication
Individuals who are unable to read, write, see or hear may be able to learn and use sign language and other forms of specially adapted communication technology.
Non-Verbal Communication
Individuals communicate every minute of the day through non-verbal gestures and their choice of dress.
Consider the following photographs:
Can you guess:Socioeconomic Status?
Relationships?
Age?
Occupations?
Consider the following photographs:
Can you guess:Socioeconomic Status?
Relationships?
Age?
Occupations?
Consider the following photographs:
Can you guess:Socioeconomic Status?
Relationships?
Age?
Occupations?
Consider the following photographs:
Can you guess:Socioeconomic Status?
Relationships?
Age?
Occupations?
Consider the following photographs:
Can you guess:Socioeconomic Status?
Relationships?
Age?
Occupations?
Communication in Advertising
What can you determine from looking at the following advertisements?
Communication in Advertising
What can you determine from looking at the following advertisements?
Communication in Advertising
What can you determine from looking at the following advertisements?
Communication in Advertising
What can you determine from looking at the following advertisements?
Communication TodayCell-phones
Instant Messaging
Photo/Video Options
Texting
Internet
Twittering
Live telecommunications
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Back to the BeginningSometimes, however, simply talking face-to-face is truly the most effective type of communication, and this fact is why students should learn how to craft and deliver effective speeches.
