Introduction to Communication

What is Communication? �  Communication: the process of sending and receiving

messages whether deliberate or not. � Can be verbal (spoken) � Can be nonverbal (visual)

�  Oratory/Rhetoric: the art and study of public speaking �  Orator: a person who uses words and communication

effectively

The Communication Process Who/What is involved?

�  Sender: starts the process, sends a message �  Message: words, body language, and symbols that convey

an idea or thought �  Receiver: intercepts and interprets the message, sends back

feedback �  Feedback: words, body language, symbols that respond to

original message

Breaking down the process �  Encode : The process of changing ideas/thoughts into a

message �  Decode : The process of converting the message back into

information that can be understood

Communication Cycle

Sender Receiver

Message

Feedback

Noise/Barrier/Obstacle

Encode Decode

Encode Decode

Noise- an obstacle that gets in the way of effective communication

�  Internal noise: inside the brain- psychological, intellectual ability, or personal physical condition �  Examples: making decisions, thinking about

being too hot/cold, not understanding

�  External noise: caused by environment �  Examples: bell ringing, tapping of

pencil, siren

�  Environment/Context: the setting where communication is taking place � Different contexts and environments change communication and

actions

Types of Human Communication

Interpersonal Communication: communication between two or more people

Intrapersonal Communication: communication with yourself

Examples: making a decision, thinking

Example: conversation with a friend

Types of Human Communication Group Communication: communication among limited

number who have a specific purpose (share info, develop ideas, solve problems, etc.)

Mass Communication: communication to a broad audience with the purpose to entertain, inform and/or persuade

Examples: a meeting, a group project

Example: mass media- TV, radio, internet

Aristotle �  A famous ancient (384-322 B.C) Greek philosopher, scientist,

and orator

�  Created the “Three Appeals”-used to create a more appealing speech for the audience (or a paper for the reader)

The 3 Appeals �  Ethos- ethical appeal

� Credibility of the author and material: respectable, knowledgeable, trustworthy

�  Logos- logical appeal �  Evidence provided: facts, statistics, clear ideas

�  Pathos- emotional appeal �  Appealing to audience’s emotions: stories/examples,

language choice, details

ALL 3 MUST BE USED TOGETHER!