Download Communication

Taken from: How to Prepare and Give a Speech
Communication
Communication is the transfer of a meaning from one being to another. Communication
includes written and spoken words, symbols, movements, gestures, facial expressions, the tone
of the voice, and anything else that can transfer meaning.
Four things must be present in order for communication to occur. There must be (1) a
sender, (2) a receiver, (3) a message, and (4) a medium. The medium is the means or way by
which the communication travels. The plural of medium is media. Mass media refers to the
means by which communication occurs with a large number of receivers who may or may not be
present at the site of the communication.
Communication occurs in many different ways. Non-verbal communication refers to
communicating without using words. We can express meaning by a nod of the head, a shrug, or
a facial expression. Even our posture or the way we walk can give others a message. At times,
non-verbal messages may contradict the meaning of the words we are using.
Verbal communication is the sharing of meaning by using words. Both speaking and
writing are verbal forms of communication. Most human communication is verbal.
Oral, or spoken, verbal communication takes many forms. Interpersonal communication
takes place between two or more persons. This is the most common. Every time we talk to
another person, we are using interpersonal communication. A similar word, intrapersonal,
means communicating with ourselves.
Group communication is anther common way of transferring information. This occurs
when three or more people communicate together. Another word for group communication is
discussion. This important means of communicating includes informal groups as well as more
formal situations such as conferences, committee meetings, and workshops. Debate is an
advanced, highly-controlled type of group communication.
Public communication is another major form of communication. This is when one person
shares meaning with a group of people. A teacher giving a presentation in the classroom is using
public communication. Anyone giving a speech to a group is also using public communication.
Specialized types of public communication include oral interpretation and theater. Oral
interpretation is the reading of literature out loud to an audience. Theater involves a performer
imitating, or pretending to be, someone else.
All of us communicate constantly.
Even as you are reading this narrative,
communication is occurring. We often take communication for granted, but communication
skills are vitally important to survival. We communicate so often that we are seldom aware of
the actual process, but we can study, practice, and improve our communication skills. We can all
continue to learn to communicate more effectively.
Questions for Consideration
1. What is communication?
Communication is the transfer of meaning from one being to another.
2. What are the four things necessary for communication to occur?
(1) sender (2) receiver (3) message (4) medium______________
3. What is the plural of medium?
Media
4. What do we call means of communication to a large number of receivers who may or may not
be present?
Mass media (mass communication)
5. What type of communication is a gesture or facial expression?
Non-verbal
6. What type of communication uses words, either spoken or written?
Verbal
7. What is communication between two people called?
Interpersonal
8. What is another word for group communication?
Discussion
9. What type of communication is used by a teacher speaking to a class?
Public communication (public speaking)
10. What is the major difference between a person giving a speech and an actor performing a
role?
A person giving a speech is being himself/herself while an actor is imitating or pretending to be
someone else.
11. What can we do to improve our communication skills?
Study and practice.
Defining Communication Terms
Define communication: Communication is the transfer of meaning from one being to another.
Define the following types of communication:
Mass media: Using a medium to communicate with a large number of receivers who may or may
not be present
Non-verbal: Communication without words; using facial expressions, body language and
gestures
Verbal: Sharing meaning using words, either written or spoken
Oral: Spoken communication
Interpersonal: Communication between two or more people (we define as two (2) people
Intrapersonal: Communication with ourselves
Group communication: Three (3) or more people communicating together (we define as 3 – 11)
Debate: Advanced, highly-controlled type of group communication
Public: One person shares meaning with a group of people (we define as 12 or more people)
Oral Interpretation: Reading of literature out loud to an audience
Theater: Involves a performer imitating or pretending to be someone else