Description:

Types of Communication:

In class on 8/27 we identified a variety of types of communication. The list we developed contained the following:

Writing (letters, texts, hieroglyphics, calligraphy)
Verbal communication - speaking
Phone calls (land lines or mobile devices)
Broadcast - tv or radio
Movement, touch, physically
Email
gestures, hand gestures
Coding – morse code
Music - concerts
Texting - Emojis
Facetime – video calls
Sign language
Social Media (facebook, Instagram, youTube, twitter)
Theater – performances
TV - news, commercials, youTube
Photography
Carrier pigeons
Facial expressions
Walkie talkies
Flares/ lights
Satellite communication
Fax
Cartoons/art
Skywriting
Numbers/codes

There are many ways that we communicate as shown by the list above. Here is the link to the video that we watched about ways we communicate as well:

Link to ways we Communicate

The Communication Cycle

Here is a video we watched about the Communication Cycle.

Link to Communication Cycle

There are six steps in the communication cycle that we discussed:

1. Sender originates message

Someone thinks about what they want to communicate

2. Sender encodes message

They turn their thoughts into communicate and decide how to communicate (speech, writing..)

3. Message is sent

They speak, write, gesture to share the content of the message

4. Receiver gets message

5. Receiver decodes message

They interpret what the message means
Most problems occur here

6. Receiver gives feedback

They respond to the sender

Then the cycle repeats.

Be sure that you understand each of these steps and how they relate to one another.

Barriers to Communication:

There are many barriers to effective communication and opportunities for problems in this cycle. We discussed common problems/barriers and developed this list:

Physical noise or visual distractions
Not understanding the meaning of words
Words and actions don’t match= mixed messages
Language differences
Context
Emotions
Spelling/Punctuation (or lack thereof)
Pronunciation/stuttering/volume
Slang

Next week we will discuss some common communication pitfalls and barriers.

Purpose:

It is important to understand the cycle of communication and the possible areas that it can break down so that we can communicate more effectively.

What to gain:

Be sure that you can answer the following questions:

What are the steps in the communication cycle?
What are AT LEAST three ways of communicating?
What are common barriers to communication?

Upcoming activities:

You will need to complete the quiz in this module that addresses the basic communications steps we have discussed up to this point.