Communication

Communication Perspectives

1

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Chapter 1 Learning Outcomes

1 Describe the nature of

communication

2 Explain the communication

process

3 Identify the characteristics of communication

4 Assess messages using the principles

of ethical communication

American University of the Middle East | COM114 | Chapter 1 Communication Perspectives 2

W ha

t is

co

m m

un ic

at io

n? Communication is a process through which we express, interpret, and coordinate messages with others

This process helps to 1) create shared meaning, 2) meet social goals, 3) manage personal identity, and 4) carry out our relationships

Communication is about messages.

American University of the Middle East | COM114 | Chapter 1 Communication Perspectives 3

The Nature of Communication (page 3)

Messages

Verbal utterances

Visual imagesNonverbal behaviors

American University of the Middle East | COM114 | Chapter 1 Communication Perspectives 4

The Nature of Communication (page 3)

Encoding

Decoding

Feedback

American University of the Middle East | COM114 | Chapter 1 Communication Perspectives 5

Communication Contexts (page 4)

Physical

Historical

Social Cultural

Psychological

American University of the Middle East | COM114 | Chapter 1 Communication Perspectives 6

Communication Settings (page 5)

The different communication environments within which people

interact, characterized by the number of participants and the level of formality

Intrapersonal

Small- group

Public

Interpersonal

Mass

American University of the Middle East | COM114 | Chapter 1 Communication Perspectives 7

The Communication Process (page 6)

Steps taken to encode a message

Message production

Steps taken to decode a message

Message interpretation

Behavioral adjustments made by participants in an attempt to create shared meaning

Interaction coordination

American University of the Middle East | COM114 | Chapter 1 Communication Perspectives 8

Interference / Noise (page 7)

Interference or noise is any stimulus that interferes with the process of

achieving shared meaning

Physical noise is any external sight or sound that distracts from a message

Psychological noise refers to the thoughts and feelings experienced that compete with the sender’s message for our attention

American University of the Middle East | COM114 | Chapter 1 Communication Perspectives 9

Channels (page 8)

American University of the Middle East | COM114 | Chapter 1 Communication Perspectives 10

Characteristics of Communication (page 9)

1) Communication has purpose

2) Communication is continuous

3) Communication is irreversible

4) Communication is situated

5) Communication is indexical

6) Communication messages vary in conscious thought

7) Communication is guided by cultural norms

American University of the Middle East | COM114 | Chapter 1 Communication Perspectives 11

COMMUNICATION AND ETHICS (page 11)

Ethics is a set of moral principles that may be held in a society, a group, or an

individual.

An ethical standard does not indicate exactly what to

do in any given situation, but it can tell what general principles consider when deciding how to behave.

The general principles that guide ethical communication include that

communicators should:

Be honest and responsible

Act with integrity

Behave fairly

Demonstrate respect

American University of the Middle East | COM114 | Chapter 1 Communication Perspectives 12