Process and Types of Communication - Effective Communication Training | Psychology for UPSC Optional (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

Communication plays a crucial role in the development and growth of individuals and groups. It enables the exchange of information, ideas, and emotions, leading to changes in attitudes, behaviors, and social organizations. Language serves as the primary tool for communication, allowing individuals to express their thoughts, transmit knowledge, and influence the opinions of others. Effective communication is essential for democracy, decision-making, and social cohesion. This article explores the meaning, components, patterns, categorization, forms, and effects of mass media on communication, as well as the barriers that can hinder effective communication.

Meaning of Communication

Communication refers to the transmission of information from one person to another. It encompasses the sharing of thoughts, ideas, experiences, feelings, and knowledge through various means such as language, speech, writing, and visual mediums. Language acts as a vital source of communication, facilitating the expression and transmission of information. It serves as a means of thought, control, and cohesion within a community. Effective communication influences public opinion, supports decision-making, and enables social organization.

Components of Communication

An idealized communication system consists of five essential components:

• Source: The source is the point of origin of communication. In oral communication, the source is a human being, while in written communication, it is the writer.
• Transmitter: The transmitter is used to transmit or broadcast information through radio or television signals.
  
• Channel: Communication requires a channel through which information is transmitted. In speech, the channel is the air, whereas in writing, it is the medium such as paper.
  
• Receiver: The receiver is the intended recipient of the communication. In oral communication, the receiver is the person who hears the message, whereas in writing, it is the person who reads the message.
  
• Destination: The destination refers to the person or group for whom the communication is intended. In oral communication, it is the person who hears the message, while in writing, it is the person who reads it.
  

These components exist in both audio and visual communication systems. For instance, radio represents an audio means of communication, while television represents an audio-visual means of communication. The communication process begins with the source and concludes with the destination.

Pattern of Communication

The pattern of communication becomes more complex as the number of group members increases. In a two-person group, the pattern of communication is relatively simple. However, as the group size expands, understanding the pattern of communication becomes more challenging, resembling a complex network.
Broadcasting networks, although they enable action, do not foster interaction among group members. Interaction is essential for social organization. For example, telephone subscribers do not form a social group as one-way communication limits interaction. The intensity of communication patterns also depends on traffic density, indicating the frequency of channel usage. 
Analyzing traffic density helps identify bottlenecks and blockages that impede group communication, ultimately affecting group morale and efficiency. The pattern of communication evolves as the group interacts, shares information, and reaches a uniform pattern. New information introduction leads to fresh interaction and further complicates the communication pattern. Statistical methods can be employed to determine the extent to which group members are aware of specific information.

Categorization and Evaluation of Communication and their Source

Communication and information can be categorized and evaluated based on the extent to which they align with individuals' existing attitudes and beliefs. Communication falling within the latitude of acceptance tends to receive favorable evaluations, while those within the latitude of noncommitment receive significantly higher evaluations than those falling within the rejected latitude.
Assimilation range is influenced by factors such as personal involvement, ego attachment to the source of communication, stimulus situation structure, and the discrepancy of the communication object from an individual's position.

Forms of Communication

Communication can take various forms depending on the medium and context. Some common forms of communication include:

• Verbal Communication: This form of communication involves the use of spoken or written words to convey messages. It includes face-to-face conversations, phone calls, presentations, speeches, letters, emails, and more.
• Nonverbal Communication: Nonverbal communication refers to the transmission of messages without the use of words. It includes body language, facial expressions, gestures, postures, eye contact, and tone of voice. Nonverbal cues often complement and reinforce verbal communication.
  
• Visual Communication: Visual communication involves the use of visual elements such as images, charts, graphs, diagrams, videos, and symbols to convey information. It is commonly used in advertising, marketing, presentations, and multimedia platforms.
  
• Written Communication: Written communication involves the use of written words to communicate messages. It includes books, articles, reports, memos, notices, social media posts, and other written materials. Written communication allows for clarity, documentation, and distribution of information.
  
• Mass Communication: Mass communication refers to the communication of information to a large audience through various media channels. It includes television, radio, newspapers, magazines, websites, social media, and other forms of mass media. Mass communication has a wide reach and influences public opinion on a broader scale.
  

Effects of Mass Media on Communication

Mass media plays a significant role in shaping communication patterns and influencing public opinion. It has both positive and negative effects on communication. Some effects of mass media on communication include:

• Information Dissemination: Mass media facilitates the rapid and widespread dissemination of information to a large audience. It helps in sharing news, current events, educational content, and entertainment.
• Influence on Public Opinion: Mass media has the power to shape public opinion by presenting information, perspectives, and narratives. It can influence public attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.
• Agenda Setting: Mass media plays a role in setting the agenda and deciding which issues receive attention and coverage. It determines the topics and themes that become salient in public discourse.
• Communication Accessibility: Mass media provides a platform for individuals and groups to communicate their ideas, concerns, and viewpoints. It allows for public debates, discussions, and the expression of diverse opinions.
• Social Impact: Mass media can have social impacts by shaping cultural norms, values, and behaviors. It influences socialization processes, cultural identities, and societal trends.

Barriers to Effective Communication

Despite the importance of communication, various barriers can hinder its effectiveness. Some common barriers to effective communication include:

• Language Barriers: Differences in language, vocabulary, and cultural expressions can create barriers to understanding and effective communication.
• Noise: Physical or environmental noise, such as loud sounds, distractions, or poor audio quality, can interfere with the transmission and reception of messages.
• Lack of Clarity: Poorly articulated messages, ambiguous language, or complex terminology can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations.
• Information Overload: When there is an excessive amount of information to process, individuals may become overwhelmed, leading to difficulties in comprehension and retention.
• Emotional Barriers: Emotional states such as anger, fear, stress, or bias can affect communication by distorting the message, impairing listening skills, or triggering defensive responses.
• Cultural Differences: Cultural norms, values, and communication styles vary across cultures. These differences can create barriers to effective communication, including misinterpretation or cultural insensitivity.
• Technological Barriers: Technical issues, limited access to technology, or unfamiliarity with digital platforms can impede effective communication in the digital age.

Conclusion

Communication is a vital aspect of human interaction, enabling the exchange of ideas, information, and emotions. It occurs through various forms, including verbal, nonverbal, visual, and written communication. Mass media influences communication patterns and has both positive and negative effects on society. However, communication can face barriers such as language differences, noise, lack of clarity, information overload, emotional barriers, cultural differences, and technological challenges. Overcoming these barriers and fostering effective communication is essential for building relationships, resolving conflicts, and achieving common goals.