Context of Communication
1. Intrapersonal Communication
Intrapersonal communication involves one person; it is often called selftalk. Donna Vocates book on intrapersonal communication explains how, as
we use language to reflect on our own experiences, we talk ourselves through
situations.
2. Interpersonal Communication
normally involves two people, and can range from intimate and very personal
to formal and impersonal. You may carry on a conversation with a loved one,
sharing a serious concern. Later, at work, you may have a brief conversation
about plans for the weekend with the security guard on your way home.
Whats the difference? Both scenarios involve interpersonal communication,
but are different
in levels of intimacy
3. Group Communication
dynamic process where a small number of people engage in a conversation.
Group communication is generally defined as involving three to eight people.
The larger the group, the more likely it is to break down into smaller
groups.
4. Public Communication
one person speaks to a group of people; the same is true of public written
communication, where one person writes a message to be read by a small or
large group. The speaker or writer may ask questions, and engage the
audience in a discussion (in writing, examples are an e-mail discussion or a
point-counter-point series of letters to the editor), but the dynamics of the
conversation are distinct from group communication, where different rules
apply.
5. Mass Communication
involves sending a single message to a group. It allows us to communicate
our message To a large number of people, but we are limited in our ability to
tailor our message to specific audiences, groups, or individuals.
Communication Barriers
Word Choice
o Choosing words that are too difficult, too technical, or too easy for your
receiver can be a communication barrier. If words are too difficult or
too technical, the receiver may not understand them; if words are too
simple, the reader could become bored or be insulted. In either case,
the message falls short of meeting its goals. Senders must be careful
to choose the correct words for their messages.
Idioms
o multiword expression from which a meaning cannot be determined
from context.
Implications and inferences
o Implication- through connotation rather through specific details.
o Inference- conclusion drawn from specific details.
Type of Message
o message type appropriate to situation is essential to communication
Grammar, Sentence Structure, Punctuation, and Spelling
o Incorrect grammar and poor sentence structure could hinder the
receivers understanding of a spoken or written message. Punctuation
and spelling errors may create barriers to understanding a written
message. As the number of errors increases, readers often stop
reading for content and begin editing. The errors suggest that the
person who sent the message either does not know the basics of the
language or was too careless to correct the problems. Neither
explanation creates a positive impression of the person who sent the
message. As a result, the sender could lose credibility.
Appearance of the Message
o The appearance of a message affects its readability and influences a
receivers acceptance of its content. Smudges, sloppy corrections, light
print, wrinkled paper, and poor handwriting may distract the reader
and become barriers to effective communication. Using emoticons and
keying all text in uppercase letters can be barriers in e-mail. Senders
should examine every document before it is sent to ensure that its
appearance does not interfere with its potential for success.
Appearance of the Sender
o The credibility of an oral message can be reduced if the appearance of
the sender is unattractive or unacceptable to the receiver. In addition,
unintended nonverbal signals can distract a receiver and influence the
way an oral message is received.
Environmental Factors
o The environment in which communication occurs can interfere with the
success of a message. A noisy machine in an area where a supervisor
is trying to speak with an employee can become a distracting
environmental factor. A supervisors desk that separates him or her
from a worker during a meeting can intimidate the worker and limit his
or her ability to respond to the message. Other examples of
3. Courtesy
In addition to considering the feelings and points of view of the
target group, it is also important to approach the audience in a
friendly and courteous manner. Use of terms that show respect
for the receiver contribute towards effective business
communication. The same goes for the manner in which you
address someone. Not everyone will be charmed if you use a
familiar form of address and use of a formal address could come
across as too distant. By using the word they a larger audience
is immediately addressed.
4. Correctness
A correct use of language has the preference. In written business
communication, grammatical errors must be avoided and stylistic
lapses or a wrong use of verbs are not sufficient either in verbal
communication. A correct use of language increases
trustworthiness and the receiver will feel that they are taken
seriously.
5. Clarity
Clear or plain language is characterized by explicitness, short
sentences and concrete words. Fuzzy language is absolutely
forbidden, as are formal language and clich expressions. By
avoiding parentheses and keeping to the point, the receiver will
get a clear picture of the content of the message. Briefly-worded
information emphasizes the essence of the message.
6. Communicating with the target group (Consideration)
In order to communicate well, it is important to relate to the
target group and be involved. By taking the audience into
account, the message can be geared towards them. Factors that
play a role in this are for example: professional knowledge, level
of education, age and interests.
7. Conciseness
A message is clear when the storyline is consistent and when this
does not contain any inconsistencies. When facts are mentioned,
it is important that there is consistent, supporting information.
Systematically implementing a certain statement or notation also
contributes to clear business communication. When statements
are varied, they will confuse the receiver.
Variations throughout the years