UNIT I COMMUNICATION: ITS NATURE, TYPES AND LEVELS; ELEMENTS OF COMMUNICATION OVERVIEW This unit deals with Communication, particularly its nature, types and levels. It also covers the various elements of communication. As you proceed with the lessons, you will also be apprised of the so-called communication barriers. Along the way, you will get information on what listening is and its kinds. Importantly, at the same time, you will be made to understand communication as a process as well as the different principles and ethical standards of communication. LEARNING OBJECTIVES At the end of the unit, I am able to: 01 Define and explain the nature of communication; 02 identify and discuss the different elements of communication; 03 identify the various communication barriers; 04 define what effective listening is; LEARNING OBJECTIVES At the end of the unit, I am able to: 05 differentiate hearing and listening; 06 discuss the different levels of listening; 07 cite some tips on how to become a good listener; 08 familiarize themselves with the communication process; LEARNING OBJECTIVES At the end of the unit, I am able to: 09 10 explain the steps involved in the communication process; define ethics in relation to communication; 11 12 elucidate the various ethical standards of communication; and cite specific examples as to how these ethical standards of communication can be applied in real life situations. SETTING UP Imagine a world without communication? Do you think this is possible? What would most likely happen if there is no communication among humans? You will most certainly say this is not possible at all. The truth is, human beings are gifted with speech, making them capable of speaking and expressing their thoughts and feelings. Assuming that you were taken back in time during the past, what would you ask or say to the following persons/personalities: 1. Jesus Christ-- during His time on earth with His disciples. 2. Dr. Jose Rizal – before he was executed at Bagumbayan on December 30, 1896. LESSON PROPER The Nature of Communication As we all know, human communication is vital for survival and it is one thing in life that we cannot avoid doing. Communication comes from two (2) Latin words: 1. ‘communis’, which means ‘common’, meaning “to come together” or “to commune”; and 2. ‘communicare’, which means “to share something”. Now, let’s take a look at some of the definitions of “communication”. Communication is the process of exchanging ideas, thoughts, feelings and emotions from one person to another with the use of symbols which may be verbal and/or non-verbal and aims for understanding. Communication involves imparting ideas, concepts, and data to a group of listeners. Leagans define communication as a process by which two or more people exchange ideas, facts, feelings or impression in such ways that each gains a common understanding of the meaning and use of messages. Communication is about two people talking such as with a sibling, a parent, a teacher, or a face-to-face conversation in real life or even via the Internet. Communication is the sharing of ideas among a bunch of individuals. It is imparting concepts to an audience. It is sharing of experiences publicly for the common good. THE TYPES OF COMMUNICATION 1. VERBAL COMMUNICATION 2. ORAL COMMUNICATION 3. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION 4. NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION THE LEVELS OF COMMUNICATION 1. INTRAPERSONAL COMMUNICATION 2. INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION 3. SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION 4. ONE-TO-GROUP COMMUNICATION 5. MASS COMMUNICATION 6. COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION This level of communication basically and principally makes use of computer connected to the internet and various websites. THE ELEMENTS OF HUMAN COMMUNICATION 1. Sender - is the one who initiates or starts the communication. 2. Receiver - the individual whom the message is directed. The receiver also provides the sender with feedback which may prompt the sender to clarify the message. 3. Message – is the central idea of the communication process. It is made up of the ideas and feelings that a sender-receiver wants to share with others. The message is may be sent either through verbal symbols – expressed through words or non-verbal symbols – expressed through gestures, inflection, tone, etc. 4. Channel - the means through which we transmit the message in either vocal or non-vocal messages. Vocal messages are verbal and spoken. Non-vocal messages could also be expressed in words or non-verbal symbols. 5. Feedback - the response of the sender-receiver to each other. 6. Noise – any unwanted sound that interferes or bars the message from being understood or interpreted. Noise is an impediment to clear communication. Noise can be external or internal. External noise comes from the physical environment. Internal noise comes from the psychological and sociological nature of individuals when thoughts and feelings are engrossed on something other than the communication at hand. 7. Context - refers to the surrounding or environment that helps shape the interaction between individuals. Physical context is the physical environment where the communication takes place. Social context refers to the relationship the participants hold for each other. Psychological context has to do with the mood and emotions of the communicators at the moment of communication. References Adler, Ronald B. and Rodman G. (2009) Understanding human communication, New York:Oxford University Press McCroskey and Wheeless, L.R. Introduction to Human Communication, Boston: Allyn & Bacon https://www.google.com/search?q=levels+of+communication+ppt&oq=Levels+of +&aqs=chrome.0.69i59j69i57.12434j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 ASSESSING LEARNING Directions: Answer the following questions: 1. Explain briefly each of the definitions of communication as mentioned in the first part of this Unit. a. Definition No. 1 _____________________________________________________________________________________ a. Definition No. 2 ____________________________________________________________________________________ a. Definition No. 3 _____________________________________________________________________________________ a. Definition No. 4 _____________________________________________________________________________________ a. Definition No. 5 _____________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Cite at least 2 examples of each type of communication. _______________________________________________________________________________. Activity 2 Directions: Make your mind work by expressing your answer to the given questions below: 1. Which do you think is more effective: Verbal Communication or Non-Verbal Communication? Defend your answer. ________________________________________________________________________ 2. Argue: There are more advantages and only a few disadvantages of the computer-mediated communication. _______________________________________________________________________ 3. Agree or Disagree: With the technology we have now, personal or face-to-face communication among members of the family is no longer as close, common, or as intimate as it should be. ________________________________________________________________________