Ten Commandments,

Process, Types, and

Purpose of
Communication

S. Mohan Raj
Ph.D Research Scholar, English
School of Social Sciences and Languages VIT, Vellore
[email protected] 9751660760
 Ten Commandments of Good
Communication
1) Examine the true purpose of each communication.
2) Clarify your ideas before communicating.
3) When appropriate, consult with others before communicating.
4) Whether a verbal or written communication edit mercilessly -
make every word count.
5) Always consider the total physical / human setting.
6) Consider the ‘overtones’ as well as the content.
7) Seek feedback - summarise and confirm.
8) Ensure that your actions/attitudes support each
communication.
9) Seek not only to be understood but to understand - be a good
listener.
10) Communicate for the future as well as today.
 “Communication is an Art”

“A tool that makes societies possible and distinguish human from other societies.” – Schramm

“Communication is the process of transmitting ideas, information, and attitudes from the source to a
receiver for the purpose of influencing with intent.” – Rogers

“Planned or unplanned processes through which one person influences behaviour of others.” – Kar

The word "communicate" is derived from the word "common" – to share, exchange, send along,
transmit, talk, gesture, write, put in use, relate.

Communication can be defined as process of transmitting information, thoughts, opinions,

messages, facts, ideas or emotions and understanding from one person, place or things to
another person, place or thing.
 Verb ‘to communicate’ means
(1) to exchange thoughts, feelings, information
(2) to make know
(3) to make common and
(4) to have a sympathetic relationship

Noun form ‘communication’ refers to

(5) the exchange of symbols, common messages, information
(6) the process of exchange between individuals through a
common system of symbols
(7) the art of expressing ideas and
(8) the science of transmitting information

1. Communication is the process by which a message or information is

exchanged from a sender to a receiver.
2. Communication is the process whereby speech, signs or actions
transmit information from one person to another.
3. Communication is a process of transmitting and receiving verbal and non-
verbal messages that produce a response.
Elements in Communication

The main elements of communication are:

1. Input : information/ideas the sender wants to give
2. Channel : medium
3. Message : idea/message that is sent
4. Output : the information the receiver gets
5. Feedback : the receiver’s response to the message
6. Brain drain : possibility of misunderstanding or
breakdown
Objectives of Communication

Communication can be used for the following objectives:

• Advice
• Education
• Information
• Motivation
• Order
• Persuasion
• Raising morale
• Suggestion
• Warning
Communication Models
Schramm Model
 The process of communication has four elements.
 Sender
 Message
 Medium
 Receiver
a) The sender is the person who wants to communicate.
b) The message is the idea or content of the communication.
c) Medium is the use of language/symbols.
d) The receiver is the person who gets the message.

Need for Effective Communication

1. To Maintain the Social order.

2. To Help Maintaining Harmonious Relationship with others.
3. To Ensure the Flow of Knowledge.
4. To Share.
5. To maintain an effective Work culture.
 Levels of Communication

1. Group Communication
2. Interpersonal Communication
3. Public Communication
4. Intrapersonal Communication
5. Mass Communication

Use of Language in Communication

One should be careful while selecting the language like
6. The purpose of the message
7. The readiness of the receiver
8. The nature of the content whether it is complex or simple
9. Understand the receiver of the message
10. Background or content
To make communication more effective, the following steps can be followed,
11. KISS - Keep It Short and Simple
12. Use simple words, concrete and specific language
13. Speak positively
14. Deliver the message clearly
15. Maintain intimacy with the receiver
 Types of Communication
Verbal Communication

1) In everyday life, both formally and informally, we communicate more verbally

than in writing.
2) It is primarily oral communication that builds up human relationships.
3) Oral communication is of two types- formal and informal.
Advantages of Verbal Communication

1. It provides immediate feedback and clarification.

2. It builds up a healthy climate.
3. It is an economical and time-saving device.
4. It is the most effective tool of persuasion.
5. It is very effective in interacting with groups.
Disadvantages of Verbal Communication
6. It cannot be retained for a long time.
7. It does not have any legal validity.
8. It can lead to misunderstanding if the speaker has not carefully organized
his thought or the listener’s inattentiveness.
 Written Communication

1) The word ‘write’ has been derived from the old English word
‘writan’ that meant to scratch, draw or inscribe.
2) Written communication is essentially a creative activity.
3) Most written communication is a one-cycle event. Usually, a
message is sent and received, and that is the end of the
event.

Advantages of Written Communication

1. It has the advantage of providing records, references, etc.

2. It promotes uniformity.
3. It gives access to a large audience.
4. It has the advantage of being accurate and unambiguous.

Disadvantages of Written Communication

5. Written communication runs the risk of becoming ineffective

in the
hands of people.
2. It is mostly handicapped by its inability to get immediate
feedback.
 Non-verbal Communication: Body Language

1. Another equally important aspect of communication is a non-verbal aspect. It

is less deliberate and conscious, more subtle and instructive.
2. Different aspects of communication are Verbal communication – 7%, Bodily
movements, gestures– 55%, Voice tone, inflexion etc – 8%. This shows the
relevance of body language.
3. We are concerned with such things as body movements, space, time, voice
tone, general characteristics of the environment colour and layout/design, and
any other kinds of visual and/or audio signals.
4. We send out signals and messages that often speak louder than words by
nodding our head, blinking our eyes, waving our hands, shrugging our
shoulders and various other ways.
5. It uses sets of symbols to convey meaning, our body, consciously as well as
unconsciously, carries messages, attitudes, status relationships, moods,
warmth/indifference, positive/negative feelings and so on.
 Components of Body Language
Facial expression:
Facial expressions generally associated with astonishment and
contentment. Ex: happiness, surprise, fear, anger , sadness bewilderment

Eye contact:
Eye contact is of very high importance in all face to face communication. The
eyes, along with the eyebrows, eyelids and the size of pupils convey our
innermost feelings.

•Gestures:
The physical movements of arms, legs, hands, torso and head are called
gestures. They play a very important role in conveying meaning without using
words.
 Advantages of body language

1. Body language is the most easily visible aspect of communication. It

helps the receiver of the message in decoding the message.
2. Body language complements verbal communication.
3. Body language adds intensity to the process of communication.

Disadvantages of body language

4. Words written or spoken can be taken seriously, but body language

cannot always be taken seriously.
5. People belonging to different cultural backgrounds sent out
different body signals. They are, therefore liable to be misinterpreted.
6. Facial expressions, gestures, postures etc become ineffective if the
3.
listener is inattentive. It, therefore, requires extra care in getting the
right message.
4. Use of body language is not very effective in large gatherings.
 Other Modes of Non verbal Communication

1. Kinesics
Kinesics is the study of how body movements,
actions and expressions play as a form of non-verbal
communication. There are five types of kinesics as given
below.

A. Emblems: They are gestures used in place of words.

B. Illustrations: They are the gestures to illustrate or
reinforce what has already been discussed or said.
C. Affective Displays: They are body or facial movements to
display emotions or affective state. An example is showing
our anger or happiness in different ways.
D. Regulators: They are non-verbal signs used to regulate
the flow of speech. An example can be raising the finger to
intervene in a speech.
E. Adapters: They are the forms of non-verbal
communication which happens unknowingly by the
listener. Biting the nails, changing the postures due to lack
of interest, etc are examples.
 Other Modes of Non verbal
Communication...
2. Proxemics
It is the study of how people use space while
communicating. How close or distant people stand,
whether people touch or not, how the space between
the persons is utilized, etc come under this. The
space we need as a person is called personal space.

3. Chronemics
It is the study of the role of time in
communication. The manners how we utilise time while
communicating gives ideas about the speaker and are
included in non-verbal communication.
 Communication Networks
1. Vertical Network
It is the communication happens between superior
and subordinate. It is formal in nature and the feedback is
fast.

2. Wheel Network
This is highly centralised. Everyone receives
commands from the superior and the feedback is fast.
 COMMUNICATION NETWORK
3. Chain Network
This has the downward movement
of communication as a chain of
commands to the subordinates.

4. Circuit Network
Messages and feedbacks are sent
to and from two persons; not
necessarily be superior and
subordinate.

5. Star Network
In this, all members communicate
with each other and it is ideal for
team communication.
Purposes of Communication

 TO FORM & MAINTAIN RELATIONSHIPS

 TO CONVEY FEELINGS
 TO SOLVE PROBLEMS
 TO PERSUANCE
 TO MAKE DECISIONS
 TO GIVE INFORMATION
 TO REDUCE STRESS
 Barriers to Communication

There are different barriers to the communication process.

1) Physical Barrier
It includes personal physical barrier and barriers from
the surroundings. Personal barriers include the inability to speak
and hear, and hatred towards the subject and the speaker. Barriers
from the surroundings include noise, environmental discomfort,
insufficiently insulated rooms etc.

2) Psychological Barrier
This is related to the mental stage of an individual. If a
person is disturbed or distracted, it prevents the sender or receiver
from giving attention to the message. This is termed as a
psychological barrier.

3) Semantic Barrier
It deals with the study of words, their meanings and use
of proper words at apt contexts. Selection of wrong words, wrong
sentence formation and ambiguous sentence can make
communication ineffective.
 Barriers to Communication...

4) Organisational Barrier
There are two basic types of communication in every organisation; namely
formal and informal. Both are important. Too much informal communication may
spoil the professional setup.

5) Interpersonal Barrier
Emotional reactions, positive or negative attitudes of sender and receiver,
inattentive listening, wrong timing of message, etc create communication barriers
and such can be termed as interpersonal barriers.

6) Cultural Barrier
Language, body language, mannerisms, etc bring cultural barriers since
the workplace includes people from mixed cultural backgrounds.
References:
1. The Ten Commandments of Good Communication.
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/5373/27ae72582ea847618f5e6b051f 28817e1d5b.pdf.
2. English Communication. http://www.uou.ac.in/sites/default/files/slm/BHMAECC-II.pdf
3. Training Program on Effective Communication.
https://www.manage.gov.in/studymaterial/EC.pdf
4. Introduction to Communication.
http://ioc.edu.my/images/demo/printedMaterial/OUMH1203.pdf
5. Communication and Its Significance.
http://www.ddegjust.ac.in/studymaterial/bba/bba-206.pdf
LET US HAVE AN ORAL EXAMINATION