communication
A systemic process in which people interact with and through symbols to create and interpret meanings
process
it is ongoing and always in motion, moving ever forward and changing continually
systematic
occurs is a system of interrelated parts that affect one another
symbols
verbal and nonverbal symbols, or abstract, arbitrary, and ambiguous representations of other things
content level of meaning
the literal message
relationship level of meaning
expresses the relationship between the communicators
values of communication
Communication shapes our personal, professional, and social lives as well as the culture in which we live
personal values
how we see ourselves reflects the views of us that others communicate
relationship values
distinction between relationships that endure and those that collapse
professional values
communication skills affect professional success
cultural values
communication skills are important in the health of our society
Laswell's linear models of communication
a linear or one-way process in which one person acted on another person
Shannon and Weaver's linear model of communication
a linear or one-way process in which one person acted on another person with the addition of noise or interferences that may distort understanding between communicators
interactive model of communication
Communicators create and interpret messages within personal fields of experience. The more communicators' fields of experience overlap, the better they understand each other.
feedback
responses to a message
transactional models of communication
Recognizes that everyone involved in communication both sends and receives messages, often simultaneously.
communication changes
as a result of what happens between people
communication includes
external and internal noise
senders/receivers
communicators who participate actively in the communication process
breadth of communication field
discipline that dates back more than 2,000 years
intrapersonal communication
communication with ourselves
interpersonal communication
communication between people
group communication
social groups, decision-making committees, and work teams
mass communication
influence our thinking, working, relating, and how communication works
public communication
communication between one person and many
organizational communication
refers to understandings about identity and codes of thought and action shared by members of an organization
intercultural communication
scholars increase awareness of different cultures' communication practices
unifying themes of communication
symbolic activities, meaning, culture, critical thinking, ethics and communication
symbolic activities
basis of language, thinking, and much nonverbal behavior; abstract and allow reflection
meaning
we imbue every aspect of our lives with meaning; symbols are the foundation of meaning because they allow us to name, evaluate, reflect upon, and share experiences, ideas, and feelings
critical thinking
abilities to examine ideas carefully to decide what to believe, think, and do; enhances communication across all contexts
ethics and communication
all forms of communication involve ethical issues; involves communication of both communication and interpretation of other's communication
careers in communication
research; education; media production, criticism, and analysis; training ad consulting; human resources and management
Why study?
Formal study, or learning about communication and practicing communication, can improve skill
theories and principles
help us make sense of what is happening in our lives, and have personal impact