Comm 100: Chapter 1

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