Chapter Overview

Chapter 1

• The central focus of the field is human communication in all its aspects. Stated briefly, communication is the study of the many ways that human beings relate to each other by exchanging messages, using a number of different processes of communication, and the consequences of those exchanges.
• In today's society, whether in the workplace, among friends, family, or in other kinds of settings, understanding the process of communication and acquiring effective communication skills is essential. Communication is defined in a basic way as a process in which an individual initiates messages using verbal and nonverbal symbols to express meanings in such a way that similar or parallel understandings are aroused in all the communicators involved.
• The act of human communication can be visualized using a "linear model," which has been derived from an earlier version developed by Shannon and Weaver. The model is somewhat unrealistic in that it does not take into account the processes or role-taking or feedback, but it does break down the act of communication into a series of stages for purposes of detailed analysis.
• The linear model depicts communication as taking place when a person identifies a goal, constructs a message, and then transmits that message using various parts of the body and brain. With the use of the senses, a receiver then detects and identifies (perceives) the symbols, decodes the message, and interprets the meaning. Often, the receiver formulates a return message to provide feedback to the original source.
• Meaning is at the heart of communication. Meaning is the internal or subjective responses we make, either to aspects of the reality around us or to the labels we impose on that reality.
• A more accurate depiction of the human communication process is provided by the "simultaneous transactions model," which indicates that communicators simultaneously encode and decode messages and engage in role-taking and feedback. The model also indicates that communicators are influenced by their prior interactions, the physical setting, the social situation, and the nature of their relationship.
• Complete and totally accurate communication between communicators is unlikely because a variety of factors create distortion. However, total accuracy is not necessary in routine exchanges. Most message transactions arouse deep meanings that serve the practical needs of the communicators. Even so, it is likely that inaccuracies will occur in communication, even at a deep meaning level.