Oral Communication in Context

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Process and Elements of Communication

Process and Elements of Communication

As mentioned in the previous module, we said that communication is a

process. In this module, we will be talking about the communication process
and the elements needed. At the end of this module you are expected:
1. To be able to define and discuss the elements of communication;
2. To be able to understand the roles of these elements in the process of
communication; and
3. To be able to identify forms of communication; and
4. To be able to utilize different forms of communication to improve quality
of life.
To be able to understand how communication happens, always remember
that communication is a two-way process. Always remember that for every
message sent to the receiver, we must expect a feedback or response either
through non-verbal or verbal medium.

Process of Communication

The communication process pertains to the steps through which

communication takes place between the sender and the receiver in an
understandable manner. It is dynamic in nature rather than a static
occurrence. The diagram above shows the communication process and the
details are as follows:

Course Module
Elements of Communication
The sender (source) is an individual, group, or organization who initiates
the communication. All communication begins with the sender. The sender
is the source of information for a target receiver or audience.
The first step the sender does involves the encoding process. This process
translates the ideas or concepts into the coded message that will be
communicated. The symbols can take on different forms like languages,
words, or gestures. The message is the idea or information being conveyed
by the sender to the receiver or listener. It includes content, structure, and
style.
To start sending the message, the sender uses a channel which is also
known as a medium. It is the method used to deliver the message. Most
channels are either oral or written but, as technology evolves, visual channels
are becoming more common. Usual channels include the television, radio,
telephone/mobile phone, etc. The message begins with the decoding stage
when the appropriate channel is selected.
Decoding is executed by the receiver. Once the message is received and
reviewed, it is sent to the brain to be interpreted to appoint meaning to it.
Successful communication occurs when the receiver correctly interprets the
sender's message.
The receiver is the individual or individuals to whom the message is
directed. All interpretations by the receiver are influenced by their
experiences, attitudes, knowledge, skills, perceptions, and culture.
Picture the next scene. Shelly is a shy student who says little inside the
classroom. She may feel a bit nervous when her teacher asked her.
Feedback is a key element of the communication process since it allows the
sender to review the effectiveness of the message. It may be in the form of a
spoken comment, a long sigh, a written message, a smile, or some other
action. Without feedback, the sender cannot confirm that the receiver has
interpreted the message correctly.
Certain barriers are present throughout the communication process. Some
usual barriers include the use of an inappropriate channel, incorrect
grammar, provocative words, words that conflict with body language, and
technical jargon. Noise is also another common barrier. Noise can occur
during any stage of the process. Noise is essentially anything that distorts a
message by interfering with the communication process. Noise can take
many forms, including a radio playing in the background, another person
trying to enter your conversation, and any other distractions that prevent the
receiver from paying attention.
 Oral Communication in Context
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Process and Elements of Communication

Forms of Communication
1. Intrapersonal Communication

Source Receiver

When we talk about communication, we usually think of sending messages to

another person; however, communicating with one’s self is also possible. It
is the first level of communication we experience.
The prefix intra means “within”. We experience this kind of communication
when we meditate, analyze, think, study, and talk to one’s self. You talk to
yourself when you are about to make a decision and you argue or try to
persuade yourself. Sometimes you also do this when you’re rehearsing a
message you intend to send to others.
Talking to yourself is normal and necessary. You are simply engaging in
intrapersonal communication. The study of this form of communication is
not that popular; yet, awareness of this form of communication can greatly
enhance the quality of life.
2. Dyadic Communication

Source Receiver

Receiver Source

Course Module
Dyadic communication is when two people communicate. Communication
may take place through the phone, SMS messaging or face-to-face such as
interviews, dialogues or ordinary conversations.
It is through interpersonal communication that you establish, maintain,
restore and/or end relationships. At this level of communication, you learn
about others and hopefully, you learn about yourself as well.
3. Small Group Communication

Receiver
Source

Receiver
Source
Source
Receiver

Source Source
Receiver Receive
r

Source
Receive
r

Small group communication happens when more than three people are
involved. This is simply an enlarged group which usually happens to solve
problems. Examples of this are conferences, business meetings, symposiums,
and team meetings inside the classroom.
 Oral Communication in Context
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Process and Elements of Communication

4. Public Communication

Source

Source Receiver

Public communication happens between one and several other people. This
large group type of communication usually happens in public speaking. In
public speaking, the speaker addresses the audience to persuade, inform,
entertain, or do all of three. Just like the other forms, this kind of
communication requires knowledge and good communication skills from the
speaker.
5. Mass Communication

Source

Source Receiver
Medium

Course Module
 Mass communication happens when you communicate to an extremely large
audience. It is usually mediated by audio and/or visual means. The purposes
are to entertain, persuade and/or inform.
Media and technology are used to reach a large audience in a variety of ways
today. Examples of mass communication media are television, radio,
newspapers, recordings, movies, magazines, comics, billboards, computers,
and the internet. As seen in the image above, the newscaster is
communicating to his audience via the radio, television, and Youtube.

References
Diaz, Rafaela Hernandez. (2014). Speech and Oral Communication for College
Students, Revised Edition. Quezon City: National Bookstore
Baraceros, Esther L. and Lintao, Rachelle, B. (2010). English 4: Oral
Communication in Context (First Edition). Quezon City: Rex
Bookstore, Inc.
Dapat, Jose Rizal O., Sadorra, Bryan Eli B., and Lumabi, Bethany Marie C.
(2016). Oral Communication in Focus. Quezon City: Lormar
Publishing, Inc.
Gemma, Will (2013). “The Elements of Communication: A Theoretical
Approach” Udemy blog accessed at
https://blog.udemy.com/elements-of-communication/
“Business Communication for Success” (2012). Saylor Academy Retrieved
from https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_business-communication-
for-success/
Forms of Communication Retrieved from Communication Theory
Organization http://communicationtheory.org/forms-of-
communication/
Schmitz, Andy. (2012). Organizational Communication. Saylor Academy.
Retrieved from https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_organizational-
behavior-v1.1/s12-communication.html
Lee, HT. (2013). Coaching Story: The Battleships in a Collision Course.
Coaching Journey. Retrieved from http://coaching-
journey.com/coaching-story-the-battleship-on-a-collision-course/