Communication skills
This document entails;
Introduction to communication skills
Purpose of communication in an organization
Principals of effective communication
Role of ICT in communication
TOPIC 1: INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION
MEANING AND ROLE OF COMMUNICATION
The word communication is used to mean speaking or writing or sending a message to another
person. Communication is really much more than that. It involves ensuring that your message reaches
the target audience and that the receiver understands and responds to the message appropriately.
Communication is an important aspect of behavior; human communication is affected by all factors
that influence human behavior.
GENERAL DEFINITION OF COMMUNICATION
Communication comes from the Latin word communicate, which means “to make common” or “to
share.” Communication is defined as the process of using messages to generate meaning (Judy
Pearson, 2008). Communication is considered a process because it is an activity, an exchange, or a
set of behaviors—not an unchanging product. It is an activity in which you participate. David Berlo
(1960), a pioneer in the field of communication, probably provided the clearest statement about
communication as a process: “If we accept the concept of process, we view events and relationships
as dynamic, on-going, ever changing, continuous. When we label something as a process, we also
mean that it does not have a beginning, an end, a fixed sequence of events. It is not static, at rest. It
is moving. The ingredients within a process interact; each affects all the others.
Working definition
Communication is the process of transmitting information and meaning from one individual or
organization to another by means of mutually understandable symbols. The crucial element is
meaning. Communication has as its central objective the transmission of meaning. The process of
communication is successful only when the receiver understands an idea as the sender intended it.
Both parties must agree not only on the information transmitted but also on the meaning of that
information.
In order to transfer an idea, we must use symbols (words, signs, pictures, sounds) which stand for the
idea. The symbols must be understood by the person or persons with whom we intend to
communicate. Both must assign the same meaning to the symbols used; otherwise, there is
miscommunication.
ROLE/ PURPOSE OF COMMUNICATION IN AN ORGANISATION
1. Managing the human resource. Communication is the tool with which we exercise influence
1|P age
, Communication skills
on others, bring about changes in the attitudes and views of our associates, motivate them
and establish and maintain relations with them. The primary element in the skills of
management is competence in communication.
2. Communication is central to the success of everything that we do in an organizations
(objectives); our family, school/college, office, hobby group, community group, our city/town
are the organizations in which we live and act. Our activities succeed or fail, and our goals are
achieved or not achieved, according to our ability to communicate effectively with other
members.
3. Building positive interpersonal relation. Communication plays a foundational role in the
development of any healthy interpersonal relationship. It can strengthen a mutual sense of
commitment; it also helps to bridge the gap between people who have misunderstandings.
Indeed, communication plays a critical role in all phases of interpersonal relations, from
creating a relationship to maintenance of relationships.
2|P age
This document entails;
Introduction to communication skills
Purpose of communication in an organization
Principals of effective communication
Role of ICT in communication
TOPIC 1: INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION
MEANING AND ROLE OF COMMUNICATION
The word communication is used to mean speaking or writing or sending a message to another
person. Communication is really much more than that. It involves ensuring that your message reaches
the target audience and that the receiver understands and responds to the message appropriately.
Communication is an important aspect of behavior; human communication is affected by all factors
that influence human behavior.
GENERAL DEFINITION OF COMMUNICATION
Communication comes from the Latin word communicate, which means “to make common” or “to
share.” Communication is defined as the process of using messages to generate meaning (Judy
Pearson, 2008). Communication is considered a process because it is an activity, an exchange, or a
set of behaviors—not an unchanging product. It is an activity in which you participate. David Berlo
(1960), a pioneer in the field of communication, probably provided the clearest statement about
communication as a process: “If we accept the concept of process, we view events and relationships
as dynamic, on-going, ever changing, continuous. When we label something as a process, we also
mean that it does not have a beginning, an end, a fixed sequence of events. It is not static, at rest. It
is moving. The ingredients within a process interact; each affects all the others.
Working definition
Communication is the process of transmitting information and meaning from one individual or
organization to another by means of mutually understandable symbols. The crucial element is
meaning. Communication has as its central objective the transmission of meaning. The process of
communication is successful only when the receiver understands an idea as the sender intended it.
Both parties must agree not only on the information transmitted but also on the meaning of that
information.
In order to transfer an idea, we must use symbols (words, signs, pictures, sounds) which stand for the
idea. The symbols must be understood by the person or persons with whom we intend to
communicate. Both must assign the same meaning to the symbols used; otherwise, there is
miscommunication.
ROLE/ PURPOSE OF COMMUNICATION IN AN ORGANISATION
1. Managing the human resource. Communication is the tool with which we exercise influence
1|P age
, Communication skills
on others, bring about changes in the attitudes and views of our associates, motivate them
and establish and maintain relations with them. The primary element in the skills of
management is competence in communication.
2. Communication is central to the success of everything that we do in an organizations
(objectives); our family, school/college, office, hobby group, community group, our city/town
are the organizations in which we live and act. Our activities succeed or fail, and our goals are
achieved or not achieved, according to our ability to communicate effectively with other
members.
3. Building positive interpersonal relation. Communication plays a foundational role in the
development of any healthy interpersonal relationship. It can strengthen a mutual sense of
commitment; it also helps to bridge the gap between people who have misunderstandings.
Indeed, communication plays a critical role in all phases of interpersonal relations, from
creating a relationship to maintenance of relationships.
2|P age
