UCCC 1101
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Notes/Handbook
, 1.0 COMMUNICATION
1.1 Introduction to Communication
In this section, we shall examine the field of communication to serve as a foundation to
what follows in the course. Principally, we shall define communication; outline its elements,
principles, and its importance in academic and life in general. We shall also briefly examine
the various types of communication.
1.2 Objectives of the topic
At the end of this topic, you should be able to:
a) Define communication
b) Discuss the elements that constitute communication
c) Explain the importance of communication in academics and in life in general
d) Outline the important principles of communication
e) Discuss the various types of communication
1.3 What is Communication?
The term communication comes from a Latin word ‘communicare’ which means to make
common or share. Therefore, communication is a process by which meaning is exchanged
between individuals or an individual and a group through a common system of symbols,
signs, and behavior.
➢ The definition of communication is shared in the Webster's Dictionary as "sending,
giving, or exchanging information and ideas," which is often expressed nonverbally and
verbally.
➢ A plethora of authors have defined communication including Gamble and Gamble, who
define communication as a desirable or accidental transfer of meaning.
➢ Communication is also a process of sharing or exchanging ideas, information,
knowledge, attitude or feelings through certain signs, symbols and behavior.
➢ Communication is more than transfer of ideas and thoughts; it is a dynamic process of
action and interaction towards desired goals.
2
, 1.3.1 Key phrases of definition
a) Communication is a process: it is an activity which is an exchange of meaning that is
dynamic. Communication is therefore not static. Communication as a process is a
concept whose critical element is the changing nature of its occurrence.
b) Communication involves meaning: Meaning is shared understanding of message.
The understanding of the meaning of another person’s message only occurs when
you elicit common meanings for words, phrases, and non-verbal messages.
c) Communication is a system of symbols, signs and behavior: the system may be in
form of language, gesture, demeanor, facial expressions etc.
1.3.2 Importance of Studying Communication
Communication is central to human life. You cannot avoid communication and you will
engage in communication nearly every minute of every day in your life. In addition,
communication plays a major role in every aspect of your life. Effective communication
therefore both enhances your daily life and at the same time solves problems in your
professional and personal life. Communication experts believe that poor communication is
at the root of many of our problems.
Therefore, there are various reasons why studying communication is important:
a) Studying communication helps in understanding and insight of oneself and others.
➢ Self-awareness is the way we see ourselves. Most of our self-knowledge comes
from communication with ourselves (intrapersonal communication) and
communication with other people (interpersonal communication). The
message and feedback we receive from others helps improve our self-concept.
b) Studying communication and using it effectively can lead to more positive feelings of
ourselves. Effective communication can improve our self-worth by enabling us to
positively project ourselves in what is called image management.
c) Studying communication can increase our knowledge about human relationships
because studying communication includes learning about how people relate with one
another and about what communication is appropriate for a given situation.
d) Studying communication can teach us important life skills. For instance, it can help us
acquire problem solving skills. Studying communication is also instrumental in helping
3
, us acquire important life skills such as decision-making skills, public speaking etc. All
these skills are important in academic and career development.
e) Studying communication can help us succeed professionally. Employers regard highly
written, oral, and other communication competencies. The ability to listen and analyze
messages is usually considered an essential professional skill. Entrepreneurs too
regard communication skills as top priority skills for success.
f) Poor communication may lead to misunderstanding, frustration, being ignored by
others, unsuccessful careers, among many other negative consequences.
1.4 Objectives of Communication
Whether we are speaking, writing, persuading, informing, entertaining, explaining,
convincing, educating or any other objective behind the communication, we always have
four general objectives:
▪ To be received (heard or read)
▪ To be understood
▪ To be accepted
▪ To get action (change behavior or attitude)
1.5 Elements of Communication
Elements of communication are the components that constitute the communication
process. These are:
a) People
These are the participants in the communication process. People are involved in
communication in two roles. They are sources and receivers of messages. Sources
initiate/compose the intended message. S/he encodes the message, while receivers are
the intended target of messages, i.e., a receiver is the person who receives, decodes,
comprehends and attaches meaning to the message sent. The participants’ knowledge,
interest and emotional state will affect how the message is sent or received. In the
communication process, people are sources and receivers of a message simultaneously
and continually.
4
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Notes/Handbook
, 1.0 COMMUNICATION
1.1 Introduction to Communication
In this section, we shall examine the field of communication to serve as a foundation to
what follows in the course. Principally, we shall define communication; outline its elements,
principles, and its importance in academic and life in general. We shall also briefly examine
the various types of communication.
1.2 Objectives of the topic
At the end of this topic, you should be able to:
a) Define communication
b) Discuss the elements that constitute communication
c) Explain the importance of communication in academics and in life in general
d) Outline the important principles of communication
e) Discuss the various types of communication
1.3 What is Communication?
The term communication comes from a Latin word ‘communicare’ which means to make
common or share. Therefore, communication is a process by which meaning is exchanged
between individuals or an individual and a group through a common system of symbols,
signs, and behavior.
➢ The definition of communication is shared in the Webster's Dictionary as "sending,
giving, or exchanging information and ideas," which is often expressed nonverbally and
verbally.
➢ A plethora of authors have defined communication including Gamble and Gamble, who
define communication as a desirable or accidental transfer of meaning.
➢ Communication is also a process of sharing or exchanging ideas, information,
knowledge, attitude or feelings through certain signs, symbols and behavior.
➢ Communication is more than transfer of ideas and thoughts; it is a dynamic process of
action and interaction towards desired goals.
2
, 1.3.1 Key phrases of definition
a) Communication is a process: it is an activity which is an exchange of meaning that is
dynamic. Communication is therefore not static. Communication as a process is a
concept whose critical element is the changing nature of its occurrence.
b) Communication involves meaning: Meaning is shared understanding of message.
The understanding of the meaning of another person’s message only occurs when
you elicit common meanings for words, phrases, and non-verbal messages.
c) Communication is a system of symbols, signs and behavior: the system may be in
form of language, gesture, demeanor, facial expressions etc.
1.3.2 Importance of Studying Communication
Communication is central to human life. You cannot avoid communication and you will
engage in communication nearly every minute of every day in your life. In addition,
communication plays a major role in every aspect of your life. Effective communication
therefore both enhances your daily life and at the same time solves problems in your
professional and personal life. Communication experts believe that poor communication is
at the root of many of our problems.
Therefore, there are various reasons why studying communication is important:
a) Studying communication helps in understanding and insight of oneself and others.
➢ Self-awareness is the way we see ourselves. Most of our self-knowledge comes
from communication with ourselves (intrapersonal communication) and
communication with other people (interpersonal communication). The
message and feedback we receive from others helps improve our self-concept.
b) Studying communication and using it effectively can lead to more positive feelings of
ourselves. Effective communication can improve our self-worth by enabling us to
positively project ourselves in what is called image management.
c) Studying communication can increase our knowledge about human relationships
because studying communication includes learning about how people relate with one
another and about what communication is appropriate for a given situation.
d) Studying communication can teach us important life skills. For instance, it can help us
acquire problem solving skills. Studying communication is also instrumental in helping
3
, us acquire important life skills such as decision-making skills, public speaking etc. All
these skills are important in academic and career development.
e) Studying communication can help us succeed professionally. Employers regard highly
written, oral, and other communication competencies. The ability to listen and analyze
messages is usually considered an essential professional skill. Entrepreneurs too
regard communication skills as top priority skills for success.
f) Poor communication may lead to misunderstanding, frustration, being ignored by
others, unsuccessful careers, among many other negative consequences.
1.4 Objectives of Communication
Whether we are speaking, writing, persuading, informing, entertaining, explaining,
convincing, educating or any other objective behind the communication, we always have
four general objectives:
▪ To be received (heard or read)
▪ To be understood
▪ To be accepted
▪ To get action (change behavior or attitude)
1.5 Elements of Communication
Elements of communication are the components that constitute the communication
process. These are:
a) People
These are the participants in the communication process. People are involved in
communication in two roles. They are sources and receivers of messages. Sources
initiate/compose the intended message. S/he encodes the message, while receivers are
the intended target of messages, i.e., a receiver is the person who receives, decodes,
comprehends and attaches meaning to the message sent. The participants’ knowledge,
interest and emotional state will affect how the message is sent or received. In the
communication process, people are sources and receivers of a message simultaneously
and continually.
4
