History of Communication

Briefly History of Communication

Communication has existed since the beginning of human being. As commucation technologies developed so did the serious study of communication increased. When world war one ended the interest in studying communication intensified. The social science study was fully recognized legitimate discipline after second world war.

Before becoming communication studies, the discipline was formed from three other major studies:-

●       Psychology is the study of human behaviour

●       Sociology is the study of society and social processes

●       Anthropology is the study of communication as a factor which develops,maintains and change culture.

Definition of Communication

Different Scholars define communication in different ways:-

Dale (1969) says it is the sharing of ideas and feeling in a mood of mutuality or reciprocal.

Ruben (1984) says that communication is an information related behavior.

Generally, communication can be defined as a process where by information is enclosed in a package and is channeled and imparted by a sender to a receiver via some media, the receiver then decodes the message and gives the sender a feedbacks.

Communication theory has one universal law posted by S.F Scuddler(1980). The universal communication laws States that"all living entitles, living beings and creatures communicates. All of livings communicate through movements,sounds,reactions, physical changes, gestures, languages, breath and other reactions.

Communication is related to every human activity.The words we say and actions we complete convey messages, emotions, and information.

For example:-

●       Saying, “I am tired,” imply that you are tired.

●       Screaming, announce that you just experienced pain.

Once we learn to speak, write, and use a computer, we don’t give communication a second thought. Messages come and go in a flash. But that flash still exists, and taking a closer look at it is called communication theory.

What is communication theory?

Communication theory definition

Communication theory studies the scientific process of sending and receiving information. There are many principles, methods, and components that can affect a message, and communication theory explains it all.

Communication theory is a complex topic. There are a lot of features of communication theory that can affect the process: sender, receiver, noise, nonverbal cues, cultural differences. It’s a lot to keep track of. To make things a little less complicated, the creators of the different communication theories paired them with communication models.

Communication Models

A model is a systematic representation of an object or event in idealized and abstract form. Models provide a simplified view of something to be studied.

Analyzing selected communication Models

1.      Aristotl'scommunication Model

2.      Shannon Weaver communication model

3.      Lasswell communication model

4.      Berlo communication model

5.      Schramm communication model

Communication models

Put simply, models act as a visual representation of a theory. Because communication has become so complex over time, there are different communication models for different types of communication. Some are simpler than others, but let’s go over the basic models that we experience the most in our day to day communication.

1.Aristotl'scommunication Model

Aristotle(384-322 B.C) was a Greek philosopher and writer born in Stagira, Northern Greece. He was also the teacher of Alexander the Great. He studied physics, logic, mathematics, etc.

The Aristotle’s communication model is a speaker centered model as the speaker has the most important role in it and is the only one active. It is the speaker’s role to deliver a speech to the audience. The role of the audience is passive, influenced by the speech. This makes the communication process one way, from speaker to receiver.

He believed “Rhetoric” is the study of communication and persuasion and different message or speech should be made for different audiences at different situations to get desired effects or to establish a propaganda.

Therefore,Rhetoric can be defined as a technique of using language effectively and persuasively in spoken or written form.

Critical Elements of a Good Communicator.

Aristotle has given 3 elements that must be present in a good communicator or public speaker. These elements are related to each other and they reinforce the other elements.

Ethos

Ethos is the characteristic which makes you credible in front of the audience. If there is no credibility, the audience will not believe in you and will not be persuaded by you. Expertise and positions also give credibility to a person.

For instance, the mass will not listen to the promises of a corrupt politician, but if a politician is known for his good deeds, there’s a high change his speech will be heard.

Pathos

If what you say matters to an audience and they can connect with it, then they will be more interested and they will think you are more credible. Emotional bonds will make the audience captivated and they feel the speaker is one of their own people.

For instance, if people of a village needs water and the politician tells them that he will help in building roads, the people will not get influenced but might be more influenced if he says he will build a dam for drinking water and irrigation.

Logos

Logos is logic. People believe in you only if they understand what you are trying to say. People find logic in everything. If there is no logic behind the speaker’s work or time, they do not want to get involved. Everybody has a sense of reason. You must present facts to the audience for them to believe in you.

For example, a presenter using factual data in an awareness program will attract the audience’s attention and will make them believe in the need of awareness in the particular matter.

Strengths of Aristotle's Model.

●       The model is suitable for public speaking

Criticisms of Aristotle’s Model of Communication(weaknesses).

The following are criticisms around this model:-

●       There is no concept of feedback, it is one way from speaker to audience.

●       There is no concept of communication failure like noise and barriers.

●       This model can only be used in public speaking.

●       The audience is seen to be passive and to be influenced by the speakers.

●       It does not show the channel/medium the message has to pass.

2.Shannon-Weaver communication model

The Shannon-Weaver model is a linear, or one way, communication model that Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver created in 1948. Before we move into what the model actually is, we need to break down the key concepts within it.

Sender: The sender creates and sends the message.

Encoder: The encoder translates the message into signals.

Decoder: The decoder receives the signals and forms a message.

Receiver: The receiver is the message’s final destination.

The Shannon-Weaver model is a basic example of communication theory, but a great place to start when trying to simplify this complex subject.

Strengths of the Model

●       Simplicity

●       Generality can be used in various fields

●       Worthy studying it

Weaknesses of the Model

●       It assumes communicators are isolated individuals.

●       It did not consider feedback as an important elements in communication.

●       It is linear,that is,on way communication.

●       No allowance of situational context.

3.Lasswell communication model

The Lasswell communication model is another linear, or one way, model that Harold D. Lasswell created not too long after the Shannon Weaver model was made.

The big difference between the two is that Lasswell’s model studies mass communication, as opposed to a simple two-person conversation. A big factor in this model is predicting the effect the message has on the group. Let’s take a look at a visual and then break it dswell model asks a series of questions: Who said what? What channel did they use? Who did the message reach? What effect did it have?

Strengths of Lasswell's Model

●       It is simple

●       It suits for almost all types of communication

Weaknesses of Lasswell's Model

●       Lack of feedback to determine degree of understanding

●       It assume that message has effects

●       It is linear communication model

4.Berlo communication model

The Berlo communication model is also not too different from the Shannon Weaver model. Constructed by David Berlo in 1960, this version takes the Shannon Weaver model a step further and considers the different things that can affect each of the model’s components.

Let’s break down the different pieces of the Berlo model and the factors that affect each one.

Source: The source, or sender, creates the message intended for the receiver.

Receiver: The receiver collects the message sent by the source.

Because the source and receiver are interchangeable, the aspects that affect them are the same. Let’s take a look at each one.

Communication skills: The communication skills of the sender and receiver affect how well the message is communicated. If the sender has poor communication skills, the receiver may not get the right message. And if the receiver isn’t a good communicator, they might misinterpret the message.

Attitude: The attitude that the sender has towards the receiver, and vice versa, can change the way the message is delivered and accepted. This is especially apparent in verbal communication when speakers exhibit their tone.

Knowledge: Knowledge has an impact on the content of the sender’s message and the receiver’s interpretation. If the sender or receiver, or both, are not familiar with the topic at hand, the message loses value.

Social systems and culture: The environment and situation of the sender and receiver can also affect the message. Language, values, beliefs and life experiences can help or hinder the delivering and accepting of a message.

Message: The information being sent.

There are countless ways to craft a message. Let’s break down the typical parts of a message and how they can affect delivery and acceptance.

Content: The subject matter of the message, like the words in an email or visuals in a presentation.

Elements: Content can be paired with elements of delivery, such as nonverbal communication cues (body language, facial expressions, etc.)

Treatment: The way the message is transferred to the receiver can impact the receiver’s understanding.

Structure: The structure, or how it is organized, determines the message’s effectiveness.

Code: Code is the form the message takes. This includes speech, text, videos, etc.

Channel: The channel is the means of sending the message.

Strengths of the model

●       The model includes feedback, communication is reciprocal two ways even through the feedback may delay.

●       Include context a message may have different meaning depending upon specific context or setting.

Weaknesses of the model

●       It accounts for only bilateral communication between two parts.

●       The complex multiple levels of communication between several sources is beyond this model.

Basic characteristics of effective communication in classrooms.

Effective communication is essential for a well-run classroom. Although this sounds simple and obvious, it requires much more than a teacher saying something out loud to a student.

●       Communicate Respectfully

Respect is the foundation of effective communication, especially in the classroom. Teachers and students demonstrate respectful communication in the following ways:

●       Use a tone that is honest and tactful.

 That is,choosing words that are appropriate to the situation and noninflammatory.

●       When taking on a listening role, make eye contact and focus on the speaker.

●       Speak in turn, never interrupting the speaker.

 Teachers who model respect with their students have more respectful classrooms overall because students learn how to communicate respectfully and see its effectiveness.

 Benefits of Effective Communication in classrooms

Effective communication involves knowing how to listen attentively. It’s the ability to offer empathy, open-mindedness, and helpful feedback based on what you hear. Also, a friendly demeanor, confidence, and quality nonverbal communication will also help you, as a manager, develop good relationships with the members of your team..

1. Building trust

Effective communication fosters trust with others. Your ability to listen attentively and embrace different points of view helps others trust that you are making optimal decisions for everyone in the group. As you serve as a role model, this trust will extend to your team and they will feel as though they can trust their teammates to fulfill their duties and responsibilities.

2. Preventing or resolving problems

The ability to communicate effectively plays a large role in resolving conflicts and preventing potential ones from arising. The key is to remain calm, make sure all parties are heard and find a solution that is ideal for everyone involved.

3. Providing clarity and direction

With effective communication skills, you’re able to deliver clear expectations and objectives for your team. This involves finding constructive ways to point out when something isn’t working as well as providing helpful feedback to get people back on track. They will understand their specific tasks and responsibilities, as well as those of their teammates, which will help eliminate conflicts and confusion.

4. Creates better relationships

Good communication also improves relationships, both with employees and in your personal life with friends and family members. Listening carefully and offering quality feedback helps people to feel heard and understood. This, in turn, nurtures mutual respect.

5. Increases engagement

With people feeling more confident in their work and in their understanding of what they need to do, they become more engaged with their work as a whole. According to a recent study exploring the psychology of employee engagement, only 15% of adult employees are engaged with their employers. By prioritizing effective communication, you can increase engagement, and thus boost satisfaction, among your team members.

6. Improves productivity

When team members understand their roles, the roles of others and your expectations, they can focus more on their work and less on workplace issues. With effective communication, conflicts are resolved quickly, employees can better manage their workload and distractions are minimized. These benefits contribute to greater productivity for you and your team.

7. Promotes team building

With improved communication, team members will be better able to rely on each other. You will not have one team member feel as though they have to carry the entire group. This improved division of labor will encourage positive feelings and relationships between the team members, which leads to improved morale and work experiences.

Barriers to Effective Communication in the Classroom.

Teachers have an increasingly difficult job trying to communicate effectively to classrooms that are growing in size and may contain students who come from varied backgrounds. Some common barriers to effective communication in the classroom are listening barriers, perception barriers and oral barriers. Learning to recognize and overcome these barriers is essential in effective classroom communication.

Listening Barriers

Effective listening is one of the most important factors in classroom communication. Take the time to listen to what the other person is saying. When someone is speaking, you should not be thinking of your next response. Negative emotions may occur when certain words or body language is used. A teacher must also take care to keep emotional reactions to a minimum and focus on what the speaker is saying. Outside noise such as telephones or construction noise can sometimes make listening difficult. This outside noise should be minimized in the classroom.

Perception Barriers

Perception may be a barrier to effective communication in the classroom. Different people may receive and hear the same message but interpret it differently. Paying attention to detail is also important. Important aspects can be missed by not covering a subject in depth. A teacher should also learn to focus on both positive and negative aspects of a conversation. By having a distorted focus, a teacher may only focus on the negative aspects of a conversation.

Oral Barriers

Communication barriers in the classroom may exist if oral communication is not clear. Communication only occurs when the listener hears and understands your message in the way you meant for it to be received. Some problems in oral communications include using words with ambiguous meanings. The teacher must make sure the students clearly understand the meanings of words. Another problem in oral communications is using generalizations and stereotypes. Classroom communication should be specific to the topic and without bias. A teacher must also take caution not to make a premature conclusion before she has all the facts about a topic or situation. Finally, a teacher must overcome any lack of self-confidence and deliver the message with assertiveness and clarity.

References

Shraddha Bajracharya, "Aristotle’s Model of Communication," in Businesstopia, January 6, 2018, https://www.businesstopia.net/communication/aristotles-model-communication.

 Shannon, Claude Elwood (2011) [July and October 1948]. A Mathematical Theory of Communication (PDF).

The Bell System Technical Journal. p. 55. Retrieved November 4, 2011.

 Management Effectiveness and Communication, MBA 665, Online Resources, Communication Models. Bob Jones University. 2008. Retrieved November 5, 2011.

Chandler, Daniel (1994). The Transmission Model of Communication. University of Western Australia. Archived from the original on January 6, 2010. Retrieved November 6, 2011.

 Communication process (PDF). Center for Literacy Studies of the University of Tennessee. Retrieved November 15, 2011.

 Richard Whately; Douglas Ehninger; David Potter (1963). Elements of Rhetoric: Comprising an Analysis of the Laws of Moral Evidence. Southern Illinois University Press. ISBN 978-0-8093-2974-8. Retrieved November 7, 2011.