COMMUNICATION PROCESS

 Communication 

Definition: communication is defined as a process of exchanging information usually through a common system of symbols. These symbols can be face to face conversation, to hand signals and even messages sent online. Communication can be for personal work or for business purpose. It therefore requires a systematic flow through a proper process.

Communication process chart-

1. Sender: The sender or the communicator is the person who initiates the conversation and has conceptualized the idea that he intends to convey it to others.
2. Encoding: The sender begins with the encoding process wherein he uses certain words or non-verbal methods such as symbols, signs, body gestures, etc. to translate the information into a message. The sender’s knowledge, skills, perception, background, competencies, etc. has a great impact on the success of the message.
3. Message: Once the encoding is finished, the sender gets the message that he intends to convey. The message can be written, oral, symbolic or non-verbal such as body gestures, silence, sighs, sounds, etc. or any other signal that triggers the response of a receiver.
4. Communication Channel: The Sender chooses the medium through which he wants to convey his message to the recipient. It must be selected carefully in order to make the message effective and correctly interpreted by the recipient. The choice of medium depends on the interpersonal relationships between the sender and the receiver and also on the urgency of the message being sent. Oral, virtual, written, sound, gesture, etc. are some of the commonly used communication mediums.
5. Receiver: The receiver is the person for whom the message is intended or targeted. He tries to comprehend it in the best possible manner such that the communication objective is attained. The degree to which the receiver decodes the message depends on his knowledge of the subject matter, experience, trust and relationship with the sender.
6. Decoding: Here, the receiver interprets the sender’s message and tries to understand it in the best possible manner. An effective communication occurs only if the receiver understands the message in exactly the same way as it was intended by the sender.
7. Feedback: The Feedback is the final step of the process that ensures the receiver has received the message and interpreted it correctly as it was intended by the sender. It increases the effectiveness of the communication as it permits the sender to know the efficacy of his message. The response of the receiver can be verbal or non-verbal.
8. STEPS INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS OF COMMUNICATION:
10. There are thus six steps involved in the process of communication. 
11. Step 1: Sender conceives an idea depending on the process of communication.
12. Step 2: Sender chooses appropriate symbols, encodes the idea and formulates the message.
13. Step 3: Sender sends the message through a suitable channel (oral or written).
14. Step 4: Receiver receives the message.
15. Step 5: Receiver decodes the symbols, comprehends and interprets the message.
16. Step 6: Receiver sends the response that is observed the sender.
17. The entire process takes place within a communicable environment or within a frame of reference.