Human Communication: What and Why

1
Chapter 1

• Human Communication What and Why

2
After studying the material in this chapter. . .

• You should understand
• the working definition and characteristics of
  communication.
• the types of communication covered in this book.
• the needs satisfied by communication.

3
After studying the material in this chapter. . .

• You should understand
• the characteristics of linear and transactional
  communication models.
• the characteristics of competent communication.
• common misconceptions about communication.

4
After studying the material in this chapter. . .

• You should be able to
• define communication and give specific examples
  of the various types of communication introduced
  in this chapter.
• describe the needs you attempt to satisfy by
  communicating.

5
After studying the material in this chapter. . .

• You should be able to
• judge the competence of communication (yours or
  others) in a specific situation and suggest ways
  of increasing the competence level.
• identify how misconceptions about communication
  can create problems and suggest how a more
  accurate analysis of the situations you describe
  can lead to better outcomes.

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Chapter highlights

• Communication, as we will study it in this book,
  possesses three important characteristics
• It occurs between humans.
• It is a process.
• It is symbolic.

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Chapter highlights

• There are several different types of
  communication introduced in this chapter
• Intrapersonal
• dyadic/interpersonal
• small-group
• Public
• mass

8
Chapter highlights

• Communication helps satisfy a number of needs in
  our lives
• physical needs
• identity needs
• social needs
• practical needs

9
Chapter highlights

• Two models of communication help us understand
  what is involved in this process
• The linear model is familiar, but overly
  simplistic.
• The transactional model better describes how
  people communicate.

10
Chapter highlights

• Communication competence is a measure of a
  persons knowledge of how to be a good
  communicator. This chapter explores competence
  by
• defining the nature of competence and how it is
  acquired.
• outlining the characteristics of competent
  communicators.

11
Chapter highlights

• Clarifying certain misconceptions about
  communication helps us understand how the process
  works effectively. We will consider the following
  clarifications of common misconceptions
• Communication doesnt always require complete
  understanding.
• Communication isnt always a good thing.

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Chapter highlights

• No single person or event causes anothers
  reaction.
• Communication wont solve all problems.
• Meanings rest in people, not in words.
• Communication isnt as simple as it often seems.
• More communication isnt always better.

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Communication defined

• Communication is human.
• Communication is a process.
• Communication is symbolic.

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Types of communication

• Intrapersonal communication
• Dyadic/interpersonal communication
• Small-group communication
• Public communication
• Mass communication

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Functions of Communication

• Physical needs
• Identity needs
• Social needs
• Practical needs

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Modelling communication

• A linear model
• A transactional model
• Simultaneous sending and receiving
• Communication is fluid, not static
• Communication is relational, no individual

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Figure 1.1

• Linear communication model

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Figure 1.2

• Transactional communication model

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Table 1.1
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Communication competence

• Communication competence defined
• There is no ideal way to communicate.
• Competence is situational.
• Competence is relational.
• Competence can be learned.

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Communication competence

• Characteristics of competent communicators
• A wide range of behaviours
• Ability to choose the most appropriate behaviour
• Skill at performing behaviours
• Empathy/perspective-taking

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Communication competence

• Cognitive complexity
• Self-monitoring
• Commitment to the relationship

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Clarifying misconceptions about communication

• Communication does not always require complete
  understanding.
• Communication is not always a good thing.
• No single person or event causes anothers
  reaction.

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Clarifying misconceptions about communication

• Communication will not solve all problems.
• Meanings rest in people, not in words.
• Communication is not simple.
• More communication is not always better.