Communication Skills

Communication Skills

What is communication?

Communication is a word obtained from the Latin word communis or communicare, which means ‘to make common’ or ‘to share’. Communication is the act of conveying intended meaning to another person through the use of mutually understood signs and language. Communication is the art of transmitting ideas , information and attitudes from one person to another.

Forms of Communicating:

Verbal Communication

All forms of communication can be divided into either verbal or nonverbal. Both verbal and nonverbal communication can be subdivided into either vocal or non-vocal. Verbal communication involves speech to exchange information with others. We generally communicate verbally in face-to-face conversations such as; meetings, interviews, conferences, speeches, phone calls e.t.c. Much of the communication that takes place between people is both verbal and non-verbal; that is, it is based on language and gestures.

Verbal communication of the vocal category includes speaking language, while non-vocal verbal communication involves written communication as well as communication which is transmitted through sign language, finger spelling, Braille, or other similar substitutes of verbal language.

Para verbal/ paralanguage/ paralinguistic features: 

Paralinguistic or paralanguage features are the part of spoken communication that do not involve words. Paralinguistic features accompany verbal communication and are the vocal signals beyond of  the basic verbal message. Paralinguistic elements in a person's speech convey meaning beyond the words & grammar used. Examples of paralinguistic features include pitch, rate, quality of voice and amplitude. Other forms of paralanguage can also include laughter or imitative speech.

Non-Verbal:

Non-verbal communication is a kind of communication that indicates gestures and body language. 'Body language" is sometimes used to indicate non-verbal communications. "Body Language" is the communication of personal feelings, emotions, attitudes, and thoughts through body-movements such as gestures, postures, facial expressions, touch, smell, walking styles and positions among others. Non-verbal communication can lead to misunderstandings, communication failure and even conflicts if the interlocutors are careless. 

Non-verbal communication includes: GESTURES, EYE CONTACT, ORIENTATION, PRESENTATION ,LOOKS ,EXPRESSIONS OF EMOTION, SILENCE.

Levels of communication: 

1) Intrapersonal (Within a person)     

2) Interpersonal  (Face to face)            

3) Group communication

4) Mass communication                       

5) Inter country/ Development

1) INTRAPERSONAL COMMUNICATION:

It means communicating within itself. When you think, daydream, solve problems, and image, you are in the realm of intrapersonal communication. Some investigators also include all physical feedback mechanisms, such as the sensations of hunger, pain, and pleasure in this area.

2) INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION:

      This form of communication describes the interactions of two or more people. The most significant setting for interpersonal communication is direct face-to-face communication between two persons., An interview, a conversation, and intimate communications come under this heading. It is more persuasive and influential than any other type of communication. For it involves the interplay of words and gestures, the warmth of human closeness and in fact all the five senses. Non verbal signals are difficult to control, involuntary and trusted less signals in case of confusion.  Feedback is the key word here. Feedback is quick, significant & reliable. Feedback is instantaneous.

3) GROUP COMMUNICATION:

Group communication shares all these qualities, though in a much less measure. The larger the group the less personal and intimate is the possibility of exchange. In fact, as the group grows, in size communication tends to become more and more of monologue, for participation becomes problematic. The degree of directness and intimacy, therefore, depends upon the size of the group, the place where it meets, as also the relationship of the members of the group to one another, and to the group leader. Group communication requires the following conditions: leadership, equal sharing of ideas, peer pressure, roles and norms, and focus on a common goal.

4) MASS COMMUNICATION:

When a message needs help to get from its source to its destination, mass communication begins to function. Usually some form of medium one meaning of which is 'between' is needed to connect the sender to receivers. These media and visibility to some people and points of views, whereas it mutes. Other voices and viewpoints. Thus mass communication affects our perceptions of issues, events, and people.