THE COMMUNICATION PROCESS

Communication That is what we try to do Speak to those near us Thought: First, information exists in the mind of the sender. This can be a concept, idea, information, or feelings. Encoding: Next, a message is sent to a receiver in words or other symbols. Decoding: lastly, the receiver translates the words or symbols into a concept or information that he or she can understand.


During the transmitting of the message, two elements will be received: content and context. Content is the actual words or symbols of the message which is known as language - the spoken and written words combined into phrases that make grammatical and semantic sense. We all use and interpret the meanings of words differently, so even simple messages can be misunderstood. And many words have different meanings to confuse the issue even more.


Environmental - Bright lights, an attractive person, unusual sights, or any other stimulus provides a potential distraction. Smothering - We take it for granted that the impulse to send useful information is automatic. Not true! Too often we believe that certain information has no value to others or they are already aware of the facts. Stress - People do not see things the same way when under stress. What we see and believe at a given moment is influenced by our psychological frames of references - our beliefs, values, knowledge, experiences, and goals.

Plan responses after the others have finished speaking, NOT while they are speaking. Provide feedback, but do not interrupt incessantly. Analyze by looking at all the relevant factors and asking open-ended questions. Walk others through by summarizing. Keep conversations on what others say, NOT on what interests them. Take brief notes. This forces them to concentrate on what is being said.