BY- PRINZ

INTRODUCTION
Communication takes place whenever two or more human beings come into contact with each another and express their ideas, thoughts and feelings. The purpose of the communication is to understand. When we think about communication, we tend to associate it with verbal communication

Human beings communicate through eye movement, facial expression, body posture, gesture and even proximity. Just as with verbal communication, there are many styles of non-verbal communication and they vary between cultures.

DEFINITION
Communication is the process whereby information is imparted by a sender to a receiver via medium. Mckenzie 1997.

Communication is the means through which people interact, exchange information and relate to one

COMMUNICATION PROCESS
Communication is a process of transferring information from a sender to a receiver with the use of a medium in which the communicated information is understood by both sender and receiver.

Communication process is the process by which a message is encoded by a sender, is transmitted through a medium to receiver, who decodes a message and provides feedback. Vijay Menon

 Phases of the Communication Process:

Transmission phase in which information is shared by two or more people. Feedback phase in which a common understanding is assured.

The process starts with a sender (an individual or group) who wants to share information.
Senders must decide what information to share and puts the message into symbols or language (encoding).
Noise: anything harming the communication process.

Communication Networks
Communication Networks
The pathways along which information flows in groups and teams and throughout the organization. Choice of communication network depends on:
The nature of the groups tasks

The extent to which group members need to communicate with each other to achieve group goals.

Communication Networks in Groups and Teams

Figure 15.3

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TYPES OF COMMUNICATION
1) 2) 3) 4) Non-verbal communication Verbal Communication Symbolic Communication Meta Communication

1. NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION
Non-verbal communication includes a whole series of physical gestures such as facial expressions, signal and general gestures, body movements, use of colours, eye contact and the use of tone and sounds.

It is important to recognize the significance of non-verbal communication in normal interpersonal communication. Some common non-verbal clues are: Physical appearance: tells us something about the speakers attitude towards herself/himself. Gesture and facial expression: are direct clues to the speakers immediate thoughts. Facial expressions are difficult to control and express the speakers thoughts. The way a person uses her/his hands also shows feelings. Gestures are important clues in cases when the speaker is unfamiliar with the language of the listener.

 Eye contact and gaze: are also direct clues to the speaker's immediate thoughts.
Movement/walk/posture: the way a person moves, walks, sits and stands indicates the speakers inner state of mind and how relaxed/not relaxed s/he is during the interaction. Accent: gives a clue to where the speaker comes from geographically and to the speaker's education and socio-economic background.

 Tone and pitch of voice: are clues to her/his inner state of mind, for example, whether the speaker is nervous, excited, contemptous, subservient, angry or sad.
Errors in speech/hesitation in speech: is a sign of nervousness or indecisiveness. Silence: a pause in speech can be for effect or to give an opportunity to the listener to respond or to ease tension. Silence can also be a sign of nervousness/shyness/ reserved nature ignorance.

2. Non-verbal communication
Gestures Posture and gait Eye gaze

3. Symbolic Communication
Communication required awareness of symbolic communication, the verbal and nonverbal symbolism used by others to convey meaning. Art and music are forms of symbolic communication that may be used by the nurse to enhance understanding and promote healing.

4. Meta Communication
Is a message within a message that conveys a senders attitude towards the self and message and the attitudes, feeling and intensions towards the listener. It can be an explicit statement (verbal) or an implicit demonstration of feelings (non-verbal).

LEVELS OF COMMUNICATION PROCESS

1. Intrapersonal communication: Intrapersonal communication, also known as self talk, is the deluge of thoughts, feelings, and information that circulate inside ones own mind.

2. Interpersonal communication: Interpersonal communication is the process that occurs between two individuals either in face-to-face encounters, over the telephone, or through other communication media.

3. Group communication: Communication between three or more individual is defined as group communication.

4. Interdisciplinary communication: The health care team consists of the client (and family) and all health care personnel (e.g. social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists) involved in providing care.

ELEMENTS / COMPONENTS OF COMMUNICATIONS PROCESS

ELEMENTS / COMPONENTS OF COMMUNICATIONS PROCESS

1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) Referent Sender Message Channels Receiver Feed back Interpersonal variables Environment

Barriers to communication
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Noise Inappropriate medium Assumptions/Misconceptions Emotions Language differences Poor listening skills

7. Distractions

Barriers to Effective Communication

Messages that are unclear, incomplete, difficult to understand Messages sent over the an inappropriate medium Messages with no provision for feedback Messages that are received but ignored Messages that are misunderstood Messages delivered through automated systems that lack the human element