The communication process is the transmission of a message from a sender to a receiver in an understandable manner. It is a two-way process that involves the sharing of a common meaning between the sender and the receiver. Effective communication is essential in every aspect of personal and professional life. The communication process consists of several components, including encoding, medium of transmission, decoding, and feedback. The following are the steps involved in the communication process:
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Idea Formation: The communication process begins when the sender has an idea to be communicated. The sender must clarify the idea and purpose to increase the chances of successful communication.
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Encoding: The sender encodes the message into a form that can be transmitted through a selected channel.
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Channel Selection: The sender chooses the medium through which to convey the message to the recipient. The choice of medium depends on the interpersonal relationships between the sender and the receiver and the urgency of the message being sent.
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Decoding: The receiver decodes the message and interprets its meaning.
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Feedback: Feedback is a vital part of the communication process. It occurs when the sender and receiver check to ensure that the message was understood as intended. Feedback is a shared responsibility between the sender and the receiver and can be verbal or non-verbal.
The communication process is a dynamic and continuous interaction that is affected by many variables. Anything that interferes with clear communication is called noise. Successful communication within an organization stems from the implementation of the communication process.