Even though the following seven components of
communication operate almost instantaneously, we will examine them separately
to more clearly understand their specific function. The seven components are
source, message, receiver, encoding, channel, decoding, and context.
Source
The source is the originator of the message. It is the
person or persons who want to communicate a message to another person or a
group of people. The source of a message can be an individual speaker addressing
a group, a child asking for candy, a couple sending out invitations to a family
reunion, or a person writing a letter.
Message
The message is the idea, thought, or feeling that the
source wants to communicate. This message is encoded or converted into verbal
and nonverbal symbols that will most likely be understood by the receiver.
Receiver
The receiver is the recipient of the message. The
receiver can be an individual or a group of people. Once the receiver hears the
words and receives the nonverbal cues from the sender, she must interpret or
decode them if communication is to occur.
Encoding
Once the source has decided on a message to communicate,
he must encode or convert that idea, thought, or feeling into verbal and
nonverbal symbols that will be most effectively understood by the receiver.
This encoding process can be extremely creative because there are unlimited
ways for the source to convert the idea or feeling into words and behaviors.
Consider a simple message such as “I want to see you
again.” The source can simply say, “I want to see you again,” and smile as he
says the words. He can also say, “Let’s get together again,” and cast a
humorous glance, or he can murmur, “I need to see you again,” with direct eye
contact and outstretched arms. He could simply scribble a note on a napkin
saying, “We need an encore,” and place it gently in front of the other person.
There are countless ways to encode this simple message and each one would be
received and interpreted by the recipient in a slightly different way.
The important thing to remember is that you can open
yourself up to the endless possibilities of selecting, arranging, and
delivering messages you want to communicate. Your willingness to put greater
creativity into the encoding process will enhance and deepen your communication
with others.
Channel
A channel is the medium by which the message is
communicated. The source can utilize the channels of sight, sound, touch,
smell, and taste. For instance, if you want to communicate affection for
another person, you can utilize a variety of channels or combination of
channels. You can say, “I like you” (sound). You can give a hug (touch). You
can wink an eye (sight). You can send cookies that you baked (taste). Or you
can deliver a dozen roses (smell). You can creatively select the channels of
communication to productively communicate your message.
Decoding
Decoding is the process of making sense out of the
message received. The receiver must decipher the language and behaviors sent by
the source so they will have meaning. After the receiver decodes the message,
the receiver (now the source) can encode a return message and send it back to
the other person.
Context
All communication occurs within a certain context. The
context is made up of the physical surroundings, the occasion in which the
communication occurs, the time, the number of people present, noise level, and
many other variables that can influence and affect the encoding and decoding of
messages. The context plays an important role in the communication process.
As you consider the effects that the context can have on
communication, you might want to put your creativity to good use. Think of ways
you can create a serene, healthy, and productive communication environment.
Simple things like choosing a time when you both have an opportunity to meet. Making
the actual physical surroundings clean, uncluttered, and peaceful. Maybe
straightening up the house, buying some flowers to cheer the place up, and even
putting on some soothing background music. Perhaps a drive in the country or a
walk in a park will create a more relaxed context in which you can communicate
more effectively. Whatever you do, remember that you can have some influence
over the context in which communication occurs within your life.
Source:
Fujishin, Randy. 2008. Creating Communication:
Exploring and Expanding Your Fundamental Communication Skills (2nd).
Plymouth: Rowman & Littlefield Publisher, Inc.
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