1.3 Functions and Types of Communication
5 min read•july 30, 2024
Communication is the backbone of human interaction. It serves various functions, from and to and . Understanding these functions helps us navigate social situations and convey our messages effectively.
Verbal and nonverbal cues work together to create meaning in our interactions. While words express explicit ideas, nonverbal signals often reveal underlying emotions and attitudes. Recognizing both aspects enhances our ability to communicate clearly and interpret others' messages accurately.
Communication in Human Interactions
Primary Functions of Communication
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- Communication serves to inform by conveying knowledge, facts, news, or instructions between individuals or groups
- Sharing details about events, people, places, processes, or other information allows for the dissemination of ideas and learning
- Informative communication helps to reduce uncertainty, increase understanding, and facilitate decision-making (news reports, educational lectures)
- Communication functions to persuade by influencing the attitudes, beliefs, values, or behaviors of others
- Persuasive messages aim to convince the audience to think or act in a certain way, often by appealing to emotions, logic, or credibility
- Persuasion can be used to promote products, advocate for causes, or change opinions (advertisements, political speeches)
- Communication entertains by providing amusement, enjoyment, or emotional experiences
- Entertaining content captures attention, evokes feelings, and provides a pleasurable escape from reality
- Various forms of media and art use communication to entertain audiences (movies, music, comedy shows)
Relational and Identity Functions of Communication
- Communication builds and maintains relationships by establishing connections, trust, and understanding between people
- Interactions help to develop a sense of closeness, support, and social bonds through the exchange of thoughts, feelings, and experiences
- Regular communication is necessary to sustain and strengthen interpersonal relationships over time (friendships, romantic partnerships)
- Communication helps to manage identity by expressing oneself and presenting a desired image to others
- Individuals use communication to convey their unique personalities, values, and roles within social contexts
- involves strategically controlling the information shared to influence how others perceive and evaluate the communicator (job interviews, social media profiles)
Verbal vs Nonverbal Communication
Characteristics of Verbal and Nonverbal Messages
- uses spoken or written language, consisting of words, to convey meaning
- It relies on shared understanding of definitions, grammar, and syntax to effectively encode and decode messages
- Verbal communication allows for the explicit expression of ideas, but can be limited by language barriers or differing interpretations (conversations, emails)
- is the sending and receiving of messages without using words
- It includes body language, facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, touch, space, and paralanguage that implicitly convey meaning
- Nonverbal cues often communicate emotions, attitudes, and relational messages more powerfully than verbal content (smiling, crossed arms)
Interaction of Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
- Verbal and nonverbal messages can complement each other, contradict each other, substitute for each other, or accent/regulate the flow of communication
- Congruent verbal and nonverbal cues reinforce the meaning and credibility of the overall message (saying "I'm happy" while smiling)
- Contradictory verbal and nonverbal signals can create confusion or undermine the intended message (saying "I'm fine" while appearing visibly upset)
- Nonverbal behaviors can replace verbal messages in some contexts, especially when expressing basic needs or emotions (pointing, nodding)
- Nonverbal cues also regulate turn-taking, provide , and control the pace of verbal interactions (leaning forward, raising eyebrows)
Interpersonal, Group, and Public Communication
Characteristics and Purposes of Interpersonal Communication
- occurs between two people and is characterized by mutual influence, interdependent roles, and the development of a unique relational culture
- Participants continually adapt to each other's messages and behaviors, creating a dynamic and personalized interaction
- Over time, repeated interactions lead to established patterns, inside jokes, and shared understandings that define the relationship
- The purposes of interpersonal communication are to exchange information, manage relationships, express identity, and influence each other
- Interpersonal interactions allow for the sharing of personal experiences, ideas, and feelings that build intimacy and trust (self-disclosure)
- Relational maintenance behaviors, such as giving compliments or offering support, help to sustain and enhance the quality of the relationship
- Identity management involves presenting oneself in a way that aligns with desired relational roles and elicits positive responses from the other person
Characteristics and Purposes of Group and Public Communication
- happens when three or more individuals interact with a common purpose and mutually influence each other
- Group members develop a unifying identity, take on interdependent roles, establish norms for appropriate conduct, and form a status hierarchy
- The purposes of group communication are to share information, solve problems, make decisions, and provide emotional or task support (team meetings, study groups)
- is a -focused presentation of information to an audience that limits immediate feedback
- It is characterized by formality, structure, prescribed roles, and limited interaction between the speaker and listeners
- The purposes of public communication are to inform, persuade, entertain, or inspire a larger audience (lectures, sermons, keynote addresses)
Mediated Communication in Society
Characteristics of Mediated Communication
- Mediated communication is interaction that relies on technology or a third-party to convey messages, rather than direct face-to-face contact
- Contemporary examples include phone calls, email, text messaging, social media, and video conferencing
- Mediated channels vary in their affordances, such as synchronicity, permanence, reach, and cue multiplicity, which shape the nature of the interaction
- Mediated messages often lack the nonverbal cues and immediate feedback present in face-to-face interactions
- Reduced nonverbal information can lead to , impersonal exchanges, and difficulty establishing trust or emotional connections
- The asynchronous and distant nature of some mediated channels can reduce inhibitions and lead to more aggressive or hurtful messages (cyberbullying, trolling)
Impact of Mediated Communication on Society
- Mediated communication has increased access and speed of information exchange, enabling communication across physical and temporal boundaries
- This has transformed business practices, personal relationships, and cultural interactions on a global scale (remote work, long-distance relationships)
- However, constant connectivity can also lead to information overload, distraction, and fragmented attention
- Mediated communication has blurred the boundaries between public and private life by increasing visibility of personal information
- Social media and other digital platforms enable broader surveillance and raise concerns about privacy and control of personal data
- The spread of misinformation and fake news through mediated channels can distort public discourse and undermine trust in institutions
- Mediated communication can enhance multitasking and efficiency by allowing asynchronous exchanges and engagement in multiple conversations simultaneously
- However, this can also lead to reduced quality of interaction, superficial connections, and neglect of face-to-face relationships
Key Terms to Review (23)
Active Listening: Active listening is a communication technique that involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said in a conversation. This skill not only enhances interpersonal communication but also builds rapport and trust, making it vital in various contexts such as conflict resolution and leadership.
Assertiveness: Assertiveness is the ability to express one’s thoughts, feelings, and needs in a clear, direct, and respectful manner. It involves standing up for oneself while also considering the rights and feelings of others. This balance is crucial in various communication scenarios, especially when managing conflicts and working towards resolutions.
Berlo’s SMCR Model: Berlo’s SMCR Model is a communication model that outlines the process of communication through four key components: Source, Message, Channel, and Receiver. This model emphasizes how these elements interact and affect the overall effectiveness of communication, showcasing the importance of understanding each part to enhance communication skills across different contexts.
Building Relationships: Building relationships refers to the process of establishing and nurturing connections between individuals, which can lead to meaningful interactions and collaborations. This process involves communication that fosters trust, understanding, and emotional connections, making it essential in various contexts, such as personal friendships, professional networking, and team dynamics.
Decoding: Decoding is the process of interpreting and making sense of messages received from a sender. It involves taking symbols, words, or signals and converting them into meaningful information, allowing individuals to understand the intended message. This process is influenced by the receiver's background, context, and experiences, making decoding an essential part of effective communication.
Encoding: Encoding is the process of transforming thoughts, ideas, or feelings into communicable symbols, such as words, gestures, or images. This step is essential in communication, as it allows a sender to convey a message that can be understood by a receiver. The effectiveness of encoding influences how well the message is interpreted and understood, linking closely to the theory of how communication functions and the various ways it can be expressed.
Entertaining: Entertaining refers to the act of engaging an audience through enjoyable and amusing content or experiences, often aiming to evoke emotional responses like laughter or joy. This function of communication can be utilized in various contexts, such as storytelling, performances, and media, allowing individuals to connect through shared enjoyment and fostering social bonds.
Feedback: Feedback is the information provided by a receiver back to a sender regarding the effectiveness of their message. It plays a crucial role in communication by allowing senders to adjust their messages based on how they are received, enhancing understanding and fostering clearer interactions.
Group Communication: Group communication refers to the process of exchanging information, ideas, and feelings among members of a group. It plays a critical role in shaping group dynamics, facilitating collaboration, and achieving common goals. Effective group communication fosters a sense of belonging, encourages participation, and enhances problem-solving abilities within the group.
Impression management: Impression management is the process by which individuals attempt to influence how they are perceived by others, shaping their public image through various strategies and behaviors. This concept emphasizes the role of self-presentation in communication, as people use verbal and nonverbal cues to project certain identities and manage social interactions effectively. By understanding impression management, one can recognize the impact it has on self-concept and interpersonal perceptions.
Informing: Informing is a communication function that involves the transmission of information, ideas, or knowledge to others. It serves as a crucial means for sharing facts and fostering understanding, which is essential in both personal and professional contexts. The act of informing can take various forms, including verbal, written, and visual communication, each playing a role in how effectively information is conveyed and understood.
Interpersonal communication: Interpersonal communication is the process of exchanging information, feelings, and meanings between individuals through verbal and nonverbal messages. It plays a crucial role in establishing and maintaining relationships, influencing how people connect with each other on emotional, social, and practical levels. This form of communication is essential for understanding the nuances of human interactions, as it encompasses not just what is said but how it is expressed and received in various contexts.
Misinterpretation: Misinterpretation is the incorrect understanding or interpretation of a message, often resulting from unclear communication or assumptions made by the receiver. This can lead to confusion, conflict, and miscommunication between individuals, especially when messages are ambiguous or context is not adequately considered.
Noise: Noise refers to any external or internal interference that disrupts the clarity and effectiveness of communication. It can occur at various stages in the communication process and may arise from physical sounds, psychological distractions, or semantic misunderstandings. This disruption can affect how messages are sent, received, and interpreted, influencing the overall communication experience.
Nonverbal Communication: Nonverbal communication refers to the transmission of messages or information without the use of words, utilizing gestures, facial expressions, body language, and other visual cues. It plays a crucial role in enhancing or contradicting verbal messages and is essential for understanding emotions and intentions in various communication contexts.
Persuading: Persuading is the act of influencing someone's beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors through communication. This process often involves the use of logical reasoning, emotional appeals, and ethical considerations to convince an audience or individual to adopt a certain viewpoint or take a specific action. Persuading plays a crucial role in various forms of communication, from personal interactions to mass media, as it helps shape opinions and drive decisions.
Public communication: Public communication refers to the process of sharing information and ideas with a large audience, often in formal settings such as speeches, presentations, or media broadcasts. This type of communication is crucial for influencing public opinion, fostering civic engagement, and disseminating important information to communities. It encompasses various formats and channels, allowing individuals or organizations to convey messages to diverse audiences effectively.
Receiver: A receiver is an individual or group who interprets and responds to a message sent by a sender in the communication process. This role is crucial because the effectiveness of communication largely depends on how well the receiver understands and processes the information being conveyed. The receiver's background, perceptions, and context can significantly influence their interpretation of messages.
Sender: A sender is the individual or entity that initiates the communication process by encoding and transmitting a message to a receiver. The sender plays a crucial role in determining how effectively the intended message is conveyed, as their choices regarding language, tone, and medium influence the overall clarity and impact of the communication. Understanding the sender's role is essential for analyzing both the process of communication and its various functions and types.
Shannon-Weaver Model: The Shannon-Weaver Model is a foundational framework in communication theory that illustrates the process of transmitting information from a sender to a receiver through a channel, incorporating potential noise that may interfere with the message. This model emphasizes the importance of encoding, decoding, and feedback, allowing us to understand how effective communication can occur despite barriers.
Social Penetration Theory: Social Penetration Theory is a psychological and communication model that explains how relationships develop through the gradual process of self-disclosure. The theory suggests that as individuals share more personal information, their relationship deepens, moving from superficial interactions to more intimate connections. This model emphasizes the role of communication in building interpersonal relationships and highlights how different layers of personal information are revealed over time.
Uncertainty Reduction Theory: Uncertainty Reduction Theory posits that when individuals meet for the first time, their primary goal is to reduce uncertainty about each other by gathering information. This process helps establish communication and facilitates the development of interpersonal relationships, as people seek to predict others' behaviors and outcomes based on the information they acquire. By navigating this uncertainty, individuals engage in various types of communication that can lead to deeper connections and understanding.
Verbal communication: Verbal communication is the use of spoken or written words to convey messages and share information between individuals. It plays a critical role in the way people connect and interact, influencing clarity, understanding, and relationship building in various contexts. This form of communication can be intentional or unintentional and often varies based on factors like culture, context, and the dynamics of the relationship between the communicators.