Communication Defined

The message moves through the channel to the receiver, who completes the communication process by interpreting and assigning meaning to the message.  This is also known as decoding.

The sender then transmits the message through a channel.  A channel is the method of delivery.  For instance, text messages, emails, phone calls, and face-to-face interactions are all examples of channels.

The sender is the person who initiates the communication.  The sender develops an idea into a message.  This is also called encoding.

Noise is any distraction or factor in the environment that prevents the message from reaching its destination.  Noise includes anything that causes the attention of those communicating to stray from the message.

– Feedback is the verbal and nonverbal cues receivers convey to indicate their reaction to communication.  This can be eye contact, nodding, yeah’s and mmm-hmmm’s.