1.1.2 The basic communication process

The basic communication process has seven key elements:

1. The sender. This is the person who wants to share information or an idea.
2. The message. This is idea, facts, opinion or information that the sender wishes to communication.
3. This is the way in which the sender translates the information or idea in the form of symbols.  This may be words, pictures or sound.
4. Communication channel. This is the form or method of communication used for sending the information or idea.
5. The Receiver. This is the person who the sender is transmitting information to.
6. This is the process where the receiver interprets the encoded message in order to create meaning.
7. This is the receiver’s response to the communication message sent by the sender.

The communication process starts when the sender transmits their information or idea using a form of communication to a receiver.  On receipt of the communication from the sender, the receiver may understand the message in part or full.  The receiver will then respond to, the communication message or gives feedback.  It is important to understand that the communication process is not complete unless you get a response from the person receiving your communication message.  This is explored in more detail in Chapter 3.

Please watch the follow the video on the communication process examining the concepts of sender, message, encoding, channel, receiver and decoding.

What are the different ways that receivers can respond to a communication message or give feedback? Give examples.

Business communication can be internal or external. Internal communications involve you communicating with people within your organisation, this will include your team members, line manager or communication with colleagues in other departments to successfully complete your work tasks.  External communications involve any messages shared with people outside of your organisation.  External communications involve any form of communication that a business may have with customers, suppliers, government agencies, the media or the general public.

Internal communication is defined as any communication transmitted to, or received from, people within your organisation.

External communication is defined as any communication transmitted to, or received from, people outside of your organisation.