Essential Elements and Types of Human Communication

Understanding the Types of Communication

Communication is the action and effect of social interaction based on the transmission of information messages to an entity. It is expressed through the connection, relationship, or dialogue that exists between people, as well as the liaison relationship between objects through which the action of a message occurs.

Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

• Verbal Communication: This is used in any language with a complete grammatical sentence structure.
  • Direct oral communication: When the language is expressed through a natural oral language.
  • Direct gestural communication: When the language is expressed through a marked natural language.
• Nonverbal Communication: This is communication that is not given directly through the voice.
• Written Communication: When the language is expressed in writing.

Core Elements of Human Communication

The primary elements or factors of human communication include the source, transmitter or encoder, code (rules of the sign or symbol), the primary message (under a code), receiver or decoder, channel, noise (barriers or interference), and feedback (return message or post-secondary response).

Detailed Components of the Communication Process

Source: The place from which the information, data, or content emanates; in conclusion, it is what gives rise to the message.

Issuer or Encoder: This is the person or organization who chooses and selects the appropriate signs to convey a message—i.e., the codes used to make the message understandable to the receiver. The sender initiates the communication process.

Receiver or Decoder: This is the person or organization to whom the message is directed. They perform an inverse process to the issuer, decoding and interpreting what the sender wants to introduce. There are two types of receivers:

• Passive Receiver: One who only receives the message.
• Active Receiver: A recipient who not only receives the message but also perceives and stores it. In this case, the message is received as the sender intended, and feedback is performed.

Code: The set of rules for each system of signs and symbols that the sender uses to convey their message. These are combined in an appropriate manner for the transmission.

Channel: The physical transmission medium with specific properties that determine the nature of the signals being transmitted.

Message: A sign or set of signs created by the issuer within the limits of a specific code.