Theory and Principles of Communication

Communication is the “transmission of information, ideas, emotions, skills, etc., by the use of symbols words, pictures, figures, and graphs” (Trenholm, 2011, p. 20).  Communication is a two-way process. You have to have a sender and a receiver.  Because of the many channels the message has to go through, sometimes the message will get interpreted incorrectly.  To become successful in communicating, effective concepts and skills must be learned and practiced.

The key principles of human communication will help to accomplish this task. “When good communication is lacking, the symptoms are predictable: conflicting objectives, unclear values, misunderstandings, lack of coordination, confusion, low morale and people doing the bare minimum required” (Cleveland, Aug, 2005).  It is important to incorporate the essential principles of communication when sending and receiving a message.

When people are informed, it will stop misunderstandings and create an environment of trust within the organization. Leaders within the organization shape the culture, while avoiding conflict.  “The usual channels apply telephone, voice mail, e-mail, intranet, instant messaging, and collaboration and conferencing tools offer enormous potential if they are available and compatible across the organization” (Cleveland, Aug, 2005).  The appropriate tools needed to communicate properly will ensure effective communication.

When communicating, leaders should practice both formal and informal communication.  There are many formats which leaders can use, such as emails, voicemails, newsletters, meetings, intranet and visual displays. The benefit is information being sent and received quickly. These channels will help filter the message effectively.

The workplace environment concerning communication should be set up according to the job or role, encouraging trust and effective communication throughout the organization. Once trust is established it encourages people to communicate.  Listening and providing feedback in communication will assure the message has been received properly. Giving others too much information at one time is not good; spread the information out, so it can be easily understood without causing an overload.

 

The benefit and the purpose of understanding communication would be to use the principles in everyday life, to improve your own ability to understand why and how people communicate.  We all communicate daily.  Communication Studies helps you to understand how and why others think the way they do.  This in turn, helps you to decide which path you will take as a sender or a receiver. I have been able to apply these principles in my studies by incorporating the knowledge I have gained into my posts and assignments.  Pursuing a degree in Communications has enabled me to become a better writer and communicator.

Deloise

Cleveland, B. (Aug, 2005). Seven Essential Principles of Effective Communication. Call Center Magazine, 30,32.

Trenholm, S. (2011). Thinking through communication: An introduction to the study of human communication. . Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.