Communication Lesson 1a

If you are not logged into Ms. Morris' CCR class please add yourself with the code:

​yfcmkatx

​Complete Sown to Grow

Introduction to Communication
Communication Skills Course

Required Online Topic Time: 15m

Learning Objectives

Duration

15 minutes

Terminal Learning Objective

Communication is among the earliest skills we learn in life
and one of our most prevalent activities. Effective
communication is an ongoing learning process. In this
course students will learn to identify the elements of the
communication process, develop improved
communication skills, and be better equipped to identify
and avoid common barriers to effective communication.

Enabling Learning Objectives

•Define effective communication.

•Recognize that communication is constantly occurring.

•Identify types of nonverbal communication.

•Identify and practice effective communication skills.

•Recognize barriers that can lead to ineffective
communication.

Defining Communication

Copyright© CareerSafe, LLC.

Communication is the process of
exchanging information, feelings, ideas,
etc. between people. It involves the verbal
language used as well as non-verbal
messages.

Verbal communication involves any kind of
text or speech. If it has words or verbal sound,
it's verbal communication.

Non-verbal communication is a wider range
of actions. It is practically everything else you
do during a conversation. This includes
posture, eye contact, facial expressions, body
language, spacial positioning, and so on.

Multiple Choice

True or False: Communication includes both spoken and non-spoken interactions.

• True

• False

Defining Communication

Copyright© CareerSafe, LLC.

Communication is a process consisting of five main elements: the sender, the receiver, the message,
the channel, and the context.

Sender

Receiver

Channel

Context

The sender encodes
the message through
a combination of
verbal and non-
verbal symbols
intended to
communicate
information.

The receiver
decodes the
message to
understand it.
Depending on
multiple factors, the
message may be
decoded in a way
that leads to
understanding or
misunderstanding.

Message

The message is sent
from the sender to
the receiver through
some form of
channel and within a
certain context.

The channel is how
the message is
delivered. There are
two main channels:
visual and auditory.
Using only one of
these channels leads
to limited
communication.

Any noise in the
channel may distort
the message.

The context is where
communication takes
place, who is
involved, and why
the communication is
happening.

Taking more complex
messages out of
their original context
increases the risk
of
misunderstandings.

Defining Communication

Copyright© CareerSafe, LLC.

When communication involves only using text-
based messages, it's easy to see who fills the
roles of sender and receiver.

When people are gathered together either in
person or virtually where sending and receiving
can happen in the moment, the roles aren't as
clear.

A conversation between multiple people passes
the roles of sender and receiver around as each
person takes turns talking or giving feedback
verbally or non-verbally.

Defining Communication

continued…

Copyright© CareerSafe, LLC.

Communication is the process of exchanging information, feelings, ideas, etc. between people. It involves the verbal language and sounds used as well as non-verbal messages. Remember that verbal communication includes any kind of text or speech, while non-verbal communication involves posture, eye contact, facial expressions, body language, spacial positioning, and so on. Communication involves five main elements: the sender, the receiver, the message, the channel, and the context. The person in the role of the sender or receiver changes as messages are passed between those in the communication process through various channels. Communication takes place across a variety of channels and within a larger context. If there are distortions of the
message, misunderstandings can occur. We can minimize the chance of misunderstandings through effective listening and by understanding yourself, your audience, and your context -- all of which we will learn more about in future lessons.

Knowledge Key

Match

Match the element and element descriptions

• Sender

• Receiver

• Message

• Channel

• Context

encodes messages intended to communicate

Decodes messages to understand it

Sent from the sender to the receiver

how the messages are delivered

Where, who, and why of communication

• encodes messages intended to communicate

• Decodes messages to understand it

• Sent from the sender to the receiver

• how the messages are delivered

• Where, who, and why of communication

Constant Communication

Even if you try not to communicate, you're still sending a
signal.

Nonverbal communication (body language,
attentiveness, etc.) will send a strong signal to
anyone you're communicating with, whether you intend it to or not.

An expressionless face and a still body still
means something. The person receiving that
feedback may not interpret it how you do.
Turning away from a communication attempt is also feedback.

Ignoring communication attempts (such as not
responding to emails, missed calls, voicemails or texts)
still sends feedback to the person trying to initiate
communication.

Constant Communication

continued…

Copyright© CareerSafe, LLC.

Even if you try not to communicate, you're still sending a signal. A change or
reduction in nonverbal communication or a delay in responding to a communication attempt can be received as a message that you did not intend. Remember to be mindful of the messages your actions or words (or lack of actions or words) will communicate to others.

Knowledge Key

Poll

When you send a risky text and the person takes a long time to respond, how do you feel?

• Happy

• Anxious

• Angry

• Sad

Benefits of Effective
Communication

Copyright© CareerSafe, LLC.

There are a lot of reasons to focus on effective
communication. Here is our Top Five List of the
Benefits.

Effective Communication:

1. Builds trust to foster better relationships and

improved interactions.

2. Removes barriers, resolves problems and prevent issues.

3. Provides clarity which improves efficiency.
4. Increases productivity and engagement.
5. Strengthens teamwork to foster innovation.

Benefits of Effective
Communication continued…

Copyright© CareerSafe, LLC.

There are many benefits of effective communication including building trust,
removing barriers, providing clarity, increasing productivity, and strengthening
teamwork. These things lead to successful outcomes for you and for others.
Learning to be an effective communicator is an important goal you can set for
yourself and completing this course will help you achieve it!

Knowledge Key

Multiple Choice

Is looking away from someone while they talk communicating with them?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Select

Which of the following are examples of nonverbal feedback? Select all that apply.

• Answering a question

• Looking at the speaker

• Crossing your arms

• Speaking up when there's something you don't understand

• Glancing at the time

Multiple Select

Which of the following could be benefits from using clear communication? Select all that apply.

• Trouble with your job

• Stable career

• Better problem solving skills

• Strong relationships

• Successful teamwork

Conclusion

Copyright© CareerSafe, LLC.

Well done!

Great job! You've completed the Introduction to
Communication lesson.