A Definition of Communication
Interpersonal communication is the process of creating meaning. This occurs when one person attempts to pass on a message to another person. The person receiving the message defines the content and creates their understanding of what message was being sent. Even if ideas and feelings are appropriately and effectively shared, effective communication also needs an active listener. Interpersonal communication affects the expectations of participants, the meaning received, and the behaviour that occurs. For example, we have all experienced a time when you ask a friend to meet and either the place, day or time is not effectively communicated or the communication is not received as it was intended. Then, mis-communication occurs and the meeting might not happen or be postponed. The definition of communication is when the meaning is communicated effectively, and then confirmation of what was received occurs to ensure the message was indeed understood as intended. Communication involves sharing with others your ideas and feelings. These are referred to as meaning. In order to share your ideas and feelings you must form messages for others to understand. When sharing your thoughts you use words, sounds and actions. Non-verbal actions affect the meaning of your message. This includes your facial expressions, level of eye contact and the tone of your voice. External noises can interferences when receiving a message. Think back to a time when the traffic was particularly noisy or children were demanding your attention. During a conversation these noises distract us from listening and we might only receive a portion of the message or assume we have received it correctly. Internal noises can also affect our listening skills. Have your thoughts wandered when someone was speaking to you? Or mentally wrote your ‘list of things to do’? For effective listening to occur use active listening to clarify that you've heard the speaker correctly. Feedback helps to clarify. This is where you respond to the person and reflect back the meaning you think you have received. “Did you mean….?” “Okay, I’ll meet you at the Sunshine Café, Tuesday at 11am, is that right?” The person delivering the message has the opportunity to clarify any mis-understanding which then creates a message successfully delivered. Semantic noise is included in the definition of communication. It happens when you interpret a 'symbol' differently to what the other person means. Your previous experiences have created a definition for the 'symbol' you are trying to convey, but the person you are speaking to may decode a word or phrase differently. Words that are derogatory often cause semantic noise.
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