Communication is defined as “any act by which one person gives to or receives from another person information about that person's needs, desires, perceptions, knowledge, or affective states” . As such, various components and crucial elements that are incorporated and which needs to be taken into consideration in the process making it complex. Thus, the three most pertinent issues in learning communication are as follows: (1) that there are different types, levels and variables in a communication process: verbal and non-verbal; as well as classified according to variables: number of people involved and levels of source and receiver ; to name a few; (2) that there are factors that affect the quality of communication (goal clarity, sender, receiver, shared experience, symbol, medium, pathways, information overload, and feedback); and (3) that there are barriers to communication which should be effectively addressed (physical, social and psychological barriers).
Knowledge of the different types, levels and variables in human communication would enable the sender and the recipient of the messages the respond accordingly through the use of crucial information that would assist in understanding the messages sent, as originally intended.
Likewise, discerning the various factors that affect the quality of communication would allow both sender and recipient to pinpoint that particular component which affects the flow of communication. Finally, barriers to communication should appropriately be attended to as immediately identified to prevent miscommunication or conflicts that could potentially ensue.
Overall, when all these three pertinent facets of communication are clearly understood and acknowledged, the messages sent and received would be assured to be clearly and effectively understood, as required in an effective human communication process.
Works Cited
Martires, Concepcion R. Human Behavior in Organizations. Quezon City: National Bookstore, 2004. Print.
National Joint Committee for the Communicative Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities. "Communication." 1992. University of New Mexico. http://www.unm.edu/~devalenz/handouts/defcomm.html. 19 May 2013.
