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COMMUNICATION
SKILLS – MASTER’S
COMPANION
Comprehensive Notes & Practical Tips
Abstract
Comprehensive notes on Communication Skills – from fundamentals & principles
to listening, speaking, public speaking and visual aids – with definitions,
objectives, types, 7 Cs, and practical tips.
Author
Fredrick Owino
,UCCC 1101
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Notes/Handbook
1
, 1.0 COMMUNICATION
1.1 Introduction to Communication
In this section, we shall examine the field of communication to serve as a foundation to
what follows in the course. Principally, we shall define communication; outline its
elements, principles, and its importance in academic and life in general. We shall also
briefly examine the various types of communication.
1.2 Objectives of the topic
At the end of this topic, you should be able to:
a) Define communication
b) Discuss the elements that constitute communication
c) Explain the importance of communication in academics and in life in general
d) Outline the important principles of communication
e) Discuss the various types of communication
1.3 What is Communication?
The term communication comes from a Latin word ‘communicare’ which means to make
common or share. Therefore, communication is a process by which meaning is exchanged
between individuals or an individual and a group through a common system of symbols, signs,
and behavior.
➢ The definition of communication is shared in the Webster's Dictionary as "sending,
giving, or exchanging information and ideas," which is often expressed nonverbally
and verbally.
➢ A plethora of authors have defined communication including Gamble and Gamble,
who define communication as a desirable or accidental transfer of meaning.
2
, ➢ Communication is also a process of sharing or exchanging ideas, information,
knowledge, attitude or feelings through certain signs, symbols and behavior.
➢ Communication is more than transfer of ideas and thoughts; it is a dynamic process
of action and interaction towards desired goals.
1.3.1 Key phrases of definition
a) Communication is a process: it is an activity which is an exchange of meaning that is
dynamic. Communication is therefore not static. Communication as a process is
a concept whose critical element is the changing nature of its occurrence.
b) Communication involves meaning: Meaning is shared understanding of message. The
understanding of the meaning of another person’s message only occurs when
you elicit common meanings for words, phrases, and non-verbal messages.
c) Communication is a system of symbols, signs and behavior: the system may be in form of
language, gesture, demeanor, facial expressions etc.
1.3.2 Importance of Studying Communication
Communication is central to human life. You cannot avoid communication and you will
engage in communication nearly every minute of every day in your life. In addition,
communication plays a major role in every aspect of your life. Effective
communication therefore both enhances your daily life and at the same time solves
problems in your professional and personal life. Communication experts believe that
poor communication is at the root of many of our problems.
Therefore, there are various reasons why studying communication is important:
a) Studying communication helps in understanding and insight of oneself and others.
➢ Self-awareness is the way we see ourselves. Most of our self-knowledge
comes from communication with ourselves (intrapersonal communication)
and communication with other people (interpersonal communication). The
message and feedback we receive from others helps improve our self-
concept.
b) Studying communication and using it effectively can lead to more positive
feelings of ourselves. Effective communication can improve our self-worth by enabling us
to positively project ourselves in what is called image management.
3
COMMUNICATION
SKILLS – MASTER’S
COMPANION
Comprehensive Notes & Practical Tips
Abstract
Comprehensive notes on Communication Skills – from fundamentals & principles
to listening, speaking, public speaking and visual aids – with definitions,
objectives, types, 7 Cs, and practical tips.
Author
Fredrick Owino
,UCCC 1101
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Notes/Handbook
1
, 1.0 COMMUNICATION
1.1 Introduction to Communication
In this section, we shall examine the field of communication to serve as a foundation to
what follows in the course. Principally, we shall define communication; outline its
elements, principles, and its importance in academic and life in general. We shall also
briefly examine the various types of communication.
1.2 Objectives of the topic
At the end of this topic, you should be able to:
a) Define communication
b) Discuss the elements that constitute communication
c) Explain the importance of communication in academics and in life in general
d) Outline the important principles of communication
e) Discuss the various types of communication
1.3 What is Communication?
The term communication comes from a Latin word ‘communicare’ which means to make
common or share. Therefore, communication is a process by which meaning is exchanged
between individuals or an individual and a group through a common system of symbols, signs,
and behavior.
➢ The definition of communication is shared in the Webster's Dictionary as "sending,
giving, or exchanging information and ideas," which is often expressed nonverbally
and verbally.
➢ A plethora of authors have defined communication including Gamble and Gamble,
who define communication as a desirable or accidental transfer of meaning.
2
, ➢ Communication is also a process of sharing or exchanging ideas, information,
knowledge, attitude or feelings through certain signs, symbols and behavior.
➢ Communication is more than transfer of ideas and thoughts; it is a dynamic process
of action and interaction towards desired goals.
1.3.1 Key phrases of definition
a) Communication is a process: it is an activity which is an exchange of meaning that is
dynamic. Communication is therefore not static. Communication as a process is
a concept whose critical element is the changing nature of its occurrence.
b) Communication involves meaning: Meaning is shared understanding of message. The
understanding of the meaning of another person’s message only occurs when
you elicit common meanings for words, phrases, and non-verbal messages.
c) Communication is a system of symbols, signs and behavior: the system may be in form of
language, gesture, demeanor, facial expressions etc.
1.3.2 Importance of Studying Communication
Communication is central to human life. You cannot avoid communication and you will
engage in communication nearly every minute of every day in your life. In addition,
communication plays a major role in every aspect of your life. Effective
communication therefore both enhances your daily life and at the same time solves
problems in your professional and personal life. Communication experts believe that
poor communication is at the root of many of our problems.
Therefore, there are various reasons why studying communication is important:
a) Studying communication helps in understanding and insight of oneself and others.
➢ Self-awareness is the way we see ourselves. Most of our self-knowledge
comes from communication with ourselves (intrapersonal communication)
and communication with other people (interpersonal communication). The
message and feedback we receive from others helps improve our self-
concept.
b) Studying communication and using it effectively can lead to more positive
feelings of ourselves. Effective communication can improve our self-worth by enabling us
to positively project ourselves in what is called image management.
3
