Communication is defined as the imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium. All computer systems, single-user or multi-user, interact with the work groups and organizations in which they are used. There is a need to understand normal human-to-human communication.

Face-to-face communication

• Conversation

Text-based communication

• Email

• Documentation

• Comments

• Source

– generates data to be transmitted

• Transmitter

– Converts data into transmittable signals

• Transmission System

– Carries data

• Receiver

– Converts received signal into data

• Destination

– Takes incoming data

Simplified Communications Model - Diagram

Key Communications Tasks

• Transmission System Utilization

• Interfacing

• Signal Generation

• Synchronization

• Exchange Management

• Error detection and correction

• Addressing and routing

• Recovery

• Message formatting

• Security

• Network Management

Simplified Data Communications Model

Communication in Business

• Communication is any behavior that is perceived by another

– Verbal or Non Verbal

Successful people are proficient in their functional and technical areas.

• They are also communication – oriented

• They are

– Professional

– Empathetic

– Aware

– Concerned for others

Forms of Communication

  • Communication is an ongoing process

  • People use symbols to represent their:

– Feelings

– Ideas

– Values

– Perceptions

  • These symbols are in the form of:

– Verbal communication, either spoken or written

– Non verbal communication

– Graphic communication

  • Verbal

– Speak clearly
– Choose your words carefully
– Use the appropriate tone
– Consider your audience
– Respond appropriately

  • Non Verbal

– Eye contact
– Pace of speech
– Facial Expressions
– Posture
– Crossed arms/legs

  • Graphic

– Visual representation
• Shapes
• Diagrams
• Lines
• Symbols
• images

  • Listening

– Focus on the person speaking
– Make sure you understand
– Wait for your turn to speak
– Show interest
– Repeat what was said in your own words

  • Written

–Workplace
– Professional writing
– proper grammar and punctuation
– set of rules
– clear and concise

  • Emotional Awareness

– Consider other people’s feelings
– Consider your own feelings
– Have empathy
– Operate on trust
– Recognize misunderstandings

Types of Communication

• Four types of communication

  1. Intrapersonal

  2. Interpersonal

  3. Public

  4. Mass

Intrapersonal Communication
• Enable people to communicate with themselves
• This style of communication helps create a person’s self-concept and processes information

• Communication between two people or in small groups
– Ex. Staff instructions, briefing, feedback and customer relations.
• The top 3 competencies for graduates:
–Oral communication
– problem solving
– Self motivation

Public Communication

• Communication between the organization and a number of receivers that originates from one source
– Within the organization (e.g. staff newsletter)
– Outside the organization (e.g. report, stakeholders, shareholders)
• Requires critical thinking and good understanding of the audience

Mass Communication
• Communication with the organizations public
– Public relations
– Annual reports
– Advertising
• Conducted through electronic or print media