Course materials

1. The chapter defines communication, explores the relationship between
the histori
The chapter defines communication, explores the relationship between the historical
development of communication, and the modern use of communication. A discussion of the
elements involved in the communication process, as well as variables affecting the
communication process assist in understanding communication more
effectively.ObjectivesDefine CommunicationBriefly discuss the historical development of
communication and its use in modern society.Identify primary elements of the
communication processHighlight variables that influence communication in Interpersonal
relationships.Origin of Communication IdeasHuman beings begin communicating from
birth. Communication is the process of sending and receiving messages verbally,
nonverbally, and electronically or what is called mediated communication.Western
philosophy of communication is rooted in the works of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.
“Socrates (469-399 B.C.) was a classical Greek philosopher who is credited with laying the
fundamentals of modern Western philosophy.” Socrates is well known for inventing the
practice of preparing the teacher to ask students questions in a manner that allows the
student to respond correctly. Although it is believed that Socrates never wrote any formal
recordings of his work, his influence is widespread. In the field of communication his ideas
about logic are important. That is the idea that communication can follow a logical pattern
of thinking. As we know this is not always true, but the possibility exists. (1. Encyclopedia
Britannica).Plato was born 428/427BCE in Athens Greece. He died 348/347BCE in Athens.
Plato was a student of Socrates. Plato was the founder of the Academy, and author of many
philosophical works. Plato was a member of the circle of men around Socrates. Women
were excluded from these circles. It is within this circle that Plato began to develop his own
philosophy. Since Socrates is believed to have not written any works, “what is known of his
characteristic activity of engaging his fellow citizens (and the occasional itinerant celebrity)
in conversation derives wholly from the writing of others, most notably Plato himself.” (2.
Encyclopedia Britannica)Plato is believed to have traveled to various parts of Greece, Italy,
and Egypt. These travels influenced him. Many scholars believe that a significant portion of
Plato’s works were influenced by the fundamental content of Egyptian thought. He
established Plato’s Academy in 380BCE. Plato’s Academy was a center of research and
learning. It is considered by many to be the ancestor of the modern university. In the field of
communication, discourse and logic are key ideas that have evolved from this primary

2. source of learning. (3 Encyclopedia Britannica)Research indicates Aristotle was a member
of Plato’s Academy for twenty years. Aristotle often discusses issues by contrasting his view
with the view of his teacher Plato.“For Plato the crown of ethics is the good in general, or
Goodness itself (the Good), for Aristotle it is the good for human beings; and whereas for
Plato the genus to which a thing belongs possesses a greater reality than the thing itself, for
Aristotle the opposite is true. Plato’s emphasis on the ideal, Aristotle’s on the worldly…”(4
Encyclopedia Britannica)In today’s world of fast paced technology, and various channels for
sending and receiving messages; The ideas of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle are still a real
part of the communication process. For example, in persuading someone it is important to
include the ideas of ethos (ethics) pathos (emotions) and logos (logic) as part of the
communication. These concepts are based on the works of Socrates, Plato, and
Aristotle.Socrates. Classical Greek Philospher. Founder of Western Philosphy. Image of
Greek Male. Image © Shutterstock, Inc.Plato. Founder of first institution of higher learning.
Drawing of Greek Male Image © Shutterstock, Inc.Aristotle. Founder Aristotelian School of
thought. Artistic rendering of Aristotle Image © Shutterstock, Inc.Communication is a
primary example of the adage, “There is nothing new under the sun.” While we use
computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices to transmit messages, the essence of
the message is most effectively conveyed when the elements of ethos (credibility), pathos
(emotions), and logos (logic), are utilized with skill. Obviously, these ideas are not always
used. However, the more the merrier. The more people who know and use the ideas of
classical thought the better the communication, which has an impact on the world. Just as all
things we deposit in the environment has an affect on the quality of life.Types of
Conversations and PresentationsSharing information is an ongoing daily activity.
Informative speaking is an important life skill, whether speaking in public, or in
interpersonal relationships. Stephen Lucas explains in his writings that there are four types
of informative presentations. When sharing information with others, it is helpful to utilize
the types of informative presentation in order to create a clear picture.Informative
conversations about objects describe something that is visible, tangible, and stable in form.
This could include places, structures, animals, and people. Informative presentations about
processes, refers to a “systematic series of actions that leads to a specific result or
products.” Discussions about processes describe how something is made, how to do
something, or explain how something works. Information sharing about concepts convey
information “concerning beliefs, theories, principles, or other abstract subjects. (Lucas
p.278-279). Informative sharing about events, refers to any kind of happening or
occurrence. An occurrence can be historical such as the Civil Rights Movement, or modern
event like The Black Lives Matter Movement. (5 Lucas 278-279)Communication Appeals
related to Credibility, Reasoning, and EmotionsWhen speaking, whether in private personal
conversations or public addresses, a speaker, one who has credibility (ethos), is described
as believable. According to Stephen E. Lucas, in his text, The Art of Public Speaking,
“Credibility is the audience’s attitude toward the speaker.” The author goes on to explain
that a person may have credibility in one situation but not in another. For example, a
computer technician may be an expert at repairing computers, and be terrified of an in-
person conversation. Lucas explains that credibility is affected by competence-intelligence,

3. expertise, and knowledge of the field. (7 Lucas the Art of Public Speaking p313-315).In
today’s fast paced world of communication, the importance of logos (logic) is critical. A
communicator’s use of examples, statistics, and testimony as evidence to prove or disprove
something is relayed daily in news broadcasts, and in use of mediated (electronic
communication), as well in daily conversations on social media and other communication
experiences. The use or lack of use of different types of reasoning influences whether the
point is made and understood or not. Lucas explains in his text the different types of
reasoning:Reasoning from specific instances: progress from a number of particular facts to
a general conclusion.Reasoning from principle: moving from a general principle to specific
conclusion.Causal reasoning: establishing the connection between causes and
effectsAnalogical reasoning; to compare two similar cases to conclude that what is true in
one case is true in another. (8) (Lucas 335-316)Pathos or emotional appeals are on all our
communication screens. Directing attention to one’s emotions are designed to stimulate
feelings of anger, sadness, fear, reverence, love, hate, etc. Communicators stimulate
emotional appeals through language, vivid examples, and sincerity. We find in movies,
concerts and the entertainment industry, the use of these classical principles to maintain
audience interest.(7Lucas 316-315).Today, we have many different types of communication
experiences. The entertainment industry feeds constant examples of communication
processes that appeal to the sense of pleasure. In movies, radio, television ,recorded and live
performances the idea of pleasure is the desired outcome. Many communication events
apply the ideas of ethos (credibility), logos (logic), pathos (emotions) to make their
points.Different Types of Communication SystemsThere are many different types of
communication systems. For example, there is business communication, government
communication, military communication, sign language, intercultural communication,
nonverbal communication, family communication, interpersonal communication, mediated
or electronic communication, Intrapersonal communication, (communicating with one’s
self) face to face or in person communication.The Communication ProcessThe
communication process, regardless of the type of communication, includes some basic
elements:Sender (speaker): the source of the messageReceiver (listener): the recipient of
the messageChannel: the method of sending or receiving the message (example: voice, cell
phone, computer)Feedback (Response to the message)Communication Environment:
aspects of the environment that affect communication such as noise, physical, mental and
emotional states of being.Circular Diagram of the Communication ProcessCommunication Is
A Learned BehaviorCommunication is a skill, a learned behavior. An awareness of the
elements involved in the communication process can increase ability to communicate more
effectively. The sender, or speaker, originates the message, which is directed to the receiver,
or listener, through a channel, a mode of communicating, such as the physical body or
electronic methods like texting, email, video calling, or telephone. Once the message is
received, a response or feedback is sent in some way. At any time the communication
process can be interrupted by environmental factors like noise, weather, or life itself. The
physical, mental, or emotional states of being of the participants can significantly affect the
quality of messages sent and/or received.Characteristics of the Communication
ProcessCommunication is a circular process that is on going.Through Communication we

4. establish identity-that is we learn who we are.Communication helps establish community
with other people either electronically or in person.Communication helps sustain, maintain,
and/or terminate relationships.There is no perfect model of the communication process.In
relationships and message exchange situations it is common to encounter communication
problems. Often, the conflicts we encounter are simply message misunderstandings rather
than actual disagreements. However, if there is a lack of understanding about the
communication process, it can easily lead to a full-fledged disagreement. In a
communication event, everyone should have equal rights to speak and listen.Basic Purposes
of CommunicationMany scholars agree that people communicate to fulfill 4 basic purposes
which include:Physical Needs—to get what is needed bodies, food, clothing, shelter, medical
attentionIdentity Needs—to learn about a person in a family, community, and operating
environment.Social Needs—to be in the company of other people.Practical Goals—to obtain
the things desired in life.Analyze your AudienceWhen communicating with other people it is
important to understand to whom you are speaking. In Communication circles, this process
is referred to as audience analysis. In other words, to communicate clearly, it is important to
be clear about who the audience is. Considering variables such as age, gender, cultural
background, race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, as well as group affiliation. In addition to
these variables, other factors such as economic status, level of education, political affiliation,
degree of intelligence, as well as where one lives and/or works impact how one
communicates. Also take into account the communication environment, where is the
conversation being held. Is it face to face or electronic? In all situations considering how to
present your message and your self helps to improve the quality of conversation.Diverse
Audience. Diverse people make up an audience. Consider age, gender, culture, race,
ethnicity, group affiliation. Colorful images of diverse people. Image © Shutterstock,
Inc.Intrapersonal CommunicationThe Communication scholar, P.S. Perkins explores the idea
of intrapersonal communication in her book, The Art and Science of Communication: Tools
for Effective Communication in the Workplace. Intrapersonal communication refers to the
communication we have with ourselves. It is the messages we send to ourselves through
words, and thoughts. The author explains:“We positively create our lives or we sabotage
our lives. Most of us have associated sabotage with the act of undermining or backstabbing
someone else. Truth sets you free-most individuals do more to undermine themselves than
the combined efforts of everyone around them. The true sabotage lies within
communication with oneself in thoughts and words.”(13 Perkins p. 3)The messages we send
to ourselves is the basis of how we communicate with others. Spending time refining the
messages we send to ourselves is a life long work. It means taking the time to be with
yourself and investigate the nature of the messages we are receiving, and sending. Since it is
inevitable that we are going to be sending and receiving messages, it is important to look at
the quality of the messages. To do this, understanding and feeding the mind is the first
step:“Sizing up your internal communication is the first step, the basis of all other
communication experiences…It requires a lot of critical thought and awareness. When an
individual pays serious attention to the daily conversations he has with himself, and
critically examines the quality of experiences springing forth from these self-talks, he will be
able to control more positively the materialization of the experiences around him.”(14

5. Perkins 3-4 Gender use him)Perkins concludes the chapter on Intrapersonal
Communication by suggesting adoption of the following Intrapersonal Communication
Strategies:Understand how the science of communication goes far beyond an ability to talk.
With each thought, with each word, you create actions that turn into the life you are
living.Understand that communication begins on the inside and determines the outside.
Take the first step to begin a new attitude of personal responsibility for the thoughts you
are thinking. They cannot dwell there unless you invite them to stay.Clean out your lake-
engage in a thorough examination of your thoughts and words and fill your lake with new
agreements about yourself and others. You must replace old doubts, fears, resentments,
frustration, and anger with a renewed sense of self-love.Use affirmations, mediation… Seek
out pearls of wisdom and write them in a journal on notecards, or in your dream book.
Speak the affirmations out loud. Mediate on the vision you have for your life.Practice self-
monitoring. “Think before you speak.”Practice self-management. By understanding the
connection between your external work environment and your internal processes of
communication, you are assured of greater personal fulfillment and professional
communication success.Remember the lesson of “Be, Do, Have.” If I (be) am successful in
managing my mind, in choosing my thoughts and words, I will do things-make choices, take
actions-that resonate with success. They will cause me to attract success and thereby have
it. (15 Perkins p. 22-24).The Perkins point that communication messages begin within is a
fundamental element in the communication process. Communication scholars Adler and
Rodman in their book, Understanding Human Communication, explain the characteristics of
competent communicators. A competent communicator is one who has developed skill in
sending and receiving messages.Characteristics of a Competent CommunicatorA wide range
of behaviorsAbility to choose the most appropriate behaviorSkill at performing
communication behaviorsHave empathy, or compassion, for themselves and
othersCognitive Complexity, ability to construct different frames of referenceSelf-
Monitoring-ability to pay attention to one’s self as well as understand the observations of
others. (16 Adler & Rodman Understanding Human Communication 21-23. answer the 3
questions 1.What is the skill? 2. How would you define this skill? 3 How will you apply this
skill?