7 stages in communication process:
(1) Source
(2) Encoding
(3) Message
(4) Channel
(5) Decoding
(6) Receiver
(7) Feed back
(1) Source
Source is the “one that communicates”, i.e. the communicator.
(2) Encoding
- Encoding is “converting a communication message to symbolic form.”
- Conditions affect the encoding of message: skill, attitude, knowledge, and the socio-cultural system of the communicator. “Skill” means communication skill of the sender, e.g. writing, speaking skill. “Attitude” of the sender affects the effectiveness of communication. Knowledge of sender about the particular topic matters, i.e. we can not communicate what we do not know. Socio-cultural system of the source, i.e. his belief, values, norms, etc affect communication.
(3) Message
Message is “what is communicated.” When we speak, speech is the message; when we write, the writing is the message; when we paint, the picture is the message; when we gesture, the signs, or movements or expressions are the messages.
(4) Channel
Channel is the medium through which a communication message travels. It is selected by the source. It may be formal or informal channel.
(5) Decoding
Decoding is “retranslating a sender’s communication message by the receiver”, i.e. how he understands or interprets. Just like encoding, there are 4 conditions of decoding, i.e. skills, attitudes, knowledge, and social cultural system of the receiver determine how the message is decoded.
(6) Receiver
Receiver is the communicate, i.e. for whom the message has been sent and the one who decodes the encoded message and the one who may feedback.
(7) Feedback loop
It is “the final link in the communication process. It puts the message back into the system as a check against misunderstandings.”