Everything You Need to Know About Communication – Types, Process & Importance
📚 Day 01 – What is Communication?
🟨 Unit: Basics of Communication
🧠 In-depth Explanation:
Communication is more than just talking or writing — it’s about transferring meaning from one person or group to another. For communication to happen, there must be a common understanding of the symbols or language being used.
In journalism, communication becomes structured and intentional. News anchors, reporters, and editors constantly encode messages (stories, headlines, interviews) for mass audiences, using clear language and suitable platforms to ensure understanding and engagement.
🔍 Detailed Key Points:
✅ 1. Definition: “Sharing of Meaning”
• Communication isn’t just transmitting information; it’s about making sure the receiver understands the intended message.
• The phrase “sharing of meaning” emphasizes that communication is successful only when the meaning created by the sender is understood in the same way by the receiver.
Example:
A journalist writes: “The government passed a controversial law.”
If the reader misinterprets “controversial” as “widely accepted,” the communication failed—even though the sentence was read.
✅ 2. Elements of Communication
Communication consists of five essential elements:
📤 a) Sender (Encoder):
• The person who starts the communication.
• They create (encode) the message based on what they want to say.
Example in journalism: A news reporter writing a news story is the sender.
💬 b) Message:
• The content or idea being shared — facts, emotions, instructions, etc.
• A message must be clear, structured, and relevant to be effective.
Example: The 6 PM news bulletin about a natural disaster is the message.
📡 c) Medium/Channel:
• The tool or method used to transmit the message.
• Can be oral (radio), written (newspaper), visual (TV), or digital (social media).
Example: A live news broadcast uses television as the channel.
📥 d) Receiver (Decoder):
• The audience or individual who receives and processes the message.
• They must understand and interpret the message correctly for communication to succeed.
Example: The viewer watching the 6 PM news.
🔁 e) Feedback:
• The response from the receiver back to the sender.
• Feedback shows whether the message was understood or needs clarification.
Example: A reader commenting on a news article or asking a follow-up question in an interview.
✅ 3. Types of Communication
Understanding the various types of communication helps in choosing the right method for journalism tasks.
🗣️ a) Verbal Communication:
• Spoken or written words/language.
• Used in speeches, interviews, articles, and broadcasts.
Example: A news anchor verbally reporting election results.
🤐 b) Non-verbal Communication:
• Communication without words.
• Includes body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, gestures, eye contact.
Example: A journalist’s serious tone during a crisis report indicates urgency.
✍️ c) Written Communication:
• Any message conveyed through text.
• Common in journalism: headlines, articles, editorials, reports, social media posts.
Example: A printed editorial in The Hindu.
🎥 d) Visual Communication:
• Use of images, graphics, symbols, charts, and videos.
• Helps simplify complex data and attract attention.
Example: Infographics used during election coverage on NDTV or CNN-News18.
✅ 4. Importance in Media and Journalism
Communication is the lifeblood of media. Here’s why it’s critical:
• 📡 Spreads Awareness: Communicates public information—news, warnings, government schemes.
• 📊 Influences Opinion: Framing and tone of stories shape how people view politics, society, and events.
• 🧠 Builds Knowledge: Helps the audience understand complex issues like climate change or elections.
• 🕵️ Drives Investigations: Journalists gather and communicate hidden truths to serve the public.
• ⚖️ Ensures Accountability: Through interviews, reports, and editorials, journalists question those in power.
Example:
When Ravish Kumar (former NDTV journalist) presented detailed reports on unemployment using data and personal interviews, he communicated both facts and human emotions — shaping public understanding.
📌 Summary Table:
| Element | Role | Example in Journalism |
| Sender | Originates message | Reporter writing an article |
| Message | The content/information shared | News story about a flood |
| Medium | Channel used for delivery | Print, TV, radio, social media |
| Receiver | Person/group who gets the message | Reader, viewer, listener |
| Feedback | Response from receiver | Comment, email, public opinion |
