Essential Communication Components

There are many essential principles of communication however, not all can be covered in this one post so I will share the ones that I believe are important for business or interpersonal communication.

Some of the principles are the communication process, understanding that we are always communicating, communication technologies. Other essential principles are non-verbal communication, verbal communication, as well as upward communication, horizontal communication and downward communications in organizations.

The communication process contains the main components to make communication effective between two or more people. The communication process states that there is a sender (encoder), receiver (encoder), a message created by the sender, a channel in which the message is delivered, the environment in which can influence the communication comprehension and lastly, the feedback provided by the decoder to the encoder to create awareness to whether the message was comprehended.

Non-Verbal communication is very crucial when it comes to interpersonal communication. It is said that 70% of communication occurs non-verbally according to (Roebuck, 2006). Body language, and gestures made by an encoder or a decoder within a communication experience can share the real thoughts and feelings than the words that come out of a person’s mouth.

We are always communicating and even when one says nothing he or she still communicates. Communication does not start and stop; it is continuous, dynamic, ongoing, and cumulative (Kreps, 2011) The benefit of understanding this aspect is that one can influence people and make sure ones message is strong by using gestures, and body language in an effective manner consciously.

As a personal fitness coach for at high-end fitness facility I interact with many people every single day so I  usconstantly use the communication process. When selling personal training packages I know that my non-verbal communication such as my posture, and gestures must show that I am confident in my abilities, as well as that I am involved and truly care about my client’s fitness goals.

When some one is in front of me my goal is to influence them to invest in training and if my non-verbal communication is in congruent with my verbal communication they will pick up on that and possibly second  guess their investment decision.

What are your thoughts regarding the communication process?

Roebuck, Deborah. Improving Business Communication Skills for Ashford University, 4th Edition. Pearson Learning Solutions.

Kreps L.Gary (2011). Communication in Organizations. Bridge point Education inc. San Diego California.