Communication is the process of transferring information from a sender to a receiver. It can be done verbally, in writing, or non-verbally with gestures. The concept also refers to an academic major that some students pursue in hopes of finding jobs.
Effective communication is needed to build and maintain relationships, share information and ideas, make sound decisions, and address conflicts. But what exactly is communication?
Communication is the process of transferring or exchanging messages between/among two or more people. It involves critical elements, such as the sender (the one who initiates the communication), the receiver (the one to whom the message is intended), the message, the channel or medium, the feedback or response, and the context.
General communication refers to how someone communicates, not just through the words they speak or write but also through their actions and gestures.
What Is A Simple Definition Of Communication?
Communication is a rather complex process. In a nutshell, communication is exchanging information, ideas, emotions — or any other type of message. While most people have the innate ability to talk, people can learn and sharpen communication skills to successfully interact with others.
The recognition that communication skills can be improved has led to the rising popularity of communications majors at colleges and universities. Perfecting the skills involved in communication involves not only public speaking and writing skills but a knowledge of psychology, research, and a wide array of modern communication techniques.
What Are The 3 Definitions Of Communication?
Communication as a term is rather broad. In the definition discussed above, it’s defined as the transmission of information between/among individuals or groups.
Communication also means creating shared meaning. It goes beyond just conveying a message; it ensures that the receiver really understands the sender’s intended message. Communication is also a process in which the involved people establish relationships and build connections. People use communication skills to form personal, professional, and social bonds.
Generally, communication is categorized into three:
- Oral communication. A type of communication where the sender speaks the message and the receiver listens to interpret the meaning.
- Written communication. In this category, the sender writes or encodes the message in a specific medium, and the receiver reads to interpret the meaning.
- Nonverbal communication. This refers to communication in which the receiver observes the sender’s body language and facial expressions to infer their meaning.
Those who send out messages aim to be clear so listeners, viewers, or readers understand what the sender is conveying.
What Is The Difference Between Technical Communication And General Communication?
General communication can be regarded as casual conversations, while technical communication is a more formal means of exchanging information regarding a specific subject of discussion.
When it comes to communication studies, general communication degree classes intend to equip students with skills to transform communities and workplaces via communication strategies. It comprises courses about conflict management, persuasion, social influence, and quantitative research methods.
On the other hand, technical communication is all about creating and managing information to help people undertake things. Think about the type of communication used to instruct people on using applications or performing medical procedures. It also refers to courses that teach how to communicate using technology (e.g., social media sites, web pages).
What Is A Communication Major?
A communication major pursues a communication degree designed to enhance skills related to effective communication.
As communication is a cornerstone in various fields, students who pursue a study of it learn several core courses, such as mass media, broadcasting, technical communications, public relations, digital media, advertising, and organizational communication.
As of 2015, 25% of all humanities majors were in Communications. Through 2021, it ranked last the 10th most popular major.
What Is A BA In Communication Studies?
A Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies is a degree program that explores communication theory, practice, and techniques across various channels, platforms, and contexts. This field of study teaches many other essential skills, such as critical thinking and effective listening.
The standard degree requirements include:
- General education refers to mathematics, social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities.
- Core communications courses covering the fundamentals of communication (both verbal communication and written communication)
- Electives allow communication majors to specialize in areas ranging from journalism, public speaking, advertising, and digital communication to communication research, intercultural communication, health communication, crisis communication, and film and video courses.
How Will A Communications MajorPrepare You For Jobs That Rely On Communication Skills
Almost every organization or business needs employees with great communication skills. By pursuing a degree in communication and learning various theories, techniques, and practices, you will gain the know-how to communicate effectively through various methods — from verbal and nonverbal to written.
This degree program also offers easy accessibility to the latest trends in communication. Especially now that we’re in the age of online media, it’s vital to adapt to quickly changing digital landscapes. Knowing how to utilize strategic communication techniques via web-based channels will give you an edge as you pursue your career.
On a personal note, you can use communication methods to build relationships and expand your network. As you enhance your interpersonal — and even intercultural competence — you can work more effectively with people from different walks of life.
What Job Opportunities Exist for Those Trained in Communications?
The employment for media and communication majors is expected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031 in the US. And since communication is vital to nearly all fields, you’ll have a broad range of job prospects to consider — whether you want a thriving career in computer science, business, health, finance, or digital media.
According to Indeed, these are the top jobs for communication degree graduates. Most of these positions allow you to work in corporate settings and government and non-government organizations. You can also build your own brand or businesses and grow your own clientele.
- Business Reporter
- Marketing Coordinator
- Copywriter
- Brand Strategist
- Social Media Manager
- Managing Editor
- Content Marketing Manager
- Web Producer
- Social Media Planner
- Senior Event Planner
- PR specialist
- Digital Strategist
- Journalist
- News Anchor
- Human Resources Manager
- Product Marketing Manager
What Is The Difference Between Interpersonal And Mass Communication?
While both interpersonal communication and mass communication involve a sender and a receiver, the former is a two-way process: The sender transmits information, and the receiver offers feedback. It’s also a type of communication done on a personal level.
Meanwhile, the latter is one-way communication. And, as the name implies, it entails sending a message to a large number of audience. Think of TV and radio broadcasting and online streaming.
What Is The Difference Between The Mass Media And Interpersonal Communication?
Every day, various communication processes take place on many levels. General communication and technical communication. Written or spoken words and nonverbal cues. Interpersonal with one or more people or mass communication to board groups of society.
As noted earlier, interpersonal communication is a process of enhancing information, messages, thoughts, and feelings between/among two or more people. Mass communication is more like disseminating information to a large audience. Mass communication refers to the process, while mass media refers to the platform or method the sender uses to convey the message.
Communicators use mass media, such as television, radio, podcasts, newspaper, and magazines, to relay something to the masses. Unlike interpersonal communication, where those who hear it are likely to respond, mass communication may trigger a reaction only among those who listened to a broadcast, read an article, and saw a Tweet or post.
Finding ways to improve readership, viewership, or participation in social media is a major focus of media research and advertising.