1.2 Elements of Human Communication

Communication occurs when one person (or more) sends and receives messages that are distorted by noise, occur within a context, have some effect, and provide some opportunity for feedback. Figure 1.1 illustrates the elements present in all communication acts, whether intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group, public speaking, or mass communication—or whether face to face, by telephone, or over the Internet: (1) context, (2) sources–receivers, (3) messages, (4) channels, (5) noise, and (6) effects.