Principles of Communication

Five Principles of
Communication
Five Principles of Communication
1. Communication is transactional because
it involves an exchange.
•If I go to the store to get a coke, I exchange

money to the cashier for the coke. I give
something and get something in return.
Communication is the same… you have to
give and receive for communication to
happen.
• 2. Communication is unavoidable because it is
impossible to not communicate.
• You are communicating constantly even when

you do not intend to communicate. You
communicate by the way you sit or move, by
the way you speak, by what you wear, by your
actions…. Even when you sleep in class,
you’re communicating that you are bored or
that you don’t care.
3. Communication is goal-oriented.
•When you communicate, you have goals

in mind.
•Persuade
•Entertain
•Inform
•Express
•Build and maintain relationship
4. Communication has various levels.
•Intrapersonal – self-talk or engage in

self-reflection.
•Interpersonal – involves two persons
•Small group – involves three to
twenty people
•Public or Mass – more than twenty
people
• 5. Communication is complex for several reasons.
• It is interactive because many processes are involved.
• It is symbolic because symbols are open to
interpretation.
• It is personal & cultural because a person’s culture can
add a new or different meaning to a phrase or gesture.
• It is irreversible because once a message is sent, it cannot
be taken back.
• It is circular because it involves both original messages
and feedback which is necessary to confirm
communication.
• It is purposeful because there is always a reason behind a
message and it helps meet our needs.
• It is impossible to duplicate because each interaction is
unique.
• 6. Communication skills can be learned
because they can always be improved.
• You may need to work on speaking

skills, written communication,
listening, relationship skills… there’s
always room for improvement!
• 7. Communication is continuous because it
continues to impact and influence future
interactions and shape our relationships.
• Have you ever gotten off to a wrong start

with someone? Has it taken a lot of time to
perhaps overcome someone’s negative
opinion of you?
• Has someone ever said something to you
that hurt your feelings and you’ve always
remembered it and think about it when you
see that person?
8. Communication is relational.
Aside from sharing meaning, the
process how meaning is created also
echoes two vital aspects of the
relationships of the communicator;
immediacy and control.
9. Communication is guided by culture.
It may be defined as a system of knowledge shared

by a relatively large group of people.
It includes shared:
•Beliefs
•Values
•Symbols
•Behaviors
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v e i o
L e a t
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F m
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Five Levels of Communication
1. Intrapersonal Communication is communication

that occurs in your own mind. It is “self-talk” which
are the inner speech or mental conversations that
we carry on with ourselves. It is the basis of your
feelings, biases, prejudices, and beliefs.
•Examples are when you make any kind of decision – what to

eat or wear. When you think about something – what you
want to do on the weekend or when you think about another
person.
•You can also communicate with yourself when you dream at
night.
• 2. Interpersonal communication is the
communication between two people but can
involve more in informal conversations. Through
this kind of communication we maintain
relationships.
• Examples are when you are talking to your friends. A

teacher and student discussing an assignment. A
patient and a doctor discussing a treatment. A
manager and a potential employee during an
interview. Any one on one or informal communication.
• 3. Small Group communication is
communication within formal or informal
groups or teams. It is group interaction that
results in decision making, problem solving and
discussion within an organization.
• Examples would be a group planning a

surprise birthday party for someone. A team
working together on a project. A focus
group discussing the pros and cons of a new
product. A group therapy session.
• 4. Public/Mass communication is the electronic or
print transmission of messages to the general
public. Outlets called mass media include things
like radio, television, film, and printed materials
designed to reach large audiences.
• A television commercial. A magazine article. Hearing

a song on the radio. Books, Newspapers, Billboards.
The key is that you are reaching a large amount of
people without it being face to face. Feedback is
generally delayed with mass communication.
Competent Communicators
are…
• 1. Ethical - This means that a communicator
follows the morals and codes of conduct
within a society. It is how a person behaves
and how they treat others.
• They are honest and truthful.
• They keep confidences and are cautious
about spreading gossip.
• They consider the needs, rights, and
feelings of other people.
• 2. Responsible - This means that they take
responsibility for their own communication choices
and behavior.
• They are informed and are able to support what
they say with facts and examples that are true.
• They are logical with developed reasoning skills
and the ability to draw conclusions and reach
decisions.
• They are accountable taking responsibility for
their information, decisions and actions.
• They are reliable which means they can be
trusted to keep their word even if a decision may
not benefit them.
• 3. Accessible - They tend to value
positive relationships with peers,
supervisors, and clients. They are
open and approachable. They are
seen as caring, likable, and pleasant
to be around.
ETHICS IN
COMMUNICATION
1. ETHICAL COMMUNICATORS ARE HONEST.
2. ETHICAL COMMUNICATORS ARE WELL
AWAREOF THE CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR
THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS.
3. ETHICAL COMMUNICATORS VALUE
DIVERSITY AND RESPECT OTHER’S OPINION.
4. ETHICAL COMMUNICATORS ARE JUST AND
FAIR.
ETHICS IN COMMUNICATION
•Thank you!


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Five Principles of

•If I go to the store to get a coke, I exchange

• You are communicating constantly even when

•When you communicate, you have goals

•Intrapersonal – self-talk or engage in

• You may need to work on speaking

• Have you ever gotten off to a wrong start

It may be defined as a system of knowledge shared

1. Intrapersonal Communication is communication

•Examples are when you make any kind of decision – what to

• Examples are when you are talking to your friends. A

• Examples would be a group planning a

• A television commercial. A magazine article. Hearing

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