Process / Steps, Types: formal and informal/verbal and non-verbal (Kinesics, Chronemics, Proxemics, Haptics, Vocalics/Paralanguage)
1. Process of Communication — 7 Steps (sender to receiver)
- Sender (source) — has idea.
- Encoding — converts idea to symbols (language, visuals).
- Message — encoded content.
- Channel/Medium — oral (face-to-face, phone), written (email, report), visual (diagram).
- Receiver — gets message.
- Decoding — receiver interprets symbols.
- Feedback — response back to sender (closes loop). Noise (physical, semantic, psychological) can disrupt any step.
2. Types of Communication
| Type | Sub-type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Formal vs Informal | Formal: official, structured, documented (report, meeting) — follows hierarchy | Informal (grapevine): unofficial, casual (chat, rumour) — fast, but may distort |
| Verbal vs Non-verbal | Verbal: oral (speaking, listening) and written (reading, writing) | Presentation (oral), email (written) |
| Non-verbal | Kinesics (body movement: gesture, posture, facial expression), Proxemics (space: intimate/personal/social/public zones), Haptics (touch), Chronemics (time: punctuality), Vocalics/Paralanguage (voice: tone, pitch, volume, speed, pause), Appearance | Handshake, eye contact, dressing |
3. Non-verbal Details (exam expects expand each)
- Kinesics: nod, handshake.
- Proxemics: intimate <0.5m, personal 0.5–1.2m, social 1.2–3.5m, public >3.5m (Edward Hall).
- Chronemics: being on time signals respect.
- Haptics: handshake vs pat.
- Vocalics: monotone vs varied pitch affects persuasion.
4. Worked Illustration
Formal: Project proposal document (written, formal, verbal).
Informal: Canteen chat about project (informal, oral, may include non-verbal).
Non-verbal in interview: Kinesics (eye contact), Vocalics (tone), Proxemics (distance) affect impression more than words (7-38-55 rule: 7% words, 38% vocalics, 55% facial).
5. Exam Points
- List 7-step process with diagram — 5-7 marks, very frequent (the most common process question).
- Distinguish formal vs informal, verbal vs non-verbal — 5 marks, very frequent.
- Expand Kinesics, Proxemics, Chronemics, Haptics, Vocalics with one example each — 7-10 marks, very frequent (the most common types question, often ask to explain all five).
- Mention noise and feedback — 3 marks.