Role of communication in daily life
1.
INTRODUCTION
Word Communication is derived from Latin commnicre, meaning "to share". So, it is the
activity of conveying information through the exchange of ideas, feelings, intentions,
attitudes, expectations, perceptions or commands, as by speech, non-verbal gestures, writings,
behavior and possibly by other means such as electromagnetic.
The quality of your life is the quality of your communication. Both with
yourself and others. (Bernard Shah)
2.
ROLE OF COMMUNICATION
Communications plays such a big part in our lives today. It is hard to think of a single activity
that we engage in that doesnt involve communications in some way. In our busy world, we
sometimes forget just how important communications are to our success, relationships, and,
ultimately, happiness in life. But, indeed, communications does play a major role in
achieving all of our goals.
There are two major types of communication:
i.
Verbal communication
ii.
Non-verbal communication
2.1. Verbal communication
Verbal communication in short is a spoken communication. But in broader sense, it cover any
form of communication involving words, spoken, written or signed. The news we read, the
conversation we have with our friends, even the text message we send to our friends, etc., is a
mode of verbal communication.
Means of verbal communication are:
i.
Written communication
ii.
Oral communication
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Role of communication in daily life
2.1.1. Written communication
The power of writing is eloquently expressed in the saying "pen is mightier than the
sword" Written communication has to acquire great significance in the life of individuals as
well as business organization.
Methods of written communication in an organization includes-letters, memoranda,
notices, circulars, agenda, manuals, handbooks, reports, orders, inquiries, complains,
quotations, contracts, etc...
For example: In our daily life we have to write too many things, sometimes to express our
ideas, to give an order or to request someone.
2.1.2. Oral communication
Anything that emanates from the mouth is referred as oral communication.
Attributes of good oral communication-Sounds and sound combinations, Stress, Rhythm,
Intonation, Speed, pausing, Clarity of articulation, Voice modulation: volume & pitch
variation (avoiding "monotonous speech
For example: Lectures, Conference
2.2.
Non-verbal communication
The process of conveying wordless messages and ideas is called non-verbal communication.
People mostly use 65% of non-verbal communication in their daily life. Also non-verbal
communication has a cultural meaning.
It is the most powerful form of communication even more than words. It helps to create your
image in others mind and also you can express your feelings, emotions in front of others
which you are unable to express.
Means of non verbal communication are:
Eye contact, facial expressions, hepatics or touch, postures, gestures, personal space and
colors, sign, symbols signals etc.
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Role of communication in daily life
2.2.1. Eye contact
It is a characteristic key of non-verbal communication, expresses much without using a single
word.
For example: In American culture, in our social life maintaining eye contact while talking to
someone, shows interest and respect. It also establishes a natural relationship.
Fig 1. Communication through eye contact
2.2.2. Facial expressions
It plays great role in communicating with your dear ones without any word. It can express
your mood like happiness, sadness, anger or fear.
For example: when you come back to your home and find that your mother has cooked your
favourite food, there comes a smile on your face showing that you are happy.
Fig 2. Communication through Face Expressions
2.2.3. Posture
Its mean how you carry yourself tells a lot about you. The way you sit, stand and hold your
head not only tells your current mood but also indicates your personality as well.
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Role of communication in daily life
For example: while standing at the bus stand if you close your arms you indicate that you are
closed off and defensive. If your head is down while walking it indicates your shyness.
2.2.4. Haptics
Its means communication by touch. It is used when we come in physical contact with other
people.
For example: When we meet some stranger we use handshakes to gain trust and introduce
ourselves.
Fig 3. Haptic Communication
2.2.5. Gestures
These are also an effective form of non-verbal communication in which visible body actions
communicate particular message. It includes movement of hands, face and other parts of the
body.
For example: while departing you wave your hand conveying a message Good Bye to
your friend.
Fig 4. Communication through gestures.
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Role of communication in daily life
2.2.6. Personal space
It is your bubble. The space you place between yourself and others. This visible boundry
becomes apparent only when someone bumps or tries to enter your bubble.
For example: Chinese dont like touched by strangers so they do not make any body contact
with the strangers.
2.2.7. Color
It is a form of non-verbal communication. It is not a static energy and its meaning can change
from one day to the next with any individual - it all depends on what energy they are
expressing at that point in time.
For example: a person may choose to wear red on a particular day and this may indicate
that this is their favorite (personality) color, or they are ready to take action, or they may be
passionate about what they are going to be doing that day.
3.
DIFFERENCE AMONG SYMBOL, SIGN AND SIGNAL
3.1. Symbol
A symbol is something that represents something else by association, resemblance, or
convention, especially a material object used to represent something invisible.
Example: A stop sign (red octagon) is an example of a symbol.
3.2. Sign
A sign stands for something and causes the observer to connect and deduce. Its form is
arbitrary and it simply has to be learned. Signs point to something or instruct someone about
something. Signs are physical things. Some common signs include stop signs and other street
signs as well as signs in public places
Example: bus stations, malls and airports
3.3. Signal
A signal is a gesture, such as an arm movement or colored light that serves as a means of
communication.
Example: A red traffic light would be a signal.
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