Paper 1 (Theory)- 70 Marks

1. Communication
1. Understanding Communication

1. Definition of Communication

Communication is the process of sharing information, ideas, thoughts, feelings, or messages

between individuals or groups to create understanding.

Simple definition:
Communication means sending and receiving messages to understand each other.

2. Nature of Communication

Communication is:

a) A Two-Way Process

 It involves a sender (who gives the message) and a receiver (who gets the message).

 Feedback is important – the receiver responds to show they understood.

b) A Continuous Process

 It never stops. We are always communicating – through words, body language, or even
silence.

c) A Dynamic Process

 It changes based on context, people, and technology. What works in one situation may not
work in another.

d) Purposeful

 Communication always has a goal: to inform, persuade, entertain, or express emotions.

e) Contextual

 It depends on the environment, culture, and relationship between people.

3. Communication: A Science and an Art

As a Science:

 Communication follows rules, models, and theories (like the sender-message-channel-

receiver model).

 It can be studied and improved using structured methods.

 Example: Learning how body language affects communication is scientific.

As an Art:

 It requires creativity, emotional intelligence, and style.

 Every person has a unique way of expressing themselves.

 Example: A good speaker uses voice, tone, and expressions to connect with people.

Quick Recap:

Point Explanation

Definition Sharing ideas and messages to understand each other

Two-way, continuous, dynamic, purposeful,

Nature
contextual

Science Based on models and rules

Art Based on skill, style, and creativity

2. Levels of Communication transactions

Intrapersonal Communication

Definition

Intrapersonal communication is the communication that takes place within an individual.

It includes thinking, self-reflection, decision-making, and internal dialogue.

Example: Thinking about what to wear, preparing mentally for an exam.

Understanding Self as a Concept

 This means how we see ourselves—our personality, values, beliefs, strengths, and
weaknesses.

 Knowing ourselves helps us communicate better with others.

Self-Disclosure (Meaning only)

 Sharing personal information, feelings, or thoughts with others.

Self-Esteem (Meaning only)

 The value or worth we assign to ourselves; our self-confidence.

2. Interpersonal Communication

Definition

Interpersonal communication is the exchange of messages between two or more individuals,

usually face-to-face, to build relationships or share information.

Types of Interpersonal Communication

1. Verbal communication – using spoken or written words

2. Non-verbal communication – body language, facial expressions, tone

3. Formal communication – structured and professional (e.g., in a meeting)

4. Informal communication – casual and personal (e.g., chatting with friends)

Functions of Interpersonal Communication

 Building relationships

 Expressing emotions

 Solving problems

 Sharing ideas and feelings

 Persuasion and influence

3. Group Communication

Definition

Group communication occurs when three or more individuals interact to achieve a common
goal.

Types of Group Communication

 Small Group Communication

o Involves 3 to around 15 people

o Example: Project team, classroom discussion

 Large Group Communication

o Involves a bigger audience, often requires formal structure

o Example: Seminars, organizational meetings

Functions of Group Communication

 Decision making

 Problem-solving

 Idea sharing

 Team building

 Achieving group goals

4. Mass Communication

Definition

Mass communication is the process of sending messages to a large audience using media like
TV, newspapers, radio, and the internet.

Functions of Mass Communication

 Information – News and updates

 Education – Spreading knowledge

 Entertainment – Shows, music, films

 Persuasion – Advertisements, campaigns

 Cultural transmission – Sharing values and traditions

 Summary Table: Levels of Communication

Level Definition Types/Key Concepts Functions

Self-concept, self-
Intrapersonal Within self Understanding self
disclosure, self-esteem

Between Verbal, non-verbal, Relationship building,

Interpersonal
individuals formal, informal sharing ideas

Among small or Small group, large Decision-making,

Group
large groups group teamwork

Information,
To large audience
Mass TV, radio, internet entertainment,
via media
education

3.Models of Communication
Aristotle’s Model of Communication (384–322 BC)

Brief Understanding:

 One of the earliest models of communication.

 Focused mainly on public speaking or speech delivery.

Elements:

1. Speaker – The person who gives the message

2. Speech – The message being delivered

3. Audience – The listener or group of listeners

4. Effect – The result or impact of the speech

2. Shannon and Weaver’s Model (1949)

Brief Understanding:

 Also called the Mathematical Model.

 Designed for telephone and electronic communication.

 Focused on technical accuracy of message transfer.

Elements:

1. Sender (Information Source) – Who sends the message

2. Encoder (Transmitter) – Converts message into signals

3. Channel – Medium through which message travels

4. Decoder (Receiver) – Converts signals back to message

5. Receiver (Destination) – Final recipient of the message

6. Noise – Any interference or disturbance during communication

3. Harold Lasswell’s Model (1948)

Brief Understanding:

 A simple and direct model.

 Focuses on who communicates what, to whom, and with what effect.

Formula:

Who → Says What → In Which Channel → To Whom → With What Effect

Elements:

1. Who – Communicator or sender

2. Says What – Message

3. In Which Channel – Medium (TV, newspaper, etc.)

4. To Whom – Audience

5. With What Effect – Outcome or impact

4. Wilbur Schramm’s Model (1954)

Brief Understanding:

 Introduced the idea of feedback in communication.

 Believed that communication is circular, not one-way.

Key Ideas:

 Sender and receiver both play equal roles.

 Message must be understood for communication to be successful.

 Field of experience – If both sender and receiver have similar background/understanding,

communication is clearer.
Summary Table: Models of Communication

Model Key Features Focus

Public speaking &

Aristotle Speaker → Message → Audience → Effect
persuasion

Shannon & Sender → Encoder → Channel (+Noise) → Decoder Technical communication,

Weaver → Receiver noise

Who → Says What → Channel → To Whom → With Media communication,

Lasswell
What Effect effects

Sender ↔ Receiver with Feedback, Field of Understanding and

Schramm
Experience feedback