A Closer Look: Definition of Communication
Communication is the process whereby speech, signs or actions transmit information from one person to another. This definition is concise and definitive but doesn’t include all the aspects of communication. There are other definitions, which state that communication involves transmitting information from one party to another. This broader definition doesn’t require that the receiving party obtain a full understanding of the message. Of course, communication is better when both parties understand... but it can still exist even without that component.
No matter the type or mechanism of communication, every instance of communication must have a message that is being transferred from sender to receiver. In order for communication to be successful, the sender and receiver must have some signs, words or signals in common with each other so the sent message can be understood. The ideal definition of communication is a 2-way interaction between two parties to transmit information and mutual understanding between themselves. The interchange of information from one party to another is best communicated when a discussion is available so the receiver can ask questions and receive answers to clarify the message.
History of Communication
The history of communication dates back to the first human interactions. Cavemen communicated feelings of anger, friendship and fear with one another mostly by body language and signs. Throughout time, the ability of people to communicate with each other has progressed. Across language barriers and over vast distances messages have needed to be conveyed using various forms of communication.
Historically, the first instances of long distance communication date back to the ancient world. The Persians appear to have perfected the flow of information from one end of the known world to the other. Cyrus in Persia first used couriers in about 541 BC to control his empire. A generation later Darius improved on the communication methods, allowing information to flow from one end of the empire to the other in about 10 days through the use of horses. The Romans also used this form of man/horse communications to convey information. The next advent of rapid communication was the use of carrier pigeons. During the 12th century, specially trained pigeons and hawks were used to carry communications to distant locations. Ghenghis Khan is reported to have trained and used birds to carry his communications of conquest and defeats over great distances. The American pony express riders learned from the example of the ancient Persian and Roman leaders in communication. The pony express was indispensible in keeping in contact with troops and distant cities.
Then, technology took a leap and communication became much faster with the use of the telegraph. Messages could be sent over vast distances faster than ever. Another leap occurred when the telephone revolutionized communications. The telephone was still limited by the wires that carried the signals, as was radio which also represented a great advance in communication, but these limitations were eventually overcome by satellites. In 2009, people take communication for granted. Any person anywhere can get a message to anyone else anywhere in world instantly and inexpensively. The use of satellite phones has succeeded in making virtually every location on the planet accessible by phone to every other location. Since communication can be performed by body language and facial expressions, communications will change again more when both audio and video become the standards used for a “telephone” call.
Interpersonal communication depends on both verbal and non-verbal communication. Things which are seemingly unimportant can convey a large degree of information during communication. Body language and facial reactions can often provide more information than verbal comments.
Especially in business matters, negotiations can be compromised by the displays of one party and the astute negotiator. There will never be better communication than a conversation between two people or groups that allow for the perception of all the factors that effect communication. Being able to respond to changes in perceived reaction are critical in making one’s message understood.
Written Communication
Although many people focus on handwritten and verbal communication methods, since the advent of the Guttenberg press, communication has also been greatly enhanced by the written word. Information can be published and translated into many languages to allow distribution of information around the world. The world grows smaller all the time as more communication channels open up and more words are written. However, the basics of communication are still focusd on the aim of making one’s message understood by another person or group of people.