AEC assignment
CHAVDA KHUSHI
TYBA SEM 6
AEC
• HOME ASSIGNMENT •
● Definition of Communication
The word communication comes from the
Latin word “communicare”, which means to share or to make common.
Communication is a continuous and dynamic process through which individuals exchange
information, ideas, thoughts, emotions, and feelings using symbols, signs, language, or
behaviour to achieve shared understanding. Communication is not just speaking or writing; it also includes listening, observing, and interpreting non-verbal cues.
Sender → Encoding → Message → Channel → Receiver → Decoding → Feedback
1. Sender (Communicator):
The sender is the person who begins the communication process.
The sender has an idea, thought, feeling, or information that needs to be conveyed to
another person.
Role of the sender:
● To have clarity about the message
● To choose suitable words, symbols, or gestures
● To select an appropriate medium
Example:
A teacher explaining a lesson to students.
2. Encoding:
Encoding is the mental process of converting the sender’s idea into a communicable form
such as words, images, signs, or gestures.
Encoding depends on:
● Language ability
● Cultural background
● Emotional state
● Knowledge level
Poor encoding can lead to misunderstanding.
Example:
A teacher using simple language to explain a difficult concept.
3. Message:
The message is the core of communication. It is the actual content or information that the
sender wants to transmit.
A message may include:
● Facts
● Ideas
● Opinions
● Feelings
● Instructions
Messages can be:
● Verbal (spoken or written)
● Non-verbal (gestures, facial expressions, tone)
4. Channel (Medium):
The channel is the path through which the message travels from sender to receiver.
Common channels include:
● Face-to-face conversation
● Telephone
● Letters
● Emails
● Social media
● Audio-visual media
Choosing the right channel is important for effective communication.
Example:
Urgent information is better communicated through a phone call than a letter.
5. Receiver:
The receiver is the person for whom the message is intended. Communication is incomplete
without a receiver.
The receiver’s understanding depends on:
● Listening skills
● Knowledge
● Attitude
● Emotional state
● Cultural background
6. Decoding:
Decoding is the process by which the receiver interprets and understands the message.
Decoding is influenced by:
● Language proficiency
● Experience
● Cultural context
● Psychological state
Misinterpretation during decoding can distort the meaning of the message.
Example:
A student interprets a teacher’s explanation correctly.
7. Feedback:
Feedback is the receiver’s response to the sender. It shows whether the message has been
understood as intended.
Feedback may be:
● Verbal (questions, answers)
● Non-verbal (nods, smiles, silence)
Feedback makes communication two-way and effective.
• CLASS ASSIGNMENT •
# Kinesics
Kinesics is the study of body movements such as gestures, facial expressions, posture,
and head movements. It explains how our body communicates without using words.
Some body movements are intentional, like nodding the head to show agreement. Many
others happen naturally and unconsciously, without us realizing it.
In communication, we mainly use words to express ideas because words are clear symbols
of our thoughts. In written communication, punctuation marks help show pauses and
emotions. But in face-to-face communication, messages are sent in two ways at the
same time:
1. Verbal (spoken words)
2. Non-verbal (body language)
For example, when you congratulate a friend by saying “Congrats” with a smile and a
handshake, the message feels stronger and more sincere than just saying the word alone.
The smile and handshake are part of kinesics, which support and strengthen verbal
communication.
Non-verbal communication is usually less conscious and more instinctive than verbal
communication. Studies show that less than 35% of the meaning in oral communication
comes from words, while more than 65% comes from body language. People often respond
more to what they see than to what they hear.
# Components of Kinesics
Personal Appearance
Personal appearance is very important in communication because people notice how we
look before they listen to what we say. Just as we choose our words according to the
audience, we should also dress suitably for the occasion.Personal appearance includes clothes, hairstyle, accessories, cosmetics, and grooming. Today, clothing is not only meant to cover the body but also to express one’s personality and attitude. The clothes we wear can highlight our body movements and show whether we are confident, professional, casual, or careless.
Before a speaker even starts speaking, the audience forms an opinion based on
appearance. A neat and appropriate appearance can make the audience feel positive and interested, while an untidy or unsuitable appearance may create a negative or resistant attitude.
Therefore, it is very important to be clean, well-groomed, and properly dressed according
to the situation. Our appearance communicates how we see ourselves and how we want others to see us.
Posture
Posture means the way we stand, sit, or walk. Our posture often changes according to the
situation and our feelings.
When a person is nervous, they may keep moving, pace around, fidget with things, shrug
shoulders, or stand stiffly. These movements show tension and lack of confidence.
With friends or familiar people, posture is usually natural and relaxed because we feel
comfortable. But in new or formal situations, like giving a presentation, people become
more careful and conscious about how they stand or move.
Certain postures can send negative messages. For example, standing with hands on hips
may show aggression or defiance. A relaxed posture, with hands at the sides and the body
comfortable, gives a positive impression.
Standing or sitting in an upright, balanced, and relaxed manner, facing the audience, shows
confidence, professionalism, attentiveness, and good organization. Overall, posture reveals
a lot about a person’s attitude, confidence, and emotions.
• Slumped posture—low spirits
• Erect posture—high spirits, energy, and confidence
•Lean forward—open, honest, and interested
•Lean backward—defensive or disinterested
•Crossed arms—defensive and not ready to listen
• Uncrossed arms—willingness to listen
Gesture
A gesture is a movement of the hands, head, or face used to express ideas or feelings.
Good and suitable gestures support and strengthen verbal communication. A well-timed
gesture helps to explain a point clearly and makes the message more effective.
However, awkward or unnecessary gestures, such as playing with a key chain, buttons, or
rings, can distract the listener and reduce the impact of the message.
Gestures help to clarify or reinforce ideas, but they should match the audience and the
situation. There are many kinds of gestures, and their meanings can differ from person to
person. Researchers have found that there are thousands of hand gestures, each carrying
different meanings.
Gestures should be natural, spontaneous, and limited. They should not draw attention away
from the speaker’s words. Irritating habits like cracking knuckles, twisting objects, or tightly
clasping hands should be avoided.
● Enumerative—numbers
● Descriptive—size of the objects
● Symbolic—abstract concepts
● Locative—location of an object
● Emphatic—emphasis
Facial expression
Along with postures and gestures, facial expressions also play an important part in
non-verbal communication. The face is the most expressive part of our body. A smile standsfor friendliness, a frown for discontent, raised eyebrows for disbelief, tightened jaw musclesfor antagonism, etc. Facial expressions are subtle. They can be used in a variety of ways toaid, inhibit, or complement communication. The face rarely sends a single message at atime. Instead, it sends a series of messages—facial expressions may show anxiety,recognition, hesitation, and pleasure in quick succession.
Facial expressions are difficult to interpret. Though there are only six basic expressions,
there can be many shades and blends of these. Also, people tend to hide their true feelings,
and project expressions that are appropriate according to the circumstances. The six basic
facialexpressions are:
• Happiness • Surprise
• Disgust • Fear
• Anger • Sadness
Eye Contact
Eyes communicate attention and emotions.
● Direct eye contact → confidence, honesty
● Avoiding eye contact → nervousness, lack of interest
● Excessive staring → aggression or dominance
Eye contact is an important part of non-verbal communication. By looking into someone’s
eyes, we can understand their feelings, honesty, and confidence.
Making gentle eye contact helps to build trust and connection with the listener. It shows that
the speaker is interested, sincere, and confident. Too little eye contact may show
nervousness, while too much can feel like staring. Eye contact habits differ in different
cultures, but in professional situations, polite and pleasant eye contact is always important.
• ESSAY •
Proxemics
Proxemics is the study of how people use physical space while interacting with others. The distancewe keep from others shows our relationship, comfort level, power, and status.In professional situations, space often shows authority. For example, senior officials usually have larger offices than junior staff. The way we use space can make us appear confident or powerful.
Gestures should match the available space. In open spaces, people can use bigger gestures, while in limited spaces, gestures should be small and controlled. Reaching slightly across a table can show confidence or control. Different cultures use space differently. Latin Americans and French people stand closer while talking, while Americans prefer more personal space and may feel uncomfortable if someone stands too close. Indians adjust distance based on relationships—keeping more distance
from elders or superiors and less with friends.
Edward T. Hall divided personal space into four zones (intimate, personal, social, and public), showing how space changes with different relationships.
Intimate Zone
The intimate zone is the closest personal space, extending from physical touch to about 18 inches.This space is shared only with very close people such as family members, parents, spouses, lovers, and close relatives.
The mother–child relationship is the best example of this zone. In this space, words are not always needed; communication can happen through whispers, touch, or small sounds.
Other people may enter this zone only for a short time and in special situations, such as
congratulating, comforting, or showing sympathy. Actions like a handshake, pat on the back, or hug come under the intimate zone.
Personal Zone
The personal zone extends from about 18 inches to 4 feet. This space is usually used with close friends, colleagues, and people of the same age or status. In this zone, people can have normal and comfortable conversations. It is a relaxed and casual space that allows friendly and spontaneous communication. Standing or sitting at this distance makes people feel comfortable, warm, and friendly,
and it helps in building good personal relationships.
Social Zone
The social zone ranges from about 4 feet to 12 feet. This space is used in formal or official situations, such as meetings, interviews, or social gatherings. In this zone, people behave more carefully and formally. Emotions are controlled, and communication is usually planned and polite.
The position used depends on the number of people. With a small group, people may sit facing each other to maintain eye contact. With a large audience, one person usually stands while others sit, which helps the speaker appear authoritative.
Public Zone
The public zone begins at about 12 feet and can extend up to 25 feet or more, depending on how far people can see and hear. This space is used for formal public events such as speeches and lectures. In this zone, the audience remains emotionally distant and observes the speaker from afar. Listeners
are free to react in their own way, and personal interaction is very limited.
To communicate effectively, the speaker must speak loudly or use a microphone. Public figures, likethe Prime Minister, maintain this distance for security reasons.