The Phases of The Communication Process Model
There are seven established phases to the communication process. The first two are developing an idea and encoding it in a message. Encoding in this context means deciding on how best to translate the idea into words and deliver it to the audience. The next step is to select the channel of communication and use it to send the message to the receiver. Once it is received, the other party decodes the message and offers feedback where applicable.
Channels of Communication
To deliver a welcome message, verbal communication in person, a written e-mail, or a message on the college website seem to be the most advantageous approaches. In-person communication allows for a more personal greeting and establishes a stronger relationship with each individual. The main downside of their approach, however, is that it is far more time-consuming than the alternatives and requires scheduling. Sending an e-mail to new students can be less tedious and universal, with the ability to form a coherent and informative message. The flaw of e-mail is that it puts distance between the recipient and the sender, making the welcoming message seem less sincere. A welcome placed on the website can also be useful in quickly reaching a broad audience, with the risk that some students might not see it.
Barriers to Communication
There are also a number of barriers to effective communication that need to be addressed. Lack of trust is the first and major one, as new students may not be receptible to messages from a person they do not have prior experience with. The difference in communication may also play a role, as young college students have their own approaches to an interaction that differ from the norms of older generations. Disinterest is another large barrier, preventing students from taking the message seriously. The last barrier that can be applied to this particular situation is one of the cultural differences. Students coming from another part of the world may have varied cultural traditions and views, distorting the original idea of my message.
Opportunities for The Audience to Respond to The Message
The audience has an opportunity to respond both orally and non-verbally. The students can talk with me if the message is delivered in person, or reply to my e-mail. In case of a post on the website, the audience can voice their concerns in the comment section.
Advantages of The Social Communication Process Model
The social communication model is more effective in describing and breaking down the communication process than a regular model. The traditional approach does not take into account the need to encode and decode the message by both the sender and the receiver.