Explain and give examples of the 5 characteristics of communication as discussed in the

textbook.

What will be an ideal response?

(1 ) Communication is inescapable. For all people, communication is everywhere and we
cannot live without it. From the messages we needed for physical survival when we
were infants, to social and professional needs we have as adults, communication is
always an essential part of any human process. Even if we decide not to talk to anyone,
they may judge from our nonverbal expression what our mood might be.
(2 ) Communication is irreversible. You can never take back a received message.
Whether you apologize for an insult or try to explain away a slip of the tongue, if
another person has attended to what you have said or done, you cannot undo it. For
example, if you have a fight with your friend, and out of anger mention something you
know is a sensitive area, then she will not forget it.
(3 ) Communication is complicated. If it were simple we would be better at it without
having to study and practice it. There is not a simple list of communication ?how to?
principles that can guarantee you will be a successful communicator. That is because
there are so many variables in the communication process. No one method will fit all
situations.
(4 ) Communication emphasizes both content and relationship information. Sometimes
the unstated message is what is most important. When we communicate, we do so on
two levels. The first, the content level, focuses on the new information or ideas that the
communicator wishes to share. It is the obvious, surface level meaning. The relationship
level is usually implied, and addresses emotional states and control issues.
(5 ) Communication is governed by rules. Communication is not just a random activity,
it is governed by a number of rules, most of which are implicit. We do learn a few
explicit rules, such as ?Say please and thank you.? However, we learn most rules
through the positive and negative feedback we get from other people, or from observing
others in interaction.