Journalism and Communication

Professor Dr. Md. Kamrul Hasan

2025-07-18

Outline

  1. Concept
  2. Types
  3. Elements
  4. Uses

Introduction

Did you know?

  • We spend around 70% of our time in some form of communication (listening, speaking, reading, writing). Most researchers agree it’s between 60%–80%, with listening alone taking ~45%.
  • Communication and human relations skills are currencies in professional and personal life.

Importance of Communication

Effective communication builds:

  • Trust
  • Cooperation
  • Conflict resolution
  • Teamwork and collaboration

Concept of Communication

  • Communication is the exchange of messages between a source (sender) and a receiver (audience).
  • It is not linear — it’s reciprocal and iterative.
  • It involves feed-forward (message sent) and feedback (message received).

Flow of Communication

  • Sender initiates message
  • Receiver responds with feedback
  • Shared understanding is the goal

Communication is complete only when mutual understanding is achieved.

Communication Cycle Example

Sender: "Hello" (Feed-forward)
Receiver: "Hi!" (Feedback)

Feedback makes the process interactive and meaningful.

Communication: An Unusual Example

If someone slaps a boy (Feed-forward), and the boy cries (Feedback), is it communication?

Yes, this is non-verbal communication. Even in negative or chaotic situations, messages are exchanged and feedback occurs.

Chaotic or Silent Communication

Conflict, violence, or silence can also be forms of communication.

Even no feedback is a form of feedback.

Example: A phone rings but no one answers — we assume they are unavailable.

Silence and Feedback

Calling someone who doesn’t respond — we interpret that as absence or disinterest.
A dead person cannot provide feedback — this ends the communication loop.

Types of Communication

Verbal Communication (~30%): - Spoken or written words

Non-verbal Communication (~70%): - Facial expressions - Gestures - Posture - Eye contact - Tone of voice

Models of Communication

  1. Linear Model – One-way transmission (e.g., TV broadcast)

  2. Interactive Model – Sender ↔︎ Receiver with feedback (e.g. News blog)

  3. Transactional Model – Both parties simultaneously sender and receiver (e.g. Interview)

Transactional Communication

Modern communication favors transactional, real-time exchange — especially in interpersonal and professional settings.

Feedback in Communication

Feedback can be: - Intentional (e.g., nodding to show understanding) - Unintentional (e.g., yawning from boredom)

Feedback Examples

  • A student raising hand = intentional
  • Looking distracted = unintentional

Feedback helps the sender adjust or clarify the message.

Effective Commn

  1. Source credibility – Trustworthiness, expertise
  2. Audience characteristics – Age, education, values, needs
  3. Channel availability – Face-to-face, phone, email
  4. Feedback mechanism – Immediate or delayed, verbal or non-verbal
  5. Message treatment – Tailoring the message improves effectiveness.

Message Organization

  • Organize your message logically:
  • Simple to complex
  • General to specific
  • Chronological (time-based)
  • Topical (theme-based)

Message Appeals

Use persuasive appeals:

  • Fear appeal: Warns about negative consequences
  • Reward appeal: Shows benefits of action
  • Emotional appeal: Connects with feelings like love, guilt, pride
  • Rational appeal: Based on logic, facts, reasoning

Channel

Depends on:

Urgency: Quick response? → Phone or face-to-face

Message complexity: Complex info → Written or visual aids

  • Audience access: Choose accessible medium
  • Formality:
    → Formal = Email or letter
    → Informal = Chat or call

Choose wisely to improve clarity and impact.

Communication & Human Relations

Communication builds human relationships through:

  • Persuasion
  • Negotiation
  • Diplomacy
  • Dispute resolution

Empathy in Communication

The key is empathy – seeing from the other’s perspective.

Builds trust and strengthens understanding.

Persuasive Communication

  • Empathy: Put yourself in others’ shoes
  • Clarity: Use clear, precise language
  • Relevance: Match audience interest
  • Respect: Be polite and culturally sensitive

Communication for Journalist

Reporters deal with exceptional cases (outliers). They must ensure:

  • Accurate communication of facts
  • Sensitivity in presentation
  • Ethical standards

Reporting and Unusual Events

Usual things don’t make headlines — unusual does!

Reporters must balance drama and truth.

Objectivity & Subjectivity

  • Objective: Facts, data, neutrality
  • Subjective: Emotions, experience, opinion
  • Important vs Urgent: Don’t miss the important ones becuase of many other urgent issues.

Good communication blends all thoughtfully.

Avoid Biases in Communication

  • Avoid prejudices and bias
  • Don’t rely only on past experience
  • Incorporate latest and accurate information

Summary

  • Communication is central to human interaction
  • It’s a two-way, dynamic, and context-sensitive process
  • Mastering communication enhances relationships, influence, and understanding

Thank You!

Any Questions?
Let’s continue the discussion.

RUEN Research