Page 26 - Computer - 10(A&B)

Communication Cycle

The term communication cycle refers to the exchange of information between two or more people. For
communication to succeed, both sender and receiver must be able to exchange information and understand each
other. If the flow of information is blocked and people are not able to make themselves understood, then the
communication fails.
A channel (or path), such as phone/
Giving Information face-to-face (talk/writing) is used
A sender sends a message (giving to transfer the message.
or asking for Information). Channel
Message
(Encoding) Reply to Sender Receiver
The communication process starts (Decoding)
with a sender.
Channel
Sender
The sender receives the Receiving Information The receiver replies The message is received by
feedback. to the sender. the receiver.

Elements of Communication
The communication process is not always so simple or smooth. Noise and context are two elements that can
affect how information is transmitted, received, and interpreted.
v Noise: This can be any sort of interference that affects the message being sent, received, or understood. It can
be as literal as static over a phone line or radio or as esoteric as misinterpreting a local custom.
v Context: This is the setting or situation in which communication takes place. Like noise, context can have an
impact on the successful exchange of information. It may have a physical, social, or cultural aspect to it. In a
private conversation with a trusted friend, you would share more personal information or details about your
weekend or vacation than in a conversation with a work colleague or in a meeting.

Feedback
Feedback is the final step in the communication cycle. In every
communication, you need feedback so that you can gauge whether your
communication has been successful. Depending on the feedback you
receive, you can clarify or make changes to the way you communicate.
This is true in all forms of communication, whether face-to-face, by
telephone, email, or in written communication.

Feedback – Written Comments or Conversations

As you know, feedback is an important aspect of communication. But to make the feedback effective, it should
be multi-dimensional, supportive, timely, and specific. Let’s take the example of a cooking competition. So, you
try a new recipe and as your judge’s mouth is full, she mumbles, “It’s good!” You light up a bit, but the dish took
over an hour to prepare, and you think...that’s it!
Now, if the judge had given the feedback by saying, “Wow, how did you get the peas so tender, it’s delicious. I
do feel like it could use a bit more spice, and I’m really impressed that you added cauliflower.” Then you know
exactly what to do for the next attempt.

It is the same for students or any other person who is waiting for feedback because an effective feedback provides a
road map, to where you have been and where you need to head to complete your journey. Feedback is especially
important for language learners who are still acquiring the knowledge of language and need to understand what
they are doing well and where specific improvement needs to be made. The feedback may either be given in the
form of written comments or it may be conveyed through conversation.

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