Understanding Why Communication Matters

Communication is the process of transferring information and meaning between senders and

receivers.

Communication is the process of transferring information and meaning between senders and receivers, using one or more media and communication channels. The essence of communication is sharing— providing data, information, insights, and inspiration in an exchange that benefits both you and the people with whom you are communicating.

As Figure 1.1 indicates, this sharing can happen in a variety of ways, including simple and successful transfers of information, negotiations in which the sender and receiver arrive at an agreed-on meaning, and unsuccessful attempts in which the receiver creates a different message than the one the sender intended.

You will invest a lot of time and energy in this course, developing your communication skills, so it’s fair to ask whether the effort will be worthwhile. This section outlines the many ways in which good communication skills are critical for your career and for any company you join.

Figure 1.1 Sharing Information