Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 8

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify the 5 elements of a communication system.
• Explain the difference between verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Apply principles of graphic communication like contrast and balance.
• Describe different communication channels.
• Identify barriers to effective communication.

Lesson summary

Communication is the cornerstone of our society. From sending a WhatsApp message to a friend to understanding road signs, we are constantly receiving and transmitting information. In South Africa, effective communication is vital for building a strong and informed citizenry, fostering economic growth, and preserving our diverse cultures. Graphic communication, specifically, is crucial for conveying complex ideas quickly and universally, bypassing language barriers and facilitating understanding across different communities. Week 2 focuses on understanding the core elements of communication systems and applying graphic communication principles to create effective visual messages.

Lesson notes

A communication system is a process that involves the exchange of information between two or more entities.

It comprises several key elements: Sender (Encoder): The person or thing that creates and transmits the message. They encode the information into a form suitable for transmission. For example, a radio station DJ speaking into a microphone is the sender. In WhatsApp, you typing and sending a message makes you the sender.

Message: The information being conveyed. It can be in various forms, such as words, images, sounds, or symbols. Consider a road sign displaying "Stop" – that's the message.

Channel (Medium): The pathway through which the message travels from the sender to the receiver. This could be airwaves (for radio), a phone line (for telephone calls), the internet (for email), or even a hand-delivered letter.

Receiver (Decoder): The person or thing that receives the message and interprets it. They decode the message to understand its meaning. The driver seeing the "Stop" sign is the receiver. On WhatsApp, the person reading your message is the receiver.

Feedback: The response from the receiver to the sender. This confirms that the message was received and understood. A nod of agreement, a reply to an email, or a question in response to a statement are all examples of feedback. Without feedback, communication is incomplete.

Verbal Communication: Involves the use of words to convey a message. This can be spoken (oral) or written.

Examples include: Oral: Face-to-face conversations, phone calls, presentations, radio broadcasts. In South Africa, oral communication is particularly important in many communities where storytelling and traditional forms of communication are prevalent.

Written: Letters, emails, reports, books, social media posts. Written communication is crucial for formal documentation and information sharing in schools and businesses.

Non-Verbal Communication: Involves conveying a message without using words.

This includes: Body Language: Facial expressions, gestures, posture, eye contact. In South Africa, cultural norms can significantly influence body language. For example, direct eye contact might be considered disrespectful in some cultures.

Visual Cues: Symbols, signs, images, colors. Road signs, advertisements, and infographics rely heavily on visual cues.

Tone of Voice: The way words are spoken, including pitch, volume, and speed. Tone can significantly alter the meaning of a message.

Graphic Communication: The process of conveying information using visual elements. This is essential for creating clear, engaging, and easily understandable messages.

Key principles include: Contrast: The difference between elements in a design. High contrast (e.g., black text on a white background) makes elements stand out. Contrast can be achieved through colour, size, shape or texture. Think of a safety sign using bright colours like yellow or red against black to warn of danger.

Balance: The distribution of visual weight in a design. Balance can be symmetrical (equal weight on both sides) or asymmetrical (unequal weight, but still visually appealing).

Alignment: The arrangement of elements in a straight line. Alignment creates a sense of order and professionalism. Consider how text is aligned in a newspaper column.

Proximity: Grouping related elements together. Proximity helps viewers understand the relationships between different pieces of information. For example, placing a heading close to the paragraph it describes.

Communication Channels: Oral: Face-to-face, telephone, radio, public address systems.

Written: Letters, memos, reports, emails, books, newspapers.

Visual: Posters, signs, diagrams, photographs, videos, presentations.

Digital: Websites, social media, email, instant messaging, video conferencing.

Barriers to Effective Communication: Language Barriers: Differences in language can make it difficult for people to understand each other. South Africa, with its 11 official languages, faces unique challenges in this regard. Using visual aids and interpreters can help overcome this barrier.

Cultural Differences: Different cultures have different norms and values, which can lead to misunderstandings. Being aware of and respecting cultural differences is crucial for effective communication. For example, the meaning of a hand gesture can vary across cultures.

Physical Barriers: Noise, distance, and physical impairments can interfere with communication. Using technology such as microphones and amplifiers can help overcome physical barriers.

Psychological Barriers: Prejudices, biases, and emotional states can affect how people receive and interpret messages. Being open-minded and empathetic can help overcome psychological barriers.

Technological Barriers: Unreliable internet connections, outdated software, and lack of access to technology can hinder communication, especially in rural areas.