Communication is typically defined as the imparting or exchanging of information by means of speaking, writing, or some other medium. If we analyze this expression, communication is much more than simply the transmission of information, thoughts and ideas. People communicate with one another with a purpose; so, the communication needs to be successful. Thus, communication requires an element of success in transmitting or imparting a message, whether it be information, ideas, or emotions.

A communication process, therefore, has three major or integral components: 1. the Sender, 2. the Message, and 3. the Receiver or Recipient.

In the process of communication, the sender ‘encodes’ the message. This message can be verbal (words) or non-verbal. This message is transmitted in some way (i.e. in speech or writing), and the receiver ‘decodes’ it.