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Understanding Communication | 17

Each of the above detailed dimensions individually or collectively contributes to
the academic field in terms of understanding and sharpening communication.

COMMUNICATION SEQUENCE

Communication sequences are punctuated while communication events are
continuous transactions. There in no clear-cut beginning or end. As par-
ticipants or observers of communication, we divide this continuous, circular
process into causes and effects of stimuli and responses; that is, we segment
this continuous stream of communication into a number of smaller pieces
and label some of these causes or stimuli and other effects or responses.
Let us consider an example of a situation where the students are
indifferent and the teacher does not prepare for the class. Figure (A) of 2.1
illustrates the sequence of events in which there is no absolute beginning and
end. Each action (the student’s indifference and the teacher’s lack of prepara-
tion) stimulates the other; each serves as the stimulus for the other, but there
is no initial stimulus. Each of the events may be regarded as stimuli and as
responses, but there is no way to determine their specificities. Now, consider
how the teacher might divide up this continuous transaction. Figure (B)
illustrates the teacher’s perception of this situation. From his/her point of
view, the teacher sees the student’s indifference as the stimulus for his/her
own lack of preparation. This is seen as the response to the student’s indiffer-
ence. In figure (C) we see how the students might see this same sequence of
events, beginning with the teacher’s lack of preparation as the stimulus (or
cause) and their own apathy as the response (or effect).
If communication is to be effective, if we are to understand what the other
person means from his or her point of view, then we have to see the sequence
of events as punctuated by the other person, that is, empathy. Further, we
have to recognize that our punctuation is not a reflection of what exists in
reality, but is a reflection of our own unique but fallible perception.

MODELS OF COMMUNICATION

Many influences and models have shaped the field of human communication.
Communication not only is at the heart of humanity but is also the vehicle
of our intentions towards each other. It is only through communication that
we can realize our social potential. Without communication we would all be
evolutionary misfits.
Before taking stock of the present understanding of the process of human
communication, it will be useful to review briefly the major threads that run
through the various approaches to the study of human communication.

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