When asked "what is communication?", I think it is safe to say that most of us would answer something like "well, it is the verbal and non-verbal messages we share with others"; or something along those lines, and though you would technically be correct, communication is much deeper than that. Believe it or not there are 12 signal systems used in communication. Now, you don't need to use all 12 of these systems in order to communicate, but the more of them you use the more likely your message will be received correctly. Listed below are the 12 signal systems of communication and they are ordered in their consciousness of use, from least conscious to most conscious.
The 12 Signal Systems
Going in the opposite order your believability moves from most believable to least believable. Meaning, the more conscious we are about our message the more likely we are to be believed and understood.
The 12 Signal Systems
- Verbal–speech
- Written–symbols representing speech
- Numeric–numbers and number systems
- Pictorial–two dimensional representations
- Artifactual–three-dimensional representations and objects, the "things" used in living
- Audio–use of nonverbal sounds, and silence
- Kinesic–body motions, facial expressions, posture
- Optical–light and color
- Tactile–touch, the sense of "feel"
- Spatial–utilization of space
- Temporal–utilization of time
- Olfactory–taste and smell
Going in the opposite order your believability moves from most believable to least believable. Meaning, the more conscious we are about our message the more likely we are to be believed and understood.
So you have already determined that communication is verbal and non-verbal, but there are two other classifications of communication to keep in mind, written and visual. If we were to classify the above signal systems into our classification categories, how would that look?
Notice how half of the signal systems fall into one classification? What else do you notice about the non-verbal systems?
Our non-verbal signals are further down the list of consciousness of use and higher in the list of believability. Lets take this train of thought one step deeper. 5 of the 6 non-verbal signal systems can only be accomplished when we are participating in interpersonal communication, what does this tell you about communication? Be thinking about this and be prepared to discuss this topic further in class.
Our non-verbal signals are further down the list of consciousness of use and higher in the list of believability. Lets take this train of thought one step deeper. 5 of the 6 non-verbal signal systems can only be accomplished when we are participating in interpersonal communication, what does this tell you about communication? Be thinking about this and be prepared to discuss this topic further in class.