9 Section 1.1 Introduction to Professional Communication Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. a message into symbols that can be communicated. Most people convert their messages into a language of written or spoken words or symbols the receiver can understand. In order for the message to be understood, both the sender and the receiver must be able to interpret the words or symbols. Channel Once the message is encoded, it is ready to be sent. The act of sending a message is called transmission. The channel is how the message is transmitted such as face-to-face conversation, telephone, text, or any other vehicle that is appropriate for the situation. The sender decides the best channel through which to send the message. Factors that influence how a message is transmitted include: • need for security or confidentiality • importance of having a written record of the information • need for the receiver to have the information immediately • proximity, which is how close you are to the receiver • number of people receiving the message • level of formality necessary • expectations of the receiver Analyzing these factors can help you select the appropriate channel for your message. Receiver The receiver is the person who reads, hears, or sees the message. The receiver is also known as the audience. The receiver can be any number of people, from one coworker to the thousands of people who see a television commercial. Interpersonal communication is communication that occurs between the sender and one other person. Small group communication is communication that occurs with 3 to 20 people. Public communication is communicating with a group larger than 20 people. The receiver has a responsibility to the sender because communication is a two- way process. How do you feel when you send an e-mail to which you never receive a response? Paying attention to the sender is a matter of courtesy and necessity and is essential to the communication process. Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com There are many different communication channels, from a letter or e-mail to a face-to- face conversation.