A Brief History of Communication

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A Brief History of Communication
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Definition of Communication

• The roots of the word communication (communis, or
  common) accurately portray its purpose. In
  communication the speaker is attempting to be
  one with the listener. In the process of being
  one we develop a communion, a transaction, a
  dialogue. At its foundation, communication
  involves a uniting and exchanging of thoughts.
  As a result, the speaker is obligated to create a
  clear picture of reality to stimulate listeners
  to make common his or her thoughts. (Cap 4-5)

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How do we communicate?

• Basically, we communicate by using the tools
  available to us, namely symbols. Verbal
  andnonverballanguage areessentially setsof
  commonlyaccepted symbolsto which weattach
  meaning.(Capp 5)

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Early Communications

• Before human beings created languages and
  alphabets, they communicated with both sound and
  body language.

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Early Communications

• Arguably, the earliest humans related feelings
  and stories through sounds as well as body and
  hand gestures.

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Early Communications

• Some of these stories became illustrations,
  probably drawn in the dust on the ground before
  eventually developing into petroglyphs, or
  paintings created on cave walls.

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Early Communications

• As humankinds communication abilities developed,
  other permanent symbols evolved
• Wooden totem poles

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Early Communications

• As humankinds communication abilities developed,
  other permanent symbols evolved
• Wooden totem poles
• Egyptian hieroglyphics

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Early Communications

• As humankinds communication abilities developed,
  other permanent symbols evolved
• Wooden totem poles
• Egyptian hieroglyphics
• Religious symbols like the Star of David and the
  Christian cross.

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Development of Language

• Even though scholars were creating ways to write
  languages, many people were unable to obtain a
  formal education and could not read these
  developing alphabets . . .

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Language Symbols

• . . . so early commercial signage developed, like
  the barber pole and other symbols indicating the
  type of service a merchant provided.

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Symbols

• Today, this signage has developed into
  trademarks.

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Insignia

• Other identifying forms of communication from the
  past and present include insignia worn by
  military forces.

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Insignia and Flags

• These forces often routinely carried flags
  representing their countries.

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Early Military Communications

• Before electronic communications evolved,
  military forces found other ways to relay their
  plans. Roman soldiers used torches to signal
  their troops to attack.

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Early Military Communications

• Even animals were used to communicate important
  information. Carrier pigeons were instrumental
  during World War I.

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Native American Communication

• Native Americans used smoke signals and drums
  which were actually very effective and could be
  seen and heard from great distances.

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Developing Technology

• Another valuable form of communication from the
  past and still used today is Morse Code.

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Developing Technology

• When automobiles appeared, traffic signs and
  signals evolved out of necessity.

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Developing Technology

• Eventually, units of measure were printed on road
  signs to communicate distances and acceptable
  miles per hour for automobile drivers.

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Physically Challenged Communication

• Individuals who are unable to read, write, see or
  hear may be able to learn and use sign language
  and other forms of specially adapted
  communication technology.

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Non-Verbal Communication

• Individuals communicate every minute of the day
  through non-verbal gestures and their choice of
  dress.

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Consider the following photographs

• Can you guess
• Socioeconomic Status?
• Relationships?
• Age?
• Occupations?

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Consider the following photographs

• Can you guess
• Socioeconomic Status?
• Relationships?
• Age?
• Occupations?

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Consider the following photographs

• Can you guess
• Socioeconomic Status?
• Relationships?
• Age?
• Occupations?

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Consider the following photographs

• Can you guess
• Socioeconomic Status?
• Relationships?
• Age?
• Occupations?

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Consider the following photographs

• Can you guess
• Socioeconomic Status?
• Relationships?
• Age?
• Occupations?

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Communication in Advertising

• What can you determine from looking at the
  following advertisements?

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Communication in Advertising

• What can you determine from looking at the
  following advertisements?

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Communication in Advertising

• What can you determine from looking at the
  following advertisements?

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Communication in Advertising

• What can you determine from looking at the
  following advertisements?

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Communication Today

• Cell-phones
• Instant Messaging
• Photo/Video Options
• Texting
• Internet
• E-Mail
• Twittering
• Live telecommunications
• ??????

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Back to the Beginning

• Sometimes, however, simply talking face-to-face
  is truly the most effective type of
  communication, and this fact is why students
  should learn how to craft and deliver effective
  speeches.