Identify the correct sequence for successful communication.

The word communication has been derived from the Latin word “communis”, which means common.  Communication, therefore, refers to the sharing of ideas, facts, opinions, information, and understanding.  It is the transfer or transmission of some information and understanding from one person to another

Important PointsEffective communication is the process of exchanging ideas, thoughts, knowledge, and information in such a way that the goal or intention is met to the best of one's ability. In simple terms, it is the sender's presentation of his or her points of view in the most understandable manner for the listener.

• SENDER- The source/sender is the originator of the idea of the message, it may also be known as the sender who may be individual or a group. The source conceives the idea, prepares the messages selects the channel, and decides about the receiver. 
• ENCODING- In this step, messages are composed of symbols having a certain meaning for sender and receiver. Encoding is thus a translation of an already conceived idea by the sender into a message appropriate for transmission. The encoding includes the selection of mode of communication and the wording of the message. 
• MESSAGE- It refers to the stimulus that the source transmits to the receiver. Messages are composed of symbols having a certain meaning to the source and the receiver. 
• CHANNEL-The channel is the means through which the message travels from the source to the receiver. The channel may be mass media such as newspapers, radio, tv, etc, or interpersonal such as telephone, correspondence, etc. Selection of the channel depends upon the message to be conveyed, availability of the channel, cost of the channel, effectiveness of the channel, etc. 
• DECODING-Decoding is the reverse of encoding. It means translation of symbols etc, encoded by the sender into an idea for understanding. The receiver decodes the message by changing the symbols into meaning. Understanding the message sent by the sender is the key to the decoding process. If the receiver could not decode the message to make it understandable, misunderstands it, or pretends to misunderstand it whereas he understands it well, the communication is rendered ineffective. This happens because of the perceptual difference between sender and receiver. 
• RECEIVER/AUDIENCE - The next step is the receiving of the message by the receiver. The receiver must pay due attention to the message he receives. Any negligence on the part of the receiver may make the communication ineffective and the message is lost. Thus the receiver should be a good listener in the case of an oral message, however listening alone is not sufficient, he should also be willing to understand the message. 
• FEEDBACK-Feedback refers to any response the receiver offers to the message, this could be communication or behavior.

 Therefore, the correct sequence is Sender → Encode message → Channel → Decode message → Audience → Feedback.