The active sender is comprised of encoder / interpretation / decoder. The passive-recipient, on the other hand, constitutes decoder / interpreter / encoder. Similar to the Shannon & Weaver theory, each encodes and decodes the message according to her own interpretation of content.

Ultimately, communication is made up of signs. It is we who invest it with meaning and who provide those signs (or symbols) with a referent. The person on the other end (the decoder) cannot always understand the referent, or, if of a different culture, may have no knowledge of that referent altogether. Language is also diachronic, meaning that is constantly in flux from situation to situation. Thinking of the gap in the middle as well as the attendant 'noise' and the fact that the recipient always changes helps us understand why that is the case. It also helps me realize that I have to change my message to suit the particular context, circumstance, and recipient. Language is imbued with connotative meaning. To...

When we do, it is ideal for then I can accurately throw the ball to the other -- whether teacher, parent, or peer. The other can catch it. We can share the same experience and each of us can win. This is the ultimate win-win situation that creates concord, rather than discord, all around. It is for these reasons that I consider communication one of the most valuable skills that a person can possibly attain. As a college student, it is invaluable.
Works Cited

Davis, Alanah. "Media Richness Theory." Theories Used in IS Research. Appalachian State University, 2 Feb. 2006. Web. 08 Mar. 2012. .

Heath, R.L., & Jennings B. (2000). Human Communication Theory and Research: Concepts, Contexts, and Challenges. 2nd ed. Mahwah, NJ: L. Erlbaum.

Lee, Jaesub. Chapter 2 Anatomy of the Communication Process. PowerPoint.

Lee, Jaesub. Chapter 4 Information and Systems. PowerPoint.