What does “encoding” refer to in the communication process?

In the communication process, "encoding" specifically refers to the process of formulating the message. This involves taking the intended ideas, thoughts, or feelings and converting them into symbols, such as words or gestures, that can be understood by the receiver. Encoding is a crucial part of communication because it influences how the message is perceived and interpreted. Effective encoding ensures that the sender's ideas are accurately represented and clearly conveyed to the audience.

In contrast, decoding would relate to how the receiver interprets the message, while the selection of appropriate channels involves choosing the medium through which the message is sent. Feedback pertains to the responses or reactions from the audience regarding the message received. These concepts are all part of the broader communication process, but encoding is specifically focused on the creation and formulation of the message prior to its transmission.