https://www.cartoonstock.com/cartoon?searchID=CS183592

This cartoon shows a man standing at the front of a seminar titled “COMMUNIKATIONS SEMMINAR” with two glaring spelling errors on the board. A participant sitting in the audience comments, “Well that’s not a good start!” The cartoon humorously highlights the importance of clarity and competence in communication, especially when the communicator is trying to teach communication itself. This cartoon directly relates to Chapter 1 – Foundations: Defining Communication and Communication Study. It emphasizes that communication is not just about delivering a message but also about how well the message is encoded, received, and understood. The image also reflects the concept of noise, a key term in the “Linear Model of Communication.” In this case, the “noise” comes from the misspellings, which distort the intended message and damage the speaker’s credibility. It’s a great example of how breakdowns in encoding can lead to miscommunication and affect how a message is perceived. I can definitely relate to this moment, whether it’s sending a text with a typo or turning in a paper with small errors, it’s clear that how we present our message really matters. In school, at work, or even among friends, I’ve noticed that people are quick to judge, especially based on first impressions and in written or public communication. This cartoon is a comical reminder that communication isn’t just about what we say but also about how we say it.