What does 'encoding' refer to in communication?

Encoding in communication refers to the process of transforming thoughts, ideas, or feelings into a communicable format, such as words, gestures, or symbols. This is a critical step in effective communication, as it allows the sender to convey their intended message to the receiver clearly. When an individual encodes a message, they are essentially choosing the appropriate language and structure that will best express their thoughts, facilitating understanding.

This concept is foundational in communication studies, as it emphasizes the speaker's role in creating meaning. Without effective encoding, even the best ideas may not be understood by others, leading to miscommunication. In contrast, the other options relate to different aspects of the communication process; interpreting messages involves the recipient's role, feedback pertains to the responses given after a message is received, and sending and receiving information encompasses the broader process of communication rather than just the initial stage of encoding.