Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Certification Practice Test

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What is the first step in a typical communication process?

  1. Transmit

  2. Decode

  3. Form the thought

  4. Give feedback

The correct answer is: Form the thought

In a typical communication process, the first step involves forming the thought. This foundational stage is crucial because it is where the sender generates an idea or message that they wish to communicate. Effective communication starts with a clear understanding of what the sender wants to express. Forming the thought prefaces the subsequent steps, such as encoding the message (putting the thought into words or symbols), transmitting the message, and then having the receiver decode it. Without a well-formed thought, the rest of the process would lack direction and purpose, making it difficult to effectively convey the intended information. This initial stage sets the tone for the entire communication process, influencing how the message is crafted, conveyed, and understood by others. In summary, forming the thought is the critical first step that enables effective communication to take place.