Who decodes a message in communication?

In the context of communication, the receiver is the individual or entity that decodes the message. Decoding involves interpreting and making sense of the information conveyed by the sender. When a message is transmitted, it is encoded into a format that can be communicated, often through spoken words, written text, or non-verbal signals.

Once the message reaches the receiver through the chosen channel of communication, the receiver must decode it to understand its meaning. This process may involve considering the context, tone, and any prior knowledge relevant to the message.

Understanding the role of the receiver is fundamental in communication theory because effective communication requires not only clear messaging from the sender but also proper interpretation by the receiver. Thus, the receiver's ability to decode messages accurately is crucial for successful communication.