What is noise in the context of communication?

In the context of communication, noise refers to any unwanted signal that interferes with the clarity and quality of the message being transmitted. It can disrupt the communication process by obscuring or distorting the intended message, making it difficult for the receiver to understand it. Noise can manifest in various forms, such as background sounds, static on a radio transmission, or distortion in an audio or visual signal.

Understanding noise is crucial for effective communication because minimizing or eliminating it helps ensure that messages are conveyed accurately and clearly. Therefore, identifying noise and managing it is a key aspect of communication training, especially in environments where precise information exchange is vital, such as in public safety telecommunications.