During the communication process, the message is converted to a symbolic form called

Converting the message into a symbolic form during communication is called encoding.

The sender encodes ideas into words, signs or gestures so they can be sent through a channel.

Decoding is the reverse act, where the receiver interprets the symbols back into meaning.

Deciphering suggests working out a hidden or coded text, not the sender's ordinary symbol making.

Expanding merely means enlarging content and has no place as a stage of the communication process.

Encoding depends on the sender's language skills and shared codes with the receiver.