Introduction to Communication

COMMUNICATION

A. Concepts:
a. It is imparting, conveying, or exchange of ideas through words or body language. (Oxford Dictionary)
b. Communication is much more of an ART than a SCIENCE. (Madrunio & Martin, 2018)
(Art- because of different styles, factors, and produces the value of sincerity and honesty.
Science – because it follows principles and procedures)
c. According to surverys, communication skill is ranked first among a job candidate’s “must have” skills and
qualities. ( NACE)
d. Communication is the art & process of creating & sharing ideas. (McPheat, 2010)
e. Communication is one of the key components of the 21​st​ century learning.
(4 C’s: communication, collaboration, creativity, & critical thinking)
f. Communication involves mediates & digital communication, interpersonal, oral and/or written. (​www.P21.org​)
g. 2-way communication is important. Being a good communicator is recognizing that people may need to
receive information in different ways in order to be successful.

B. Types:​ (Madrunio & Martin, 2018)

a. According to Mode:
a.1​ Verbal​ – Non-verbal : use of words and bodily gestures. E.g. smiling then greeting a customer
a.2 ​Visual​ – use of signs, symbols, imagery, maps, graphs, charts, diagrams, pictograms, photos,
drawings or illustrations, & electronic communication. It occupies an important place in any work environment. E.g
presentations. It pays attention to graphic elements to leave a power effect.

b. According to Context:

b.1​ Intrapersonal​ – self-verbalization or self-statement. E.g. inner-talk or inner dialogue

* ​Purposes:​ boost your confidence, commend yourself, or console yourself.
b.2 ​Interpersonal​ – interactive exchange to deepen one’s relationship with others.
b.3 ​Transactional​ – sequential type of communication. The communicator has one agenda after another
with the objective of obtaining something or information at the end of the conversation.
b.4 ​Extended​ – with the use of electronic media. E.g. tele/audio/phone conferencing; video
conferencing like Skype calls.
b.5 ​Organizational ​– system of communication in a workplace.
​*Structure:
a​. Formal​ – communication that takes place via designated channels of message flow between
positions in a work place.
1. ​Downward​ – upper to lower positions
2. ​Upward​ – lower to upper positions
3. ​Horizontal​ – people belonging to the same level but coming from different departments
4. ​Diagonal ​– employees from different departments working at various levels
communicate with each other.

b.​ Informal​ – a.k.a Grapevine

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- unofficial channels of message flow. Messages come from the levels of the
organization. e.g. rumors or other data

b.6 ​Intercultural ​– communication between or among people having different language, religion, ethnic,
social, & professional backgrounds.

*examples​: (from www.brighthubpm.com)

eye contact : (Australians – sincere; Indians – offensive)
waving of hands side to side: (Indians – no or go away; Westerners – hello)
Puckering of lips – ( Filipinos – to point; others – seduction)
Smile – (Russians – strange & impolite; Americans – freely done; Asians – joy & friendliness,
or pain & embarrassment; Scandinavians – sign of weakness)
Yes-head movement – many cultures in the Middle East & Bulgaria (left to right movement)
Hand & arm – thumbs-up (Iran & Some parts of Latin America – vulgar)
Physical space – (Some parts of Latin America & Middle East – distance is talking is nearer
compared to Americans or Europeans)
Touching – handshakes are usually acceptable almost everywhere.
Kissing on the cheek, patting on the shoulder, embraces, or touching other bodily parts –
(Most Asians – violation of a private space)
Feet on the desk – (Americans – mostly common; Asians, Middle East, Europe – offensive)

C. According to Purpose & Style:

c.1 ​Formal​ – employs a formal language delivered orally or in written form. e.g. lectures, speeches, research &
project proposals, reports, & business letters.
- to inform and/or to convince

c.2 ​Informal ​– personal & ordinary conversations with friends, family members, or acquaintances.
- to entertain, socialize, & enhance relationships with others

Source:
Madrunio, M., & Martin, I. (2018). Purposive Communication Using English in Multilingual Contexts. Quezon City: C & E Publishing, Inc.