Draft : Purposive Communication Book (Showing *elements in a lesson)

Chapter 1: Introduction to Communication with a Purpose

*Learning outcomes:
a. Describe the nature of communication process, principles and ethics.
b. Differentiate the different types of communication processes that may be developed inside the classroom;
intrapersonal, interpersonal and public communication.
c. Describe how culture affects communication .
d. Identify elements of communication through various texts.

*Spring board to the input :

Communication In Action
Linda wants to remind her husband, Carlos, to stop by the store after work and buy milk for dinner. She forgot to
ask him in the morning, so Linda texts the reminder to Carlos. He texts back, then shows up at home with a gallon of
milk under his arm. But something's amiss: Carlos bought chocolate milk, and Linda wanted regular milk.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Who is the sender in the story?________________________________
2. Who is the receiver? ________________________________________
3. What was the means of relaying the message? _____________________
3. Was the purpose of the communication achieve? Yes or No _________
Why? ______________________________________
4. What must have been done to achieve the purpose of text?____________________________________________

*Input

Lesson 1 : Communication Process

Communication is about interaction. It is the heart of communication. We negotiate

meanings and we collaborate to accomplish certain purposes. Interaction is the collaborative
exchange of thoughts, feelings, or ideas between two or more people, resulting in a reciprocal
effect on each other. Interaction as human beings uses language in various contexts to
“negotiate” meaning. To negotiate meanings mean to get an idea out of one person’s head and
into the head of another person and vice versa.

1.1.The Nature of Communication Process

Communication as a dynamic process involves exchange of messages among sources and

receivers via a channel or medium. However, for a complete exchange a return communication called
feedback is necessary. An important variable that could affect communication is noise. It can be
psychological, within the speakers' mind or physical, coming from the setting or surroundings. It is
always influenced by factors such as time, topic and circumstances as well as one’s cultural background.
The Berlo's model of communication briefly shows the flow.

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 A. The Basic Elements of the Communication Process

If you've talked to your friend or make a conversation, you have engaged in

communication. Once two or more people get together to exchange messages, they are engaging in this
basic process. The process is simple, but then, communication is actually taking place with a number of
components;

Figure 1: The Communication Process

Definition

The term communication process refers to the exchange of information (a message) between two
or more people. For communication to succeed, both parties must be able to exchange information and
understand each other. If the flow of information is blocked for some reason or the parties cannot make
themselves understood, then communication fails.

The Sender

The communication process begins with the sender, who is also called the communicator or
source. The sender has some kind of information—a command, request, or idea —that he or she wants to
share with others. In order for that message to be received, the sender must first encode the message in a
form that can be understood and then transmit it.

The Receiver

The person to whom a message is directed is called the receiver or the interpreter. In order to
comprehend the information from the sender, the receiver must first be able to receive the sender's
information and then decode or interpret it.

The Message

The message or content is the information that the sender wants to relay to the receiver.It is
relayed between the parties. Put all three together and you have the communication process as its most
basic.

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The Medium or Channel

The medium is the means by which a message is transmitted. Text messages, for example, are
transmitted through the medium of cell phones.

Feedback

The communication process reaches its final point when the message has been successfully
transmitted, received, and understood.

The receiver, in turn, responds to the sender, indicating comprehension. Feedback may be direct, such as
a written or verbal response, or it may take the form of an act or deed in response.

Other Factors

The communication process isn't always so simple or smooth, of course. These elements can
affect how information is transmitted, received, and interpreted:

Noise: This can be any sort of interference that affects the message being sent, received, or
understood. It can be as literal as static over a phone line or esoteric as misinterpreting a local custom.

Context: This is the setting and situation in which communication takes place. Like noise,
context can have an impact on the successful exchange of information. It may have a physical, social, or
cultural aspect to it.

1 2 .Principles in Communication Process

A. The Cooperative Principle in Conversation

In conversation, the participants normally attempt to make the interactions flow smoothly.
According to the Grice principles of communication, there are seven principles of effective
communication. The concept of the cooperative principle was introduced by philosopher H. Paul Grice in
his article "Logic and Conversation" (Syntax and Semantics, 1975). The principles observe cooperative
efforts; and each participant recognizes them, to achieve common purpose or set of purposes, thus
leading both parties to an accepted direction.

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The Seven Principles of Effective Communication

1. Principle of Clarity

The idea or message to be communicated should be clearly spelt out. It should be worded
in such a way that the receiver understands the same thing which the sender wants to convey. There
should be no ambiguity in the message. It should be kept in mind that the words do not speak themselves
but the speaker gives them the meaning. A clear message will evoke the same response from the other
party. It is also essential that the receiver is conversant with the language, inherent assumptions, and the
mechanics of communication.

2. Principle of Attention

In order to make communication effective, the receiver’s attention should be drawn

towards message. People are different in behavior, attention, emotions etc. so they may respond
differently to the message. Subordinates should act similarly as per the contents of the message. The acts
of a superior also draw the attention of subordinates and they may follow what they observe. For
example, if a superior is very punctual in coming to the office then subordinates will also develop such
habits. It is said that ‘actions speak louder than words.

3. Principle of Feedback

The principle of feedback is very important to make the communication effective. There
should be a feedback information from the recipient to know whether he has understood the message in
the same sense in which the sender has meant it.

4. Principle of Informality

Formal communication is generally used for transmitting messages and other

information. Sometimes formal communication may not achieve the desired results, informal
communication may prove effective in such situations. Management should use informal communication
for assessing the reaction of employees towards various policies. Senior management may informally
convey certain decisions to the employees for getting their feedback. So this principle states that informal
communication is as important as formal communication.

5. Principle of Consistency

This principle states that communication should always be consistent with the policies, plans,
programs and objectives of the organization and not in conflict with them. If the messages and
communications are in conflict with the policies and programs then there will be confusion in the minds
of subordinates and they may not implement them properly. Such a situation will be detrimental to the
interests of the organization.

6. Principle of Timeliness:

This principle states that communication should be done at proper time so that it helps in
implementing plans. Any delay in communication may not serve any purpose rather decisions become of
historical importance only.

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 7. Principle of Adequacy:

The information communicated should be adequate and complete in all respects.

Inadequate information may delay action and create confusion. Inadequate information also affects
efficiency of the receiver. So adequate information is essential for taking proper decisions and making
action plans.

Idioms
Idioms are expressions in a language whose meanings cannot be determined simply from the
words in them or whose component words cannot be predicted by any rule of grammar. The ability to use
idioms correctly shows a good mastery of the language. Notice the following patterns for idiomatic verb -
preposition combinations.

Look for means try to find Look at means to see

Look up means to consult a reference book Look after means to take care of

Exercise A. Answer the following questions using the suitable forms of expressions look for, look at,
look up and look after.

Model: What did Mario do when he lost his wallet? He looked for it.

1. Why is that nurse with the old man? __________________________________________________.

2. Where can I find the his telephone number? ____________________________________________.

3. Why is she going around from room to room? __________________________________________.

4. Why is she standing in front of the painting? ____________________________________________.

5. What does your mother do whenever you are sick? _______________________________________.

6. Why is the student looking at the lobby? _______________________________________________.

7. What should you do to find the meaning of a word?.______________________________________.

8. What is he doing in the garden? ______________________________________________________.

9. Why is the maid with the child? ______________________________________________________.

10. Where did you find the assignment on Continents of the World?_____________________________.

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Exercise B. Underline the correct forms of prepositions in the use of idiomatic expressions look for, look
at, look up, and look after.
One day I was looking (for, to) my books. My mother saw me looking (at , up ) her and asked me
"What are you looking (up, for)? After some few minutes, I found them near my bed. Next, I looked (up
for ) a pencil and some paper. I began to study my lessons. There were some words I cannot understand. I
looked (at, for) my mother again and asked her to look (for, up) the words in the dictionary for me. "My
goodness!", said my mother, "You certainly need someone to look (at, for) you. Why don't you look (for,
at) the meaning of the word yourself?". I went to look (for, up) the word in the dictionary myself. I felt I
am now responsible in looking (in, for) myself when it comes to my lessons in school.

Lesson 2. Types of Communication

There are three types of communication depending on the number of people involved as
senders and receivers. These are intrapersonal, interpersonal and public communication.

2.1. In an intrapersonal communication, the communication takes place within one

person. This can come in the form of soliloquy or monologue, when one is reflecting to himself
or in weighing possible options before making final decision.

Activity :
Write out a plan of your day's activity before going to bed . At the end of the day, try to fill up the
grid below and check the results of your accomplishments. Make a One day-diary with this grid .

Plans Expected Outcomes Remarks Plans for

Results Follow up

2.2. Interpersonal communication is usually between two persons. People can exchange
information and interact among themselves on a topic of their choice. It could be face to face
where people are in a close proximity with each other or it could be point to point when the
speakers are not facing each other.

A. Dyadic communication - this kind of communication occurs when two individuals

accept one another as the major point of attention, responding to each other to simultaneously
influence and be influenced. According to Wilmot (1975) " a dyad cannot be subdivided". When
a dyad is formed a complete social unit exists. A dyad is a nucleus upon which other
communication relationship must build. There are three forms of communication that occur in
dyads: conversation, dialogue and interview.
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 B. Conversation. Conversation is friendly and informal talk between two people. The
distinguishing feature of conversation is social informality. Communication is less purposive,
less serious and less intimate. According to Elson and Peck, (1957), there are characteristics of a
good conversation;

 Worthwhile - topics should be important and worthwhile;

 Informal - conversation has no formal purpose or aim;
 Flexible - both parties have freedom in expressing ideas;
 Relaxing -conversation is free from tension;
 Interesting-conversation involves the use of human interest details.

A Good Conversationalist

We must realize that we spend a great part of our waking hours talking. Sometimes, we
do not want to be alone looking for someone to talk with. To be a good conversationalist is not
easy. some people are talkative when thay are with their family, but they become tongue-tied and
uneasy when they are with strangers, or people they slightly know.

Conversation can be a source of much fun. We love to listen to jokes, and share
adventure stories. Through conversation, we become warm and receptive and we develop
sympathy and understanding.

How to be a Good conversationalist. Here are some hints to make conversation interesting and
fruitful:

1. Be a good listener. Conversation is give and take relationship. We observe turn taking. I talk
and you listen, and then it's your turn to talk and I'll listen. A good listener shows interest on his
face.
2. Be friendly and amiable. Try to look cheerful and good-natured. Nothing will drive people
away from you sooner than a sour look or an unfriendly expression.

3. Contribute something interesting. A person who constantly read books and magazines, and
listening to older people have something to contribute to any conversation. Keep your mind
active and alert.

4. Be honest; be yourself. If a subject about which you know nothing is introduced, admit your
ignorance. Never try to bluff.

5. Do not be afraid to ask questions now and then. However, avoid useless or rude
interruptions.

6. Do not encourage malicious or idle gossip. Avoid subjects that may cause arguments. Avoid
contradicting others too.

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Social Conversation

There are several forms of social conversation. among them is table conversation.
Family meals are made wholesome when we talk with each other and share our day's events. On
the other hand, it is different when we talk during company meetings, when we interact with
non-family members. We try to be cheerful as possible and make light moments with others.
That is why there is a special consideration on topics during meal time. There must be avoidance
of sad, gloomy stories, embarrassing subjects, or controversial ones. Amusing stories and
humorous anecdotes are preferable. Movies, new books are safe subjects. Praise the food, praise
the hostess, and appreciate what is served to you.

Introduction is another form of social conversation. There are set formulas for
introductions. Let's learn them through this sample.

Scenario 1: Introducing a friend.

Student A: Lynda, this is Norma. She is my friend in school. I'd like you to meet her.

Lynda : How do you do?

Norma : How do you do?

Note: Observe that the turn taking of the person introduced and with whom introduced.

Scenario 2 : Table Conversation

Guest 1: This soup is fine, don't you think so?

Guest 2: Yes indeed, It's very delicious. Our hostess is a good cook.

Guest 3: May I have some salad please?

Guest 4: Certainly, have some.

Guest 3: Thank you . What about the chicken roast?

May I Offer some?

Guest 4: I'd b very glad to have some. Are you sure you can spare it?

Guest 5: Yes, of course, you are welcome to this one.

Guest 4: Thank you, you are very kind.

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Activity. Pair work. Create a conversation in any of the following situations:
1. Two classmates meet unexpectedly. They have not seen each other for a year after one has transferred
to another school.
2. Two friends talked about a TV program they have seen the other night.
3. Two girls talked about dresses and accessories.
4. Two friends plan out their after school activity.
5. Two friends plans for their summer vacation.

C. Dialogue -Dialogue is the most intimate form of dyadic communication. If

conversation is based on a short term contact, dialogue assumes a sustained relationship. In
dialogue, each person has a deep concern for the other and both parties assume responsibility for
the relationship. Engaging in dialogue means being open, listening and revealing ourselves.
Because of its intimacy, dialogue is the primary vehicle for enhancing a person's humanness. The
ultimate test of dialogue is the ability to respond to each other when differences develop.

Activity 2. Dialogue Role play. Creating a scenario of the following:

A. A conflict between siblings where the parents mediate.
B. A manager talking to the cooperative union president about request for a pay hike.
C. The teacher counseling a student about frequent absences.
D. A marriage counselor advising a a couple to talk about their differences.
E. A friend talking to both previously engaged sweethearts for possible reconciliation.

D. Interview. This is the most purposive form of dyadic communication. More serious
than conversation, but less intimate than dialogue. An interview is dyadic communication in
which both parties talk and listen. In an interview, at least one of the parties has thought in
advance about what he would like to accomplish. This suggest that an interview is intentional
and purposive.

Company job applications include personal interview for the applicant to present himself
to the prospective employer. In applying for a particular position, the first few minutes gives a
conclusion of your personality, especially on the way you talk. It is important to give
consideration on your personal appearance. You must be neat and tidy, clothes need not be
expensive but presentable. A well groomed interviewee, contributes well to your over-all
appearance. More details will be discussed in the chapter on professional communications.

Activity: Mock Interview

Get a partner and present a short company interview as a job applicant being screened by an
employer. Prepare an outline of questions to be asked during the interview.

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2.3. Public communication is also called Public speaking or rhetorical communication. This
event consists of a speaker talking to an audience. One way to classify speeches is according to
its purposes namely; to inform, to persuade and to entertain.

A. Speech to inform. This type of speech aims to get the lsteners to know more about a subject
or something new. It is designed to enlighten or to instruct them. The informative speech aims to
increase knowledge and understanding of a topic. There are some things to remember when
delivering an informative speech.

a. The speech must benefit the audience with the information.

b. It be relevant and must relate to the interest of the audience.

c. There must be audience participation by asking the questions, distributing outline or

hand-outs to remember salient points.

d. To make the information interesting, present visual aids, and consider use of humor if
possible.

B. Speech to Persuade. This speech aims to influence the decision or judgment of his audience.
The aim of the speaker is to sway the feelings of listeners or convince them to a particular action.
There are three approaches in trying to persuade. These are, logical appeal, psychological appeal
and personal appeal.

1. Logical appeal refers to reasoning in two ways; inductively or deductively.

a. Inductive reasoning - is presenting the evidence before conclusion based on

evidence. More facts and reasons are cited leading to the viewpoint and stand of the speaker.

b. Deductive reasoning - starts with a general principle or idea, moving to

specifics, that illustrate or support the principle. It aims to enable audience to arrive at their
conclusions or ideas.

2. Psychological appeal. This works on audience's needs, desires, motives, feelings and
concerns. A good example is a non-fat milk addressed to consumers t be healthy and maintain a
beautiful body.

3. Personal appeal. This appeal depends on the speakers reputation or influence on the
audience. The effectively of the speaker is an acceptance of his influence, and authority on a
topic or issue. His position is also considered.

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C. Speech to Entertain. This kind of speech is characterized by lightness in tone, good humor and
fun. It may come in the form of an after dinner speech. A speaker must know how to include bits
of humor irregardless of its purpose. Some basic techniqus are suggested to create humor;

a. Using your butt as a joke.

b. Punning or play of words.

c. Literal translations

d. Playing up irony of situations

e. Witticisms.

Classification of Speeches According to Method of Delivery

Another way of classifying speeches is according to te way they are delivered in which
there are four; Reading the Manuscript, Extemporaneous speech, Memorized speech, and
Impromptu speech.

1. Reading the manuscript. In this type of speech, a prepared text or manuscript is read.
Among the common formal speech read in front of a large audience is the state of the ation
address by the president of the country. Keynote speeches in conventions, technical papers in
conventions, etc. The language used is Formal.

2. Extemporaneous speech. The speaker delivers his speech having notes beforehand.
Unlike the reading in manuscript speech, this speech is not written in full. The thoroughness of
the speaker's preparation depends on his outline.

3. Reciting from Memory- This speech is memorized and is delivered without reference
to a prepared text or notes. The speaker must be natural as possible even though he memrized his
speech.

4. Impromptu speech. This speech is delivered at the spur of a moment. The speaker has
had o formal preparation beforehand except for a few minutes to collect his thoughts on the
subject matter.

Tips on Good delivery

1. Direct eye contact - this means that the speaker looks at the audience as if talking to
them one by one. Eye contact is made with one section at a time, left to right pattern. Do not
make eye contact longer to a person, as it will make him self-conscious.

2. Use voice effectively, just loud enough to the size of the room and audience.

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 3. Posture . The speaker is judged by the audience on how he carries himself. Stand with
feet slightly apart and arms at the sides.

3. Use facial expressions to convey the meaning of the words used.

4. Use appropriate gestures. They must be natural. Among the emphatic gestures ar;
palms up, using index finger, clenched fist for emphasis etc.

Chapter 1 Test

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Chapter 2 : The Language-Culture Connection
Activity 1 : Personal Inventory
International IQ Check: PREPARING TO COMMUNICATE ACROSS
CULTURES

Instructions: This is a Self-Assessment on your preparedness to communicate effectively with persons

of different cultures. Label each of the following statements as True or False.

_____1.My culture is not superior with other cultures.

_____2. I can communicate with persons of other culture especially foreigners, as much as with persons
in my own culture .

_____3.I respect other cultures communication rules other than my own.

_____4. I can adjusts when persons from other cultures do not understand me or are confused by my
actions.

_____5. Persons from other cultures can express their disagreement at members of my

culture.

_____6. Persons from other cultures may choose not to join conversation, dialogue, or debate with
others because of their culture’s rules.

_____7. I handle disagreements with persons from other cultures depending on the situation and the
culture(s) they are from.

_____8. I equally communicate well with no fear both with persons from minority groups as well as from
persons from the dominant culture.

_____9. I am knowledgeable of how to behave in front of persons of different cultures.

_____10. I am equally concern with the situations of different groups in our multicultural society.

No. of True Statements _____________ No. of False Statements: ___________

Note : Depending on your answers, your teacher will tell you how prepared you are to
communicate internationally as well as to enrich your communication arena. You should be ready to
welcome people from different cultures into your own.

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Lesson 1 : DEFINING INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

Communicating in a Multi Cultural Society and World

Intercultural communication in its most basic form refers to understanding how people
from different countries and cultures behave, communicate and perceive the world around them.
Have you ever wondered why people from some cultures talk so loud and seem aggressive? Why
do they stand so close to you when they speak? Or maybe you’ve wondered why some people
seem reluctant to speak or maintain eye contact? Could that be cultural? Why do people from
some cultures make it difficult to get a straight answer to a simple question?

One of the most important skills needed for intercultural communication is the ability to
recognize, in any given interaction with someone from another culture, which of their behaviors
are universal human behaviors and which are peculiar to a cultural group and which are specific
to that individual.

The most effective communication skills are the same in an intercultural setting as those
we use to communicate within our own culture: listen without judging, repeat what you
understand, confirm meanings, give suggestions and acknowledge a mutual understanding.
However, when we are communicating with a different culture, we need to add to these basic
skills. We need to build some understanding of how, even with the best intentions, our
misperceptions can cause confusion and create misunderstanding.

At first glance, it might make sense to learn the beliefs, customs, and taboos of each
“foreign” culture we interact with regularly. But memorizing lists of dos and don’ts is both
impractical and ineffective because every situation is different. It is the context of an
intercultural interaction that is key.

By way of example, you might be told that in Japan it is customary to bow when you are
greeting someone. True, but you need to understand the status relationships of the people
involved to know how to bow. If you don’t bow appropriately, you will surely offend someone
more severely than if you don’t bow at all because a Japanese person doesn’t expect a foreigner
to understand their custom. In fact, many Japanese will say they prefer that foreigners not bow
unless they really understand what the gesture means and the context of the interaction.
Obviously, it would be peculiar to bow to a Japanese patient during an office visit here. It would
be totally out of context.

There is a need to develop both an intercultural mindset and skill set. We need to learn to
recognize cultural differences and also be able to maintain a positive attitude towards those
differences. We need to develop a skill set, beginning with a thorough understanding of what
culture is and what our own culture looks like.

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References:

Nordquist, Richard. (2017, August 9). The Cooperative Principle in Conversation.

Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/cooperative-principle-conversation-1689928

Allam, Arsenia S. 2015. Speech communication fundamentals. Philippines:Rizmarc SJDMC. ISBN;

978-971-92103-9-9

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