MCS 535 – Human Computer Interaction 1st sem 2021-2022

ASSIGNMENT #11
TOPIC: Communication and Collaboration Models
NAME: Rey Martin Esperida COURSE YR. & SEC: MSCS 2A

Instruction: Download this file and type your answer here. Upload your assignment in the VLE using this name
format, Lastname_Assignment1 (e.g. Gonzales_Assignment1).
Questions:
1. Text-based communication loses most of the low-level feedback of face-to-face conversation. What are the ways
to enhance the text-based communication? (15pts).

Challenges with text messaging

It’s hard to convey emotions or context – Miscommunication happens when you don’t
understand the general sentiment behind a message. For example, short answers can come across
as mean or uncaring when the sender might have been only in a hurry.
No body language /no tone of voice – Facial expressions and tone of voice amplify the meaning
of spoken words. This is why tone like sarcasm is hard to discern from a text.
Can encourage bad grammar and spelling habits – We often use shortened words and no
capitalization or punctuation especially for SMS. Also, many of us rely on auto-correct. Over
dependence can encourage complacency and make us forget spelling rules.
Delay-caused misunderstandings – Feelings can get hurt when we don’t get a response or a
reaction to texts or posts immediately. We think we are being ignored.
Technical difficulties – Our digital tools are dependent upon electricity, internet connection and
mobile service.
How to communicate better in text
With text being essential in our daily lives, it is important that we overcome some of these
challenges. Here are a few tips to help you make your messages clear, appropriate and pleasant:
Use the appropriate medium
Before you send the message, ask yourself if it’s appropriate to send via text. In general, text is
considered as an informal and less personal medium. You wouldn’t tender your resignation or
ask somebody to marry you using SMS. Another indication that texting may not the way to go is
the length of the message. If it’s taking you more than 10 minutes to compose a response, you
may be better off sending an email, calling or meeting the person.
Think of your audience
Always think about who you’re sending the message to and who will see your message. For
example, you might want to stay away from social media slang, abbreviations or emojis if you’re
texting your employer. If you are complaining or calling out someone, it will be better to send
MCS 535 – Human Computer Interaction 1st sem 2021-2022
ASSIGNMENT #11
TOPIC: Communication and Collaboration Models
NAME: Rey Martin Esperida COURSE YR. & SEC: MSCS 2A

the message directly to that person in private (or speak to them personally). Do not broadcast it
to everyone in your chat group.
Don’t use all caps
Using capital letters throughout is never appropriate in an SMS, chat message, social media post
or email. Not only is it hard to read (we’re more used to reading lowercase text), it will look like
you’re angry or shouting. It’s also a no-no on social media because it makes the poster seem
hungry for attention or even a bit unhinged. Use all caps only for acronyms or for headings.
Read and re-read before sending
Bad grammar, wrong spelling and even auto-correct can make your text hard to understand.
Make it a habit to read and check before sending. Also, verify if you’re sending your message to
the right person. Remember, once you send an SMS you can’t get it back.
Don’t assume
Lack of context and emotion can make us paranoid. For example, if someone answers your long
text with “k,” it’s easy to assume that they don’t think your message is important. This can make
you mad. But what if the other person couldn’t compose a long text because their phone is about
to die? Or if they are occupied but planning on writing a longer response later? If the meaning is
not clear to you, don’t assume the worst. If you want to be sure, ask or call them.
Etiquette always applies
Keep in mind that respectful language is always the best way to go. This prevents
misunderstandings and keeps your message clear. Consider the following:
Timing – Don’t text someone at 3:00 am and expect an immediate answer. If it’s about work,
send it during business hours unless the message is extremely urgent.
Don’t be aggressive or gossipy – Fighting, gossiping or sharing confidential information
reflects negatively on you. Remember that texts and posts can be saved. They can also be used
against you.
Answer as soon as you can – If you can’t reply or give a message your full attention, reply with
a message like “I’m tied up right now, I’ll get back to you” or “I’m sorry for the late reply, I was
in a video call with a client.” Make sure to respond when you have the time.
Don’t make your texts too long.
Be sensitive to other cultures and how they might communicate differently.
Don’t keep texting while you’re talking to someone– It is rude and will seem like you’re not
interested in their presence. If you truly must, warn people about it. Say something like “I
MCS 535 – Human Computer Interaction 1st sem 2021-2022
ASSIGNMENT #11
TOPIC: Communication and Collaboration Models
NAME: Rey Martin Esperida COURSE YR. & SEC: MSCS 2A

apologize that I will have to keep on looking at my phone – I’m waiting for news about my wife’s
condition. She was brought to the hospital this morning”.
Never text while driving
According to MPI, “one in three deaths involves a distracted driver”. This is why there are now
stricter laws and penalties in Manitoba on texting and driving. If caught operating any hand-held
device, not only will you get a fine, your licence will also get suspended. Read A quick guide to
driving regulations in Manitoba to know more details.

2. What is speech act theory? Describe positive and negative issues that have arisen when it has been embodied
in a specific system. (20pts).

-Speech-act theory is a subfield of pragmatics. This area of study is concerned with the ways in
which words can be used not only to present information but also to carry out actions. It is used
in linguistics, philosophy, psychology, legal and literary theories, and even the development of
artificial intelligence.

-This theory relies on the assumption that most speech acts inherently threaten either the speaker
or the hearer's face, and that politeness is therefore a necessary component of unoffensive, i.e.
non-face threatening, communication and involves the redressing of positive and negative face.