Central Luzon State University

Science City of Muñoz 3120

Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Instructional Module for the Course

Comm 1100- Purposive Communication

Module 7
Lesson 1
COMMUNICATION FOR WORK PURPOSES

Overview
Connection and interaction with different types of people
are necessary in order to be productive and successful in our
chosen career. Team collaboration is essential in meeting goals
and objectives. You have to learn how to work as an effective
team leader and team player.
This module focus on the importance of developing

I.
interpersonal skills that will help design effective and appropriate
Objectives
communication materials in the workplace.
 1. Discuss the value of relaying information and interacting with members in the
workplace.

2. Explain the use of appropriate language in the workplace.

3. Explain the use of appropriate tone, style and format in professional

communication.

II. Discussion
COMMUNICATING WITH MEMBERS OF THE WORKPLACE
EFFECTIVELY

The Value of Relaying Information in the Workplace and Interacting with

members of the Workplace

To better understand the topic, let us discuss the value of relaying information
in the workplace and interacting with members of the workplace.

• What makes an organization successful?

• What enables members of an organization to function and accomplish
their tasks efficiently and productively?
• What can be done to establish a pleasant and professional atmosphere in
the workplace

The key factor is …… EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

❖ Communication in the workplace requires the following elements:

1. Appropriate language – language that fits your audience and matches the
purpose

2. Tone - the attitude conveyed in the writing and may encompass formality,
objectivity, intimacy, and similar aspects.

3. Style - the mechanical or technical aspects of writing and may be specific to the
requirements of the subject or topic.

4. Format - the way in which something is arranged or set out.

Aside from these, you have to consider the specific domain, sector, field or
industry to which the workplace belongs, work may be in the:
✓ Government
✓ Academe
✓ Corporate world
✓ Media
✓ Health
✓ Social services

❖ Each organization or community has specific philosophies, values, and ideals

that shape the way communication is practiced

In any kind of professional setting, you have to consider the culture established
by the founders and senior associates and adjust to it accordingly . You are expected
 to meet prescribed standards and work within specific norms to achieve common
goals and objectives.

For Example: If the culture promotes conventions such as adhering to a certain

Dress Code, you cannot disregard them to show your individualism. Showing
respect for company policies reflect maturity and integrity.

However, there may be opportunities to introduce a new culture for a more

efficient and innovative organization.

For Example: To help negotiate heavy traffic during morning rush, you are
inspired by the idea of ride- sharing within your department when going to
work. You and your colleagues may agree to meet at a particular pick up area
or you may agree on a specific pick up time for each person if it entails multiple
stops to ensure that you reach your department on time.

Consequently, in this manner, you may even find yourself exceeding company
expectations in the following norm. Naturally, you communicate a new idea using
language that is fair, respectful and ethical.

Communication is not only verbal….

• In face to face communication, people read your facial expression and body
language.

If you keep looking

at your watch, your
colleagues may
sense that you are
in a hurry and do
not have time to
listen
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC

If you raise your

eyebrow after
hearing a
suggestion (you
are not
 Scrolling
cellphone at the
department
meeting
(showing that
you are not
interested in the
discussion)

❖ Indeed, the small yet visible details on your face and in your movements …
Speak a thousand words
 When you join an organization or community, consider yourself as a relevant
member of one big team. Whatever you do has an impact on how the group functions
and grows. Keep in in your primary responsibilities and objectives.

Interacting with colleagues in the workplace means:

✓ listening purposefully
✓ responding appropriately
✓ expressing ideas respectfully
✓ negotiating proactively and
✓ solving problems efficiently

Using Appropriate Language in the Workplace

Professional Communication – requires use of language that is most appropriate to

given situation in the workplace.

When you are in a meeting, assembly, conferences, formal event, you are
always expected to use polite tone.

➢ Address heads, clients, colleagues according to their official titles and

positions (e.g. Doctor, Professor, President, Justice, Honorable
representatives, Ms. Mr.)

However, there are instances when informal language may also be used in
the workplace. E.g. conversations during break time or after office hours with
peers may not call for formal language. In fact, being formal all the time may
result to alienating the rest of the department.

There is an art to knowing the appropriate language register based on unique

contexts. Language used is always fluid in everyday contexts. An attentive and
open team player will know what manner of communication is suitable in certain
situations.

• Vulgar language or slang that demean is consider offensive in the

workplace

• Use jargon words only if you are among colleagues who belong to the
same profession otherwise do not use jargon in the company of
colleagues who are not familiar with field of expertise or interest.
 Indeed, the workplace consists of diverse individuals. It is important to use
politically correct terms to avoid offending people belonging to a specific race,
religion, gender, age range, class or group.

Political correctness in language means using words that have positive

suggestions or connotations to avoid discrimination.

For instance, the term “disabled” suggests that a person is not

able to function at all. While physical limitations may deter him/her
from doing the usual functions that others can do, it does not mean
he/she may not be able to do other things at all.

They have special talents and skills and thus, a more politically
correct term is “differently abled person”.

As in any community, being in a workplace means being aware of your beliefs

and principles, as well as your dormant and unexamined biases. Make sure you do
not discriminate against a particular group through your attitudes, behavior, and
decisions.

If you talk politely to your heads and associates, but talk disrespectfully to the
staff or your peers, then you are not treating people equally with respect.

REMEMBER : Each individual deserves respect regardless of

position and status in the workplace