MODULE: OLENG01– PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION

TYPES OF COMMUNICATION

At the end of this chapter, students will:

A. Know the different types of communication;
B. Use the different types of communication with ease and
confidence; and
C. Apply the different guides to improve communication.

Types of communication are usually distinguished by the number of people

involved, by the purpose of the communication, and by the degree of formality in which
it occurs. Each type of communication involves appropriate verbal and non-verbal
behaviors. Five types of communication are to be discussed in this chapter.

Intrapersonal Communication
To communicate with others, you
must first understand how you
communicate with yourself. This process
of understanding information within
oneself is called personal
communication. As you mature, you
learn a lot about yourself and your
surroundings. Much of what you learn is
gained from your own experiences. Even
though there are many things you taught
by others, there are many things you
must learn through your own
experiences. For example, the first time you experience the sensation of warmth coming
over your chilled body is form of intrapersonal communication.
Intrapersonal Communication also occurs anytime you evaluate or attempt to
understand the interaction that occurs between you and anything that communicates
message to you. You are involved in intrapersonal communication as you receive,

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attend to, interpret and analyze, store and recall, or response in some fashion to any
message.
Interpersonal communication includes diverse, internal activities such as thinking,
problem solving, conflict resolution, planning, evaluation, and relationship development.
All communication takes place within you and you react to communication cues.
Intrapersonal communication may occur without the presence of any other type of
communication, but all other types of communication cannot occur without it. In fact,
intrapersonal communication is occurring almost always, and yet you don’t often think
about it as a type of communication.

Since there is no receiver in an intrapersonal communication, you are both the

sender-receiver. You process what you hear, read, or see. The message of things
around you is processed by the brain. The reaction is reflected in your manner of
projecting yourself. For example, if you feel good about a certain thing, you look at
things positively. If you feel bad about things, definitely you react negatively .

The figure shows the

influences which
surround the Self.

Intrapersonal communication is influenced by many factors which help you look

at yourself and the way you relate with people and in various situations. You can never
say that you are not influenced by the factors which surround you.

Interpersonal Communication
Interpersonal communication is creating and
sharing meaning between persons who are in a
relationship. It is similar to intrapersonal communication
in that helps you share information, solve problems,
resolve conflicts and establish relationship with others.

Interpersonal communication happens when two persons

communicate with each other. This type usually takes
place between two persons (dyadic), though it may
include more than two. Interpersonal communication is
essentially a social process. It uses all the elements of the

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communication process. Two people exchanging ideas are both sender and receiver.

There are different types of interpersonal communication:

CONVERSATION. Conversation is characterized by adaptability, enthusiasm tact and

sensitivity. It is the most informal type of interpersonal communication since it can
happen anytime., any place. No rules are to be observed nor prepared topics to be
discussed. However, there are simple guides you can have to remember to make your
conversation successful.

1. Be a good listener.
2. Allow the person to express his ides (without
interruption).
3. Let the person finish what he is saying before
you start your own.
4. Be careful. It is one of the most valued social
virtues. This is the keen sense of what to say or
do to avoid giving offense.
5. Be sensitive. The person/s may not be
comfortable with the topic you want to talk
about.

INTERVIEW. Another type of interpersonal

communication is interview. This is the most formal
type of interpersonal communication because both the
interviewer and the interviewee have a definite place
and time. An interview is purposive and formal.

There are three common types of interview:

1. Job interview
The interviewer asks questions to find out if the
applicant is suited for the job. The interviewee, on the
other hand, has to prepare for this particular task.
He/she has to prove to the interviewer that he/she is
indeed qualified for the job.
2. Information interview

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The interviewer gets information from the interviewee regarding as specific topic.
For example, a reporter wants to know what decision was chose by congress regarding
the increase of government employee’s salary. The reporter may want to interview one
of the congressmen to know more about the decision.
3. Character interview
This type is usually used by some companies most especially if the person is
slotted for promotion. Others use this type to find out the background of the person most
especially if this person has applied for a loan. Still others use this type if they want to
find out the kind of person they are intending to hire.

Small Group Communication

Group discussion is a process of
cooperative thinking which involves a small group
of people who talk over a problem systematically,
thus pooling their experiences and judgements in
order to arrive at the best solution. The ideal
number of people in a small group is from four to
seven.

Every participant in a group must be given

an opportunity to help shape the final decision and
when the decision is reached, it should represent
the best understanding of the group as a whole.

In discussion, whether you talk eloquently

and easily is of less significance than whether you have something worthwhile to
contribute. Each member of a group should express his/her ideas as well as he/she is
able. If others see merit in the ideas, they will be shaped into final form by combined
abilities of the group.

Requirements for Small Group Discussion

Group discussion requires planning. It has been demonstrated repeatedly that
judgements or decisions arrived at in a group discussion are, as a whole, superior to
judgements or decision arrived at in solitary thinking. Here are some requirements
needed for group discussion.

1. Phrasing the question for discussion

Normally, the kinds of question which arise in a discussion have something to do

with work itself. The problem may probably involve financial, social, academic,
economic, professional aspects of a company or an institution. These problems usually

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affect a group of people or entire population of the company or institution.

2. Preparing for fruitful discussion

Because discussion offers no opportunity for set speeches, it does not mean that
preparation is unnecessary. When no members of the group are prepared, the whole
discussion is likely to be pointless.

There are several points to be considered in preparing for discussion:

a. Each member should have an open mind. The essence of the discussion is
to find out what is best for the entire group or what is desirable to all members by
pooling the judgements of the group.

b. Do not combative, ready to exercise your intellectual acrobatic. Remember

you ate not the only one who will think and decide for the group. This is not
individual decision but group discussion.

c. Talk to the other members to profit from their experiences, information,

opinions. Remember “nobody has the monopoly of talent”

d. Always think as a group not as an individual.

3. Organizing a discussion

A discussion differs from a conversation most basically because group

discussion is orderly and systematic. It constrains and disciplines the random impulses
of the participants. It follows a logical order from the introduction of the topic to the
conclusion leader has several functions.

a) He/she presents the purpose of the

discussion;
b) Introduces the members (if they are not
acquainted with each other);
c) Introduces the topics for discussion;
d) Initiates the discussion and sees to it that
all members participate in the discussion;
e) Sees to it that the flow of the discussion is
smooth and orderly;
f) Makes sure that the group has reached to
an agreement regarding the problem;
g) Controls the discussion, seeing to it that it
will not fall into an argument among
members; and
h) Summarizes the extent of the agreement
attained by the group.

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The best discussion leader is unobtrusive. Such a leader tried to direct the course of
the discussion so effortlessly and naturally the members ate scarcely conscious of
being redirected. There much be a leader in a discussion but he/she is not a dictator. It
is not his function to maneuver the group in the acceptance of an idea. He/she must
serve the best interest of the group and make possible for each member contribute to
his/her own best thinking.

4. Participating in the discussion

The participants have definite responsibilities if discussion is to be profitable.

Their attitude is of primary importance. Discussion is a method of exploration and
discovery. It is a learning process. The participants must not think of themselves who
know, but as members who desire to learn.

There are some mechanics to be mastered by

good discussants.

a. Carry your full share of the group

responsibility in contributing and testing
facts and ideas.

b. Introduce your opinions in order that

they may be tested thoroughly by the
group, and do not resent their
questions, as though this involved
personal affront to you.

c. Listen to others, not to disagree with

them, but to understand their ideas
accurately and to see the full significance of their ideas to the discussion.

d. Speak up promptly to keep discussion moving and to introduce new topics for
discussion.

e. Remember that the measure of success of discussion lies not in the brilliance
of the individual contributions but in the progress by the group as a whole.

Common Types of Small Group Discussion

1. Brainstorming

This type of small group discussion is usually used prior to the making of
decision. Members are gathered together to get ideas or probable solutions to the
problem/s. It is expected so that members share their ideas without being impeded. All

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members are allowed to give their ideas without being criticized. The secretary simply
records all ideas given and sorting out if ideas come later after everybody has given
his/her share.

2. Buzz Group

Buzz group is used if there is a large

number of people involved. This usually happens
un seminars when the facilitator would like a large
number of people to participate. Usually the
facilitators divides the participants into smaller
groups; each group is given a specific task. After
the time given to the groups has elapsed, the
groups have to assemble again and the leaders of
each group has to report to the audience the
outcome if the task.

This type of group discussion allows all

participants to be part of a large group which has shared in giving a solution to an
existing problem or issue.

3. Panel Discussion

Sometimes a group must consider problem which audience is not informed or is

barely informed. Several experts sit upon the platform and discuss the question among
themselves, with the audience listening in. Usually each of the experts represents a
definite point if view about the topic. It is in this respect that the panel may differ from
other group discussions; simply because each member is definitely committer to sone
solutions before the discussion
commences. His/her purpose is to explain
and defend his/her point of view.

The panel members are actually

addressing not one another but the
audience. Their aim is to be influence the
audience to agree with them. After the
panel members have consumed their
allotted time, the audience is permitted to
ask questions.

The moderator or chairperson who

presides over the panel recognizes
members of the audience, receivers their questions, and transmits them to the panel
member for answer.

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The moderator or chairman also has other function: he/she introduces the topic
to the audience, the purpose of discussion, interprets ideas if they seem vague to the
audience, controls the discussion so that panel members do not monopolize the
discussion, observes the time given to each member, and summarizes the various
points of view that have been presented.

4. Round Table or the Arthurian Type

This is the type usually used in companies and academic institutions. The leader
(president, vice president, directer, etc) calls for a meeting to solve a problem or
problems or plan activities. An agenda is usually given to those who are involved. The
arrangement is round table or Arthurian method because the leader and the members
face each other; and the leader is not identifiable. Thus is a democratic set-up since
each member can interact with the supposed leader and the other members freely.

5. Symposium

In a symposium, several people usually three or five, give short speeches, each
presenting a different point of view or each treating a different fact of the subject. The
symposium is a form of public discussion that that is common at large conventions or
conferences, where a number experts are invited to speak on the specific aspects of a
problem.

A symposium is also followed by an open forum in which speakers answer questions

asked by audience.

6. Lecture Forum

The pattern is similar to the panel discussion.

In this latter form, a speaker, usually an expert
is invited from the outside group, speaks on a
topic and in then questioned by audience. The
questioning may develop into regular group
discussion, with free expression of opinion by
members of the group.

With the advent of modern science and

technology, discussion is indispensable. Most
business are run with frequent conferences,
meetings and other forms of group discussions
among managerial staff. In classrooms,
discussions have increasingly become
favorable method of attain better understanding of the topic. Students actively
participate in discussion not just silent a passive recipient of knowledge and information.

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Structure of Small Group Discussion

Panel Discussion

moderator

Audience

In a panel discussion, the panelist faces the audience. The moderator is seated
in a place where he/she is both seen by the panelist and audience.

Round Table or the Arthurian Structure

The Round Table or the Arthurian method is type where the leader and the
participants or members are seated facing each other. This is a democratic form and all
members, including the leader, can freely discuss an idea with one another.

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Authoritarian/Conventional Structure

In the authoritarian method, the leader or

chairman is right away distinguished. Members face
the leader and formally address their concerns to the
leader.

Public Communication

In public communication, a message is transmitted from one person who speaks

to a number of individuals who listen. The most widely used form of public communication
is the public speech. You find yourself on the listening end of a public speech in lecture
classes, political rallies, group meetings, convocations and religious services.

Although there are similarities between public speaking and other types of
communication, there are also some differences. Public speaking almost always is more
highly structured than the other types. It demands much detailed planning and preparation
by speaker. Unlike participants in other types of communication, listeners do not regularly
interrupt the speaker with questions or comments. It is the responsibility of the public
speaker to anticipate questions that listeners may have and to attempt to answer them.

Public speaking almost always requires a more formal use of language and a form
delivery style than the other types. The use of jargon, poor grammar or slang is usually
not accepted or tolerated in public speeches. The public speaker must use the language
precisely and must speak clearly in order to be heard by the audience. This may require
that the speaker eliminate distracting vocal and physical mannerism that might be
tolerated in other types of communication.

Public speaking are often presented for four purposes:

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To inform

There are times when the speaker’s sole

purpose is to provide information.
Informative speech is usually heard in lectures,
seminars, or conference, etc. The aim of
informative speech is to make the audience say
“ I see. I understand”. An informative speech is
not concerned in influencing the minds of the
audience. It is concerned in providing facts.

To persuade

A speech intended to persuade is designed to

secure action. Persuasive speech is given to
urge audience to agree, accept, change their
point of view regarding a position, situation, or a person. It will be noted that every topic
for persuasive speech is phrased to request some sort of action. The best example of a
persuasive speech is delivered by politicians in a political rally.

To impress

A speech intended to impress takes attitudes and opinions already held by the audience,
and makes them more vivid and meaningful. Most sermons are of the impressive type.
Speech delivered during graduation ceremony, commemorative and holiday speeches
usually fall into this classification as a purpose.

To entertain

Among all the means of relaxation, recreation, and enjoyment, speaking and listening to
speeches still hold an important place. If radio programs and movies are included, speech
designed to entertain is a leader among all of the means of recreation. After dinner
speeches and radio talks are of this type. The substance of a speech to entertain is
usually composed either or narrative or of humor. It should be noted, however, that the
topic for entertainment must not be common place.

Speaking in front of an audience is not a joke. The speaker has to consider many
factors. The first factor us to capture attention of the listeners. The speaker who cannot
hold the interest of his audience is wasting his/her time in the platform. The audience will
be convinced, persuaded, impressed or entertained.

There are four pointers that a speaker has to do hold the audience’s interest.

1. Waking them up

Round them up, from whatever mental pursuits they may be engaged in and see that they

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are awake to importance of what you have to say.

2. Let them sit up

You should heighten that interest si that the

audience will respond physically. If the listeners
are slumped down in their seats, it means that
they are giving the little attention to the speech.

3. Perk them up

You should stir the audience into lively and

animated concern over your ideas. You should
see it that listeners have both the emotional and
intellectual responses. Let them see how they are
affected by the idea you are presenting. If this is
done, the fourth step will follow automatically.

4. The audience will “speak up” perhaps with the cheers and applause, perhaps with
questions, perhaps sharing ideas and giving comments.

The ability to present information is vital in an information-oriented society. People who

possess information and communicate it effectively possess power and command
respect.

 Sebastian, E. L. (2019). Purposive Communication (0th ed.). Mind shapers Co., Inc

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