Purposive Communication | Module 1-2 Communication Processes, Principles and Ethics

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

1. Give the meaning of communication,
2. Identify the communication process, principles and ethics; and
3. Illustrate the connection of communication to globalization.

Communication and its Meaning

Communication (came from the Latin term ‘commūnicāre’ which means to share) is the act of conveying meaning to a person
or group of people using a mutually understood symbols, gestures, behaviours and semiotic rules.

Communication plays a significant role in a day-to-day basis since it is used to persuade, inform, entertain and motivate. It is
important to develop variety of skills depending on its purpose, as well as to know how to interpret conversation and
information coming FROM others.

Knowing your audience and understanding how they need to receive information is equally important as knowing ourselves.

The Communication Process

The goal of communication is to transmit information and the understanding information—from one person or group to
another person or group. This communication process is divided into three basic components:

A sender conveys a message through a channel to the receiver.

The sender first develops an idea, which is composed into a message and then transmitted to the other party, who
interprets the message and receives meaning. Information theorists have added somewhat more complicated
language. Developing a message is known as encoding. Interpreting the message is referred to as decoding.

The feedback cycle is the other important feature. When two people interact, communication is rarely one-way only. When a
person receives a message, she responds to it by giving a reply. The feedback cycle is the same as the sender-receiver
feedback noted in Figures. Otherwise, the sender can’t know whether the other parties properly interpreted the message or
how they reacted to it.
 Communication clearly defines as sending and receiving messages. The figure above shows the communication process,
there must be a sender who send the messages and a listener who listens or receives the message.

Principles of Communication

Communication is an acquired skills or something that you can learn as you go through the process of development. But not
everyone is skilled knowing that there are some factors that affects the development of one’s individual. To attain such an
effective communication, it is important to know the principles of communication.

1. Principle of Clarity

The thought or idea that needs to be communicated should be spelled properly. The word should be arranged in
such a way that the receiver understand the same word which the sender conveys. To avoid misconceptions,
pronunciation should be clear as possible including the enunciation.

2. Principle of Attention

Attention is very important in communication. One should pay attention to every single detail in communicating. To
understand what the sender means, the receiver should be drawn towards the message by paying attention to the
emotion, behaviour, manner and gestures so they may respond properly to the message.

3. Principles of Feedback

A feedback signifies that communication is effective. Therefore, it is important to provide feedback once
communication takes place.

4. Principle of Informality

There are major distinctions between formal and informal communication. To emphasize, there are times that formal
communication may not accomplish and desired results so informal communication can be effective and efficient in
some situations. It is valid to convey message informally because it is as important as formal communication.

5. Principle of Consistency

Consistency always matters in communication. To achieve consistent result once must be consistent in the way they
communicate. It contributes to the reputation of both sender and receiver and strengthens relationship.
 6. Principle of Timeliness

This principle states that communication should be done at an accurate time as possible. To attain this principle, the
sender who conveys the message should make a safety measure when delivering the message. Time is very
important, when the receiver is not ready to accept or hear the message, it is therefore not the right time to convey
the message.

7. Principle of Adequacy

This principle is important in communication. Inadequate message creates confusion to the receiver, but an
adequate message build rapport to both parties. So, it is important to deliver adequate message at all times in all
respect.

Communication Ethics

Ethics is the moral system or judgment of what is right from wrong and also refers to the values, conduct, manners and
behaviour with the respect of rightness and wrongness of an action. If it is used in communication, we define communication
ethics as the governing principles of communication that has to do with the rightness and wrongness as well as
appropriateness relevant to the dimensions of communication.

Ethical communication advocates truthfulness, accuracy, honestly and endorse freedom of expression with its diversity of
perspective that leads to the respect of other communicators before evaluating and responding to their messages.

Communication and Globalization

Communication and globalization are usually connected with each other. To attain globalization, communication plays an
important part. Globalization is the process by which people in the world are unified and act as one society; in order to have
globalization, a person has to know a universal language – which in most cases; English is the language that connects us to
globalization.

Also, globalization and intercultural communication impacted the types of communication skills needed in dramatic ways.
Today, people need to understand the dynamics of long-distance collaboration, the impact of culture on manners and way of
speaking. Understanding the impact of globalization can help to select the most useful communication skills development.

Communicating effectively can be a challenge in global environment. Even if both persons speak the same language, there
still can be a misunderstanding because of their cultural differences. Research on cross-cultural communication often focuses
on understanding how individual differences influence our ability to communicate with others.

Since most individuals grow up within a single culture, having to interact with others from different culture or background can
represent a challenge. This is one of the factors that contributes and hinder communication in achieving globalization. This is
why it is important to know the purpose of communication, in that way, once can develop their skills in communicating with
people with different culture and languages.
Activity
1. What is communication?

2. What are the most important principles of communication? Explain.

3. Does language contribute to the globalization of a society? How?

4. What is the connection of communication to globalization? Explain.

Additional Notes
Communication is so constant and widespread that once cannot escape its influence. Without it, people would be isolated and
unable to give and receive ideas. [Globalization is the process by which people in the world are unified into a single society
and function together.]

Globalization Through Communication

Rapid improvements in information technology have allowed us to exchange information and communicate almost
everywhere, anywhere and anytime. The nature of business and how it is done globally have also improved tremendously
through communication.

Through communication we observe the following trends in globalization:

Increase in international trade at a faster rate than the growth in the world
economy.
Increase in international flow of capital including foreign direct investment.
Increase in world production output and consumption.
Greater trans – border data flow, using such technologies as the internet,
communication satellites and telephones.
Development of global telecommunications infrastructure.
Greater immigration, including illegal immigration and others.

Another remarkable effect of communication on globalization is in the use

of telephone and television. Telephone has made it possible for young
people and adults around the globe to share cultural and ethnic
experiences with each other.

The television has also allowed generations of people to see how other people live, think and feel in other parts of the globe.
In full color, we can now “meet” new people and cultures without even having to take a single step outside our home. With
just the use of remote, right in comfort of our homes, we can explore different worlds that we know without the visual and
sounds transmitted through our TV.

Telephones have also improved communication. Gone are the weeks and even months of waiting for letters. Anybody can talk
to anyone who has another phone regardless of the distance or location in the planet. With the aid of satellites, 3rd
generation phones allow us to make a phone call, send video, or even receive an e-mail. Because of these developments in
the field of communications technology, no two countries are really apart. So these breakthrough in communication have
revolutioned business, commerce, and even the personal lives and relationship of millions of people.
Purposive Communication | Module 3-4 Communication and Globalization
At the end of this module, you are expected to:
1. Define Communication and Globalization
2. Identify Communication Issues in Intercultural settings
3. Learn the impact of Communication in Society and the World
4. Identify the impact of Communication in Society and the World

Communication and Globalization

The advent of Technology has paved the way for communication not only to be confined locally but more so, internationally.
People, companies and different states have to adjust, adapt and innovate communication processes, method and
procedures in the global scene. The consistent need to have clear and effective methods of communications inter-culturally is
constant.

A very good introduction to the changing scenario is the famous speech of a UP Student, Patricia Evangelista’s “A Borderless
World does not preclude the idea of Home.”

Communication Issues in Intercultural Settings

1. Direct Communication and Indirect Communication

This issue is commonly observed because of the culture and background of two speakers. Messages can be
interpreted different because of the differences in communication methods and styles. For example, Westerners are
generally using direct communication when expressing their ideas. They would however use idiomatic expression or
euphemisms when expressing indirect ideas. Filipinos on the other hand, would usually use indirect method of
communication even if the situation calls for a direct form of communication. Filipinos at times are known for using
flowery words and that they would often beat around the bush when sending a message. This is in fact part of our
culture—but this scenario might cause problems when dealing or communicating in a multicultural setting.

2. Confusion with Accent, Pronunciation and Fluency

The diverse characteristic of a multi-cultural communication set up may cause language barrier to both sender and
receiver. Message may not be interpreted correctly and may not be understood because of accent and
pronunciation differences. The correctness of feedback of the receiver in expressing his/her thoughts or responding
to a message will be based on his/her fluency on the language of the sender. If these conditions are not met,
communication will be unsuccessful—this in turn might lead to conflict and strained relationships.

3. Attitudes on Rank and Authority

A very important aspect of any organization is the ability to work in a team. However, there is a difference on how an
organization treat rank authority depending on their culture. Understanding these differences would account for the
success or failure of an organization.

4. Different Styles and Procedures in Making Decisions

Different cultures have different styles in arriving at a decision or any agreement. There are some companies or
leading who are not very transparent in giving out details when they arrived at a decision while other cultures, like
Americans are swift and transparent in arriving at decisions.
Impact of Communication in Society and the World
The need to communicate is ever growing and the methods of communicating is fast changing. Man has evolved from simple
cave drawings, sign language and smoke signals to the digital era – where cell phones and gadgets play an active role in
communication that is aided by the Internet.

Below is the impact of Communication in the Society and World

1. Communication breaks the racial divide

Learning a new language, being exposed to different cultures through various forms of media helps us understand,
respect and appreciate other cultures.

2. Communications evokes inspiration

In the history of the world, we have seen the rise and fall of a nation or a culture or society because of inspiring and
charismatic speeches, broadcast and announcements of different leaders and influencers.

3. Communication is a symbiotic relationship

In order for communication to be effective, messenger to first and foremost should understand the message that
he/she wants to convey. Preparation, research and practice are key factors that contribute to the success and
effectiveness of the communication.
Purposive Communication | Module 6-9 Local and Global Communication in Multicultural Settings
At the end of this module, you are expected to:
1. Identify the local and global communication in multicultural settings, and
2. Enumerate the varieties and registers of spoken and written language.

Local and Global Communication in Multicultural Settings

It is indeed a challenge to communicate to a person with cultural diversity because a context may differ depending on the
person’s perception of word meaning in relation to their culture. The culture shapes so much of the way a person interacts
with each other, and then when you think about language barriers and vocabulary used by different generations, it is easy to
see where miscommunication can happen.

Barriers to Local and Global Communication in Multicultural Setting

Some of the barriers to effective communication are language,
medium of communication, personality and culture. Culture
became a barrier to an effective communication when a
person has different language bearing, and they have different
interpretation to such words. Example of which is the “ok
sign” done by everyone.

One gesture has a lot of interpretation. In US, the ok sign

means “ok,” while in Brazil, it means an insult when you do
the “ok sign.” The picture clearly states the different meaning of a hand gesture. It goes to show that when the culture is
different from someone else, misunderstanding will likely occur. The best way to avoid such things is to learn others’ culture
and to set an awareness as to how one will react and behave when such situation arise.

It is also relevant to know and understand the importance of verbal and non-verbal communication and how it takes place to
multicultural setting. It is advised to know and learn the culture beforehand to avoid misconception. Upon learning the
culture, expect differences. A person with different culture from you has different language or may speak at different volumes,
less or direct in showing emotion or may or may not engage in small talks. Be wary of how you deliver your words or show
you gesture because it may lead to a lot of misconception. It is important to use formal words in order to not offend others
despite of cultural differences. This is the best way to deal in multicultural setting locally and globally.

Varieties and Registers of Spoken and Written Language

Registers are the style of language spoken and writing that is appropriate for a certain situation. It could be formal, informal
or neutral.

In writing discipline, the language registers determine the vocabulary, structure, and some grammar in writing.

There are different language registers for different types of writing that everyone uses, just as the language everyone
spoken. Communication depends on how you communicate with different people.

Example:

To you brother: What’s up? Good thing you came to visit!

To the President: Good morning, Mr. President. Thank you for visiting.
Formal Language Register

In academic writing, formal writing is required but said to be the most difficult because it uses formal language and formal
structures of grammar. Common examples are essays, business letters and reports among others.

Informal Language Register

This is written in a manner of talking to a closest someone such as friends and family. We used informal language in this type
of writing because it shows how we know them very well.

Informal writing includes:

• Personal e-mails
• Phone texts
• Short notes
• Friendly letters
• Most blogs
• Diaries and journals

Neutral Language Register

In neutral writing, it does not necessarily formal or informal, and it is incorporated with non-emotional topics. It is not positive
nor negative but also delivers facts.

Examples:
• Reviews
• Articles
• Some letters
• Some essays
• Technical writing

In one prominent model, Martin Joos (1961) describes five styles in spoken English:

Frozen: Also referred to as static register. Printed unchanging language, such as Biblical quotations, often contains
archaisms. Examples are the Pledge of Allegiance of the United States of America and other “static” vocalizations. The
wording is exactly the same every time it is spoken.

Formal: One-way participation; no interruption; technical vocabulary or exact definitions are important; includes presentations
or introductions between strangers.

Consultative: Two-way participation; background information is provided – prior knowledge is not assumed. “Back-channel
behaviour” such as “uh huh,” “I see,” etc. is common. Interruptions are allowed. Examples include teacher/student,
doctor/patient, expert/apprentice, etc.

Casual: In-group friends and acquaintances; no background information provided; ellipsis and slang common; interruptions
common. This is common among friends in a social setting.
Intimate: Non-public; intonation more important than wording or grammar; private vocabulary. Also includes non-verbal
messages. This is most common among family members and close friends.
Purposive Communication | Module 6-9B Evaluating Messages and/or Images of Different Types
of Texts Reflecting Different Cultures
At the end of this module, you are expected to:
1. Recognize the different types of texts reflecting different cultures,
2. Identify cultural text, and
3. Evaluate message/images of different types of text reflecting different culture.

Introduction
A “text” isn’t limited to something written down. A text can be a film, an artifact, anything in a language and culture that
conveys meaning. Think about the texts that you use in your language classroom: What’s in the textbook? What do you read
in class or even at home? How do you describe the classroom, its design? Why do you think the chairs are placed facing the
tables? Those questions with its finite answer would tell you that there are texts that are reflection of one’s own culture.

Cultural Text
Cultural texts are those objects, actions, and behaviours that reveals cultural meaning. A photo is an image, but is also a
cultural text, a picture with cultural information beyond just the picture itself. Food, house and clothing also suggest
information regarding culture and it does not stop there. The entire space and place, including the people and their
interaction, all the rituals and rules and its various forms in which they manifest themselves, are “readable” texts. Although,
not every text has a particular cultural relevance.

Identification of cultural text is somewhat easy. When you look around the classroom or the place you are right now and see
the people or things around you, those you see are cultural text. Even the spaces that may or may not void to people are
considered to be cultural text, the arrangement and demographic shows how space is used. What is in the space and what
happens to the space is all cultural text or an image that are available for analysis. In other words, the space and objects
within it are “readable” cultural texts. The purpose, needs, values and even the beliefs of the people who occupy it had
something to say about it.

Returning to the instance of classroom, consider the following questions:

• Why do you know where to sit and what it means to sit in front, middle or back of the classroom?
• How was the room decorated? Can you give conclusion why?

As you consider the questions, you would know that those images, designs, reasons and beliefs are there, and they are
arranged that way because its cultural background says otherwise.

Understanding Different Types of Texts

As mentioned, a while ago, a text can come from any form and be any kind of writing. It can be letters, adverts, user-guides,
emails, post cards, notes and magazine articles. But then, a text is not limited to something written down. It can be a film,
artifact, or anything in a language and culture that conveys meaning.

Understanding what kind of text helps to understand the purpose why it is written.
For example:
• An advert is written to in order to influence someone to buy, therefore is it made to persuade.
• A suer-guide consists of instruction of how to make things run, or how to cook food for instance. It is written to give
instructions.
• A formal (business) letter is sometimes written to inform about something.
 • A personal letter can also be written to someone describing a holiday vacation.

Persuasive Texts

A persuasive text encourages you to do or want something. In writing such, take note that you may use of proper
capitalization, proper punctuation marks and may also use repeated words or questions to catch attention.
Adjectives must be used as often as possible so that it may sound attractive. One sided arguments help make the
text credible.

Instructive Texts

An instructive text is written to instruct someone to do something, or relating to procedures to be done. The tone of
words is commanding and may use formal and direct words. Extra words are not needed especially the use of
adjectives.

Informative Texts

An informative text informs using words of fact and step-by-step procedures. Common example of it is the
announcement posted in the bulletin board, or news broadcast in the television.

Descriptive Texts

The role of descriptive text is to describe a person, things or an event by using adjectives or adverbs to clearly
emphasize the description process. The writer, upon writing the text clearly wanted the reader to imagine what is like
and how is like by using describing words that appeals to the five senses of humans.

Evaluating Messages/Images of Different Types of Texts Reflecting Different Culture

We all know the sign posted above, it is a clear picture or an image of a man. If we saw this kind of signage, we understand
that the image pertaining to is a “boys only” or “boys are allowed.” We often see this picture in the restroom. We can analyse
this by asking what is the message of the image? What is the purpose of the message? How is the message conveyed by the
text/image? Who is the target audience? And what are the other ways of presenting the message?
Purposive Communication | Module 11-13 What is a Message?
At the end of this module, you are expected to:
1. Identify situations that uses persuasion and argumentation, and
2. Persuade and argue information

Communication for Various Purposes

Argumentation

Have you even been in an argument where you defend your opinion and/or agree to someone else’s opinion? It can
be surprising to hear or know that the word “argument” does not have to be written anywhere. In fact, making an argument-
expressing a point of view on a subject and supporting it with evidences – is often the aim of argument. When we say
argument, it is sometimes referred to as a debate or an exchange of diverging opposite views, typically a heated or angry
one but not most of the time.

When we argue, we persuade someone to believe in our opinion or point of view. This is why we tried so much to
debate, negate and persuade. It is always been the purpose of an argument. We can never say “YES” all the time, especially
when we know that something in the sentence is not right or it quite differ from the idea, we tend to believe in. The most
important part of an argument, to persuade someone without losing credibility, we should provide solid and valid evidence. It
will come from the references or sources cited in the book, magazines, journals, articles and any other printed materials.
Internet makes it easy nowadays. It is intriguing that all the materials that we know, be it the materials we learned upon
studying in college is or has been debated by someone, somewhere, or some time. Even the books that we read or
information that we hear, it undergoes a series of debates. Why so? Remember that argumentation is not just what
instructors do, but also, we use arguments on a daily basis, and probably we develop some skills of crafting an argument.

Argumentation

We face numerous challenges every day, and one of those is when we have to persuade some to change their
minds. Situations where we want to persuade include: reveal, do, desist, learn and believe.

• Reveal – this situation arises when you know someone knows something but they cannot tell you about it. Perhaps,
information is confidential, so your power of persuasion will be put to test. In conversation, information is revealed a bit
at a time and in a turn-taking format.

Situations:
1. Job Interviews
2. Police interrogations
3. Getting to know someone

• Do – the power of persuasion will be test if you convince someone to do something for you. This is very beneficial to
someone who can do this kind of situation, but time is always a hindrance.

Situations:
1. Parenting
2. Managing
3. Sales
4. Propaganda
 • Desist – includes the act of telling someone to stop his/her doing. This is the act of making them stop, although this may
seem difficult since habit is nearly impossible to change, your ability to persuade will vary.

Situations:
1. Parenting
2. Government Policy (e.g., smoking)
3. Policing

• Learn – the goal is to impart knowledge and making someone understand something.

Situations:
1. Teaching
2. Coaching
3. Parenting

• Believe – changing someone’s belief, such as in religious conversation. Beliefs are at the base of much of what we
assume is true. This makes persuading at this level both powerful and difficult. Yet when you master working at third
level, you may be better at all round persuading.

Situations:
1. Leadership
2. Religious/Cult conversation

How to Persuade People to Agree

We can never force people to buy our products or agree with what we say, to have it, we have to persuade them.

Here are some techniques:

1. Liking – it is easy to persuade people if they like you.

2. Social Proof – implies that people are moving in the direction you want.
3. Consistency – keep you word consistent at all times.
4. Authority – people are strongly influenced by experts.
5. Scarcity – people want what they can’t have.
6. Reciprocity – give something to gain something.

Take note that everyone has different point of views in life so therefore, we have to make cautious of dealing with them. We
can always depend on us on how much we want to persuade other people. We can always have different techniques whether
we want them to buy something from us or do things for us; our reputation is the easiest way to persuade people. Maintain a
good image and reputation in order to achieve authority. Stories are also powerful tools in persuading people because they
are easy to understand. Highly persuasive stories need to be engaging. The key is transporting others into your story. Once
in, they are less likely to notice things that do not match everyday experience.

The role of communication does not always help us gain information but it also develops us just to merely having
communication.
Purposive Communication | Module 15 Communication Aids and Strategies Using Tools of Technology
At the end of this module, you are expected to:
1. Obtain, provide and disseminate information.

Using Communicative Strategies to Obtain, Provide and Disseminate Information

In the previous lesson, we understand why there is a need for humans to communicate. They do so for certain reasons or
purposes. To achieve those purposes, communicative strategies will be used to obtain, provide and disseminate information.
We already know how communication changed drastically with the aid of technology, so it is important for people to take
account every aspect of how they are relaying information. This is where communication strategies come to play.
Communication strategies are the blueprints for how this information will be exchanged.

Obtaining Information through Communicative Strategies

One way to obtain information is to ask questions using “why, what who, when, where and how.” This is the common and
simpler way to get information. But what is the use of communicative strategies to obtain information? When we employ
strategy in communication, it creates an easy way for better understanding because it details the message, audience and
resource of communication.

Types of Communicative Strategies

According to Cohen, “strategies must be used to start and maintain a conversation since it is also bound by implicit roles.”

The suggested strategies are as follows:

1. Nomination – a speaker nominates to collaborate and produce a sensible topic. When the strategy is being employed, it
opens a good topic with people using it.

Example: “Do you have anything to say/ or add?” “It’s your turn to ask questions.” Or “Does that make sense to you?”

2. Restriction – it refers to any limitation you may have as a speaker.

Example: You were asked by your teacher to deliver a speech in a specific language.

3. Turn-Taking – it pertains to the process by which people decide who takes conversational floor. The idea is to always
give communicators a chance to speak.

Example: “Go on with your ideas. I’ll let you finish first.”

4. Topic Control – it consists of procedural formality and informality that affects the development of topics in conversation.

Example: “One of the essential lessons I gained from the discussion is the importance of sports and wellness to a
healthy lifestyle.”

5. Topic Shifting – it involves moving from one topic to another.

Example: “By the way, there’s a new shop opening at the mall.”
“In addition to what you said about the beautiful girl is that she is also smart.”
 6. Repair – it shows how the speaker addresses the problems that may encounter in a conversation.

Example: “Excuse me, but there are 5 functions of communication, not four.”

7. Termination – refers to the conversation participants’ close initiating expressions that end a topic in a conversation.

Example: “Best regards to your parents. See you around.”

“That is all for today’s class, goodbye.”

Providing and Disseminating Information through Communicative Strategies

Earlier, we discussed about communication. We understand how important it is and how it varies depending on the speaker’s
purpose. Take note that we also considered different cultures when we communicate. When everyone has a culture different
from yours or from us, we should take extra efforts to know their culture in order to communicate properly and effectively and
to avoid misconception. We also know how communication evolved through the use and invention of technology.
Communicating became easy and instant because of social media such as Facebook, MySpace, and Emails. Although it has an
advantage, we considered its disadvantages and how does it affect communication. Through this, we understand the process
of communication; we recognize communication with its deepest purpose.

We are left with the question, “how do we communicate?” despite different cultures, perceptions, beliefs, religions, gender,
educational status, and language? The answer would be obtaining the use of communicative strategies. We learned that it is
a plan or way of sharing information. Through the use of nomination, restriction, turn-taking, topic control, topic shifting,
repair, and termination, we will achieve a particular social, political, psychological, or linguistic purpose of communication.
Purposive Communication | Module 16a Communication for Work Purposes
Workplace Communication
We identify several purposes of communication. We understand that in order to communicate, we made use of persuasion,
information, and entertainment, among other purposes of communication. We came close to one of its purposes – the work
purposes.

Workplace communication is the process of exchanging information and ideas, both verbal and non-verbal, within an
organization. An organization may consist of employees from different parts of society. These may have different cultures,
backgrounds and can be used for different norms. Communication plays a vital role in uniting the employees, as well as
achieving society’s objectives. It is tremendously important to an organization because it increases productivity and efficiency.
Ineffective workplace communication leads to gaps among employees that cause confusion, mistrust, waste time, reduce
productivity, and misunderstanding. It can be avoided by using or having effective communication; it promotes communication
by preventing barriers among the employees.

It is also important to take note of the different backgrounds of employees because diversities may server as communication
barriers in the communication workplace.

Methods of Communication in a Workplace

People with different cultures and backgrounds absorb information in different ways. To make sure that everyone
understands the message conveyed in a workplace, a method of communication should be used. The methods of
communication must be simpler and precise when presenting vital information.

Effective communication in the workplace is imperative in a leadership role. An age-old aphorism goes, “It’s not what you say,
but how you say it.” Good communication is what separates a poor leader from an exceptional one. Having effective
communication skills is the key to good leadership.

• Open Meeting – it is the easier way to tell your officemate or team about your ideas and passion through an open
meeting. In this kind of way, they will hear what you say and get their feedback in return.
• Emails – nowadays, it is easier to communicate because of technology. Email is electronic mail from one or more
computer users via a network. Using email requires less effort in communication in a workplace.
• One-on-One – aside from open meetings, one on one works well at all times. You got to understand their ideas without a
prior hindrance.
• Use Simple Words – not everyone has a good vocabulary, so to make communication more effective with the teams or
officemates, use a word that can easily be understood.
• Use Visual – communication can be presented using visuals. They should not just hear the message but also see it.
• Use Body Language – aside from pictures or images, body language says a lot to communication; it is easier and faster
to communicate using body language without explaining because your body and facial expression says it all.
• Phone Conversation – this type of conversation might be toxic for some, but it promotes confidence in communication
with other people. A person in a phone conversation can practice what they are going to say without seeing their facial
expression. This is really advantageous if someone is working in remote places, it can be a vital tool for communication.

Communication in a workplace depends on someone who is willing to break a barrier, by doing so, take note of particular
ways to communicate to your team.
Purposive Communication | Module 16b Communication for Work Purposes
The Components of Communication in a Workplace
We already understand the meaning of communication; we all know that it is sharing information between two or more
individuals. This module will discuss the components of communication in a workplace since it is a common place to have
effective communication.

In order for effective communication to take place, it must follow the components of a communication interworking perfectly
for “shared meaning.”

Components of Communication
There are numerous components of communication in a workplace, but the most important are as follows:
• The individual sending the message. The sender must present the message clearly and with adequate details in order for
the receiver to share meaning with the sender.
• The context for the message. The context of the message delivered by the sender includes nonverbal communication
such as body language, gestures, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Another factor that affects the message is the
emotion portrayed by the sender. Human emotion affects the delivery of a message.
• The person receiving the message. The receiver must be attentive to the sender in order to avoid misconceptions.
He/she may ask questions for clarity.
• The delivery method you choose. The method of delivery should be selected and should vary depending on who the
receiver is. It has become diverse since the dawn of computers and mobile devices; methods of delivery have become
more complex. It includes verbal communication, instant messages such as email, letters, posters, signs, etc. These will
continue to expand.
• The content of the message. The content of the message should be clear and understandable, and most of all, it should
be free from any biases when delivered by the sender and perceived by the receiver.

Asking Good Questions Enhances Communication

Wherever we go, bad questions pollute communication. It prompts nonsense or misleading answers and can weaken rapport.
On the other hand, good questions are a good tool of efficiency, competence, and rapport-building.

The following are types of good questions:

• Direct: This is in the form of an interrogative question.

o Example: Who are you?
• Control: Knowing the answer to your question but still wanted to ask it to check if someone knows the answer.
o Example: How did you arrive at a certain solution to the problem? (Assuming you know the answer.)
• Repeat: Asking two different questions after the same information.
o Example: How many regions are there in the Philippines? / How many are the population in the Philippines?
• Persistent: Asking the same question in a different way to explore all preferred information.
o Example: Where did you go on your vacation to California? / Where else?
• Summary: Asking a question that allows revisiting an answer.
o Example: Did I actually say what I meant to say?
• Non-pertinent: Asking a question that does not pertain to the subject you want to know about.
o Example: In asking pointed questions such as, “What project did you undertake in the past that failed?” and
“How did you try to fix the problem?” You can easily make a job candidate feel as though he’s in the middle of a
battlefield interrogation.
The Environment and Communication
The above-mentioned components of communication in a workplace encourage collective meaning among subordinates and
leaders. This makes the communication become effective. The work environment in which components were used and implied
affects the manner of communicating and how communication is being received. Asking valid questions is highly promoted
because it builds rapport and inspires confidence.
Purposive Communication | Module 16c Communication for Work Purposes
Benefits of Effective Communication in a Workplace
Effective communication matters, especially in a working environment. It plays a prominent role in developing long-lasting
employee motivation. Not just that, it improves the relationship and produces a healthy environment. This is why in every
workplace, a leader should maintain effective communication with his/her subordinates because if not, he/she will be
misunderstood.

The following are the benefits of effective communication in a workplace:

• Building a Team – effective communication builds and binds a person or group of people together. Employees who look
forward to talking with their colleagues are more enthused about coming to work.
• Making Things Clear – misconception and miscommunication can always be avoided. There will be no room for unclear
ideas and confusing instructions if there is effective communication in the workplace. A leader should provide clear and
understandable words in order for everyone to understand it easily.
• Managing Diversity – a diverse is somewhat difficult to maintain a harmonious working environment because of
everyone’s unique differences, so that makes communication challenging. With this kind of working environment, effective
communication should be maintained by using methods that suit everyone.
• Dealing with Problems – bad communication causes all sorts of problems in a workplace, but good communication skills
can resolve problems, even preventing them from happening.
• Surviving Catastrophe – effective communication takes place when a leader talks honestly about a certain situation that
can strengthen the trust of employees.
Purposive Communication | Module 17a Communication for Academic Purposes
Academic Communication
Many people already knew the proper way of communicating in a diverse community, especially in a different culture and
settings. It may not be practiced at all times, but some people may know it intuitively. It is always incorporated the instance or
situation wherein it is shown that we have different ways of communicating towards our friends than our family. In the
previous lesson, it was discussed why such things happened. We already have recognized the role of communication in
different aspects of an individual’s life.

In this module, we are going to learn about academic communication as one of the purposes of communication. Academic
communication, also called scholarly communication, refers to highly structured communication methods and is generally only
used in pedagogical settings. It includes the words and structures to express ideas and the methods used to disseminate
information. Academic communication also includes ideas that are presented effectively and formally in a scholastic manner. If
you are attending college or attending an institution with higher education, skills for academic conversation is highly required.
A common example of this is the manner of conversation with your teachers and peers or any other school official.

With these, we understand how much communication is important on a day-to-day basis; it is much used more often than how
we change or clothes.

Importance of Academic Communication

Communication is paramount in education. Whether it is the teacher, student, admin, parent, communication is needed to
ensure that each relationship is secured towards producing successful students. Communication is something that does not
always happen. Sometimes is a lack of time, a lack of resources, and a lack of knowing how to get the point across or a
language barrier. This is why in the previous lesson; technology is integrated to help those are not efficient in communicating.
We have the use of social media to improve communication; it has become much easier to communicate nowadays because
of technology. In education, technology has a lot to offer. With the use of computers, tablets, mobile phones, studying
became more engaging.

It is clearly understood that communication has different purposes depending on how one should use communication. But we
focus on communication being in academe. Effective communication in teaching is seen by how much a student perceived the
lesson conducted by the teacher. Good communication occurs when a student gets a high score in a quiz or exam, because it
shows that the communication used by the teacher is a good and effective one. But it is not always the case. There are
leading factors why a student performs poorly or gets low grades, and if that’s the case, the admin and faculty should use
communication to reach out to the students.

Academic communication is far different from those in businesses establishment because communication in academe can be
seen as less formal or formal. Take into consideration how a student converse with his/her teacher. In their conversation, it
has a meaningful sharing of information not just inside but outside the classroom. That is why it is called scholarly
communication. Students tent to communicate with their teachers with the utmost respect, and the manner of communicating
is far different from those of their family and friends. An engaging conversation happens between a student and a teacher.

Nowadays, different modes of communication exist. This is because we opted for changes, and It is inevitable. With everything
changing, communication is one of those that improve in a matter of time. This is why communication is important in every
aspect of one’s life. We converse with people every day, every hour, and every minute of our life. And when we did, we gained
much information.
Purposive Communication | Module 17b Communication for Academic Purposes
Effective Communication
Having good communication skills is the building block of academic life and career; it is the basic skills required for survival at
universities or higher learning. Knowing a basic skill in communication occupies a central position in a student’s life and being
towards professionalism. It will be crucial for the students if they cannot communicate properly or do but not effectively. It can
deteriorate the relationship between peers and teachers.

But how do we define effective communication? If someone achieves the desired level of objective through communication,
we can conclude that it is “effective communication.” It takes place when the receiver (students) of the message gives a
proper response; you effectively convey the message.

Achieving Effective Communication for Academic Purposes

The following are considered to achieve effective communication:

1. Audience’s information needs.

2. Audience’s technical background.
3. Audience’s cultural background.
4. Audience’s gender.
5. Audience’s knowledge of the subject.

Possibility for Communication Failure

1. Audience’s Resistance. We all know that we can never please everybody or want them to believe in what we say.
Communication failure will most likely happen if the audience, commonly known as the receiver, denies listening or even
resists hearing and perceiving the information. So, make sure that the manner of sharing information is enthusiastic as
possible to avoid communication failure.

2. Communication Constraints. Time is a factor for a failure in communication. There is information that is long enough but
cannot perceive by the receiver because of time constraints. Aside from time, we also have legal, socioeconomic,
cultural, institutional, and psychological constraints.

o Legal – this happens when both the receiver and sender have insufficient knowledge about legal terms, which
creates misconception.
o Socioeconomic – a person with different socioeconomic status tends to have a different understanding and
perception of words. Always consider those children in slum areas; they will surely have different perception of
words compared to those who live in subdivisions and have proper orientation in their house.
o Cultural – cultural constraints are the number one factor why there is a communication failure. This is why it is
important to know and understand someone else’s culture to communicate effectively; otherwise, it will resolve
chaos.
o Institutional – failure due to institutional constraints happens when in a community, there are norms or any
other factors that hold individuals to speak their minds that create a misconception.
o Psychological – if a person is mentally ill, or he/she has an inability to communicate, it leads to a
communication failure. We may not need them physically to communicate, but we need them mentally present so
they understand what we are saying.