Purposive Communication

COMMUNICATION

 It is generally defined as the exchange of thoughts, ideas, concepts, and views between
or among two or more people, various context come into play.
 Communication is the sending and receiving of information and can be one-on-one or
between groups of people.
 Communication is all about getting information from one party to another. According to
Merriam-Webster Dictionary, communication can be defined as the process or act of
exchanging, expressing or conveying information and ideas through writing, speaking
and gesturing.

Communication may then be classified according to communication mode, context, and

purpose and style.

Types of Communication According to MODE

The true mode of communication meaning pertains to the exact way by which a
communication is expressed or the way a communication is processed. Essentially, a mode of
communication describes the method through which a communication takes place.
Communication is an important aspect of human society and it is used in some way during
almost every form of social interaction. There are many different ways to communicate, such as
through speech, body language, facial expressions, and other physical gestures and
movements.

1. Verbal Communication

Verbal communications occur when two or more individuals speak to each other, whether it be
formally or informally, face-to-face or virtually, or via telephone or video chat. There are many
important considerations to be made when expressing communications verbally, which include
the complexity of words, tone of voice, and coexistence with non-verbal forms of
communication that take place at the same time. Writing can sometimes also be considered a
form of verbal communication because it requires the knowledge and use of speech, but
written communications are often grouped separately.

2. Non- Verbal Communication

Non-verbal communications are equally as important as verbal communications, and in many
instances they occur at the same time, as well as existing independently during other
interactions. A few forms of non-verbal communications include body language, facial
expressions, eye contact, posture, appearance, sign language, and other movements that assist
in communicating when words are not the best option.

3. Visual Communication

Visual communication is the type of communication that uses visuals to convey information
and/or messages. Some examples are signs, symbols, imagery, maps, graphs, charts, diagrams,
pictograms, photos, drawings or illustrations, and even various forms of electronic
communication.

Types of Communication According to CONTEXT

The context definition in communication refers to the factors that work together to determine
the meaning of a message. When conversations take place, context works to interpret parts of
the message. How people communicate changes according to different factors, like who they
are communicating with, where they are, and how they are feeling. Context is important
because it gives meaning to the communication. From work settings to family life, most people
participate in a lot of communication every day. It is what tells the listener how urgent or
important the message is. Without good context the meaning of the message is
miscommunicated, which means that no one involved in the communication accomplished
what they needed.

1. Intrapersonal Communication

Intrapersonal communication can be defined as communication with one’s self, and that may
include self- talk, acts of imagination and visualization, and even recall and memory (McLean,
2005). Intrapersonal communication is the way of communicating that we do with our inner
self. It takes place inside our heads, for instance solving any complex problem in your head or
thinking about what to have for dinner, or analyzing your thought process or belief.
Intrapersonal communication incorporates acts of imagination, self-talk, visualization, recall,
and other sorts of internal vocalization.

2. Interpersonal Communication

Interpersonal communication is the process of exchange of information, ideas and feelings

between two or more people through verbal or non-verbal methods. It often includes face-to-
face exchange of information, in a form of voice, facial expressions, body language and
gestures. The level of one’s interpersonal communication skills is measured through the
effectiveness of transferring messages to others.

3. Extended Communication

It involves the use of electronic media. Unlike before when it only called for the use of
television and radio, nowadays, the description of extended communication may be expanded
as to include telephone, audio, or phone conferencing, video-conferencing. In e-conference,
participants may not be physically present but are still able to track down the lectures and
participate actively because of mass articulation and dissemination of information.

4. Organizational Communication

The focus is on the role that communication plays in organizational contexts. Organizations
comprise individuals who work for the company. A set of rules or standards for communication
protocol should be made clear so that interaction patterns are established. Each organization
has its own culture. This is referred to as ‘organizational culture’. Based on its history and
development an organization develops its own core values, vision and mission statements,
goals and objectives.

Two types of Organizational Structure

Formal Structure- allows communication to take place via designated channels of message flow
between positions in the organization.

Four Approaches:

 Downward communication is the type of formal structure that flows from upper to
lower positions.
 Upward communication is bottom-up in which subordinates send communication to
their superior or bosses bearing their views or feedback on organizational policies,
issues related to their jobs, and the like.
 Horizontal communication is lateral in approach a it takes place among people belonging
to the same level but coming from different departments or units to facilitate
performance of tasks through proper coordination.
 Crosswise communication is diagonal in nature as employees from different units or
departments working at various levels communicate with each other.

Informal Structure- comes from unofficial channels of message flow. Also known as ‘grapevine’,
messages coming from the different levels of the organization are transmitted.

5. Intercultural Communication
As the term implies, it is communication between or among people having different linguistic,
religious, ethnic, social and professional backgrounds. Even gender difference affects
communication.

Types of Communication According to Purpose and Style

Communication may be classified according to purpose and style. The types of communication
in relation to purpose and style are formal and informal. However, rather than focusing on the
transmission of message and message flow, the focus here is on the communication setting and
the mode of delivery.

1. Formal Communication

It employs formal language delivered orally or in written form. Lectures, public talks/ speeches,
research and project proposals, reports, and business letters, among others are all considered
formal situations and writings. To inform, to entertain, and to persuade are the main objectives
of this type of communication. Note that while lectures and speeches are delivered orally, the
texts have been thought out carefully and written well before they are delivered.

2. Informal Communication

It certainly does not employ formal language. It involves personal and ordinary conversations
with friends, family members, or acquaintances about anything under the sun. The mode may
be oral as in face-to-face, ordinary or everyday talks and phone calls, or written as in the case of
e-mail messages, personal notes, letters, or text messages. The purpose is simply to socialize
and enhance relationships.