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Unit Title: Unit 1-Title of The Lesson: Lesson 6 - Types of Communication Strategies Duration: 1.5hrs

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Unit Title: Unit 1- World English’ and Global Communication

Title of the Lesson: Lesson 6- Types of Communication Strategies

Duration: 1.5hrs.

Introduction:

Communication strategies vary in use and manner. The strategy that learners will use
depends largely on the concept or idea being communicated about. The strategies
may be done online, video, audio, visual and written.

Six different types of communication strategies are discussed in this lesson: non-
verbal, verbal (face-to-face), verbal (distance), written, formal, and informal. Aside from
the mentioned types, there are still boundless opportunities to communicate.

Objectives/Competencies:

1. To distinguish the varieties of communication strategies and be able to use


them.
2. To utilize different strategies of communication.
3. To execute different strategies in online class activities

Pre-test:

True or False: Write your answer after each question

1. We communicate verbal and nonverbal in various ways. ___________


2. A policeman on the crossroad manifests verbal cues. ___________
3. The offshore policy for seafarers is posted nonverbally. ___________
4. The newspapers are nowhere to be found nowadays. ___________
5. YouTube livestreaming is the mode of communication. ___________
6. Online service providers substitute face to face learning. ___________
7. Face to face communication is more precise and ideal. ___________
8. Online communication may cause misunderstanding. ___________
9. Modules are a written form of instructional materials. ___________
10. Synchronous mode of communication is ideal. ___________
Lesson Proper/Course Methodology:

A. Formal Type

This type of communication is also referred to as “official communication” and


covers the gamut of verbal expressions that address a formal need. It is conducted
through a predetermined channel. For instance, a large number of interactions one
makes within one’s profession and legal expressions are examples of formal
communication. It follows a particular communication protocol. Written forms which are
provided based on the oral conversation in minutes of a meeting or seminar can be
recorded for transcription. This could also be considered a reliable source of
information.

Formal communication forms the core of one’s professional life. As a writer, it


is important to learn formal writing to succeed and advance. One can excel in this type
of communication when: he begins clarifying the purpose of his communication; when
he follows a well-defined structure for his audience to easily understood his message;
when he keeps his tone open, professional and friendly; when he ends by reiterating
what he expects to happen in this communication; and when he thanks his audience
for listening.

B. Informal Type

Informal communication is popular, often performed by word-of-mouth transfer


of information. This type of communication is unofficial yet provocative information,
spontaneous and free-flowing, and is not restricted by any formal structure and
standards. However, this type of information is also less reliable or accurate. A
communication channel that spreads like wildfire, as there are no formal rules to follow
is considered informal. Mostly oral, with no documentation evidence is informal.
Because of this, many underestimates the significance of informal communication and
are considered just a “hearsay”.

But despite its drawbacks, informal communication is considered “user-friendly”


and hence offers huge advantages when used wisely. This type of communication
however serves well when one wants to control or encourage positive opinions, ideas
and expressions, without making them seem like they have been “thrust upon” with
ideas.

C. Oral (Face-to-face) Type

Face-to-face oral is the most common and most powerful type of


communication. Direct sending of messages can be formal (formal meeting or
seminar) or informal (with family and friends). These types of communication get better
with practice. The more one practices with awareness, the more he is in control of
one's oral expressions. This type of communication is very engaging that one cannot
rehearse no matter how hard he tries. It does not offer one opportunity to tune, revise,
revoke and fix what was already expressed. The listener can speak-back to his
audience in oral communication enabling two-way communication more than any other
channel.

For superior face-to-face communication, he should always meet the eyes of


his audience with confidence, conviction and openness. He should practice before a
mirror to perfect tone and expressions to convey a message. It is suggested that one
has to be ready to practice before conversing and persuading his audience. He can
have an active discussion by asking questions, getting their opinion, and encouraging
expression of new ideas. However, it is also required for the speaker to become an
active listener in order to have a productive communication process.

D. Oral (Distance) Type

Distance (oral) communication has made the world a smaller and more
accessible place. Mobile phones, VOIP, video-conferencing, 2-way webinars, etc. are
all modern expansions of distance communication, taking its expression to the next
subtle level. And in this type of communication, the speaker’s tone of voice and pace
of delivery take priority over other expressions.

For effective oral communication over distance, one must give higher priority to
the speaker’s listening. When he fails to listen to his audience, he finds that people in
the discussion attempt to speak at the same time, undermining the value of this form
of communication. What signals an effective oral (distance) type is when the speaker
slightly talks slower than what he does in a face-to-face communication. This makes
sure that the speaker remains aware of the subtle nuances of his tone, and the receiver
has time to grasp what he tries to convey.

Oral distance communication requires careful listening skill and attention in


missed and non-verbal signals one would receive in face-to-face communication such
as anger, friendliness, receptivity, sarcasm, among other subtle expressions which
would confirm that the other party is in active participation. The speaker must consider
the tone of voice which has to convey openness and receptivity to the other person.

Finally, oral (distance) type of communication must be backed-up with written


communication where possible.

The communication that occurs through word of mouth, spoken words,


conversations and also any messages or information which are shared or exchanged
between one another through speech or word of mouth is called oral communication
(e.g. public speech, telephone, and mobile conversations). Written Communication
which is nonverbal happens through any word written or often written sign which refers
to the languages used in any medium (e.g. any handwritten, typed, printed word
documents, or letters) (CATW, 2012).

VERBAL VERSUS NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

The springboard of any personal business relation is effective communication.


The ability to understand and use nonverbal communication or body language, is a
powerful tool that can help one to connect with others, express the intended
information, and build better relationships (Doyle, 2018).

When one interacts with others, there is continuous giving and receiving of
wordless signals. These are through nonverbal behaviour, movements, the intensity
of the voice, the pitch, and eye contact send strong messages. When one stops
speaking, and in silence, sending messages does not stop, one still communicates
nonverbally.
What comes out of the mouth and what body movement shows are two totally
different things. When faced with these mixed signals, the listener has to choose
whether to believe verbal or nonverbal messages. When nonverbal signals match up
with the words one is saying, they increase trust, clarity, and rapport and decrease
tension, mistrust, and confusion.

Nonverbal communication cues are observable through: (Source: The


Importance of Effective Communication, Edward G. Wertheim, Ph.D., 2018).

NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
Nonverbal communication includes the following:
(Source: Harvard Business Review, 2018)

Emotional awareness

Emotional awareness enables communicator to: (1) accurately read other


people, including the emotions they are feeling and the unspoken messages they are
sending; (2) create trust in relationships by sending nonverbal signals that match up
with one’s words; (3) respond in ways that show others understanding and care; and
(4) know if the relationship is meeting one’s emotional needs giving the option to either
repair the relationship or move on (Communication Skills, 2018). One requires reading
body language. Managing stress and recognizing emotions lead one to better read
non-verbal signals sent by others.

Facial expression

Man’s face can express many emotions without uttering a word. Unlike bodily
gestures, facial expressions are universal across cultures to show someone else
happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, fear, and disgust.

The amount of eye contact

Similar to facial expression, eye contact is also an important nonverbal form.


The way one looks at someone can communicate many things, including interest,
affection, hostility, or attraction. Eye contact is also important in maintaining the flow
of conversation and for gauging the other person’s interest and response.
Gestures

Gestures are woven into the fabric of one’s daily life. One waves, points,
beckons, and uses hands when arguing or speaking. Expressing oneself with gestures
is often without thinking. On the other hand, to avoid miscommunication, one needs to
be careful because gestures and their meanings vary across cultures and regions.

Touch

One communicates a great deal through touch such as a weak handshake, a


timid tap on the shoulder, a warm bear hug, a reassuring slap on the back, a
patronizing tap on the shoulder or a pinch in the neck. Touch is the simplest type of
communication and a fundamental aspect of life. Hands are used to send varied
messages: to pat, to slap, to pinch, to strike, to hold, to embrace, or to tickle. Usually,
one uses these and other touching behaviours for a variety of reasons, from
impersonal and random to very intimate and purposeful. One does shake hands to be
social and polite, pat a person on the back for encouragement, and hug a person to
show love.

Body movements and posture

Consider how people’s perceptions are affected by the way they sit, walk, stand,
or hold their head. Body movements send different messages. Nonverbal
communication includes posture, bearing, stance, and simple gestures. Action speaks
louder than words. It communicates meaning. It is also a type of communication for a
purpose. People interpret the meaning of someone’s actions although at times difficult
to do. Interpretations may vary especially when the communicator and audience come
from different cultures.

Appearance

On days when one makes a speech, it is a good idea to look best. Not only does
looking good give one a psychological boost or give the audience a positive impression
of the speaker. Looking best does not necessarily mean dressing up in one’s best
clothes. If one is to wear a suit while everyone wears casual, he is going to stand out
a little two obviously. Looking best means wearing the top of the line of what everyone
else is wearing. The look of the person can be changed and this can intentionally be
done to communicate meaning.

Space
One may feel uncomfortable during a conversation because the other person
stands too close and invades one’s space. Everyone needs physical space, although
that need differs depending on the culture, the situation, and the closeness of the
relationship. S/he can use physical space to communicate many different nonverbal
messages, including signals of intimacy and affection, aggression or dominance.

Nonverbal communication is a rapidly flowing back-and-forth process that


requires full focus on the moment-to-moment experience (Mehrabian, 2006). One
needs to improve one’s skill to detect non-verbal miscues. To improve nonverbal
communication, one should learn to manage stress.

Stress compromises ability to communicate. When one is stressed, s/he is more


likely to misread other people, send confusing or off-putting nonverbal signals, and
lapse into unhealthy knee-jerk patterns of behaviour. Emotions are contagious and
one’s being upset is very likely to make others upset, thus making a bad situation
worse. When stressed, it is best to take a time out. The speaker has to take a moment
to calm down before jumping back into the conversation. Once emotional equilibrium
is regained, s/he better equipped her/himself to deal with the situation in a positive
way. In order to send accurate nonverbal cues, s/he needs to be aware of emotions
and how this influences the speaker. S/he also needs to be able to recognize the
emotions of others and the true feelings behind the cues they are sending. This is
where emotional awareness comes in (Witts, 2015).

VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Verbal communication uses sounds and words to express self in contrast to


using gestures or mannerisms in non-verbal communication. An example of verbal
communication is saying “No” when one does not want to do something, or “Yes” when
one wants to. It is a type of oral communication in transmitting spoken words or when
the sender gives words to his feelings, thoughts, ideas and opinions and expresses
them in the form of speeches, discussions, presentations, and conversations. The
effectiveness of the verbal communication depends on the tone of the speaker, clarity
of speech, volume, speed and the quality of words used in the conversation. This
simple process is immediate where the encoding and decoding of message is
simultaneous between the sender and receiver respectively (Mckay, 2018).

Effective transmission keeps the sender his speech to all in tone high and
clearly audible keeping the target audience in mind. The sender should always cross
check with the receiver to ensure that the message is understood in absolutely the
same way as it was intended. Such communication is more prone to errors as
sometimes the words are not sufficient to express the feelings and emotions of a
person. The success of the verbal communication depends not only on the speaking
ability of an individual but also on the listening skills. How effectively an individual
listens to the subject matter decides the effectiveness of the communication.

The verbal communication is applicable in both the formal and informal kind of
situations. Effective verbal or spoken communication is dependent on a number of
factors and cannot be fully isolated from other important interpersonal skills such as
non-verbal communication, listening skills and clarification. Clarity of speech,
remaining calm and focused, being polite and following some basic rules of etiquette
will all aid the process of verbal communication (Mckenzie, 2012).

People communicate with much more than words: when they interact with
someone, the body has a language of its own. The way one sits, the gestures one
makes, the way one talks, or how much eye contact one makes; all of these are non-
verbal ways of communicating that impact the messages words are sending.
Managers who are adept at dealing with negative emotions in the workplace are
mindful of how and what they communicate verbally and non-verbally. They are also
receptive to the verbal and non-verbal messages of others. Perceptive managers can
go beyond the words to discover the fuller meaning of a statement by observing non-
verbal communication.

Research shows that when people communicate feelings and attitudes, only a
small percentage of the overall message comes from the words used while: 55% of
the message comes from body language (especially from movements of the small
muscles around the eye which can convey shock, disbelief, doubt or disgust), 38% of
the message comes from tone of voice, and only 7% of the message is conveyed by
the words used (Mehrabian, 2006).

It is not what one says, but how s/he says it that often matters most, especially
when feelings and attitudes are communicated. Tone of voice alone can convey anger,
frustration, disappointment, sarcasm, confidence, affection or indifference. Often
verbal and non-verbal messages are consistent, but they can sometimes be
inconsistent. If someone’s words conflict with their tone of voice and/or non-verbal
behaviors, one often mistrusts the words and tends to believe the non-verbal clues
instead (Blatner, 2018). It is not very convincing, for example, when one tells
someone’s anger but avoids eye contact, has an angry expression on the face, can
barely force out the words, and slams their fists on the table while saying the emotion.

VOCAL COMMUNICATION

Vocal communication plays a vital role in the regulation of social interactions in


social groups. For dyadic interactions, one needs a signaler, receiver and cues. Vocal
cues have the power to strengthen or weaken the verbal message. Vocal cues are
sometimes confused with verbal communication (Nderitu, 2013). They are limited to
sounds, expressions, tone and style of the voice without the use of words. A vocal cue
is an inflection used to deliver a certain message. Vocal is the voice of the speaker,
his or her vocal variety, quality, rate, volume, and vocalized pauses.

In social groups, it is likely that additional individuals attend to dyadic


communication and that they use this information for their own benefit, sometimes at
a cost to the signaler. To enhance the present frameworks, benefits and costs of vocal
communication caused by bystanders must also be considered.

Vocal communication in social groups is focused to identify the effects of


additional individuals on signaling interactions, concentrating on audience effects,
eavesdropping and group coordination (Segarra, 2017). The presence of an audience,
i.e., additional individuals within the signaling range, clearly affects the outcome of
communicative interactions, and that individuals modulate their signaling behaviour
according to the presence of the listeners around in a variety of contexts. Social
knowledge gained from listening in varied communicative networks or within a group
influences not only future actions, but can also provide individual benefits. Mutual
understanding within can structure cooperation and alliance formation, and, hence,
contribute to long-term group stability.

To facilitate the maintenance of group cohesion and decision-making


processes, communicative networks were provided. Analyses on cost-benefits at the
level of dyadic interactions reveal differences with communication networks and
repeated interactions with multiple partners are considered. The models should
therefore consider the composition of the entire communication network to fully
understand signaling interactions in social groups.

The four main vocal elements are: pitch (either low or high, volume (either soft
or loud), rate (either fast or slow), and quality (either rough or smooth). These qualities
are in harmony or in contrast with each other. And may either be complemented or
supplemented with words. People talk loudly when they wish to be heard over greater
distances, but some people also talk louder when they are angry and softer when they
are loved. They may raise and lower their tone to signify a particular meaning. They
may raise pitch when they are nervous or may lower when they are calm. People may
talk more rapidly when they are happy, frightened, or nervous; they will talk more slowly
when they are unsure or trying to emphasize a point (Segarra, 2017).

Vocal interferences are sometimes difficult to eliminate from the speech, but
they can be reduced through a program of awareness and practice. Talking too much
hinders one from self-talk which is needed for some time from the communication so
all parties are on the same track. This makes sense even for an informal call with a
friend – perhaps he can send a quick text message to reiterate how pleasurable it was
to speak to the other party to confirm both parties' final call-for-action.

Written Type

Written communication before was dependent on the trusty old mailman as we


wrote to people who were far away. On rare occasions, this also included the formal
note or legal notice from the bank, landlord, and business client among other note
receivers. Old process of sending written messages takes time and engagements were
slow. Now, one can already have all these sending of messages over fancy mobile,
Facebook and Twitter updates, personal and professional emails in just for seconds.
One can get into blogging and have the verbal exchange of messages enjoyable
(CATW, 2012).

To make written communication effectively work, one should: follow a clear


structure so communication is not all over the place. This can include a brief
introduction, agenda, message body and conclusion. The cleverness and
effectiveness of one’s communication lies in how he captures the communication
mode such as email, text message, quick status update on social media among other
avenues. Another way is to clarify the context whenever possible. This might seem like
overkill for a harmless text message. But it could be surprising that the amount of
seemingly-harmless (written) communication reaches the wrong participant’s eyes and
ears. So, to be effective, the writer should ensure that his context is reasonably clear,
no matter who the recipient is.

The writer in this type of communication should always be cautious that there
are very few instances when written communication is purely formal (when addressed
to professional peers), or purely informal (when addressed only to immediate family
members and friends). More often, if falls between these two modes, it is safe to adapt
a semi-formal tone, keep communication clean (in language and expression), and
open (without offending any group). For writers, it is better to think that he
communicates ‘stiffly’ by thinking of the general audience than ‘offensively’ by thinking
that he communicates with a boss.

Oral versus the Written Type

The nonverbal type of communication is more subtle, yet far more powerful. It
includes the entire gamut of physical postures and gestures, tone and pace of voice,
and the attitude with which one communicates.

In the past few decades, body language experts have revealed how the posture
the communicator adopts, the hand gestures he endorses and other facets of his
physical personality, affect his communication. It is worthwhile to spend a few hours
coming up to speed on basic body-language gestures, so he does not inadvertently
send mixed messages with gestures and speech. He can also use this to support his
message, making it more impactful.

But despite what these experts tell the communicator, there will be times when
the body language he means to adapt is in complete contrast with how he feels (like
using a “friendly” posture when he internally feels threatened or intimidated). Hence,
non-verbal communication is most effective when these 3 facets are consistent in your
communication: (1) what he says with words, (2) what he shares with his postures and
gestures (which can be learned to express the right message), and (3) what he feels
inside him (which can impact the subtle message he feels compelled to share outside
of him). Although 1 and 2 can be learned with practice, 3 has to be consciously built
so the communicator constantly aligns himself to what he wants to express.

Communication is one of many soft skills, to learn more about how these soft
skills such as attitude and critical thinking improve the chance to succeed in life.
Communication can be oral or written.

Reflection/Learning Insights

Upload ten (10) photos depicting communication strategies, write a brief


description of the communication strategy used as shown in the photos

Post-test

Instruction: Circle the letter of your answer based on your understanding about
communication strategies.

1. Which of these statements almost always requires verbal communication and


would be difficult to express nonverbally?
a. "I'm tired and bored."
b. "The party is exciting to me, and I'm enjoying it."
c. "I'm in love with you and want to be near you."
d. "The budget fiasco could have been prevented by better statistical
analysis."

2. One difference between verbal and nonverbal communication is verbal

communication

a. multidimensionality
b. continuality
c. Ambiguity
d. Deliberateness

3. Paralanguage refers to:

a. the words spoken


b. the various meanings in different languages
c. the vocal messages of pitch, rate, and loudness
d. languages passed on from parent to child

4. The study of symbols, signs and other types of visual communication is

referred to as what?

a. Semantics

b. Semiotics

c. Signifying practices

d. None of these is correct

5. Registering sound vibrations is an example of what?

a. Vocal

b. Non-verbal

c. Verbal

d. None of the above


6. Which of these words is a gesture:

a. Enunciation

b. Clear linguistics

c. Tone

d. Postures

7. Non-verbal communication and body language are registered as:

a. Eye movements
b. Appearance
c. Sounds
d. All of the following

8. Non-verbal cues are observable through:


a. Analysis
b. Interpretation
c. Contradiction
d. Completion

9. Emotional awareness enables communicator to:


a. Manifest eye contact
b. Respond in ways that show others understanding and care
c. Waves and use sign language to communicate
d. Create a positive appearance

10. Hands are used to send various messages:


a. To embrace
b. All of the following
c. To pinch
d. To pat
References:

Blatner, Adam (2018). About Nonverbal Communications – Overview of the different


categories of nonverbal communication. MindTools.

CATW (2012). CUNY Assessment Test in Writing Student Handbook. The City
University of New York www.cuny.edu/academics/testing/cuny--‐ assessment-
-‐tests.html

Chiang, San. 2016. Writing Clear Business Memo. CGE Learn Org. February 4,2016.
Communication Skills (2018). Basic Elements of Communication. Google
Sites

Doyle, Alison (2018) Nonverbal Communication Skills List and Examples. The Balance
Career

Mckay, Dawn Rosenberg (2018). What is Verbal Communication? Learn About This
Essential Soft Skill. The Balance Careers.

Mckenzie, Ian (2012). 3 V’s of Confident Communication. Ian's Messy Desk

Mehrabian, Albert (2006). Communication Studies Institute of Judicial Studies Handouts.


UCLA http://www.kaaj.com/psych/

Nderitu, Caroline (2013). The 3Vs of Communication. Ian's Messy Desk

Segarra, Cathy (2017). The 3 V's of Modern Workplace Communication. Foresight


Development Company.

Wertheim, Edward G. (2011) The Importance of Effective Communication. Nonverbal


Communication Skills (PDF). Northeastern University

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