Module 1 Communication: Definition and Elements

Intended Learning Outcome:

● Describe the nature, elements, and functions of verbal and non-verbal
communication in various multicultural contexts (CLO 1);

PREPARATION

WHAT IS COMMUNICATION?

⮚ Watch this!

Instructions: Click the link below and watch the video “Why Friends Shouldn't Play the
Telephone Game”. After viewing, answer the following questions below and be ready to
share your ideas with the class.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSekdGHJTwM

Questions:
1. What have you grasped from the video?
Because of the chaotic delivery, I found the video both entertaining and
frustrating. I've realized that words/phrases passed on to others may not be as
accurate as personal communication delivery. In addition, the goal of the
“telephone game” which is to send a message from the first person to the last
person in a group, without distorting or changing the message in any way was not
achieved. Lastly, I have realized that listening carefully and communicating clearly
is key to a successful communication.
2. How do you describe the process of communication among friends in the video?
In the video, the process of communication among friends was chaotic and out
of context. As a byproduct, the main context became distorted. However, it was
later on corrected (by the person who received the message first), by this time, a
clear sender →medium → receiver →feedback was met.
3. Was the communication successful or unsuccessful? Why?
For me, the communication was both successful and unsuccessful. Successful
based on the 4 people involved: the man wearing a maroon polo, the man
wearing a violet long-sleeved shirt, the man with eyeglasses, and the last man
eating the popcorn; because the message went through without distortion.
However, if we base it on the "telephone game" context, it’s clearly unsuccessful.
Because the "telephone game" objective of sending a message from the first to
the last person in a group without distorting or modifying the message in any
manner was not met.
4. What can you suggest to have a successful human communication?
There’re only three (3) things I can suggest: (1) Listen carefully, (2)
communicate your thoughts, and (3) be mindful of the verbal and non-verbal
communication skills. These three things may seem simple, but they contribute
greatly to the success of human communication.
⮚ engage and explore!

Instructions: To demonstrate understanding on the concept of “Communication”, click

the link below and listen carefully to the short presentation on communication. Share
your ideas with the class after viewing, guided with the following questions below.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdbL7jJb3JE

Questions:
1. How is Communication defined in the video?
Communication is defined as the transmission, decoding/interpretation, and
the exchange of information and/or ideas. Moreover, communication helps us
connect to other human beings even around the globe.
2. What types of Communication are mentioned? How do they differ? Cite
example/s from the video and from your own observations and experiences.
There were two (2) types of communication mentioned; (1) Verbal
Communication, (2) Non-verbal Communication. They differ in terms of how the
message is delivered. With Verbal Communication, the use of speech or spoken
word (using sounds, words, languages, etc.) is used to express an idea, concept,
information, etc. On the other hand, Non-verbal Communication is the conveying
and exchanging of messages, thoughts, etc. without the use of spoken words.
Moreover, Non-Verbal Communication rely on body language, facial expression,
gestures, eye contact, and many more. For example:
 Verbal Communication: Person A talks about his favorite Korean drama with
Person B, who is her best friend.
Non-Verbal Communication: I waved to Alex, my JHS classmate, when I met her
across the boardwalk in Naga.
3. Answer the last question posted at the end of the video: “Do you consider the
interaction with a computer, (real) communication?” Justify your answer/s.
Yes, I consider the interaction with a computer as (real) communication. In
fact, computer technology is focused with the interfaces that exist between
individuals (users) and computer systems. With this Human-Computer Interface,
there is a distinct point of communication between the human user and the
computer. In our world nowadays, technology provide lots of privileges for us
such as: long distance communication with our loved ones, real-time interaction
with people around the globe, provide information, and many more. The
computer/technologies also serve as a medium for us to communicate in a wide
range perspective.
4. What can you surmise or infer about the nature and process of communication
from the video presentation?
Based on the video presented, I can say that communication is the exchange
of ideas, information, etc. it is also a complex process. Moreover, communication
also takes different forms, processes, and types. Lastly, I can say that
communication is an essential part of society/life.
PRESENTATION

⮚ STUDY

Communication
▪ is (sometimes) defined as the process of sending and receiving messages
(Satterwhite & Olson-Sutton, 2007)
▪ is the process of using verbal and non-verbal messages to generate meaning
within and across various contexts, cultures and channels (Engelberg & Wynn,
2008)

ELEMENTS OF COMMUNICATION PROCESS

SENDER/ RECEIVER

The sender is the participant who initiates the communication process and
establishes the purpose of the message. On the other hand, the receiver is the
one for whom the message is intended and sent. In simultaneous
communication, these two components consecutively interact with each other,
making a participant a “transceiver,” sending and receiving messages at the
same time (Chesebro, O’Connor, & Rios, 2007)

MESSAGE

It contains the information, thought, and feelings that a communicator expresses

to the other participant in the communication process. The sender determines the
purpose of the message, and this can be one of these three forms: to inform, to
persuade, or to take action.

CHANNEL/MEDIUM

It identifies how the message is delivered. In a verbal and face-to-face

communication, air serves as the medium, and messages are transmitted
through sound and light waves. A channel can also be sensory such as how
somebody holds or shakes hands with you. It can also be any other means, like
the use of technology or any other medium (i.e., telephone, e-mail, voice mail,
video recording, written memo).

FEEDBACK
 It refers to the receiver’s response to the sent messages. This makes
communication two-way process. It indicates how the message is interpreted –
how it is seen, heard, understood; it conveys the receiver’s emotions or feelings
about the message and toward its sender.

CONTEXT/SITUATION

It affects the way communicators send and receive messages. It refers to the
circumstances- situation, condition, environment – where communication
occurs. According to Roebuck (2006), environment can include room temperature,
lighting furniture, timing, as well as the climate and relationships that exist
between the communicators. The way you express ad interpret messages will
depend upon whom you are talking to: your sibling, a stranger, your clique, etc.
The role of context in communication is discussed in more detail as part of the
characteristics of communication.

NOISE/BARRIERS

It is defined as an impediment to successful communication. It is anything that

hinders shared understanding. Generally, noise is classified as external, internal,
and semantic.

● External noise originates from the communicator’s surroundings or

environment. Some examples of this noise are boisterous laughter, the
videoke sessions in the neighborhood, and the sound of a fast-moving
vehicle.

● Internal noise includes anything that is self-related-your attitudes, opinions,

beliefs- that may hamper effective sending and receiving of messages.
Examples can include any physiological state, like hunger and pain out of
illness and psychological thoughts, like worry, fear, anxiety, disappointment,
and prejudice.

● Semantic noise gets in the way when the sender and receiver do not share
the same meanings for their verbal or nonverbal signals. Examples are the
jargons.
 FRAME OF REFERENCE

Communicators bring into their interactions their own value system or culture,
preferences, world views, self-concept, expectations, and experiences. These
factors make every communicator unique. Nevertheless, when commonalities
are identified, these will help establish a starting point for communication. Frame
of reference is also termed as field of experience and will be mentioned in the
succeeding section.

PERFORMANCE

Answer the ONLINE QUIZ.