PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION

Lesson I: Fundamentals of Communication

Objectives:

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Understand the nature and importance of verbal and non-verbal communication;
2. Know the components of communication as a process of human relations; and
3. Analyze the ideas behind effective communication.

Discussion

Communication – the process of exchanging information, ideas and feelings – is generally

considered as an essential function of civilization. It primarily consists of listening, speaking, reading,
writing and viewing. Altogether, these five human abilities are called basic communication skills.

Elements of Communication

Academics and communicators generally agree that communication is not just an act; it is a
process involving an individual, teams, groups, communities, societies, or the whole of humanity.
Understandably, this intricate process features certain elements or components which can influence or
affect the outcome of communication in a positive or negative way.

The most common communication model explains that the communication process entails five
major elements: sender, message, medium, receiver, and feedback. These five elements can also be
interpreted and presented in this manner: Who? Says what? Through what channels? To whom? With
what effects?

Communication barriers like physical noise (external interference such as loud music),
physiological noise (internal distraction such as hunger), psychological noise (mental apprehension such
as sarcasm) or semantic noise (dissimilar meaning systems such as different concept about love) may
interfere with the exchange of feelings, ideas, or information between the sender or source and the
receiver or recipient of the message.

Classification of Communication on the Basis of Expression

People consider both verbal and non-verbal communication as important classification of human
interaction. Verbal communication encompasses oral and written communication. Non-verbal or gestural
communication includes facial expression and bodily actions. Even silence can be considered as an
expression of assent or dissent.

Classification of Communication on the Basis of Relationship

Communication may be classified as formal or informal depending on the existing ties between
the sender and the receiver of the message. Parents and children typically communicate in informal
ways. Superiors and subordinates in the workplace usually engage in formal communication.
Classification of Communication on the Basis of Direction

A simple observation of the flow of the message from the sender to the receiver may also lead to
another classification of communication. Downward communication occurs whenever a message
emanates from a sender who is higher in rank or authority than that of the receiver. Upward
communication transpires whenever subordinates communicate with superiors. Lateral communication
arises whenever individuals who are neither higher nor lower in rank or authority communicate among
themselves or with one another. Diagonal communication takes place once upward communication,
downward communication, and lateral communication happen simultaneously.

Forms of Communication

Intrapersonal communication is distinct from the other forms of communication since this pertains
to acquiring, analyzing or processing information, ideas or feelings without the participation of other
persons. Interpersonal communication generally refers to any verbal or non-verbal interaction between
two individuals. Group communication may involve three or more individuals who have common interests.
Public communication is distinguished by the presence of fifteen or more persons in a gathering where
there is a speaker sharing a certain message to an audience. Mass communication encompasses the use
of newspapers, radio, television, movies or books in disseminating information, ideas or opinion to a wide
variety of people. Computer-mediated communication materializes with the use of two or more electronic
devices. Intercultural communication ensues once individuals from different cultural backgrounds engage
in communication.

Principles of Communication

A firm grasp of certain important concepts about communication may lead to skillful and
successful human interaction. These ideas are called principles of communication.

1. Communication is purposeful. Through communication, you learn, relate, help, influence, and
play.
2. Communication involves choices and those choices will determine effectiveness or
ineffectiveness.
3. Communication and relationships are always—in part— ambiguous.
4. Communication involves both content and relationship dimensions.
5. Communication and relationships invariably involve issues of power.
6. Communication sequences are punctuated for processing.
7. Individuals divide the communication sequence into stimuli and responses in different ways.
8. In any interactional situation, communication is inevitable (you cannot not communicate, nor can
you not respond to communication), irreversible (you cannot take back messages), and
unrepeatable (you cannot exactly repeat messages).

Communication Apprehension

Communication apprehension is defined as an individual’s level of fear or anxiety associated with

either real or anticipated communication with other person or persons. The four types of communication
apprehension are trait communication apprehension, context-based communication apprehension,
audience-based communication apprehension, and situational communication apprehension.
Supplementary Digital Reference

Introduction to Communication by the International Open College

(www.edu.my>oumh1203.pdf)

References: Communicate! by R. Verderber, K. Verderber and D. Sellnow; A First Look at Communication Theory by E. Griffin;
Communication, Values and Society by C. Maslog; Communicating Effectively by S. Hybels and R. Weaver; Communicating for
Results by C. Hamilton; Academic Writing by S. Bailey; Research Paper Writing by E. Manlapaz and M. E. Francisco; Business and
Professional Communication by K. Quintanilla and S. Wahl; Communicating at Work by R. Adler and J. Elmhorst; Guide to
Managerial Communication: Effective Business Writing and Speaking by M. Munter; Tools for Technical and Professional
Communication by A. Bell; Communication for Society by M. L. Santos and M. T. Uychoco