ENG 1: Purposive Communication 1

Unit 1: COMMUNICATION PROCESS, PRINCIPLES AND ETHICS

WHAT TO EXPECT?

● Explain the principles, process, and ethical considerations in communication, focusing on the
components of the communication process and barriers to effective communication.

● Elucidate how communication skills, particularly active listening techniques, can help resolve
problems, better understand new concepts, and aid in professional settings.

● Apply the knowledge of the communication process in creating impactful messages and
improving overall communication skills.

PRE-DISCUSSION

1. Why do people communicate?

2. What might happen to the world if communication does not exist?
3. Why do miscommunication and misunderstanding happen?

LESSON OUTLINE

Why we communicate?

In purposive communication, we communicate to achieve specific goals, like sharing

information, persuading others, or building relationships. The ultimate aim is to convey messages
effectively and fulfill particular needs or objectives.

The nature of communication

The nature of communication is the exchange of information between two people. It is required
that there be both a sender and a receiver for communication to take place. Communication is
reciprocal. So, at any time the sender is sending a message the receiver is also sending messages.

Communication is inevitable. Our need for self-expression leads us to communicate not only our
thoughts but also our feelings. Communication may be done verbally or nonverbally. A simple yawn
from a member of the audience in a public speaking engagement is a non-verbal message sent to the
speaker. On the other hand, a phone call inquiring about a certain product is an example of a verbal
message.

Communication is understood as the process of meaning-making through a channel or a

medium. It comes from the Latin term communicares, meaning to share or to make ideas common. The
connection that encompasses interaction among partakers is at the center of your learning of
communication.

RICHLLE B. VILLASIS, LPT | COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, URS ANTIPOLO

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The Components of the Communication Process

Understanding the communication process may help you become a better communicator.

1.Source. The sender carefully crafts the message. The sender may be anyone: an author of a
book, public speaker on a special occasion or even a traffic Enforcer.

2.Message. The message is the reason behind any interaction. It is the meaning shared between
the sender and the receiver.

3.Encoding. The process of transferring the message.

4.Channel. The channel is the means by which the message is conveyed. When we answer a
phone call, the phone is the channel. On the other hand, when your parents receive a notification of
your absences from school, the channel is the letter. It is the responsibility of both the sender and the
receiver to choose the best channel for the interaction.

5. Decoding. The process of interpreting the encoded message.

6. Receiver. The receiver is the person who receives the transmitted message. The receiver may
be a part of the audience in a public speaking event, a reader of the letter o a driver who reads the road
signs. The receiver is expected to listen or read carefully, to be aware of different kinds of sender to joy
down information when needed, to provide response and to ask questions for clarification.

7. Feedback. In any communication scenario, feedback is essential to confirm recipient

understanding. Feedbacks, like messages, are expressed in varied forms. A simple nod for a question of
verification is considered feedback. Thus, feedback may be written, spoken or acted out.

8. Environment. The place, the feeling, the mood, the mindset and the condition of both sender
and receiver are called the environment. The environment may involve the physical set-up of a location
where communication takes place, the space occupied by both the sender and the receiver, including
the objects surrounding the sender and receiver.

9. Context. This involves the expectations of the sender and the receiver and the common or
shared understanding through the environmental signals. (Context in communication refers to the
circumstances and background information that surround and influence a message.)

10. Interference. This is also known as a barrier or block, prevents effective communication to
take place.

RICHLLE B. VILLASIS, LPT | COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, URS ANTIPOLO

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The Communication Process

Barriers to effective communication (Kinds of Interference in Communication)

a. Psychological barriers are thoughts that hamper the message to be interpreted correctly by the
receiver. This may include past experiences.

b. Physical barriers include competing stimulus, weather and climate, health and ignorance of the
medium.

c. Physiological barriers refer to physical or biological conditions that affect a person's ability to receive,
process, or produce messages. (The normal function of the living things and its parts.)

d. Linguistic and cultural barriers pertain to the language and its cultural environment. Words may mean
another in different cultures.

e. Mechanical barriers are those raised by the channels employed for interpersonal, group or mass
communication. These include cell phones, laptops and other gadgets used in communication.

The Nine Principles of Effective Communication

Michael Osborn (2009) claims that communication must meet certain standards for effective
communication to take place.

1. Clarity.

This makes speeches understandable. Fuzzy language is absolutely forbidden, as are jargons, cliché
expression, euphemism and doublespeak language.

RICHLLE B. VILLASIS, LPT | COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, URS ANTIPOLO

 ENG 1: Purposive Communication 4

2. Concreteness.

This reduces misunderstandings. Messages must be supported by facts such as research data, statistics
or figures. To achieve concreteness, abstract words must be avoided.

3. Courtesy.

This builds goodwill. It involves being polite in terms of approach and manner of addressing an
individual.

4. Correctness.

Glaring mistakes in grammar obscure the meaning of a sentence. Also, the misuse of language can
damage your credibility.

5.Consideration.

Message must be geared towards the audience. The sender of a message must consider the recipient’s
profession, level of education, race, ethnicity, hobbies, interest, passion, advocacies, and age when
drafting or delivering a message.

6.Creativity.

This means having the ability to craft interesting message in terms of sentence structure and word
choice.

7. Conciseness.

Simplicity and directness help you to be concise. Avoid using lengthy expressions and words that may
confuse the recipient.

8. Cultural Sensitivity.

Today, with the increasing emphasis on empowering diverse cultures, lifestyle and races and pursuit for
gender equality, cultural sensitivity becomes an important standard for effective communication.

9. Captivating.

You must strive to make messages interesting to command more attention and better responses.

RICHLLE B. VILLASIS, LPT | COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, URS ANTIPOLO

 ENG 1: Purposive Communication 5

The Art of Listening

Active listening involves fully engaging with the speaker, focusing on their words, and
demonstrating genuine interest. By honing this skill, individuals can enhance their communication
abilities, build stronger relationships, and create a positive impact on those around them.

The Fundamentals of Active Listening

Active listening goes beyond merely hearing the words spoken by someone. It involves paying
attention, comprehending, and responding appropriately to the speaker’s message. By
employing the following techniques, individuals can become adept at active listening:

1. Give Undivided Attention: When engaging in a conversation, eliminate distractions and

redirect your focus entirely to the speaker. Maintain eye contact, nod occasionally to show
understanding, and avoid interrupting. This demonstrates respect and reinforces the speaker’s
confidence in sharing their thoughts.

2. Practice Empathy: Put yourself in the speaker’s shoes and try to understand their perspective.
Empathy allows you to connect on a deeper level and appreciate their emotions, concerns, and
experiences. By acknowledging their feelings, you create a safe space for open and honest
dialogue.

3. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage the speaker to expand on their thoughts by asking
open-ended questions. These questions invite detailed responses and help you gain a deeper
understanding of their ideas or feelings. For example, instead of asking, “Did you enjoy the
event?” ask, “What did you find most interesting about the event?”

4. Reflect and Paraphrase: Summarize the speaker’s message periodically to ensure accurate
comprehension. Reflect their words back to them to show that you are actively listening and
understanding their point of view. This technique not only confirms your understanding but also
allows the speaker to clarify or elaborate on their thoughts.

Reasons for Listening

- To understand, learn, build relationships, solve problems, and make informed decisions.

1. Types of Listeners:
a) Active Listener: Fully engages with the speaker, providing feedback and clarifying
understanding through verbal and non-verbal cues.
b) Passive Listener: Listens without much engagement or response, often missing nuances and
deeper meaning.
c) Selective Listener: Focuses only on certain parts of the conversation that interest them,
ignoring other aspects.
d) Empathetic Listener: Listens with the intent to understand and share the speaker’s emotions
and perspectives.
e) Critical Listener: Analyzes and evaluates the content of the message for accuracy, logic, and
validity.

RICHLLE B. VILLASIS, LPT | COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, URS ANTIPOLO

 ENG 1: Purposive Communication 6

2. Types of Listening:
a) Informational (to gain information),
b) critical (to evaluate and analyze),
c) empathic (to understand emotions), and;
d) reflective (to clarify and confirm understanding).

3. Ethics of Oral Communication: Honesty, respect, clarity, fairness, and sensitivity.

4. The Ethical Speaker: Aims to be truthful, respectful, and clear, avoiding manipulation and
misinformation.

5. The Ethical Listener: Practices active listening, shows respect, avoids prejudgment, and provides
constructive feedback.

SUMMARY

Communication is defined as the process of transmitting information and common

understanding from one person to another. Communication follows a process. There are 8 elements of
communication: (a) Source; (b) Message; (c) Channel; (d) Receiver; (e) Feedback; (f) Environment; (g)
Context; (h) Interference. Principles are considered in the communication process. These principles will
ensure effectiveness along the communication process.

It covers the nature of communication as an inevitable exchange of information between sender

and receiver, emphasizing its reciprocal nature. The unit delves into the components of the
communication process, including source, message, encoding, channel, decoding, receiver, feedback,
environment, context, and interference. It also discusses barriers to effective communication, such as
psychological, physical, linguistic, cultural, and mechanical obstacles. The nine principles of effective
communication are outlined, including clarity, concreteness, courtesy, correctness, consideration,
creativity, conciseness, cultural sensitivity, and captivation. Additionally, the unit explores active
listening techniques, types of listeners, and the ethics of oral communication. Overall, the unit aims to
enhance students' understanding of communication processes and improve their ability to communicate
effectively.

RICHLLE B. VILLASIS, LPT | COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, URS ANTIPOLO