Purposive Communication Chapter 2 PDF

MODULE: OLENG01– PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION TYPES OF COMMUNICATION At the end of this chapter, students will: A. Know the different types of communication; B. Use the different types of communication with...

MODULE: OLENG01– PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION TYPES OF COMMUNICATION At the end of this chapter, students will: A. Know the different types of communication; B. Use the different types of communication with ease and confidence; and C. Apply the different guides to improve communication. Types of communication are usually distinguished by the number of people involved, by the purpose of the communication, and by the degree of formality in which it occurs. Each type of communication involves appropriate verbal and non-verbal behaviors. Five types of communication are to be discussed in this chapter. Intrapersonal Communication To communicate with others, you must first understand how you communicate with yourself. This process of understanding information within oneself is called personal communication. As you mature, you learn a lot about yourself and your surroundings. Much of what you learn is gained from your own experiences. Even though there are many things you taught by others, there are many things you must learn through your own experiences. For example, the first time you experience the sensation of warmth coming over your chilled body is form of intrapersonal communication. Intrapersonal Communication also occurs anytime you evaluate or attempt to understand the interaction that occurs between you and anything that communicates message to you. You are involved in intrapersonal communication as you receive, 1  MODULE: OLENG01– PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION attend to, interpret and analyze, store and recall, or response in some fashion to any message. Interpersonal communication includes diverse, internal activities such as thinking, problem solving, conflict resolution, planning, evaluation, and relationship development. All communication takes place within you and you react to communication cues. Intrapersonal communication may occur without the presence of any other type of communication, but all other types of communication cannot occur without it. In fact, intrapersonal communication is occurring almost always, and yet you don’t often think about it as a type of communication. Since there is no receiver in an intrapersonal communication, you are both the sender-receiver. You process what you hear, read, or see. The message of things around you is processed by the brain. The reaction is reflected in your manner of projecting yourself. For example, if you feel good about a certain thing, you look at things positively. If you feel bad about things, definitely you react negatively. The figure shows the influences which surround the Self. Intrapersonal communication is influenced by many factors which help you look at yourself and the way you relate with people and in various situations. You can never say that you are not influenced by the factors which surround you. Interpersonal Communication Interpersonal communication is creating and sharing meaning between persons who are in a relationship. It is similar to intrapersonal communication in that helps you share information, solve problems, resolve conflicts and establish relationship with others. Interpersonal communication happens when two persons communicate with each other. This type usually takes place between two persons (dyadic), though it may include more than two. Interpersonal communication is essentially a social process. It uses all the elements of the 2  MODULE: OLENG01– PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION communication process. Two people exchanging ideas are both sender and receiver. There are different types of interpersonal communication: CONVERSATION. Conversation is characterized by adaptability, enthusiasm tact and sensitivity. It is the most informal type of interpersonal communication since it can happen anytime., any place. No rules are to be observed nor prepared topics to be discussed. However, there are simple guides you can have to remember to make your conversation successful. 1. Be a good listener. 2. Allow the person to express his ides (without interruption). 3. Let the person finish what he is saying before you start your own. 4. Be careful. It is one of the most valued social virtues. This is the keen sense of what to say or do to avoid giving offense. 5. Be sensitive. The person/s may not be comfortable with the topic you want to talk about. INTERVIEW. Another type of interpersonal communication is interview. This is the most formal type of interpersonal communication because both the interviewer and the interviewee have a definite place and time. An interview is purposive and formal. There are three common types of interview: 1. Job interview The interviewer asks questions to find out if the applicant is suited for the job. The interviewee, on the other hand, has to prepare for this particular task. He/she has to prove to the interviewer that he/she is indeed qualified for the job. 2. Information interview 3  MODULE: OLENG01– PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION The interviewer gets information from the interviewee regarding as specific topic. For example, a reporter wants to know what decision was chose by congress regarding the increase of government employee’s salary. The reporter may want to interview one of the congressmen to know more about the decision. 3. Character interview This type is usually used by some companies most especially if the person is slotted for promotion. Others use this type to find out the background of the person most especially if this person has applied for a loan. Still others use this type if they want to find out the kind of person they are intending to hire. Small Group Communication Group discussion is a process of cooperative thinking which involves a small group of people who talk over a problem systematically, thus pooling their experiences and judgements in order to arrive at the best solution. The ideal number of people in a small group is from four to seven. Every participant in a group must be given an opportunity to help shape the final decision and when the decision is reached, it should represent the best understanding of the group as a whole. In discussion, whether you talk eloquently and easily is of less significance than whether you have something worthwhile to contribute. Each member of a group should express his/her ideas as well as he/she is able. If others see merit in the ideas, they will be shaped into final form by combined abilities of the group. Requirements for Small Group Discussion Group discussion requires planning. It has been demonstrated repeatedly that judgements or decisions arrived at in a group discussion are, as a whole, superior to judgements or decision arrived at in solitary thinking. Here are some requirements needed for group discussion. 1. Phrasing the question for discussion Normally, the kinds of question which arise in a discussion have something to do with work itself. The problem may probably involve financial, social, academic, economic, professional aspects of a company or an institution. These problems usually 4  MODULE: OLENG01– PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION affect a group of people or entire population of the company or institution. 2. Preparing for fruitful discussion Because discussion offers no opportunity for set speeches, it does not mean that preparation is unnecessary. When no members of the group are prepared, the whole discussion is likely to be pointless. There are several points to be considered in preparing for discussion: a. Each member should have an open mind. The essence of the discussion is to find out what is best for the entire group or what is desirable to all members by pooling the judgements of the group. b. Do not combative, ready to exercise your intellectual acrobatic. Remember you ate not the only one who will think and decide for the group. This is not individual decision but group discussion. c. Talk to the other members to profit from their experiences, information, opinions. Remember “nobody has the monopoly of talent” d. Always think as a group not as an individual. 3. Organizing a discussion A discussion differs from a conversation most basically because group discussion is orderly and systematic. It constrains and disciplines the random impulses of the participants. It follows a logical order from the introduction of the topic to the conclusion leader has several functions. a) He/she presents the purpose of the discussion; b) Introduces the members (if they are not acquainted with each other); c) Introduces the topics for discussion; d) Initiates the discussion and sees to it that all members participate in the discussion; e) Sees to it that the flow of the discussion is smooth and orderly; f) Makes sure that the group has reached to an agreement regarding the problem; g) Controls the discussion, seeing to it that it will not fall into an argument among members; and h) Summarizes the extent of the agreement attained by the group. 5  MODULE: OLENG01– PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION The best discussion leader is unobtrusive. Such a leader tried to direct the course of the discussion so effortlessly and naturally the members ate scarcely conscious of being redirected. There much be a leader in a discussion but he/she is not a dictator. It is not his function to maneuver the group in the acceptance of an idea. He/she must serve the best interest of the group and make possible for each member contribute to his/her own best thinking. 4. Participating in the discussion The participants have definite responsibilities if discussion is to be profitable. Their attitude is of primary importance. Discussion is a method of exploration and discovery. It is a learning process. The participants must not think of themselves who know, but as members who desire to learn. There are some mechanics to be mastered by good discussants. a. Carry your full share of the group responsibility in contributing and testing facts and ideas. b. Introduce your opinions in order that they may be tested thoroughly by the group, and do not resent their questions, as though this involved personal affront to you. c. Listen to others, not to disagree with them, but to understand their ideas accurately and to see the full significance of their ideas to the discussion. d. Speak up promptly to keep discussion moving and to introduce new topics for discussion. e. Remember that the measure of success of discussion lies not in the brilliance of the individual contributions but in the progress by the group as a whole. Common Types of Small Group Discussion 1. Brainstorming This type of small group discussion is usually used prior to the making of decision. Members are gathered together to get ideas or probable solutions to the problem/s. It is expected so that members share their ideas without being impeded. All 6  MODULE: OLENG01– PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION members are allowed to give their ideas without being criticized. The secretary simply records all ideas given and sorting out if ideas come later after everybody has given his/her share. 2. Buzz Group Buzz group is used if there is a large number of people involved. This usually happens un seminars when the facilitator would like a large number of people to participate. Usually the facilitators divides the participants into smaller groups; each group is given a specific task. After the time given to the groups has elapsed, the groups have to assemble again and the leaders of each group has to report to the audience the outcome if the task. This type of group discussion allows all participants to be part of a large group which has shared in giving a solution to an existing problem or issue. 3. Panel Discussion Sometimes a group must consider problem which audience is not informed or is barely informed. Several experts sit upon the platform and discuss the question among themselves, with the audience listening in. Usually each of the experts represents a definite point if view about the topic. It is in this respect that the panel may differ from other group discussions; simply because each member is definitely committer to sone solutions before the discussion commences. His/her purpose is to explain and defend his/her point of view. The panel members are actually addressing not one another but the audience. Their aim is to be influence the audience to agree with them. After the panel members have consumed their allotted time, the audience is permitted to ask questions. The moderator or chairperson who presides over the panel recognizes members of the audience, receivers their questions, and transmits them to the panel member for answer. 7  MODULE: OLENG01– PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION The moderator or chairman also has other function: he/she introduces the topic to the audience, the purpose of discussion, interprets ideas if they seem vague to the audience, controls the discussion so that panel members do not monopolize the discussion, observes the time given to each member, and summarizes the various points of view that have been presented. 4. Round Table or the Arthurian Type This is the type usually used in companies and academic institutions. The leader (president, vice president, directer, etc) calls for a meeting to solve a problem or problems or plan activities. An agenda is usually given to those who are involved. The arrangement is round table or Arthurian method because the leader and the members face each other; and the leader is not identifiable. Thus is a democratic set-up since each member can interact with the supposed leader and the other members freely. 5. Symposium In a symposium, several people usually three or five, give short speeches, each presenting a different point of view or each treating a different fact of the subject. The symposium is a form of public discussion that that is common at large conventions or conferences, where a number experts are invited to speak on the specific aspects of a problem. A symposium is also followed by an open forum in which speakers answer questions asked by audience. 6. Lecture Forum The pattern is similar to the panel discussion. In this latter form, a speaker, usually an expert is invited from the outside group, speaks on a topic and in then questioned by audience. The questioning may develop into regular group discussion, with free expression of opinion by members of the group. With the advent of modern science and technology, discussion is indispensable. Most business are run with frequent conferences, meetings and other forms of group discussions among managerial staff. In classrooms, discussions have increasingly become favorable method of attain better understanding of the topic. Students actively participate in discussion not just silent a passive recipient of knowledge and information. 8  MODULE: OLENG01– PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION Structure of Small Group Discussion Panel Discussion moderator Audience In a panel discussion, the panelist faces the audience. The moderator is seated in a place where he/she is both seen by the panelist and audience. Round Table or the Arthurian Structure The Round Table or the Arthurian method is type where the leader and the participants or members are seated facing each other. This is a democratic form and all members, including the leader, can freely discuss an idea with one another. 9  MODULE: OLENG01– PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION Authoritarian/Conventional Structure In the authoritarian method, the leader or chairman is right away distinguished. Members face the leader and formally address their concerns to the leader. Public Communication In public communication, a message is transmitted from one person who speaks to a number of individuals who listen. The most widely used form of public communication is the public speech. You find yourself on the listening end of a public speech in lecture classes, political rallies, group meetings, convocations and religious services. Although there are similarities between public speaking and other types of communication, there are also some differences. Public speaking almost always is more highly structured than the other types. It demands much detailed planning and preparation by speaker. Unlike participants in other types of communication, listeners do not regularly interrupt the speaker with questions or comments. It is the responsibility of the public speaker to anticipate questions that listeners may have and to attempt to answer them. Public speaking almost always requires a more formal use of language and a form delivery style than the other types. The use of jargon, poor grammar or slang is usually not accepted or tolerated in public speeches. The public speaker must use the language precisely and must speak clearly in order to be heard by the audience. This may require that the speaker eliminate distracting vocal and physical mannerism that might be tolerated in other types of communication. Public speaking are often presented for four purposes: 10  MODULE: OLENG01– PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION To inform There are times when the speaker’s sole purpose is to provide information. Informative speech is usually heard in lectures, seminars, or conference, etc. The aim of informative speech is to make the audience say “ I see. I understand”. An informative speech is not concerned in influencing the minds of the audience. It is concerned in providing facts. To persuade A speech intended to persuade is designed to secure action. Persuasive speech is given to urge audience to agree, accept, change their point of view regarding a position, situation, or a person. It will be noted that every topic for persuasive speech is phrased to request some sort of action. The best example of a persuasive speech is delivered by politicians in a political rally. To impress A speech intended to impress takes attitudes and opinions already held by the audience, and makes them more vivid and meaningful. Most sermons are of the impressive type. Speech delivered during graduation ceremony, commemorative and holiday speeches usually fall into this classification as a purpose. To entertain Among all the means of relaxation, recreation, and enjoyment, speaking and listening to speeches still hold an important place. If radio programs and movies are included, speech designed to entertain is a leader among all of the means of recreation. After dinner speeches and radio talks are of this type. The substance of a speech to entertain is usually composed either or narrative or of humor. It should be noted, however, that the topic for entertainment must not be common place. Speaking in front of an audience is not a joke. The speaker has to consider many factors. The first factor us to capture attention of the listeners. The speaker who cannot hold the interest of his audience is wasting his/her time in the platform. The audience will be convinced, persuaded, impressed or entertained. There are four pointers that a speaker has to do hold the audience’s interest. 1. Waking them up Round them up, from whatever mental pursuits they may be engaged in and see that they 11  MODULE: OLENG01– PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION are awake to importance of what you have to say. 2. Let them sit up You should heighten that interest si that the audience will respond physically. If the listeners are slumped down in their seats, it means that they are giving the little attention to the speech. 3. Perk them up You should stir the audience into lively and animated concern over your ideas. You should see it that listeners have both the emotional and intellectual responses. Let them see how they are affected by the idea you are presenting. If this is done, the fourth step will follow automatically. 4. The audience will “speak up” perhaps with the cheers and applause, perhaps with questions, perhaps sharing ideas and giving comments. The ability to present information is vital in an information-oriented society. People who possess information and communicate it effectively possess power and command respect.  Sebastian, E. L. (2019). Purposive Communication (0th ed.). Mind shapers Co., Inc 12