Module-1-PurComm.pdf

PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION MODULE ONE The Principles and Processes of Communication Rationale: A quick internet search would show that average humans spend most of their time communicating. Given this information, one regards co...

PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION MODULE ONE The Principles and Processes of Communication Rationale: A quick internet search would show that average humans spend most of their time communicating. Given this information, one regards communication as a usual activity. Then again, it often creates confusion as to why people still haven’t really mastered the art of communication. In this lesson, we will study what makes communication intricate and systematic in the hope that by understanding its principles and process, we will be able to master it. Learning Objectives: By the end of this lesson, students should be able to: a. Identify the different key concepts in communication. b. Describe the processes and principles of communication. c. Distinguish the principles of effective communication. d. Practice effective communication in authentic situations. The Communication Process Let us start by identifying if communication exists in each situation: a. A child’s cries echo in the night. b. A traffic light changes from green to red. c. A man buys a newspaper and settles down to read the stories under the black headlines. d. The girl is 15, black-haired, brown-eyed, with a round-shaped face. The boy is tall and long-limbed. The boy moves towards the girl, his face red, and says, “Christine, would you like…” and stops in embarrassment. The girl smiles up to him, “I would love to,” she says. GAN | 2020 1  If you answered yes to all of the situations above, then you are correct. All of the scenarios presented show some form of communication that we are all familiar with. Given these situations, what, then, is communication? Most books define communication as the exchange of thoughts, ideas, concepts, and emotions between and among humans. Chase and Shamo (2013) described communication by looking at its etymology, stating that commun means ‘something in common’ and ication suggests ‘understanding’. Thus, when combined, communication pertains to achieving common understanding of something. True enough, communication can be a means of coming together, of sharing a common reference or a common field of experience. Being social beings, there is a need for us to interact and to relate with others which is basically achieved and satisfied by communication. Communication is also explained as the process of sending and receiving messages through verbal or nonverbal means, including speech or oral communication; writing and graphical representations (infographics, graphs, maps); and signs, signals, or behavior (Nordquist, 2018). Simply put, it is the creation and exchange of meaning. Considering all the definitions pertaining to communication, we can summarize it by looking at some basic concepts that are regarded as general truths: a. Wherever humans exist, communication exists. b. Not all communication has to be human communication. c. Not all participants in the communication process have to be present at the same time. d. Communication can take place over large distances of space and time. e. Communication does not only take place using words. f. Communication does not always require two participants. GAN | 2020 2  To better understand communication, we have to look at how it works. The communication process is made up of different stages that occur in an orderly and systematic sequence. feedback sender message channel receiver feedback Figure 1: The Communication Process Elements of the Communication Process Just like all processes, communication is also composed of different elements. Generally, these elements include the sender, message, channel, and the receiver. However, other elements such as noise and feedback also exist as they affect the process. a. Sender refers to the person or a group who initiates communication. Other terms may also be used to refer to the sender such as encoder, source, or speaker. b. Message is the idea, information, opinion, or emotion that is transmitted by the sender. c. Channel pertains to the medium used to convey the message. It may be done verbally or non-verbally. d. Receiver is the person or group who collects the message. In turn, the receiver decodes and analyzes the message in order to respond. Other terms may also be used to refer to the receiver such as decoder, destination, or listener. e. Feedback is the response given by the receiver to the sender. It is the factor that determines if the communication process was successful. f. Noise may be any interference that occurs during communication. This interference affects the communication in a way that it may distort or change what is being sent or received during the process. GAN | 2020 3 Communication Models Communication models are visual representations of the communication process. These are illustrations that help us understand the typical flow of communication in certain situations. a. Aristotle’s Model Figure 2: Aristotle’s Model of Communication Aristotle’s model of communication is focused mainly on the speaker and the speech given. Primarily divided into five elements, this model has been described as linear and centered on the speaker. The audience receives the message through the speech and reacts according to the information they receive. As this model is more applicable to public speaking, Aristotle advises speakers to create and deliver speeches for different audiences on different occasions for different effects. Since this model focuses on the ability to persuade the audience, there is a need to take into consideration their demographics. It has been proven that the audience’s gender, age, religion, background, and economic status play a role when they decode a message. GAN | 2020 4  b. Laswell’s Model Figure 3: Laswell’s Model of Communication Harold Dwight Laswell is an American political scientist who explained that a convenient method to define the communication process is to answer the following questions: a. Who? b. Says what? c. In which channel? d. To whom? e. With what effect? This model is often described as applicable to mass communication and its function to society. In here, the process starts with the communicator (Who) who delivers a message (Says what) using a particular medium (In which channel) to a receiver (To whom) to achieve a certain effect (With what effect). Overall, it focuses on the message sent as well as the desired effect of the speaker. Although similar with Aristotle’s in a way that both are linear and have the same elements, Laswell’s model is an updated version with the inclusion of the medium or channel. GAN | 2020 5  c. Shannon-Weaver’s Model Figure 4: Shannon-Weaver’s Model of Communication Introduced by Claude Elwood Shannon and Warren Weaver, this model was originally conceptualized for radio and telephone communication, but later on applied in the field of communication. In this model, the sender acts as the information source who sends the message; the encoder serves as the transmitter or the machine that converts the message into signals; the channel is the medium used in the communication; the decoder is another machine that decodes the signals and translates the message; the receiver is the person who gets the message and provides the necessary feedback; and noise would be the interferences or disturbances in the process which may cause the distortion of the message. GAN | 2020 6  d. Osgood-Schramm’s Model Figure 5: Osgood-Schramm’s Model of Communication Schramm’s model of communication shows that communication is a process and illustrates that people interact constantly in a cyclical manner. As seen in the illustration, each communicator is both sender and receiver and the encoding and decoding involve personal interpretation. Types of Communication Aside from the definition of communication, one aspect that we need to understand and to master would be the different ways as to how humans communicate. Once we have a grasp of these types of communication, we become closer to becoming effective with it. a. Verbal Communication Verbal communication is a form of transmitting messages using word symbols in representing ideas and objects which comes in two forms: oral and written (Manzano, Arador, & Ladia, 2018). In oral communication, spoken words are used. It may take various forms like face to face interaction, group discussions, speech delivery, video or phone conversations, and the like. On the other hand, written communication entails the use of written signs or symbols to communicate. Examples include email messages, letters, reports, memos, and reports among others. GAN | 2020 7  b. Non-verbal Communication Non-verbal communication is the transfer of meaningful information from one person to another through different methods other than the spoken language. It was suggested by various studies that over 90% of the meaning we derive from communication comes from non-verbal communication (Wertheim, 2012). With this said, it is also important to note that since non-verbal messages are also dependent on culture, they can also become a source of misunderstanding among people. Compared to verbal communication, non-verbal communication operates on the following principles (University of Minnesota): a. Non-verbal communication typically conveys more meaning. b. Non-verbal communication is more involuntary. c. Non-verbal communication is often more ambiguous. d. Non-verbal communication is often more credible. Wertheim (2012) presented the following general categories to which non- verbal messages may be conveyed: a. Visual, often called body language, includes facial expression, eye movement, posture, and gestures. b. Tactile involves the use of touch to impart meaning as in a handshake, a pat on the shoulder, a kiss, or a hug. c. Vocal pertains the use of voice when imparting messages since the way we say something also conveys meaning. This may include intonation, volume, stress, and rate of speech. d. Time, Space, and Image are also used to convey meaning that cannot be expressed by words. From the distance we stand from others, the time we arrive in events, to the clothes we wear, we are already sending messages to other people. GAN | 2020 8 Principles of Communication Even if communication is a usual activity for all of us, it is undeniable that it is a complex process. Nevertheless, the following principles can be applied to both oral and written communication to make it more effective. 1. Principle of Clarity. Communication starts with the information or message that the speaker wants to impart. In doing so, the message to be conveyed should be clear. There should be no ambiguity in order for the receiver to understand the message properly. Consider what you want to achieve and your expectations in communicating. In making sure that the message is clear, the speaker should also take into consideration the language to be used. 2. Principle of Attention. In order to make communication effective, speakers should make sure that they have the attention of their listeners. Just as people have different attention spans, speakers should use this time frame to their advantage in getting their messages across. If the message was not digested properly, the communication is also destined to fail. 3. Principle of Feedback. Feedback has been defined as a factor that determines the success of communication. The feedback of the receiver is needed in order to know if the message transferred was understood properly or not. This is also important so that the sender may be able to make the necessary adjustments to make sure that the message will be delivered and understood according to expectations. 4. Principle of Informality. Basically, this principle pertains to the flexibility of speakers in delivering their messages. It entails knowing and understanding situations and being able to determine whether to be formal or informal in conveying messages. At times, being informal proves to be effective in situations when formal communication may not yield the desired results. With this, it is important to note that informal communication is as important as formal communication. 5. Principle of Consistency. When communicating a message, speakers should be consistent with their objective for communication. Whether to simply inform, persuade, or entertain, we all have our reasons for communicating with others. It is in this respect that speakers should also be consistent in the words that they use or in the gestures they apply so as not to confuse the receivers and make them understand just what is expected from them. GAN | 2020 9  6. Principle of Timeliness. Communication should be done in real time to achieve the desired results. Being able to communicate in a timely manner ensures that the message remains relevant and meaningful. 7. Principle of Adequacy. The information shared in communication should be true and correct. Furthermore, it should be complete in all respects because inadequate or false information leads to confusion, making it hard for the receivers to take proper actions or make sound decisions. Communication Ethics Broadly speaking, ethics is concerned about the creation and evaluation of goodness by responding to the general question: “How shall I live?” This leads us to the question of what makes decisions good or bad, right or wrong. Communication ethics concerns itself with the creation and evaluation of goodness in all aspects and manifestations of communicative interaction (Lipari, 2017). It is essential that ethical standards help govern as communication creates the framework of our life (Chase & Shamo, 2013). Ethical communication is done with responsibility. It is giving proper credit to sources and never plagiarizing content from other speaker. It does not twist information or ideas to suit one’s ulterior motives. It should always be guided by the truth. The National Communication Association is an American organization dedicated to fostering and promoting free and ethical communication. In 1999, it released its Credo for Ethical Communication as a guide for its members to practice communication guided by morality and the desire to apply communication to improve the quality of human life and relationships. GAN | 2020 10 Credo for Ethical Communication (NCA, 1999) 1. We advocate truthfulness, accuracy, honesty, and reason as essential to the integrity of communication. 2. We endorse freedom of expression, diversity of perspective, and tolerance of dissent to achieve the informed and responsible decision making fundamental to a civil society. 3. We strive to understand and respect other communicators before evaluating and responding to their messages. 4. We promote access to communication resources and opportunities as necessary to fulfill human potential and contribute to the well-being of families, communities, and society. 5. We promote communication climates of caring and mutual understanding that respect the unique needs and characteristics of individual communicators. 6. We condemn communication that degrades individuals and humanity through distortion, intimidation, coercion, and violence, and through the expression of intolerance and hatred. 7. We are committed to the courageous expression of personal convictions in pursuit of fairness and justice. 8. We advocate sharing information, opinions, and feelings when facing significant choices while also respecting privacy and confidentiality. 9. We accept responsibility for the short- and long-term consequences for our own communication and expect the same of others. GAN | 2020 11 Comprehension Check Choose at least 10 important terms from the lesson. Then, write your own definition based on your understanding. TERMS DEFINITIONS Learning Enrichment Tasks List down all communication activities that you have done for the day. a. Classify these activities into the following category: VERBAL NON-VERBAL b. Work with a group. Reenact a scene that shows all or any of the Principles of Communication. Use the chart below as a guide for planning the reenactment. Communication Scene Characters Principles Used GAN | 2020 12 c. Search online or cite an experience for an actual event wherein one of the ethics for communication was violated. Include a brief explanation on the violation committed and a way on how it could have been handled properly. Be ready to present this in class. Situation Violation Committed Way/s to Correct the Violation GAN | 2020 13 LESSON TEST Choose the best answer. Encircle the letter of your choice. 1. Which of the following are the root words from which the word communication was derived from? a. commu + cation c. commun + ication b. comm + tion d. co + munication 2. Which of the following concepts about communication is incorrect? a. Wherever humans exists, communication exists. b. Communication does not only take place using words. c. Communication does not always have two participants. d. For communication to happen, participants should be present at the same time. 3. Which element of communication pertains to the medium used to convey the message? a. Sender b. Receiver c. Channel d. Feedback 4. Which element of communication pertains to the response given by the receiver to the sender, and determines the success of the process? a. Feedback b. Message c. Channel d. Noise 5. Which communication process explains that communication happens in a cyclical manner? a. Aristotle c. Shannon-Weaver b. Laswell d. Osgood-Schramm 6. Which communication model is focused on the ability of the speaker to persuade the listeners? a. Aristotle c. Shannon-Weaver b. Laswell d. Osgood-Schramm 7. Which communication model was primarily applicable to mass communication and its function to society? a. Aristotle c. Shannon-Weaver b. Laswell d. Osgood-Schramm 8. Which of the following is considered to be a type of verbal communication? a. Smoke Signal c. Speech b. Pat on the Back d. Crying Child GAN | 2020 14 For items 9-13, identify the category from which the following nonverbal messages belong to: 9. raising the eyebrows to greet someone 10. speaking loudly during a meeting 11. slouching during class discussions 12. hugging a friend who is crying 13. wearing statement shirts a. Visual b. Tactile c. Vocal d. Time, Space, Image For items 14-18, identify the principle of communication being described in each statement: 14. In communication, information shared should be true and correct at all times. 15. In communication, it is important for senders to stick to the goals and objectives of communication. 16. In communication, there should be no ambiguity in order for the receivers to understand the message. 17. In communication, senders must know how to assess situations and determine whether to be formal or informal in their delivery of the messages. 18. In communication, senders should solicit responses from the receivers in order to make necessary adjustments in their messages for better understanding. a. Principle of Adequacy c. Principle of Informality b. Principle of Feedback d. Principle of Consistency e. Principle of Clarity 19. Which statement best defines communication ethics? a. It is the response to the question, “How shall I live?” b. It is limiting and controlling what people can say and how to say it. c. It is the placing all the rights and privileges to people to exercise their free speech. d. It is creating and evaluating the goodness of aspects and manifestations of communicative interaction. 20. Which of the situations follows ethical communication guidelines? a. crediting the sources of your data b. spreading rumors about your neighbors c. withholding information about a certain incident d. changing some information about a statement to suit your narrative GAN | 2020 15 RESOURCES: Aristotle's communication model. (2014). Retrieved from https://www.communicationtheory.org/aristotle%E2%80%99s-communication- model/ Businesstopia. (2018). Shannon and Weaver model of communication. Retrieved from https://www.businesstopia.net/communication/shannon-and-weaver-model- communication Chase, R., & Shamo, W. (2013). Elements of effective communication. Retrieved from https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=iWqsBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA5&source=gbs_toc_ r&cad=4#v=onepage&q&f=false Communication concepts and process [PDF File]. Retrieved from http://www.pathways.cu.edu.eg/subpages/downloads/Communication_Chapter_1. pdf Lasswell's model. (2014). Retrieved from https://www.communicationtheory.org/lasswells-model/ Lipari, L. A. (2018,). Communication ethics. Retrieved from http://oxfordre.com/communication/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780190228613.00 1.0001/acrefore-9780190228613-e-58 NCA Legislative Council. (1999). NCA credo for ethical communication [PDF File]. Retrieved from https://www.natcom.org/sites/default/files/pages/1999_Public_Statements_NCA_ Credo_for_Ethical_Communication_November.pdf Nordquist, R. (2018). Learn about the art of communication and see how it's used effectively. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-communication-1689877 Osgood- Schramm model of communication. (2014). Retrieved from https://www.communicationtheory.org/osgood-schramm-model-of- communication/ Manzano, B., Arador, M., & Ladia, M. (2018). Purposive communication for college freshmen. Bulacan, Philippines: St. Andrew Publishing House GAN | 2020 16 Seven principles of effective communication. (n.d.). Retrieved January 17, 2019, from https://www.spps.org/cms/lib/MN01910242/Centricity/Domain/125/ iceberg_model_3.pdf+http://dnesingapore.com/the-seven-principles-of-effective- communication/ Shannon and Weaver model of communication. (2014). Retrieved from https://www.communicationtheory.org/shannon-and-weaver-model-of- communication/ The communication process. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://2012books.lardbucket.org/books/a-primer-on-communication- studies/s01-02-the-communication-process.html Wertheim, E. (2008). The importance of effective communication [PDF File]. Retrieved from https://ysrinfo.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/effectivecommunication5.pdf GAN | 2020 17