Week 001 Principles of Communication PDF

Oral Communication in Context 1 Definition and Principles of Communication Definition and Principles of Communication Welcome to your first m...

Oral Communication in Context 1 Definition and Principles of Communication Definition and Principles of Communication Welcome to your first module of the subject “Oral Communications in Context.” This module will cover the importance, definition of communication, its principles and characteristics. At the end of this module you are expected: 1. To be able to understand why we need to study communication; 2. To be able to give the definition of communication; and 3. To know and understand the principles and characteristics of communication. Once born, we start communicating with our parents – crying when we are hungry, scared, or when we feel pain. As we grow up, our family, then society - teaches us how to speak then draw then read and write. Through these practices, communication became integrated in our lives. It then became a basic human activity that enables us to connect with each other (Langley, 2006). Having done this as early as we were babies and having done this subconsciously, it may be a bit surprising to discover that communication is a complex process. We take it for granted because it is natural for us. It is second nature for us to speak, use facial expressions, listen to each other, and to learn how to read and write. To be able to understand how it happens, we would need to dissect its characteristics and elements. Think about an incident or experience in the past where you got in trouble because you misunderstood what your parents or sibling said. What did it feel like after you found out that you heard something wrong? Did it affect your day and your relationship with that person? Such simple experiences can give a glimpse of how pivotal communication is in our lives. Course Module Why Communication is important (http://picfind1.indexbuzz.net/picfind1/page729/) Look at the illustration above. Why do you think this happened to their project? In your opinion, how could they have avoided this error? Mark Twain sums up communication nicely, “The difference between a good word and the right word is the same as the difference between a lightning bug and lightning.” (Dean Brenner, Marni Lane). Learning how to be a good communicator opens a lot of opportunity for us in relationships, career, and in fulfilling our goals and dreams. Defining Communication Communication started years ago with some of our ancestors surviving through drawings, sounds, and gestures. Along with the evolution of civilizations various mediums of communication also emerged. Through time, technology became integrated in our language processes and description. Communication is defined in several ways but the fundamental or basic aspects embodies the following definition: Communication, originating from the Latin word communicare – meaning to share, unite or join, can be defined as the process by which people share ideas or thoughts which can be understood by another through a chosen medium. These said medium can either be verbal or non-verbal channels. In a nutshell, it is to send and receive messages using a channel. Principles of Communication Before we delve in to oral communication, let us first go through the principles of communication. Knowing these would make it easier for us to understand how to properly and adequately communicate with others.  Oral Communication in Context 3 Definition and Principles of Communication 1. Schemata- driven The process of communication makes you either the sender or receiver. By taking one of the roles above, you will activate your schemata, background, or experiences. Schemata or schemas provide a basis on how we relate to ideas, concepts, and events based on past experiences. Prior experiences give meaning to conveyed messages. Having no previous experience nor idea will only resort pronouncing or sounding the words. No experience of any communicative act will trigger views, feelings, or ideas. 2. Interpretative act Communication is an interpretative act. The exact meaning of the message being transmitted is known only by the sender or speaker. The sender has the absolute idea of what the meaning of the message is. The receiver can only interpret, guess or infer based on how it appeals to his/her sense of hearing. 3. Communication is active, forceful or powerful In a communicative act, there will always be different effects to the participants. Any message conveyed may have various interpretations because of cultural, ideological, and environmental factors. What is rude in one culture can be perceived as something acceptable in another. For example, in western countries, calling an adult not related to you by their first name is acceptable; yet, in the Philippines, this is rude. You need to use their titles or (i.e. Attorney, Miss, Mrs., teacher, etc.) general terms showing respect (i.e. auntie, kuya, tito, etc.) when you call refer to them or call them by their name. 4. Communication is Symbolic Signs, symbols, letters, graphs, pictures, etc. are concrete objects that stands for or represents an idea. Non-verbal communication, on the other hand, expresses ideas through gestures, voice pitch, posture, facial expression, time, and space. 5. Communication always result in something Two or more persons usually participate in any communicative act. One sends the message while another reacts to the message. As a transactional process, communication creates an effect on the involved parties. It will elicit either a verbal or non-verbal response. 6. Communication is irreversible The adage “Think before you click” suggests that you go over any message or idea before posting it on your social networks or messages. The same concept should also be applied to the other forms of communication. With oral communications, the moment you utter the words to convey your message already creates an impact to listeners. Attempts to reverse, restore, Course Module  or recreate the original mood or setting before these words were spoken would be irrevocable. The discipline of mulling over your thoughts before translating them into words can help avoid any instances which may cause problems directly or indirectly. 7. Communication is contextual Idea exchanges between the sender and the receiver involves communication setting like time, occasion, purpose or manner of communication. Consider cultural differences when communicating to avoid any negative impact due to the effects of the factors above. 8. Communication is Progressive Communication is a process you learn from birth and continues to evolve as time passes by. Communicative competence is not learned in one sitting. You go through different levels as you strive to improve your abilities to interact with other people. 9. Communication is a process Several stages of communication take place when people convey and exchange ideas with one another. Each stage differs from the other. Elements or components work in a coordinated manner the complete the process. 10. Communication is ethical A communicative event is expected to follow rules, values, and beliefs agreed upon by members of society. These standards determine which cultural group you belong to. Going against these conventions make the interaction with others wrong or unethical. Examples can be read here: Don’t give a thumbs-up sign in Russia and other hand gesture facts (Schwertly, 2014). 11. Communication is Influenced by technology and media Communication in the current age of technology is characterized by the instant, real-time exchange of knowledge, messages, and services. The rapid speed of communication influences how people construct their messages and what platform the use to send their messages. Why we need to study Oral Communication Oral communication competence – both in listening and speaking – is mandatory to the success of a person academically, professionally, and in their personal lives. Poor listening skills lead to people being unable to absorb and understand instructions. This issue intensifies as they respond incorrectly or inappropriately because of deplorable speaking skills. Being able to articulate your ideas and opinions adds value to one’s self. Skills in oral communication transcends the academic and professional setting. Competence in listening and speaking can also contribute to personal fulfillment. Glossary  Communicare - to join, share, receive or divide with/out  Oral Communication in Context 5 Definition and Principles of Communication  Contextual - Depending on or relating to circumstances that form a setting for an event, idea of statement to clarify a meaning  Ethical - Pertaining to morals; To what is right and wrong; conforms to imposed standards or rules and regulations  Process - A series of steps or activities that leads to a result  Progressive - Continuous improvement  Schemata - A mental framework of preconceived ideas that are based on experiences and interactions which shape how the world is seen and understood  Scrutinize - To examine, inspect thoroughly References Diaz, Rafaela Hernandez. (2014). Speech and Oral Communication for College Students, Revised Edition. Quezon City: National Bookstore “How Important is Communication in Your Life?” (2015, April 7). Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-important- communication-your-life-ted-landgraf Baraceros, Esther L. and Lintao, Rachelle, B. (2010). English 4: Oral Communication in Context (First Edition). Quezon City: Rex Bookstore, Inc. Dapat, Jose Rizal O., Sadorra, Bryan Eli B., and Lumabi, Bethany Marie C. (2016). Oral Cmmunication in Focus. Quezon City: Lormar Publishing, Inc. “Business Communication for Success” (2012). Saylor Academy Retrieved from https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_business-communication- for-success/ http://latin-dictionary.net/definition/11539/communico-communicare- communicavi-communicatus Course Module