LESSON 1: Introduction to Purposive Communication

COMMUNICATION
- from the Latin word “Communis” and “Communicare”
- Communis – means common, commonality, or sharing
- Communicare - means make something common


* Some scholars relate the term communication with an English word community.
Community members have something common to each other; communities are
(supposed to be) formed with the tie of community. Hence, where there is no
Communication, there cannot be a community.

ο involves getting information from one person to the other person.

ο It is the art and process of creating and sharing ideas.
ο Effective communication depends on the richness of those ideas. Communication
Process is composed of several elements, each of which offers potential barriers to
successful communication.

Elements Of the Communication Process

Source or Sender
ο one of the basic concepts of communication and information processing. Sources are
objects which encode message data and transmit the information, via a channel, to one
or more observers (or receivers).
Message
» defined as information conveyed by word (in speech writing), and/or other signs and
symbols. A message (verbal or nonverbal, or both) is the content of the communication
process
Encoding
» the process of turning thoughts into communication
Channel
» mediums through which you can send a message to its intended audience. For example,
phone calls, text messages, emails, video, radio, and social media are all types of
communication channels
Decoding
» the process of turning communication into thoughts
Receiver
» the listener, reader, or observer
Feedback
» ensures the receiver has received the message and interpreted it correctly as it was
 intended by the sender.
Context
» made up of the parts of communication that influence the meaning of a message

Communication Skills – are the tools that we use to remove the barriers to effective
communication
ο These barriers could be things like different cultures, different expectations,
different experiences, different perspectives, or different communication styles, to
name just a few.
ο You might experience only one of these barriers at a time, or you might find yourself
facing them all. Getting your message to the other person requires that you recognize
these barriers exist between you, who is the sender and the receiver, and that you
then apply the proper tools, or communication skills, to remove those barriers
preventing you message from getting through

* Communication is a two-way street

* To be successful at communicating, it’s important to recognize that these barriers to
communication can occur at multiple points in the communication process

» Communication skills are important to everyone

> they are how we give and receive information and convey our ideas and opinions
with those around us; and more importantly on how we can understand each other
> Communication comes in many forms:
• verbal (sounds, language, and tone of voice)
• aural (listening and hearing)
• non-verbal (facial expression, body language, and posture)
• written (journals, emails, blogs, and text messages)
• visual (signs, symbols, and picture)
» It is important to develop a variety of skills for both communicating TO others and
learning how to interpret the information received FROM others. Knowing our
audience and understanding how they need to receive information is equally important
as knowing ourselves.
» To an employer, good communication skills are essential. In fact, employers
consistently rank good communication skills at the top of the list for potential
employees.
» When selecting the type of message to be used and the medium or channel of
communication, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do I need a permanent record of this communication?

ο If yes, choose a letter (external or internal audience), a memo (internal
audience), an e-mail (either internal or external audience), or a report (either
internal or external audience). Written messages can have historic and legal
value

2. Will my receiver(s) readily accept the message?

ο If yes, a written message is appropriate. If no, oral communication is preffered
The ability to convey emotion and to react to feedback make face-to-face oral
communication the best format for persuading receivers or conveying bad news
The size of and distance from the audience must also be considered

3. Where and how large is the audience for the message?

ο Face-to-face oral communication can be effective if the sender and receiver(s)
are in the same location. A telephone call may work if the number of receivers
is small. Written communication works best when it is impractical to bring
receivers together or when the message doesn’t warrant the personal touch
Of face-to-face communication.

4. Is the message long or complex?

ο If yes, select written communication. The writer can draft and revise the
Message before it is sent, and the receiver can refer to it as often as necessary
to understand the message. Visual aids may supplement the written text

5. Is timeless a factor? Do I need immediate feedback?

ο Use face-to-face or telephone communication for urgent messages or
immediate feedback is important. In some circumstances, e-mail and fax may
be viable alternatives. Letters and memos are often used to confirm messages
conveyed orally

6. Is credibility a concern?
ο Written messages are perceived as being more credible than oral messages.
E-mails have less credibility than documents displayed on an organization’s
letterhead or presented as a report
Additional Notes:
* All human activity begins with communication. The manner by which we communicate
and the medium used play a crucial role in the success of communication.
* Humans need to make use of the different communication skills available to them

Five Forms of Communication

Verbal Form
- Our inherent capacity to speak makes us the highest form of animal. The language that
is used will also define the kind of education and upbringing a person has.
- This power of speech, though, does not give us full authority to abuse it much more to -
use it against others.
- We may have been granted by Law the freedom of speech, but it MUST be -
remembered that it has its LIMITATIONS.

Aural Form
- Much have been said “Listening is the beginning of understanding.” Although, there -
maybe environmental or physical reasons that this capacity to listen and hear may be
hampered.
- Not all persons are endowed with a complete set of the five senses, therefore, it is -
very important and humane to consider frailties.

Non-verbal Form
- In some persons, the capacity to speak or listen effectively maybe absent or limited,
thereby, they make use of the non-verbal form of communicating.
- It is very important to note that this non-verbal skill must be learned and honed not
on only by the affected individual, but also by those whom they communicate like
family and friends.
- Body language is one of the most common ways of communicating, but often it subjected
to misinterpretation. Therefore, the use of body language must be coupled with caution.

Written Form
- Very important in written form is the content and the use of words. If what is composed
is for a professional communication, it must be written with most utmost respect and
courtesy.
- In informal written form, it should not cross the boundaries of formality, decency and
respect no matter if the recipient is a friend, family or familiar to the writer
 Visual form
- Like verbal and aural, there are limitations present to some. Courtesy and consideration
also must be observed.
- Perceiving images, pictures or symbols varies from person to person. The bases would
be the individual experiences, education, training, and other factors affecting each
one’s perception or analysis.

* It is highly important to develop a variety of skills for both communicating to others

and interpreting information received form others.
* In applying all these communication skills, we should be reminded to adapt them to our
audience, listener or receiver.
* In Purposive Communication, it is aimed towards honing, developing and enhancing these
skills and perusing it in a professional and educated manner.

More Definitions of Communication

- It is the process of passing information and understanding from one person to another.
- It is the process by which messages or information is sent from one place or person to
another,
or the message itself
- It is also the exchange of information and the expression of feeling that can result
in understanding
- It is the process of sharing information, especially when these increases understanding
between people or groups

* In simple words it is a process of transmitting and sharing ideas, opinions, facts,

values etc. from one person to another or one organization to another.

“Make sure you are understood. Don’t blame the other person for not understanding.
Instead, look for ways to clarify or rephrase what you are trying to say so it can be
understood.” ~ Joel Garflinkle