PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION 5.

Democratic Society

LESSON 1 In democratic societies, effective communication is

vital for informed citizenship. It enables people to
Introduction to Communication engage in political discussions, make informed
Communication (from Latin word “communicare”, decisions, and hold leaders accountable
meaning "to share") is the act of conveying THE DIFFERENT ELEMENTS IN THE
meanings from one entity or group to another PROCESS OF COMMUNICATION
through the use of mutually understood signs,
symbols, and semiotic rules. Sender

Communication is both an art and a science. It often • A person who sends the message
involves acts of speaking and listening, reading and • The communication process begins with the
writing, but it also goes beyond these and sender, who is also called the communicator or
incorporates the transmission of non-verbal source.
language, sign language, codes transmitted
electronically (e.g., Morse code), and physically Message
(touch; hormones; muscles, tendons, nerves), and Message is referred to as the information conveyed
messages communicated through music, and by by words as in speech and write-ups, signs, pictures
other means. or symbols. Message is the heart of communication.

When the receiver gets the message (through seeing, Encoding

hearing, feeling, touching, or smelling), he or she Encoding is putting the targeted message into
will usually give feedback (return message) appropriate medium. The sender puts the message
unconsciously or consciously. Thus, the into a series of symbols, pictures or words which will
communications process is on-going. be communicated to the intended receiver.

The worst assumption a sender of a message can Channel

make is that the message will be received as It refers to the way or mode the message is sent, may
intended. So many things can go wrong during the it be spoken/oral, written or through technology.
communications process that we should always
assume that something will go wrong and take steps Receiver
to prevent that occurrence A person for whom the message is addressed. The
person to whom a message is directed is called the
IMPORTANCE OF EFFECTIVE receiver or the interpreter.
COMMUNICATION
Decoding
1. Building Strong Relationships Decoding refers to interpreting or converting the sent
message into intelligible language. It simply means
Effective communication forms the foundation of
comprehending or understanding the message.
healthy and meaningful relationships. It helps in
understanding the needs, feelings, and perspectives Feedback
of others, fostering trust, empathy, and mutual Feedback is the ultimate aspect of communication
respect. process. It refers to the response of the receiver as to
2. Conflict Resolution the message sent to him/her by the sender.

Clear and open communication is essential for Noise

resolving conflicts and misunderstandings. This can be any sort of interference or distraction that
affects the message being sent, received, or
3. Enhanced Work Performance understood.
In the workplace, effective communication is
BARRIERS OF COMMUNICATION
essential for collaboration, teamwork, and
productivity. It ensures that tasks are understood, In any communication model, noise is interference
expectations are clear, and feedback is constructive. with the decoding of messages sent over a channel by
an encoder. There are many examples of noise:
4. Preventing Misunderstandings
1. Environmental noise.
Miscommunication can lead to confusion, errors, and
even accidents. Effective communication helps in Noise that physically disrupts communication, such
preventing misunderstandings and ensuring that as standing next to loud speakers at a party, or the
information is conveyed accurately.
noise from a construction site next to a classroom 5. Persuasive Function
making it difficult to hear the professor.
Communication is often employed to persuade or
2. Language Barriers influence others. Persuasion can take various forms,
such as convincing someone to adopt a particular
Differences in language and dialects can create
viewpoint, make a decision, or take a specific course
misunderstandings. Even when people speak the
of action.
same language, variations in vocabulary, accents, and
regional expressions can pose challenges. Ex: Advertising, marketing, and political speeches
3. Psychological Barriers ETHICAL COMMUNICATION
These barriers are related to the mental state of the Ethical communication refers to the practice of
individuals involved. They can include emotional conveying information, ideas, and messages in a
issues, stress, anxiety, or preconceived biases that manner that aligns with moral and principled
affect how a message is received or interpreted. standards. It involves being truthful, transparent,
respectful, and responsible in how you communicate
4. Cultural Differences
with others. Ethical communication is essential in
Cultural norms, values, and customs can fostering trust, maintaining positive relationships,
significantly impact communication. Different and upholding the values of integrity and honesty.
cultures may have varying communication styles,
body language, and expectations about what is
appropriate to discuss. Here are some key principles and characteristics of
ethical communication:
1. Truthfulness
FUNCTIONS OF COMMUNICATION
Ethical communication involves telling the truth and
Communication serves several essential functions in
avoiding deception. It means providing accurate and
human interactions, allowing individuals and groups
reliable information to the best of your knowledge.
to convey information, share ideas, express
Misrepresentation, lying, and spreading false
emotions, and achieve various goals.
information are considered unethical in
The functions of communication can be broadly communication.
categorized into the following:
2. Transparency
1. Informative Function
Being open and transparent in communication means
Communication primarily serves to share sharing information openly, especially when it
information and facts. It is the means by which affects others. Hidden agendas, secret motives, or
individuals exchange data, news, instructions, and withholding crucial information can erode trust and
knowledge. credibility.

Ex: Newspaper, News Reports 3. Respect

2. Expressive Function Ethical communication requires treating others with

respect and dignity. This includes being mindful of
Communication allows individuals to express their cultural differences, avoiding discriminatory
thoughts, feelings, emotions, and opinions. Through language, and being courteous and considerate in
verbal and non-verbal channels, people convey their interactions.
joy, sadness, love, and various emotional states.
4. Consideration for Any Potential Roadblocks
3. Directive Function When communicating with another party,
In many situations, communication is used to provide truly ethical communication entails considering any
guidance, instructions, or requests. It plays a potential factor that may influence how the recipient
understands - or receives - the information that is
directive role in guiding actions, behaviors, and
being communicated. If there are any known
decision-making. roadblocks, then ethical communication principles
Ex: A manager giving instructions to employees. dictate that the speaker/communicator utilize
whatever means possible to mitigate or attenuate the
4. Social Function roadblocks and ensure that the recipients of the
information are able to fully understand what is being
Communication is vital for building and maintaining
communicated.
social relationships. It enables people to connect,
bond, and establish rapport with others.
 Several examples are below where roadblocks b. Written Communication – written words, signs,
may present themselves, resulting in the or symbols are used to communicate.
communicator needing to take steps to attenuate any
2. Non-Verbal Communication
potential instances of miscommunication:
Non-verbal communication encompasses all forms
✓ Jargon of communication that do not involve spoken or
written words. Instead, it relies on cues such as body
Every industry has its own jargon. When language, facial expressions, gestures, posture, eye
speaking to a layperson, it is ethical to speak with contact, tone of voice, and even silence. Non-verbal
simple, easy-to-understand words, while avoiding communication often conveys emotions, attitudes,
the use of heavy jargon, resulting in portions of the and additional context that complement or
presentation/communication being sometimes contradict the verbal message.
incomprehensible to a portion of the audience.
3. Visual Communication
✓ Language Use Visual communication involves the use of visual
elements to convey information and messages. This
Ethical communication takes into account the
type of communication relies on visual aids, images,
level of understanding as well as the language spoken
symbols, charts, graphs, diagrams, photographs,
by listeners so that recipients of the communication
videos, and other visual representations. Visual
(whether it be spoken or written) are able to fully
communication is highly effective for simplifying
understand what is being communicated.
complex information, enhancing understanding, and
5. Respect Privacy and Confidentiality making messages more engaging and memorable.
Most businesses should include a clause in their code
of ethics defining what is appropriate when it comes
to honouring client and employee confidentiality and LEVELS OF COMMUNICATION
privacy.
1. Intrapersonal Communication is a
6. Do Not Interrupt Others communication that occurs in your own mind. It is
the basis of your feelings, biases, prejudices, and
Interrupting others not only shows a lack of respect,
beliefs.
but does not allow the listener to fully grasp what is
being said, which often results in incorrect • Examples are when you make any kind of
assumptions being made. decision – what to eat or wear. When you think about
something – what you want to do on the weekend or
when you think about another person.
TYPES OF COMMUNICATION ACCORDING
2. Interpersonal communication is the
TO MODE
communication between two people but can involve
Communication can be categorized into three main more in informal conversations.
types based on the mode or channel of
• Examples are when you are talking to your
communication. These three types are:
friends. A teacher and student discussing an
1. Verbal Communication assignment. A patient and a doctor discussing a
treatment. A manager and a potential employee
Verbal communication is the most common and
during an interview.
direct form of communication, primarily involving
the use of spoken or written words. It includes face- 3. Small Group communication is communication
to-face conversations, telephone conversations, within formal or informal groups or teams. It is group
video calls, speeches, presentations, and written interaction that results in decision making, problem
documents such as emails, reports, and letters. Verbal solving and discussion within an organization.
communication relies on language to convey
• Examples would be a group planning a
messages and information.
surprise birthday party for someone. A team working
together on a project.
Two Types of Verbal Communication 4. One-to-group communication involves a speaker
who seeks to inform, persuade or motivate an
a. Oral Communication – spoken words are used;
audience.
- it includes face-to-face conversations, speech,
video, voice over, internet;
• Examples are a teacher and a class of -Choose short, familiar, and conversational words
students. A preacher and a congregation. A speaker depending on the situation.
and an assembly of people in the auditorium.
5. Completeness
5. Mass communication is the electronic or print
-The message is complete when it contains all the
transmission of messages to the general public.
facts the reader or listener needs for the reaction you
Outlets called mass media include things like radio,
desire.
television, film, and printed materials designed to
reach large audiences. -Able to answer all the questions.
• A television commercial. A magazine article. -Providing extra or additional information and
Hearing a song on the radio. elaboration if necessary.
6. Coherence
PRINCIPLES OF COMMUNICATION -The communication should be both consistent and
in logical.
Principles consist of the validated guidelines that are
used in performing different tasks or functions to -All terms of the message should be interconnected
achieve pre-defined goals. These principles guide in and relevant to the message being conveyed.
forming message, its style and importance so that it
becomes more effective for the target audience. -The flow of the message should be in order to be
able to understand by the receiver.
The Seven (7) Cs of Communication
7. Concreteness
1. Conciseness
-Being specific, definite, and vivid rather than vague
-Concise in communication means that one should and general or unclear in conveying the message.
stick to the point and keep it brief.
-Use specific facts and figures to strengthen the
-The message or information should be articulated message or idea.
completely in such way that it is forwarded to the
desired audience or receivers in fewer words or -The clear and particular message defines a concrete
signals. message.

-Avoiding “filler words”

2. Courtesy
-True courtesy involves being aware not only of the
perspective of others, but also their feelings.
-The sender should show respect to the audience or
receiver.
-Avoiding expressions that might hurt, irritate or
insult the receiver.
3. Correctness
-The core of correctness is proper grammar,
punctuation, and spelling.
-Using the right level of language and acceptable
writing mechanics.
-Choose a non-discriminatory language.
-Accuracy of facts, figures, and words.
4. Clarity
-The message being conveyed must be clear.
-Getting the meaning from your head to the head of
your reader.