GE 2
PRINCIPLES Fundamental Assumptions or Rules
Fundamental norms, rules, or values that represent what is desirable and positive for a person, group,
organization, or community, and help it in determining the rightfulness or wrongfulness of its actions.
Principles are more basic than policy and objectives, and are meant to govern both.
A fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or
for a chain of reasoning.
Relevance -the quality or state of being closely connected or appropriate.
Be Positive- Formulate your message with an open and positive attitude.
Choose the best Medium- an agency or means of doing something.
Study your Audience-The assembled spectators or listeners at a public event such as a play, film,
concert, or meeting.
Be Enthusiastic- Having or showing intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval.
Maintain an intense focus- The centre of interest or activity.
ETHNOCENTRISM
Ethnocentrism-The Webster Third international Dictionary defines ethnocentrism as a habitual
disposition to judge foreign peoples or group by the standard and practices of one’s own culture or
ethnic group.
Ethnocentrism
It is a belief that one’s own practice is the proper way of life
People from another country tend to judge those coming from other countries, based on their
standards, cultural practices, values and beliefs thus, the tendency to look down upon the culture of
other peoples, resulting in inaccurate assumptions.
What are the possible effects of ethnocentrism to intercultural and global communication?
BIAS
It is the inclination, predisposition or partiality towards something. Bias connotes favorable impression
towards a culture or belief.
PREJUDICE
Is the opposite of bias. Prejudice is defined as an adverse judgement or opinion formed beforehand,
without knowledge or the facts.
DISCRIMINATION
Is the unfair treatment of a person or group as a consequence of an adverse judgement or opinion of a
culture.
LOYALTY
Ethnocentrism can cement loyalty within the same social group or people belonging to the same society.
MISCOMMUNICATION
Communication is affected by either bias or prejudice, positive or negative. Bias impression , thus
facilitate better communication. On the other hand, pre-judgement of one culture brought about by
prejudice could lead to misunderstanding.
DIVISION
Unity could not be achieved among different culture under a situation where prejudice abounds. If
people have adverse assumptions about foreign peoples or groups, this could adversely affect
communication and thus lead to division, or even worse to conflict or at extreme war.
CULTURAL RELATIVISM
The concept relativism implies that a person’s beliefs and practices should be perceived by others, in the
context of his culture.
This also means not judging yours. Similarly, we should appreciate the cultural practices of other
societies in the context of culture. Thus, understanding fully one’s belief s and practices would require a
study of his/her cultureFor cross-cultural communication to succeed, it is helpful for one to think about
the culture of other countries in such a way that we could appreciate their practices in light of their
beliefs.
CULTURAL APPRECIATION
Cultural Appreciation happens when a person attempts to appreciate and study about another culture,
for one to widen his understanding and relate with others in a cross-cultural setting. Cultural
appreciation could facilitate cross cultural understanding and communication.
Cultural Appropriation is taking one component of a practice belonging to another culture using it for a
purpose.
Successful Communication in an international and intercultural Setting
GLOBAL AWARENESS- One should be knowledgeable of developments and issues obtaining in countries
around the world.
CULTURAL SENSITIVITY- To be and effective communicator, we have to know, accept and respect the
culture of our audience/reader.
CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE AND COMPETENCE- This quality relates to the capability of a person to adjust
to and cope with the situation in which differences in culture and beliefs had been observed.
RESPECT FOR THE CULTURE AND BELIEFS OF OTHERS- Our success in our relationship with others hinges
on our respect for their culture and beliefs.
Speak & Write for a PurposeCastigador, A. C. (2018)
What is the essence of communication?
Communication thus, seemed to be as vital as the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we
drink. Communication means survival of the human race.
How does one become a good communicator?
That leads us to the need to understand the dynamics of communication.
The following slides contain the elements of communication, and its ethics.
The 5 Elements of Communication
Communication is composed of five elements:
1. the sender, 2. the message, 3. the channel, 4. the receiver, and 5. the feedback.
1. The Sender- The sender is the first element of communication, the origin of the communication. A
good sender should be effective in formulating his message, whether this be in verbal form (spoken) or
non-verbal form (written, signals, body movements).
A good sender should be able to know and understand the channel in which he/she could send the
message through. A good sender should be able to study the channel by which he/she could use to send
the message. A good sender should know and understand the receiver of his message.
2. The Message- A good message should be clear for it to be easily understood. It should be specific;
meaning it should be definite and distinctive. A definite or distinctive message is one that is free from
any doubt.
3. The Channel-A good channel is one which could transmit the message clearly, faithfully, and
efficiently. The channel should be able to transmit the message exactly/accurately ~ neither less nor
more.
4. The Receiver-A good receiver is someone who is a good listener who could comprehend the message
one who is free from any emotional or psychological baggage that could affect the accuracy of the
message.
Successful communication requires certain ethical rules for a communicator to follow.
Andrew Button
(https://biz.fluent.cpm/info, retrieved 02-20-2018) suggests 4 basic rules to observe:
Honesty
Openness to other views
Commitment
Consensus building
1. Honesty-Webster defines this as act, quality, or condition of being truthful.
Button opines that honesty is more than just not lying. It is being open and offering whatever
information you have.
It is also equated with trust.
2. Openness to other views-Willingness to be open to views
An environment where people are not free to express their ideas, especially if they may be unpopular is
not an ethical environment. The free flow of communication is vital to the welfare and development of
an organization, and of the country for that matter.
4. Build Consensus-CONENSUS is a general agreement among the members of a given group or
community.
Ethical communication should lead to consensus.
Let them decide if they will be having a panel discussion or a debate based on their creativity.
Present the rubric for them to be guided accordingly.
The Essence of Communication
Communication can be defined as the exchange of an information, thought and emotion between
individuals of groups, in other words, communication plays a fundamental role in balancing individual
and organizational objectives (BOYACI, 1996, p. 3-5).
The Elements of Communication
The Sender
The Messgae
The Channel
The Reciever
The Feedback
SENDER
-1st Element of Communication, the origin of communication.
-In the communication process, the sender is the individual who initiates a message and is often called
the communicator or source of communication. (Richard Nordquist,2018)
MESSAGE- Good sender should be effective in formulating his message. Whether this to be in verbal
(spoken) or non-verbal (written, signals, body movements).
The definition of a message is a short communication sent from one person to another or the central
theme or idea of a communication. (LoveToKnow 1996-2018)
CHANNEL- a message is defined as information conveyed by words (in speech or writing), and/or
other signs and symbols. A message (verbal or nonverbal—or both) is the content of the communication
process. (Nordquist,2018)
Communication channels refer to the way this information flows within the organization and with
other organizations.
a way of giving, directing, or communicating something:
FEEDBACK -The observation of the receiver’s response is called feedback. In other words, the part of the
receiver’s response communicated back to the sender is called feedback. (Bizcom, 2015).
RECEIVER- the receiver is the listener, reader, or observer—that is, the individual (or the group of
individuals) to whom a message is directed. The one, who interpret the sender's message both verbal
and nonverbal, with as little distortion as possible.
The Ethics of Communication
HONESTY-Honesty in communication is essential because it is equated with trust.
If you're always honest, it means you're truthful and sincere no matter what.
OPENESS TO OTHER VIEWS-Accommodating attitude or opinion, as in receptivity to new ideas,
behaviors, cultures, peoples, environments, experiences, etc., different from the familiar, conventional,
traditional, or one's own.
COMMITMENT-the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc.
Is a promise or agreement to do something.
BUILD CONSENSUS- is a general agreement among the members of given group of community, each of
which exercises some discretion in decision-making.
- Consensus implies that everyone accepts and supports the decision, and understands the reasons for
making it.
Suggestions for gaining self-confidence
1. Make sure you arrive early to settle yourself.
Try to visit the venue of your speech beforehand.
Do a final but quick rehearsal of your speech and test the equipment you will use.
2. Use a powerful opening statement.
Tell a joke or share a striking statement, something that will startle your audience.
Effective speakers use words that appeal to the audience, fit the occasion, and appropriate to the
topic.
3. A speaker should deliver his speech with reasonable pacing.
You may record your speech and listen to your pacing; if you are speaking faster than the anchor
person on the news, that means you are going too fast.
4. Use small notes as a guide.
Notes help the speaker keep on track and therefore they should be bullet points with not more than
3-4 words per point.
Glance at your notes but look at your audience as you speak.
5. Approach the rostrum with enthusiasm.
When you stand up to speak, wait for a few seconds for that silence to descend on the room.
When you know you have your audience’s attention then you can start your presentation.
6. Your sincerity is very important
Your audience could hear and feel it if you are sincere and will truly appreciate you for it; but could be
turned off by an insincere gesture or expression.
7. Start with your strongest points.
You could start citing/stressing points where you agree with your audience and then carefully working
your way towards your most decisive and daring points.
Generally, you should come straight out and present your strongest point at the outset of your
speech.
8. Get to the point.
An effective delivery is direct in that it requires the speaker to connect personally with listeners by
building rapport.
9. Appeal to your audience’s emotions.
Tap into their feelings, using words that touch them, e.g. love, happiness, and exciting experience.
10. Maintain eye contact with your audience.
Humans respond to eye contact. Your audience expects to be able to see a speaker when he/she is
excited.
11.keep your audience involved. - Charts, graphs, relevant quotations, and anecdotes are time-proven
techniques of ensuring the interest of your audience.
12. Deliver your speech as natural as possible.
Eye contact is essential to sustain your rapport with your audience. Try to feel your audience and
sensitive to their culture, beliefs and practices.
13. Vary the tone of your voice.
Control your voice: your volume, pitch, pace, pauses, variety, diction and pronunciation.
Emphasize important points by increasing your volume and intensity to make an important point
distinct from other parts of your speech.
14. Use gestures and non-verbal cues.
It helps to clarify the meaning of your points but emphasize what you feel is the most significant part
of your speech.
15. Remember that your audience wants your conclusions.
Take your time to present thoroughly your main points but program the delivery of your speech
according to the schedule, to manage your time.
Presenting a Report
Tips for Oral Presentations
Choose a topic.- Select a topic that would be most interesting to your audience. In the choice of a
subject, be audience-centered by studying their interests and anticipating the impact of your report to
them.
Organize your oral presentation.- It would be good to keep an outline of your oral report and use this
as a presentation map. You could share to your audience the outset of your oral report and which you
could follow in delivering your report.
Keep your report short and simple. - Tackle the key points as briefly but as substantially as you can.
Your report would be best appreciated if you limit your discussion to the “essentials” and ensure that
you keep your presentation within the time frame.
Use examples- To illustrate your main points, especially if you are dealing with a technical topic,
which could not be easily understood by your audience.
Prepare well for your presentation. - If you are ready, that would give you the confidence and make
you overcome whatever fear you have. Always target for mastery of your presentation at least three
days before the appointed time. Then do a final rehearsal the day before your presentation
engagement.
Use simple notes to guide you.- Do not depend too much on your notes. Remember your notes are
your guidepost, but make sure not to read the entire text for you to maintain eye contact with your
audience.
Maintain a friendly and conversational style.- Think that you are just normally talking to your friends,
and share them an interesting topic.
The Four Cs:
(How to give a good oral presentation)
calm
confident
concise
clear
Focus on your purpose & your reader
1.Writing to Inform- Writing to inform requires the use of certain principles such as truthfulness,
accuracy and timeliness. As a writer, it is your responsibility to ensure that the contents of your write
up are based on factual observations.
Writing to inform requires the use of certain principles such as truthfulness, accuracy and timeliness.
As a writer, it is your responsibility to ensure that the contents of your write up are based on factual
observations.
2. Writing to Educate- The writer must be able to address his write up to the heart of his readers for
the purpose of winning their hearts – of teaching them something.
The writer must ensure that his/her write up is able to mold, to change and to develop his readers.
3. Writing to Convince/Persuade- Conviction is appeal to the intellect, which means to encourage your
reader to believe what you have written using factual information and arguments that are valid and
logical. Persuasion is making your readers believe or accept your ideas using information that would
touch on their feelings such as joy/happiness, pity, guilt, hunger, fear, etc.
4. Writing to Communicate- It is important for a writer to consider five elements in communication as
follows: The sender
The message
The channel
The receiver
The feedback
5.Writing to Entertain- They expect action, emotion, a world filled with events that couldn’t possibly
happen in their lives. Readers want to imagine themselves as stronger or braver or more talented
than they’ve had occasion to be in the non-fictional world.
COMMON LOGICAL FALLACIES
A fallacy is the use of invalid or otherwise faulty reasoning, or "wrong moves" in the construction of
an argument.
Hasty Generalization/Sweeping Generalization- This is making assumptions about a whole group or
range of cases based on a sample that is inadequate. Examples:
frat boys are drunkards
grad students are nerdy
women don’t enjoy sports
Non Sequitur (it doesn’t follow) - The writer’s conclusion is not necessarily a logical result of the facts.
In short, it makes no sense. Examples:
Maria drives a car. She must be a wealthy person.
David eats broccoli. David should love to eat meat.
Begging the Question - This is a logical fallacy in which the writer or speaker assumes the statement
under examination to be true. Examples:
Freedom of speech is important because people should be able to speak freely.
The death penalty is wrong because killing people is immoral.
Red Herring or Ignoratio elenchi (ignorance of the argument)- Is a kind of fallacy that is an irrelevant
topic introduced in an argument to divert the attention of the listeners or readers from the original
issue. Example:
Kid:
Mom, I want that toy!
Mom: Honey, let’s rush home. Yummy treat for you.
Argument ad Hominem(to the man)- This invalid reasoning happens when an argument assails the
character of a person instead of then beliefs he stands for. Example:
Using someone’s educational level as a means to exploit and degrade the opposer’s argument
– “You didn’t even finish high school - how could you possibly know about this?”
Argumentum ad Populum( to the People)- The writer evades the issues by appealing to the reader’s
emotional reactions to certain subjects. Example:
A commercial claims that 3 out of 4 dentists would choose this particular brand of toothpaste
for their own families to use.
Either or Fallacy- It refers to presenting two opposing options in a situation, in such a way that they
seem to be the only available options. When only two choices are presented yet more exist, or a
spectrum of possible choices exists between two extremes.
Examples:
- Drink water every day and be healthy or continue to drink sodas and be unhealthy.
Either you buy me this new book, or you decide that reading is not important at all.
We must decide if we are going to support school choice or if we are going to support
failing schools.
You are for us, or you are against us.
You either support Hillary Clinton for President or you don't believe in women's rights.
Straw Man- Straw man occurs when someone argues that a person holds a view that is actually not
what the other person believes. Instead, it is a distorted version of what the person believes. So,
instead of attacking the person's actual statement or belief, it is the distorted version that is
attacked.Example: Caroline says that she thinks her friends should not be so rude to the new girl.
Jenna says that she cannot believe that Caroline is choosing to be better friends with the new
girl than the girls who have always known her.
Example: Pamela is the class secretary.
She says that she thinks that the class should do more service projects.
Mark says he can't believe that Pamela doesn't support the annual school dance.Example;
Person 1:
I think pollution from humans contributes to climate change.
Person 2:
So, you think humans are directly responsible for extreme weather, like hurricanes,
and have caused the droughts in the southwestern U.S.? If that’s the case, maybe we just need to go
to the southwest and perform a “rain dance.”
False Analogy- An analogy is a comparison of two things that are unlike, except for one feature. An
analogy proposes that two concepts which are similar (A and B) have a common relationship to some
property. Example: - To say humans are immortal is like saying a car can run forever.
- If one were to listen to only one kind of music or eat only one kind of food, it would soon
become tasteless or boring.
- Smoking cigarettes is just like ingesting arsenic into your system. Both have been shown to
be causally related to death.
Oversimplification- Oversimplification is a fallacy of questionable cause that occurs when it is
assumed that there is a single, simple cause of an outcome. Example:
Corruption among the police can be stopped by increasing their salary.
Example: - Education today isn't as good as it used to be - obviously, our teachers are not doing their
jobs.
- Since the new president took office, the economy has been improving - obviously, he is doing
a good job and is an asset to the nation.
Slippery Slope- It is an argument that suggests taking a minor action will lead to major and sometimes
ludicrous consequences. Example:
If you allow the students to redo this test, they are going to want to redo every assignment for
the rest of the year.
Argumentum ad baculum (fear of force)- The fallacy committed when one appeals to force or the
threat of force to bring about the acceptance of a conclusion.
Post ergo propter hoc (after this, therefore because of this) - Is a fallacy in which one event is said to
be the cause of a later event simply because it occurred earlier. Example:
When one says he had a bad morning because a black cat crossed his way, an error in
reasoning arises because there is no scientific proof that a black cat causes bad luck.
Fallacy of Reduction - It identifies one reason for a problem but does not consider other possible
causes. Example:
He became successful because of good luck.
Good luck certainly is one factor for success but there may be other reasons not the least of
them is prayer.
Argumentum ad miserecordiam (argument from pity or misery) - It is committed when pity or a
related emotion such as sympathy or compassion is appealed to for the sake of getting a conclusion
accepted. Example:
I am a widow in poor health and if all of my children were drafted, sent to a war and killed, I
would not be able to cope.
Two things make a right- It occurs when someone argues that a course of action is justified because
the other person has done the same or would do the same if given a chance. Examples:
A father tells his son not to hit others, but that if they hit him first, it's okay.
When Cory gets caught for speeding, he tells the police officer that three people just passed him
traveling faster than he was.
The complex question- It is a form of misleading discourse, and it is a fallacy when the audience does
not detect the assumed information implicit in the question and accepts it as a fact. Examples:
How many times per day do you beat your wife?
Why did you kill the man?
False cause- A false cause fallacy occurs when one cites to sequential events as evidence that the first
caused the second. A causes B (without real proof that this causal relationship actually exists).
Examples:
Every day, I eat cereal for breakfast. One time, I had a muffin instead, and there was a major
earthquake in my city. I've eaten cereal ever since.
It is dark now, which makes it very dangerous.
The Dynamics of Writing- Writing is a medium of human communication that represents language and
emotion with signs and symbols. In most languages, writing is a complement to speech or spoken
language.
Characteristics of Good Writing
Good writing is guided by a purpose.- Always set a goal and bear it in mind as you prepare your
writing project. Having a definite goal can give you a clear basis and direction of what you are going to
write.
Good writing is clear to the readers.- The basic principle to follow is “KISS-C” – Keep it Short and
Simple but Catchy.
Good writing has good diction or word choice.- The writer should choose words that are specific, easy
to understand and appealing to your readers.
Words By Claude Cox
Words that are softly spoken,
Can build a world of charm.
Words of tender passion,
Can rescue a soul from harm.
Words of wondrous beauty,
Like silver imbedded in gold,
Can lift the brokenhearted
To heavenly joys untold.
Words of love and comfort,
Can calm a stormy sea.
Words of courage and wisdom,
Bring wonderful peace to me.
Words of hope and sunshine,
Fill the heart and soul.
Wonderful words how precious,
Are worth a future of gold.
Good writing is organized and consistent.- A well organized piece of writing is not only clear, it’s
presented in a way that is logically and aesthetically pleasing. Striving for consistency is a simple but
important way to make comprehension easier.
Good writing is accurate- Accuracy is synonymous with correctness, exactness or preciseness.
Proofreading and editing must be done to make your write-up much more reliable and valid.
Good writing is convincing/persuasive.- In other words, it should appeal to your readers. Appeal is
defined as “the power to attract the mind or the emotions”.
Good writing is stimulating. A write-up must be appealing, encouraging and/or must have an arousing
interest.
IMPLICATIONS OF GLOBALIZATION TO COMMUNICATION
Communication Competence- One factor in the success of an individual, including success in business.
However, globalization has created a big impact in dramatic ways on the way people communicate.
Part of this global development is the advent of the fourth industrial revolution, which brought about
massive developments in information technology, including artificial intelligence.
Nowadays, one needs not to fly to other countries just to conduct meetings. It is now possible to do
teleconferencing. Moreover, one can communicate via email, skype, viber, facebook, instagram, and
twitter, etc. and study via learning management systems.
These developments also entail changes in the way we communicate, although the same ethical
considerations and principles would hold true.
VIRTUAL INTERACTIONS- Around ten or so years ago, one has to make an overseas call to
communicate with a friend or relative in foreign country. Nowadays, through the use of the internet
and gadgets, communicating to any part of the world has become as easy as the click of a finger. The
channel of communication has become doubly efficient brought about by the availability of numerous
service providers offering internet, cable TV, and mobile telephone facilities.
BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS- One can do teleconferencing with a business partner abroad without
spending much for travel. Thus, promotions, marketing and selling products across the globe has
become easy and very quick because of virtual communication.
Moreover, because of the availability of quick communication facilities, information flow has been
significantly facilitated and decision-making has become faster.
SOCIAL MEDIA POWER- The advent of advanced communication technology promoted the
“massification” of information, views, research studies, opinions, and prototypes. Where before
society is fragmented because of geographic separation, now a global society has become a reality
courtesy of social media.
Consequently, the political, economic, and social impact of this communication revolution could only
be unimaginable because the world has virtually shrunk like an apple due to the speed by which
communication could be transmitted.
Delivering a Powerful Speech
1. Make a memorable speech.- The experience of successful speeches tells us than an audience may
only remember a single line.
“There are three things to aim at in public speaking: first, to get into your subject, then to get your
subject into yourself, and lastly, to get your subject into the heart of your audience.” – Alexander
Gregg
Important tips to deliver a memorable speech.
1. Have a point.- Having too many messages creates the same problem as having none.
2. Connect, connect, connect.- Even though you're doing most of the talking, it's best to think of a
speech as two-way conversation.
2. Observe a structure in your speech. - There are two things an audience expect from a speaker: a
clear direction and a destination. It would be wise to present a short outline of your speech right at
the start.
3. Exploit the opening of your speech.- If you could win the attention of your audience right at the
beginning, then “half of the battle was won”.
4. Begin with the right tone. - In writing your speech, make sure that you meet the expectations of
your listeners, regardless of the nature of your speech: to educate, inform, motivate, entertain, or
even challenge.
5. Be convinced with your message.-Your non-verbal cues and style of delivery will leave the biggest
impression among your audience.
6. . Emphasize important points. - In writing your speech, repeat your important points to leave a
lasting impression. The same principle can apply in putting across your message. Repeat your
important points.
7. Connect the important points of your speech by using conjunctions.- Silence gets the attention of
your audience; and this technique creates anticipation among them. It gives them cue that an
important point is about to be presented.
8. Integrate some theatrics.- Audiences that aren't engaged simply won't be receptive to your
message and the action you want them to take.
9. Observe the “KISS” rule.- The more you prolong your speech then, the more likely they are going to
lose interest. Remember: they are the men of the hour, not you!
10. Conclude your speech with a bang.- You can explore the use of interesting video clips that abound
in the internet. Relevant quotations could also be used to summarize your important message. To
recap your biggest point, you can narrate a success story.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMMUNICATION
„ Intrapersonal Communication
„ Interpersonal Communication
„ Group Communication
„ Mass Communication
TYPES OF COMMUNICATION ACCORDING TO THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE INVOLVED
INTRAPERSONAL COMMUNICATION-The communication is done from within. It is centered on
communicating with the self.
For this type of communication, you are the only sender - receiver. Messages mostly include
personal thoughts and feelings
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION- Interpersonal communication refers to the type of
communication done between two people. This may also include more than two people.
The different elements of the communication process comes into play in this type of
communication. There is a sender and receiver. Messages are transmitted from one person to
another through verbal and non-verbal communication.
GROUP COMMUNICATION-Group communication is also referred to as “small group communication.”
For this type of communication, there are several senders and receivers of messages.
Examples of group communication are highly evident especially in a
work setting, where interaction with other people to solve problems is essential.
MASS COMMUNICATION- Mass communication refers to public communication transmitted
electronically. Through this, different messages are sent across billions of people all over the globe.
To make this possible, different means of communication are used such as newspapers, radio,
television, and the Internet
Verbal communication refers to the type of communication that makes use of words. Anything that
is uttered orally or written through the use of words constitute verbal communication.
TYPES OF COMMUNICATION ACCORDING TO THE MEDIUM EMPLOYED
1. Oral Communication - Message is transmitted through spoken words. You talk to send a message
across and you listen to understand the meaning communicated by other people.
Oral communication takes place, not only in face-to-face communication, but also
through other mediums, such as televisions, radios, and telephones wherein words are spoken to
send meaning.
2. Written Communication - Written communication makes use of written signs or symbols. Message
is read to be understood.
Written communication can either be handwritten, printed, or shown on screen.
Examples of written communication can be found in letters, reports, e-mails, etc.
Non-Verbal
Non-verbal communication refers to how we communicate using wordless messages. Instead of
using words, may it be spoken orally or written, message is conveyed through signs and symbols.
TYPES OF COMUNICATION ACCORDING TO THE MEDIUM EMPLOYED
Non-verbal – communication is manifested through a person’s gesture, posture, tone of voice, facial
expressions, etc.
It is extremely important to be conscious with your non-verbal communication since it may
contradict your verbal messages.
Kinesics- is the study of how our own body movement and facial expressions communicate different
meanings.
„
The way people sit or stand
„
Any swaying or other movement
„
Gestures with their arms or hands
„
Eye contact (or lack thereof)
„
Breathing rate
„
Swallowing or coughing
„
„
Blushing
Fidgeting
Haptics is the study of touch. This includes actions such as handshakes, kisses, and hugs. How you
touch other people may show your relationship with the person.
Vocalics is the study of paralanguage. This refers to how vocal qualities such as pitch, rate, volume,
vocal quality, and verbal fillers affect presentation of verbal messages.
Through paralanguage, we are provided important context to clearly understand verbal content of
speech.
Proxemics refers to the study of space and how it affects communication.
We all have our own definitions of our “personal space”, and this may depend on the context and
the relationship that we have with other people.
Personal Presentation and Environment- Lastly, how you present yourself has a direct relation on
how people see you. How people see you affect the way they understand and accept the messages
you are trying to send across.
Personal presentation is divided into two more components: our physical
characteristics and the artifacts that we surround ourselves.
Conversing with a Purpose
Techniques in Making a Conversation Productive and Meaningful
1. Think of the advantages of conversing with someone, rather than your fear.
Converse with a purpose: to establish friendship, to explore a business opportunity, to share brilliant
insights, to learn and for many other reasons.
2. Maintain a positive attitude. A positive attitude attracts positive reactions. Benthusiastic and
proactive. Start the conversation by saying something positive about the event, the situation or the
person you are talking to.
3.Be respectful and polite. Respect other people’s opinion, even if they are contrary to yours.
Some people could be “abrasive” and offensive in their language; thus, it would be to your advantage
not to reveal your emotions and displeasure.
4. Start the conversation by talking about a hot topic. Talk about the current and relevant issue or a
very interesting topic.
5. Allow somebody you are conversing with to talk about his interests, his career and his
accomplishments. After all, the list of things that are of interest to him/her might also be interesting
to you.
6. Raise interesting questions about the person you are talking with; but avoid asking too personal,
offensive and sensitive questions that may intrude into his/her privacy.
Asking about one’s company or career is an effective way of starting an interesting conversation.
7. Know how to direct and redirect the conversation to a topic that is meaningful to the person you
are conversing with and to you.
8. Be sensitive of the feelings and situation of the person you are talking with.
A conversation is a good start for a relationship. Do a very quick study of the profile of the person you
are talking to.
9. Be sincere. People will feel if you are not truthful and if you have hidden motives.
Know how to appreciate truly the person you are conversing with as well his affiliations and the things
associated with him/her.
10. Know how to listen. “I hate people who are talking while I’m interrupting.” Listening is keeping
genuine interest in and understanding what he/she is talking about.
11. Know how to end the conversation politely. Being sensitive with the person you are talking with
could give you a cue to end the conversation.