ENG 101: Purposive Communication in English

Communication Processes, Principles and Ethics

I.​ Lesson Proper

I.1​ DEFINE THE CONCEPT OF COMMUNICATION, ITS NATURE AND TYPES

Communication is derived from the Latin word “communicare”, which means to share or
to make common (Weekley, 1967); and “communis”, which means common.

is the exchange of meanings between individuals through a common

system of symbols (Britannica, 2024).

is used to share information with others by speaking, writing, moving your

body, or using other signals, i.e. hands, and emotions (Cambridge
Dictionary).

Scientific and technological breakthroughs have sparked a renewed focus on human

communication. Early inventions like the telegraph and telephone dramatically changed
how we connect, followed by wireless radio, telephoto devices, and more. The emergence
of mass media, including newspapers, periodicals, broadcasting, film, and television, not
only revolutionized communication but also created new institutions and cultural norms.
These media enabled efficient and rapid communication between a few individuals and
large audiences, leading to the rise and influence of mass communication. (Britannica,
2024).

Nature of Communication
1.​ Communication is a schema driven. Where messages can be derived from the
experiences or background knowledge stored in the brain.
2.​ Communication is irreversible. Whatever message was sent, it can never be undone
and may impact the listener, whether attempted to retrieve, repeat, or reverse.
3.​ Communication can be verbal, nonverbal, or both. Verbal communication depicts
messages used with words, while nonverbal communication involves the body and
other objects.
4.​ Communication can be internal or external. Internal, or intrapersonal communication
is talking to oneself without putting thoughts into words. What was written, spoken or
items that give impressions are external communication.
5.​ Communication can be between two people as well as within groups. Extending
communication with other people is also known as intrapersonal communication.

Types of Communication
1.​ Verbal communication. Any type of interaction that makes use of spoken words and
may include extra-linguistic components such as inflection and tone when one speaks.
Words in verbal communication can possess denotative or connotative meanings.
2.​ Non-verbal communication. Constitutes of body language that may convey messages
i.e. gestures, facial expressions, reactions, and self-presentations.
3.​ Written communication. Uses codified language or accepted writing system of a
certain culture allowing a wider reach of audience eliminating the need for speech.
4.​ Visual communication. Involves skills in visualization through materials that are more
seen than read, by using symbols, graphs, charts, logos, etc.
GE 5: Purposive Communication in English
Module 1, Week 1: Communication Processes, Principles and Ethics

1.2 DEMONSTRATE UNDERSTANDING OF THE COMMUNICATION ELEMENTS,

PROCESS AND PRINCIPLES

Elements of Communication
1.​ Sender or the Source– the person responsible for initiating in communicating a
message.
2.​ Receiver – the person who accepts the message and must translate, process, and
determine how to respond to the sender.
3.​ Message – a communication or statement conveyed from one person or group to
another.
4.​ Channel – a medium used to transport messages between the source and receiver, i.e.
in-person, via technology, or the like.
5.​ Noise or barrier– an interference or disturbance that takes place during the
communication process, this may take different forms such as (a) Physical barriers, (b)
Natural or Environmental barriers, or (c) Language barriers.
6.​ Feedback – the process of determining the message has been properly received which
can be initiated by the sender or receiver, this may be a positive or negative feedback.
This can also provide an opportunity for clarification.
7.​ Context –another way of considering the setting of communication, this is focused on
the factors in determining the meaning of the message.
Communication point-of-view has four (4) keywords: (a) process, (b)
understanding, (c) sharing, and (d) meaning.
a.​ Process – the act of knowing how the communication takes place to
understand the context.
b.​ Understanding – this relates to the perception and interpretation of what we
already know about the message delivered (McLean, 2003).
c.​ Sharing – also known as intrapersonal communication, or how the thoughts,
feelings, ideas, or insights other people may have contributed to the
message.
d.​ Meaning – the discovery of the meaning of the message and understanding
it.
The Process of Communication

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GE 5: Purposive Communication in English
Module 1, Week 1: Communication Processes, Principles and Ethics

1.​ The sender or communicator acts as the information source which selects the desired
message.
2.​ The encoder acts as the transmitter which converts the message into signals.
3.​ The decoder serves as the reception place of the signal that converts signals into
messages.
4.​ The receiver is the destination of the message sent by the sender.

The messages are transferred from encoder to decoder through the channel, and the
process may encounter noise/barrier that may affect the flow of messages or may cause
miscommunication. ([Link])

The 7Cs of Communication

1.​ Clear. The ability to be clear about the goal or the message sent to communicate.
2.​ Concise. The act of sticking to a certain point and keeping the idea brief.
3.​ Concrete. Important details were emphasized and focused.
4.​ Correct. Avoiding errors and mistakes in communication.
5.​ Coherent. All ideas and points are logical and relevant to the topic of the message.
6.​ Complete. The information and points are complete and ready to be taken action.
7.​ Courteous. No hidden insults or passive-aggressive tones avoiding double-meaning
interpretations making communication open and honest.

The Principles of Effective Communication

1.​ Principle of Clarity - the idea or message to be communicated should be spelled out,
and no ambiguity in the message.
2.​ Principle of Attention - to make communication effective, the receiver’s attention
should be drawn towards the message.
3.​ Principle of Feedback - there should be feedback information from the recipient to
know whether he has understood the message in the same sense in which the sender
has meant it.
4.​ Principle of Informality - formal communication is generally used for transmitting
messages and other information but sometimes it may not achieve the desired results,
so informal communication may prove effective in such situations.
5.​ Principle of Consistency - this principle states that communication should always be
consistent with the policies, plans, and objectives of the organization and not in conflict
with them.
6.​ Principle of Timeliness - this principle states that communication should be done at
the proper time so that it helps in implementing plans.
7.​ Principle of Adequacy - the information communicated should be adequate and
complete in all respects for making proper decisions and making action plans.
1.3. Ethics of Communication
​ Definition
Ethical Communication means sharing information in a way that is honest, clear, open, and
respectful. It ensures that messages are truthful and responsible, helping to build trust and
understanding. In an organizational setting, communication ethics follows a company’s code of
conduct and supports its values.
Key Elements of Ethical Communication
GE 5: Purposive Communication in English
Module 1, Week 1: Communication Processes, Principles and Ethics

1. Honesty and Transparency - Being truthful means presenting all relevant information
without misleading or omitting key details. Even a small omission can change how a message
is understood, leading to misunderstandings. Ethical communicators ensure that their
messages are 100% accurate and transparent, allowing others to make informed decisions.
This honesty builds trust, whether within an organization or in business relationships with
stakeholders and customers.
2. Clarity and Consistency - making sure the message is clear and consistent. A message
should not change depending on the audience or situation unless there is a valid reason.
Miscommunication can arise from unclear wording, vague statements, or inconsistent
messaging, leading to confusion or even misconduct. Keeping messages direct and uniform
helps prevent miscommunication and ensures that all parties are on the same page.
3. Respect and Inclusivity - Communicating ethically requires being mindful of how
messages are framed so that they are inclusive and do not alienate or offend any group.
Respectful communication fosters an open environment where people feel valued and heard,
reducing the risk of conflicts or misinterpretations.
4. Accessibility and Understanding - Ensuring that an audience can fully understand a
message is a key ethical principle. This means using language that is appropriate for the
listener’s fluency level and avoiding unnecessary jargon. If technical terms must be used, they
should be explained clearly. Additionally, communicators should consider any potential
barriers, such as language disparities or lack of access to technology, and take steps so that
everyone can receive and comprehend the information being shared.
5. Responsibility and Accountability - This means being aware of how information is
presented and ensuring it does not lead to unintended consequences. If a mistake is made,
taking accountability and correcting the error promptly is essential. Trust and credibility are
built when businesses and individuals own their words and actions.
BEST PRACTICES: COMMUNICATION ETHICS
1. Speak the Truth
2. Listen with Intent
3. Be Respectful and Non-Judgmental
4. Use Personal Experience to Enhance Communication
5. Choose the Right Communication Channel
6. Think Before Responding
7. Maintain a Professional Tone
8. Respect Turn-Taking in Conversations
9. Protect Confidentiality and Privacy
10. Take Responsibility for Your Words
11. Consider Your Audience
12. Keep Language Simple and Clear
13. Ensure Accessibility
14. Use Multiple Communication Modes
15. Account for Disability and Inclusion
16. Be Transparent About Data Collection
17. Stand Up for Ethical Communication