Module 1

Introduction to
Communication

After the learning engagements, the learners will be able to:

Define communication
Identify and explain the various communication modes and how they help
in expressing one‘s communication intents;
Distinguish thedifferences betweenandamong the
communication modes; and
Usethe communication modes appropriately depending on
the content of the communication situation

COMMUNICATION
Alexander (1984) stated that communication occurs when a sender expresses an emotion or a feeling,
creates an idea, or senses the need to communicate. The communication process is triggered when the
sender makes a conscious or an unconscious decision to share the message with another person—the
receiver. It is a process wherein the exchange of information between two or more people (Bernales, Balon
and Biligan, 2018). Keyton (2011) supported this notion of communication when he defined it as
Communication can be defined as the process of transmitting information and common understanding
from one person to another. For communication to succeed, both the participants must be able to
exchange information and understand each other. If this flow of information is interrupted or blocked
communication fails. The word communication is derived from the Latin word, ― “communis”, which
means common. In our everyday living, for a communication to be effectively transmitted, elements of
communication must be present and these include a) Speaker, b) Message, c) Receiver, d)
Channel, e) Feedback, and f) Communicative Situation.

Alexander (1984) further explains that every communicative act is based on something that conveys
meaning, and that conveyance is the message. The message may be either verbal (spoken or written) or
nonverbal (body language, physical appearance, or vocal tone). Messages may also come from the
context—or place and time—of the communication. For instance, if you choose to make a critical comment
to someone, the place and the time you choose to make that comment will make a big impact on how it will be
received.
 Moreover, every message is sent and received through one of our five senses—it is seen, heard,
touched, tasted, or smelled. The sensory media through which messages are sent and received are
communication channels. In a work setting, messages may be seen through body movement, letters, memos,
newsletters, bulletin board notices, signs, emails, and so on. Messages that are heard come through
conversations, interviews, presentations, telephones, radios, and other audio media. Sight and sound are the
two most frequent communication channels used in our society.

When the receiver gets the message (through seeing, hearing, feeling, touching, or smelling), he or she
will usually give feedback (return message) unconsciously or consciously. Thus, the communications
process is on-going.

The worst assumption a sender of a message can make is that the message will be received as intended.
So many things can go wrong during the communications process that we should always assume that
something will go wrong and take steps to prevent that occurrence. Barriers to good communications are
always present. For instance, the language itself can be a barrier—unclear wording, slang, jargon, the
tone. Another barrier is the failure of the sender to realize that his or her body language might contradict
the spoken message. The channel used to convey the message might be wrong. For instance, you would
not use the telephone to relay a lot of statistical information; you would need to write that message on paper.
Poor listening skills can constitute a barrier also (Alexander, 1984).

LESSON 1:
NATURE, DEFINITION AND COMPONENTS OF
COMMUNICATION
THINKING CAP ON

What do these quotes mean in relation to communication?

ll l i l P i and I had my choice of

keepingbutone, Iwouldunhesitatinglyaskthat Ibeallowed

My answer:
 l i -B

My answer:

li i l book a month, and write

the equivalent of a book a year‖- Walter Loban

My answer:

LET’S TAKE A LOOK

We are social beings and such; we feel an intense need to express our thoughts, feelings and
aspirations, doubts, questions, and fears. Equally intense is our need to be listened to. These
needs - to express and to be listened to – are basic or innate in all of us.

But as Ben Johnson, the English poet, has said, the ability to speak and the ability to speak well are
two different things.

Speaking well iscomparable toany skill inthe sensethat it can bedeveloped and enhanced. All that
you have to doisexpose yourself tovarious speaking situations. Listen well and study how effective
speakers express themselves.

―Learn from their strengths and practice whenever opportunities arise.‖

―Practice makes perfect‖
―If it is to be, it is up to me.‖
As much as 75% of the average person‘s day is spent communicating.

Those intechnical jobsare estimated to spendbetween 50% and90% of their work day engaged in
communication process

DEFINITIONS OF COMMUNICATION
1. Communication is a process by which we assign and convey meaning in an attempt to create
shared understanding.
 This process requires a vast repertoire of skills:
  Intrapersonal and  Speaking
interpersonal  Questioning
processing  Analyzing
 Listening  Evaluating
 Observing

2. It can be seen as processes of information transmission governed by three levels of semiotic

rules:
 Syntactic
 Pragmatic
 Semantic

3. It is therefore a social interaction where at least two interacting agents share a common set of signs
and a common set of semiotic rules.

4. The Oxford Advanced Learner‘s Dictionary defines communication, as the act of passing news,
information…, the act of sharing or exchanging thoughts, ideas, feelings with others or with a
group; the act of participating with or sharing in common, the ―we-belong-to-same-feeling‖ as
in communication with… or the act of thinking about oneself.

5. Communication is derived from the Latin word ‗communis,‘which means,

―Belonging to many‖ or ―equally‖ and ―communico‖ – to confer with others. It is the mutual
exchange of information, ideas, and understanding by any effective means (Ballesterros,
2003).

6. Communication refers to the process of human beings responding to the symbolic behavior of
other persons (Adler and Rodman, 1997).
 COMMUNICATION ISHUMAN.
 COMMUNICATION IS A PROCESS.
 COMMUNICATION IS SYMBOLIC.

7. The communication done by animals is relatively different from humans. The manner by which we
communicate or use different gestures, facial expression, etc. to communicate is different from the
dance that is done by bees to instruct their hive-mates on the location of food or the chimpanzees
that have beentaught toexpress themselves using signlanguage likedeaf humans.

8. We often talk about communication as if it occurred in discrete, individual acts. In fact

communication is a continuous, ongoing process. Consider, for example, a friend‘s compliment
about your appearance. Your interpretation of those words will depend on a long series of experiences
stretching far back in time: how have others judged your appearance? How do you feel about your
 looks? How honest has your friend been in the past? How have you been feeling about one
another recently? All of this history will help shape your response to the other person‘s remark.
In turn, the words you speak and the way you say them will shape the way your friend behaves
toward you and others- both in this situation and in the future.
 This example shows that it‘s inaccurate to talk about ―acts‖ of
communication as if they occurred in isolation. To put it differently, communication isn‘t
a series of incidents pasted together like photographs in a scrapbook; instead, it is more like a
motion picture in which the meaning comes from the unfolding of an interrelated series of
images. The fact that communication is a process is reflected in the transactional model.

9. Symbols are used to represent things, processes, ideas, or events in ways that make communication
possible. The most significant feature of symbols is their arbitrarynature. For example, there‘s
no logical reason why the letters in book should stand for the object you‘re reading in class.
Speakers of Spanish call it a libro, and Germans label it a Buch. Even in English, another term
would work just as well as long as everyone agreed to use it in the same way. We overcome the
arbitrary nature of symbols by linguistic rules and customs. Effective communication depends on
agreement among people about these rules. This is easiest to see when we observe people who
don‘t follow linguistic conventions. For example, recall how unusual the speech of children and
immigrant speakers of a language sounds.

10. In addition to this, nonverbal communication can have symbolic meaning. As with words, some
nonverbal behaviors, though arbitrary, have clearly agreed- upon meanings. For example, to most
North Americans placement of a thumb and first finger together while facing the palm of the hand
outward stands for the idea of something being ―OK.‖ But even more than words, many
nonverbal behaviors are ambiguous. Does a frown signify anger or unhappiness? Does a hug
stand for a friendly greeting or a symbol of the hugger‘s romantic interest in you? One can‘t
always be sure (Adler and Rodman, 1997).

Other Concepts of Communication

1. Allen Louis – Communication is the sum of all things (telling, listening and understanding). It
isa systematic activity under any given circumstances.
2. Henry Kuntz – Communication is the transferring of information from one person to another
whether or not he/she elicits that confidence.
3. George Terry – Communication is the exchange of ideals, feelings, and emotions between
two or more persons.
 4. Keith Davis – The purpose of passing information and understanding between two persons…
without the bridge of communication no one can cross theriver of understanding.

Types of Communication according to Mode

A message may be impart through these types; verbal-non-verbal and visual. While
communication is often thought of as verbal, the non-verbal mode is equally essential as it enhances
one‗s message.

A. VERBAL COMMUNICATION
(Linguistics) The process of sending and receiving messages with words, including writing
and sign language.
It refers to the form of communication in which message is transmitted verbally.
Communication is done by word of mouth and a piece of writing.

VERBAL COMMUNICATION: ORAL

 Spoken words are used
 It includes face-to-face conversations, speech, telephonic conversation, video, radio, television,
voice over internet.
 Communication is influenced by pitch, volume, speed and clarity of speaking.

Verbal Communication: Oral- Advantages

 It brings quick feedback.
 In a face-to-face conversation, by reading facial expression and body language one can guess
whether he/she should trust what‘s being said or not.
 It saves time incommunication.
 It is quick in obtaining feedback once delivered.
 It provides complete understanding of communication delivered and there is chance to make it
clearer in case of doubts in interpretation of words or ideas.
 It is more reliable method of communication.
 It is flexible and effective for all.
 It is powerful means of persuasion and control.
 It is cheaper way of communication and hence saves money.

Verbal Communication: Oral- Disadvantages

 It has issues when communicating with distant people.
 It is difficult for certain people to understand speech due to various speech tones used in verbal
communication.
 This form of communication is not suitable for lengthy message.
  There is chance of leak of secret information withthe help of modern devices such as polygraph or
lie detector. Often secret information can be obtained while the person is under the influence of
alcohol.

VERBAL COMMUNICATION: WRITTEN

 In written communication, written signs or symbols are used to communicate.
 In written communication message can be transmitted via email, letter, report, memo etc.
 Written communication is most common form of communication being used in
business.

Verbal Communication: Written- Advantages

 Messages can be edited and revised
 Written communication provide record and backup.
 A written communication enables receiver to fully understand it and send appropriate feedback
 Easy to preserve: The documents of written communication are easy to
preserve. Oral and non-verbal communication cannot be preserved. If it is needed, important
information can be collected from the preserved documents.
 Easy presentation of complex matter: Written communication is the best way
to represent any complex matter easily and attractively.
 Permanent record: The documents of written communication act as a permanent record.
When it is needed, important information can be easily collected from the preserved documents.
 Prevention of wastage of time and money: Written communication prevents the waste of money
and time. Without meeting with each other the communicator and communicate can exchange
their views.
 Accurate presentation: Through the documents of the written communication top executive can
present the information more accurately and clearly. As it is a legal document everybody takes
much care does draft it.
 Use as a reference: If it is needed, written communication can be used as future reference.
 Delegation of authority: Written communication can help the authority to
delegate the power and authority to the subordinate. It is quite impossible to delegate power
without a written document.
 Longevity: Written document can be preserved for a long time easily. That is
why; all the important issues of an organization should be back and white.
 Effective communication: Written communication helps to make communication effective. It
is more dependable and effective than those of other formsof communication.
  Maintaining image: Written communication helps to maintain the images of both the person and
the organization. It also protects the images of the company or organization.
 Proper information: It is a proper and complete communication system. There is no opportunity to
include any unnecessary information in a written document.
 Less distortion possibility: In this communication system information is
recorded permanently. So, there is less possibility of distortion and alteration of the information.
 No opportunity to misinterpret: there is any opportunity to misinterpret the
information or messages of written communication.
 Controlling tool: Written communication can help to control the organizational activity.
The written document may be used as a tool for controlling.
 Easy to verify: The information and messages that are preserved can be verified easily. If
there arises any misunderstanding any party can easily verify the information.
 Others: Clear understanding, Legal document, Acceptability, Reduction of
risk, Creating confidence, Easy circulation, Wide access or coverage etc.

Verbal Communication: Written- Disadvantages

 Expensive: Written communication is comparatively expensive. For this communication paper,
pen, ink, typewriter, computer and a large number of employees are needed.
 Time consuming: Written communication takes time to communicate with others. It is a time
consuming media. It costs the valuable time of both the writer and the reader.
 Red-Taoism: Red-Taoism is one of the most disadvantages of written
communication. It means to take time for approval of a project.
 Useless for illiterate person: It messages receiver is illiterate, written communication is quite
impossible. This is major disadvantage written communication.
 Difficult to maintain secrecy: It is an unexpected medium to keep business secrecy. Secrecy is
not always possible to maintain through written communication. Because here needs to discuss
everything in black and white.
 Lack of flexibility: Since writing documents cannot be changed easily at any time. Lack of
flexibility is one of the most important limitations of written communication.
 Delay in response: It takes much time to get a response from the message
receiver; prompt response is not possible in case of written communication that is possible in oral
communication.
 Delay in decision making: Written communication takes much time to
communicate with all the parties concerned. So the decision maker cannot take decisions
quickly.
  Cost in record keeping: It is very difficult and expensive to keep all the records in written
communication.
 Complex words: Sometimes the writer uses complex words in writing a
message. It becomes difficult to meaning out to the reader. So the objectives of the
communication may lose.
 Lack of direct relation: If there is no direct relation between the writer and
the reader, writer communication cannot help to establish a direct relation between them.
 Other: Prompt feedback is impossible, Slowness, Bureaucratic attitude,
Understanding problem between boos and subordinates, lack in quick clarification and correction,
formality problem, lack of personal intimacy, etc.

B. NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
Nonverbal communication is the sending or receiving of wordless messages. Such gesture,
body language, posture, tone of voice or facial expressions is called nonverbal
communication.
It is all about the body language of speaker.

It has three elements:

1. Appearance (speaker) - Clothing, hairstyle, neatness, use of cosmetics; Appearance
(surrounding) – roomsize,lighting,decorations,furnishings
2. Body language - facial expressions, gestures, postures
3. Sounds - voice tone, volume, speech rate

C. VISUAL COMMUNICATION
Visual communication, on the other hand, is the type of communication that uses visuals to
convey information and/or messages. Some examples are signs, symbol, imagery, maps,
graphs, charts, diagrams, pictograms, photos, drawings or illustrations, and even various
forms of electronic communication.
Visual communication now occupies an important place in any work environment. For
instance, during presentations, instructors, managers, doctors, lawyers, legislators and the like
use visuals to transfer data into digestible information. Very likely, they have greater success
in catching the attention of the audience making the latter easily recall the information.

Verbal Communication: Visual- Advantages

It makes use of technology that provides apps( applications), videos and images that rely less
on the printed word making presentations more interesting. This leaves a powerful effect on
the audience and prospective clients.
 Speakers/presenters should be mindful of the content of their presentation since wrong and
irrelevant information may lead to miscommunication. Likewise, they should pay attention to
graphic elements, such as position, color, size, shape and orientation as all these play an
importantrole in the presentation of slides. Audience size should be considered as well when
preparing slide presentations or other forms of visuals.

Types of Communication according to Context

This sub-section, context in communication is referred to as composite of people interacting with each
other. Communication may also be classified according to context: (1) intrapersonal; (2) interpersonal

A. INTRAPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
The Latin prefixes intra-means within or inside. Intrapersonal communication then
means talking to oneself. Some label it as self or inner talk, inner dialogue.
Psychologists call it with other names such as self-verbalization orself-statement.
Intrapersonal communication can be defined also as communication with one‗s self, and that
may include self-talk, acts of imagination and visualization, and even recall and memory
(McLean, 2005).

You read on your phone that your friends are going to have dinner at your favorite restaurant. What comes to mind?
Sights, sounds, and scents? Something special that happened the last
getting from your present location to the restaurant? Do you send your
friends a text asking if

Communications expert Leonard Shedletsky examined intrapersonal communication through

the eight basic components of the communication process (i.e., source, receiver,
message, channel, feedback, environment, context, and interference) as
transactional, but all the interaction occurs within the individual (Shedletsky, 1989). From
planning to problem solving, internal conflict resolution, and evaluations and judgments of self
and others, we communicate with ourselves through intrapersonal communication. All this
interaction takes place in the mind without externalization, and all of it relies on previous
interaction with the external world.

B. INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Interpersonal communication can be defined as communication between two people, but the
definition fails to capture the essence of a relationship. This broad definition is useful when we
compare it to intrapersonal communication, or communication with ourselves, as opposed
to mass communication, or communication with a large audience, but it requires clarification.
The developmental view of interpersonal communication places emphasis on the relationship
rather than the size of the audience, and draws a distinction between impersonal and personal
interactions. Family for many
 is the first experience in interpersonal relationships, but as we develop
professionally, our relationships at work may take on many of the attributes we
associate with family communication. We look to each other with similar
sibling rivalries, competition for attention and resources, and support. The
workplace and our peers can become as close, or closer, than our birth
families, with similar challenges and rewards. To summarize, interpersonal
relationships are an important part of the work environment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Communication is defined as the process of transmitting information and common
understanding from one person to another.
2. There are three types of communication according to mode: 1. Verbal
Communication; 2. Non-verbal communication, and; 3. Visual
Communication.
3. There are also two types of communication according to context: 1. Intrapersonal
Communication, and; 2. Interpersonal Communication

WEEK 1: ESSENTIAL UPDATE #1

After reading themodule, make an Essential update of 300 wordsor more about three (3) examples of
communication that you experience in your day to day life as a member of your family,asastudent, and as a
member of the community. Classify these examples according to the type of communication it falls
under.

Note:
1. The Essential Update can be found at the Discussion Forum on
Google Classroom titled, “WEEK 1: ESSENTIAL UPDATE #1”
2. For this update, you are required to peer-review at least three
(3) essential updates from your classmate.

TEST YOURSELF
Directions: Circle the letter of your answer.
1. It is define as the process of transmitting information and common understanding from one person to
another.
a. Communication b. Speaker c. Process d. Purpose
2. It is a type of communication that uses visuals to convey information and/or messages.
a. Non-verbal b. Verbal c. Visual d. Intrapersonal
3. It is defined also as communication with one‗s self, and that may include self-talk, acts of imagination
and visualization, and even recall and memory.
a. Verbal b. Interpersonal c. Intrapersonal d. Non-verbal