Purposive Communication Notes

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain the communication process and its elements.

  • Apply communication principles to real-life situations.

  • Recognize ethical responsibilities in academic and workplace communication.

Opening Context

  • Warm-up activity: "Lost in Translation" – What went wrong in this communication?

    • Example shown: "Please do not enter with a dog unless it can be eaten."

    • Takeaway: Miscommunication can arise from language nuance, cultural context, or phrasing; need clarity and audience awareness.

Central Idea

  • Communication is central in how we live.

What is Communication?

  • Definition (Page 5): Communication is the process of expressing and exchanging information, thoughts, ideas, and feelings.

  • Definition (Page 6, Keyton, 2011): Communication can be defined as the process of transmitting information and common understanding from one person to another.

Nature of Communication

  • It is a process.

  • It is systematic.

  • It is symbolic.

  • It involves meaning.

Purposive Communication

  • Purposive communication definition (Definition section on pages 8–9):

    • 01: Intentional, audience-focused, context-aware communication.

    • Used in:

    • Classroom presentations

    • Job interviews

    • Social media campaigns

    • Workplace teamwork

    • 02: (Content shown as a second definition placeholder in the slides; concept implies additional situational uses or attributes.)

Diagram of Communication

  • Diagram components: Sender → Encoding → Message → Decoding → Receiver

  • Also includes: Noise (distortion) and Feedback (loop back to the sender)

Models of Communication

  • Linear Model (Page 12)

    • Elements: Sender, Noise, Message, Receiver

  • Interactive Model (Page 13)

    • Elements: Message, Sender, Receiver, Feedback

    • Additional concept: Each participant has a field of experience that shapes understanding (Sender's field of experience, Receiver's field of experience)

  • Transactional Model (Page 14)

    • Elements: Channel, Noise, Field of Experience, Feedback, Sender & Receiver, Message

    • Key ideas: Communication is a dynamic, two-way, context-influenced process with simultaneous encoding/decoding by both parties; Feedback and Noise can occur in both directions; Channel and Field of Experience influence meaning.

    • Note: The diagram includes components like Channel, Noise, and Feedback, with references to Sender and Receiver both contributing to the process.

In Summary: Model Comparisons

  • Linear: One-way, no feedback (e.g., announcement on loudspeaker).

  • Interactive: Two-way, feedback included (e.g., online Q&A session).

  • Transactional: Simultaneous exchange (e.g., casual conversation).

Elements of Communication

  • Sender: initiates the message.

  • Message: idea or information.

  • Channel: medium used.

  • Receiver: audience.

  • Feedback: response.

  • Noise: anything that distorts the message.

  • Context: setting or background.

The Communication Process (Process of Communication)

  • The speaker generates an idea.

  • The speaker encodes the idea into words or actions.

  • The speaker transmits or sends out a message.

  • The receiver gets or receives the message.

  • The receiver decodes the message based on the context.

  • Example scenario:

    • Daphne loves Rico, her suitor, as a friend. She thinks of how to tell him using their native language.

    • She says, "Rico, mahal kita bilang kaibigan."

    • Rico hears what Daphne says and tries to analyze what she means based on content and their relationship; he is heartbroken.

    • The receiver ( Rico ) provides feedback (in this case, a frown and silence) because he is in pain.

Principles of Communication: The 7 Cs

  • The 7 Cs provide practical guidelines for effective communication.

    • Clarity: Express ideas simply and directly.

    • Example: Instead of "I’d appreciate it if you could possibly submit the assignment at your earliest convenience," say: "Please submit your assignment by Friday."

    • Conciseness: Use as few words as necessary without losing meaning.

    • Example: "Meeting at 2 PM in Room 105" is clearer than "We will have a meeting later this afternoon around 2 o’clock in the designated room."

    • Concrete (Concreteness): Be specific, use facts and figures.

    • Example: "Our enrollment grew by 120 students this semester" vs. "Enrollment is improving."

    • Correctness: Ensure grammar, spelling, and facts are accurate.

    • Example: "Your appointment is on March 15, 2025" vs. "March 51, 2025."

    • Consideration (Audience-Centeredness): Keep the audience in mind and adjust to their needs, emotions, or background.

    • Example: Explain medical instructions in layman’s terms instead of medical jargon.

    • Completeness: Provide all necessary details for full understanding.

    • Example: "Please bring your ID, registration form, and payment receipt on Monday at 9 AM in Room 101."

    • Courtesy: Be polite and respectful, regardless of situation.

    • Example: Instead of saying "You didn’t follow the instructions!" say "It seems there was a misunderstanding; let me clarify the instructions."

Communication Ethics

  • Truthfulness & Accuracy: Always communicate facts, not lies or misinformation.

    • Example: A journalist reporting verified facts rather than rumors.

  • Respect & Courtesy: Listen without interrupting; avoid offensive language.

    • Example: Teachers correcting students kindly instead of embarrassing them.

  • Equal opportunity to speak: Give all people an equal opportunity to speak or share; avoid letting one person dominate.

  • Accountability: Be accountable for your words and their impact; a politician admitting a mistake rather than blaming others.

  • Confidentiality: Keep private matters private.

    • Example: A guidance counselor not disclosing a student's personal issues.

  • Integrity: Avoid plagiarism, misrepresentation, and manipulation; cite sources properly in research or presentations.

  • Summary statement: Ethical and effective communication is not just about being understood, but also about respecting and uplifting others in the process.

Activity & Group Work (Contextual Practice)

  • Page 24 Activity: Filling in the bubbles – Create a conversation based on the picture below. You may assume characters of your own choice.

  • Group Tasks (Pages 25–28):

    • Group 1: Netflix

    • Group 2: (empty label in transcript)

    • Group 3: (empty label in transcript)

    • Group 4: (empty label in transcript)

The Communication Process (Detailed Step-by-Step with Example)

  • The speaker generates an idea.

  • The speaker encodes the idea or converts the idea into words or actions.

  • The speaker transmits or sends out a message.

  • The receiver gets or receives the message.

  • The receiver decodes the message based on the context.

  • Feedback: The receiver responds; the sender interprets this feedback and may adjust future messages.

  • Example narrative (reiterated): Daphne expresses affection in a culturally contextualized way; Rico’s interpretation leads to heartbreak; feedback is communicated through emotional reaction.

Key References

  • Keyton, J. (2011). [Source cited for definition in this content]

Quick Reference - Summary of Key Concepts

  • Purposive communication emphasizes intention, audience, and context.

  • The communication process involves sender, message, channel, receiver, feedback, noise, and context.

  • Models differ in how they treat feedback and simultaneity: linear (one-way), interactive (two-way), transactional (simultaneous, dynamic).

  • The 7 Cs provide a practical checklist for clear, concise, concrete, correct, considerate, complete, and courteous communication.

  • Ethical communication requires truthfulness, respect, fairness, accountability, confidentiality, and integrity.