Purposive Communication Notes

Verbal vs Nonverbal Communication

  • Verbal Communication:
    • Uses words/speech to express emotions, thoughts, or exchange information.
    • More natural and informal.
  • Nonverbal Communication:
    • Uses visual or non-verbal cues; doesn't involve words.
    • Examples: appearance, para-linguistics, eye contact, postures, facial expressions, gestures.
  • Mehrabian's Rule: When communicating feelings/attitudes, only a small percentage comes from the words used.
  • Nonverbal messages can be vocal or non-vocal and may accompany verbal messages or occur alone.

Communication Process Components

  • Sender: Initiates the conversation and conceptualizes the idea.
  • Encoding: Translates information into a message using words or non-verbal methods.
  • Message: The information conveyed (written, oral, symbolic, or non-verbal).
  • Channel: The medium through which the message is conveyed.
  • Receiver: The person for whom the message is intended.
  • Decoding: The receiver interprets the message.
  • Feedback: Confirms the message was received and interpreted correctly.
  • Noise: Barriers to communication.

Barriers to Effective Communication

  • Jargon, emotional barriers, lack of attention, differences in perception, physical disabilities, language differences, prejudices, cultural differences.
  • Overcoming these barriers is essential for clear and concise messaging.

Ethics in Communication

  • Ethical communication involves being truthful, concise, and responsible.
  • Principles:
    • Truthfulness and honesty.
    • Active listening.
    • Non-judgmental language.
    • Speaking from experience.
    • Considering the receiver's channel.
    • Striving to understand.
    • Avoiding a negative tone.
    • Not interrupting.
    • Respecting privacy and confidentiality.
    • Accepting responsibility.

Communication, Globalization, and Technology

  • Impact of the marine profession in a global context.
  • Impact of communication on society and the world through seafaring.
  • Cultural and intercultural awareness.
  • Examples of technology-mediated communication: email, smartphones, videoconferencing, social networking, blogs, messenger apps.

Roles of an Effective Communicator

  • Share thoughts and ideas; use various tools/media; evaluate information critically; be a good listener; work well with others.
  • Preparation: Select an appropriate topic, gather information, and organize it logically.
  • Organization: Structure communication with clear steps leading to a conclusion.
  • Clarity: Have a clear idea of what you want to say.
  • Concise: Be brief and to the point.

Global Business Communication

  • Most major businesses operate globally.
  • International experience is often needed for top-level jobs.

Challenges to Communicating Across Cultures

  • Different communication styles, attitudes toward conflict, approaches to completing tasks, decision-making styles, attitudes toward disclosure, and approaches to knowing.