Foundations of

Communication

Ingredients of Great Communication

Functions of Communication

Verbal and Non-verbal Communication

Lecture 2
Purposive Communication
Ingredients of Great
Communication
Mastering communication involves clarity, brevity,
context, impact, and value. Effective communication
ensures your message resonates.
Clarity: Be Easily Understood

1 Complex Topics 2 Instructions

Use more clarity Use more clarity
when explaining when giving
complex topics. instructions.

3 Diverse Audience
Use more clarity when addressing a diverse
audience.
Brevity: Keep it Concise

1 Time-Sensitive 2 Professional Emails

Use more brevity in Use more brevity in
time-sensitive professional emails.
situations.

3 Limited Attention
Use more brevity with limited attention spans.
Context: Provide Background

1 New Topic 2 Misunderstandings

Use more context Use more context
when introducing a when resolving
new topic. misunderstandings.

3 Unfamiliar Audience
Use more context with an unfamiliar audience.
Impact: Engage Emotionally

1 Motivational 2 Persuasive
Use more impact Use more impact in
when delivering persuasive
motivational presentations.
speeches.

3 Inspire Action
Use more impact when storytelling to inspire
action.
Value: Make it Worthwhile

1 Marketing Content 2 Customer Service

Use more value Use more value in
when writing customer service
marketing content. responses.

3 Persuade or Inform
Use more value to persuade or inform
effectively.
Different Audiences, Different Palates

People have unique preferences and backgrounds. Tailor your message to fit
the audience's needs and knowledge levels.
Functions of Communication

Purpose & Adaptability Multiple Applications Enhanced Effectiveness

Communication functions serve We use different communication Understanding these functions
unique purposes, allowing us to approaches to educate, persuade, helps us choose the right
adapt our style to different connect emotionally, and approach for better outcomes in
situations and goals for maintain social harmony in both personal and professional
maximum effectiveness. various contexts. settings.
Functions of Communication

Informative Function Instructive Function

Focuses on sharing knowledge and increasing Centers on guiding behavior and teaching
understanding through clear, factual specific skills through systematic, step-by-step
communication. This function helps bridge communication. This function is crucial for
knowledge gaps and ensures accurate training, education, and ensuring consistent
information transfer across teams and performance standards.
organizations.

Examples: A news anchor reporting on current Examples: A flight attendant demonstrating

events or a teacher explaining a historical event safety procedures before takeoff or a cooking
in class tutorial showing how to bake a cake
Functions of Communication

Persuasive Function Motivation Function

Aims to influence beliefs, attitudes, and Focuses on inspiring action, building

behaviors through logical arguments and confidence, and driving personal or team
emotional appeals. This function is essential in achievement through encouragement and
business, politics, and social change. positive reinforcement.

Example: A travel agent persuading a customer Example: A coach giving a pep talk before a
to book a vacation package or a politician game or a motivational speaker discussing
delivering a speech to gain voter support strategies for success
Functions of Communication

Aesthetic Function Therapeutic Function

Uses artistic and creative expression to convey Facilitates emotional healing, self-discovery,
deeper meanings and evoke emotional and mental well-being through open dialogue
responses through carefully crafted language, and active listening. This function helps
imagery, and style. This function enriches individuals process feelings, reduce anxiety,
communication by adding beauty and artistic and develop better coping mechanisms.
value.

Examples: A poet reciting a heartfelt poem or a Examples: A patient sharing their struggles with a
filmmaker telling a compelling story through a therapist or a support group member talking about
movie their experiences
Functions of Communication

Regulation/Control Function Social Function

Establishes and enforces guidelines, Creates and strengthens interpersonal bonds

procedures, and behavioral expectations within through shared experiences, emotional
organizations and social groups. This function exchange, and mutual understanding. This
helps maintain order, ensure compliance, and function is vital for building team cohesion,
create structured environments for effective maintaining relationships, and fostering a sense
operations. of community.

Examples: A manager assigning tasks to Examples: Friends catching up over coffee,

employees or a traffic enforcer directing colleagues chatting during a lunch break, family
vehicles on the road members discussing their day at dinner, or
community members organizing neighborhood
events
Verbal vs Non-Verbal

Verbal Non-Verbal

Both forms of communication work together to create meaningful interactions and ensure
effective message delivery.
Verbal Communication

Communication through spoken and written words,

including formal and informal exchanges like
speeches, conversations, emails, and texts.

This direct form of expression relies on language and

vocabulary to convey explicit messages.

Example: A tour guide explaining history.

Non-Verbal Communication

Communication through body language, facial

expressions, and physical cues. This includes
gestures, tone of voice, spatial relationships, and
subtle physical signals like smiles and eye contact.
Types of Non-Verbal Communication

Paralanguage (Vocalics) Action Language (Kinesics)

Vocal elements beyond words, including tone, pitch, volume, pace, and vocal Deliberate and unconscious body movements that communicate meaning,
fillers that reveal emotional states and intentions. The way we say something including gestures, facial expressions, posture, and eye contact. These physical
often matters more than the words themselves. signals often reflect true feelings and attitudes.

A manager speaking firmly but calmly during performance reviews A waiter nodding and maintaining eye contact to show attention
A customer service representative using a warm, friendly tone A presenter using hand gestures to emphasize key points
The rising pitch in someone's voice when excited or nervous Someone crossing their arms during a disagreement
Types of Non-Verbal Communication

Sign Language Object Language (Objectics)

A complete visual language system using standardized hand gestures, facial Communication through visual symbols, clothing, accessories, and other
expressions, and body movements to communicate precise meanings. Most physical items that convey status, role, or cultural identity. These objects often
commonly used within deaf communities but also valuable for situations carry powerful social and professional significance.
requiring silent communication.
Doctor's white coat and stethoscope
ASL interpreters at conferences Police officer's badge and uniform
Signed performances at theaters Wedding ring signifying marital status
Emergency responders using basic signs in noisy environments
Types of Non-Verbal

Tactile Language Space and Distance

Communication through physical touch that conveys emotions, intentions, The use of physical proximity to communicate relationships and comfort
and social bonds. Touch ranges from formal professional contact to levels, from intimate (0-18") to public (12'+) distances.
intimate personal gestures.
Professional: Appropriate distance in meetings
Professional: Firm handshakes, supportive pat on back Social: Varying space between colleagues
Emotional: Gentle touch on arm, supportive hugs Personal: Closer proximity among friends
Cultural: Varies by context and social norms
Types of Non-Verbal Communication

Time Language Silent Language

The way we use, manage, and respond to time sends powerful messages about Strategic use of silence can communicate multiple meanings including power,
power, respect, and cultural values. Chronemics includes punctuality, wait contemplation, disagreement, or emotional processing. The interpretation often
times, and duration of interactions. depends heavily on cultural context and relationship dynamics.

Arriving early to meetings to show respect and preparation A thoughtful pause before responding in a negotiation
Making someone wait to demonstrate power or status Maintaining silence during a conflict to show disapproval
Spending extra time with someone to show they're valued Using meditative silence to demonstrate careful consideration
Rushing through interactions to indicate disinterest
Enhancing Understanding
Both nonverbal and verbal communications are
part of the complete interaction process and, in
practice, are inseparable.
Asynchronous Work for Feb 13

Read pages 15 - 24 of “Essentials of Purposive Communication” textbook

Answer pages 25 - 28.

Submit the book pages by Monday, Feb 17.