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Elements of Communication: Session 1

This document outlines the objectives and content of a session on elements of communication. The session aims to explain the nature and power of language, types of miscommunication, and importance of perception management. It discusses how communication involves both voluntary and involuntary elements. It also explores the symbolic and rule-governed nature of language, how meanings depend on people rather than words, and examples of how language can shape attitudes and reflect power dynamics. The document also describes an activity to practice identifying powerful versus powerless language.

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Desiree Mayuga
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64 views15 pages

Elements of Communication: Session 1

This document outlines the objectives and content of a session on elements of communication. The session aims to explain the nature and power of language, types of miscommunication, and importance of perception management. It discusses how communication involves both voluntary and involuntary elements. It also explores the symbolic and rule-governed nature of language, how meanings depend on people rather than words, and examples of how language can shape attitudes and reflect power dynamics. The document also describes an activity to practice identifying powerful versus powerless language.

Uploaded by

Desiree Mayuga
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Elements of Communication

Session 1

Business Communication
Objectives

At the end of the module, students are expected to:

• Explain the nature & power of language


• Describe the different types of miscommunication
• Illustrate the importance of perception management in
communication
Communication is like the Human Body

• Many systems
 Verbal and Non-Verbal Methods
• Voluntary and Involuntary
 Intentional and Unintentional Communication
• System failure
 Communication Breakdown
The Nature of Language

• Language is symbolic
• Meanings are in People, not in words
• Language is rule-governed
The Nature of Language

USER
“The spoken word
belongs half to the
one who speaks it
and half to the one
who hears”
- French Proverb

WORD THING
(Symbol) (Referrent)
The Nature of Language

Examples:
Sounds - Champagne, Double, Occasion
Syntax - r u at home? K bye
Semantics
Ex. Panda mating fails, Veterinarian takes over
Police begin campaign to run down Jaywalkers
The Nature of Language

Examples:
Boss: Views employees as family
Employee: Depends on boss’ goodwill for advancement
Boss: Concerned about appearance – look smart and sexy
Employee: Sensitive to sexual harassment
The Power of Language

• Language shapes attitudes


• It reflects attitudes of:
 Power & Affiliation
 Attraction & interest
 Responsibility
Impression Management

Impression management involves


• managing others’ view of oneself
• issues of honesty or dishonesty
• choices of faces and impressions
• choice of words and tone

Our perception of others shape the way we


communicate with them and vice-versa
Misunderstandings in Language

• equivocal words
• relative words
• slangs & jargon
• overly abstract language
• confusing facts and opinions
• confusing facts and inferences
• emotive language
• evasive language
ACTIVITY 1 POWERFUL/POWERLESS LANGUAGE

Purpose:
•To expand understanding of powerless and powerful language
•To use language which takes rather than avoids responsibility
•To identify types of powerless language and language lacking in responsibility
 
Instructions Part One :
Identify the type of powerless language used by writing the type of language in
the left column. Then re-write the sentence in the right column expressing the
idea in more powerful, but not rude or offensive language.

Instructions Part Two:


Identify the type of language responsibility problem shown by writing the type of
language in the left column. Then re-write the sentences with language that takes
responsibility in the right column.

Activity 1
Reflection Assignment

Assignment 1:
BEHAVIORAL DESCRIPTIONS

Purpose:
To practice replacing abstract statements with
behavioral descriptions

Assignment 1
Recap

Did we explain the nature


and power of language?

Did we discuss the


importance of impression
management in business
communications?
References

• Learn to Listen – How to Tune in Before Someone


Tunes You Out by Jim Dugger
• Understanding Human Communication, 9th Edition
by Ronald B. Adler and George Rodman
• "Basic Business Communication" by R V Lesikar & M
E Flatley.
• Remland, M. (2000). Gesture and Movement as
Iconic Communication Activity. Unpublished
manuscript, West Chester University.
End of Lesson

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