Lesson 1: Communication Principles and pounding on a table), physiological issues (like an

Ethics upset stomach), cultural differences, varying levels

of expectations and experiences, and differences in
perspectives and communication styles.
Processes and Principles of Effective Anyone might encounter one or more of these
Communication barriers in any situation. Recognizing these barriers
is crucial for effective communication. By
Effective communication is an important acknowledging their existence, communicators can
interpersonal skill with many benefits. It sounds adjust and apply the right tools and strategies to
simple: say what you mean. But often, your overcome these obstacles and ensure the message
message gets lost, causing misunderstandings,
gets through.
frustration, and conflicts, especially without face-to-
face interaction.
Principles of Effective Communication
Communication is more than just words. It's
effective when information is shared without Effective communication requires a connection
changing its content or context. In short, between people, allowing for the exchange of
communication is the art of creating and sharing thoughts and emotions, leading to mutual
ideas for a specific purpose. It comes in many understanding. To achieve this, the following
forms: principles must be observed:

 Verbal communication: Using language, 1. Clarity: The message and its purpose must
sounds, and tone of voice be clear. Use appropriate language and
 Non-verbal communication: Using body communication channels, and ensure both
language and facial expressions the sender and receiver understand the
 Written communication: Using journals, reason for the message.
emails, blogs, and text messages 2. Conciseness: Keep the message brief,
 Visual communication: Using signs, especially in business and academic contexts
symbols, pictures, graphics, and emojis. where time is important. Avoid trivial details
that hinder communication.
Effective communication depends on how rich the 3. Completeness: The message should be
ideas are and how much of them are retained. To be complete and accurate. Provide necessary
an effective communicator, various skills are background information for context, and
needed. The choice of skill depends on the situation, include relevant facts and observations.
the content, and the intended recipient. 4. Organization: Plan communication to
ensure a systematic flow of ideas and
Audience Analysis smooth transitions between points. Even in
A key element in effective communication is impromptu communication, aim for an
organized presentation of ideas.
audience analysis. "Audience" refers to anyone who
receives your message. Knowing your audience and 5. Empathy: The sender should be sensitive to
understanding how they need to receive information the needs and interests of the receiver. In
are crucial for effectively delivering your message. face-to-face communication, the speaker
Audience analysis helps you adjust your words, must be aware of the listener's reactions and
tone, and expressions. It is essential to identify who adjust their strategy accordingly.
your audience is and what they need to know.
6. Flexibility: People have different
Another important aspect of audience analysis is communication styles and expectations.
identifying and overcoming possible Effective communicators adapt to these
communication barriers. These barriers include differences, modifying the message or
physical noise (like cars passing by or someone
 delivery method to prevent
misunderstandings.
Cultural insensitivity in global communication
can cause misunderstandings and tension. Here are
COMMUNICATION AND GLOBALIZATION some examples:

The idea of the world as a global village has  Showing the Sole of a Shoe: Pointing the
become popular, especially with rapid advances in sole of a shoe at someone is harmless in
technology and digitization. Globalization helps most Western and Asian countries, but it is
integrate different cultures economically, considered insulting in Muslim cultures like
politically, and culturally. For example, in Southeast Saudi Arabia. Similarly, crossing one's legs
Asia, the ASEAN Integration has led to many is common in Western cultures but seen as
discussions about future collaborations. disrespectful in Korea.
 Blinking Rapidly: Rapid blinking while
For Filipinos, there is a growing understanding that someone is talking is normal for many,
we are part of a diverse global community. This especially in tense situations, but it is seen as
means communicating effectively not only with rude in Taiwan.
people from other countries but also within our own  Business Cards: In Japan, a business card is
society, including minorities and indigenous considered an extension of one's body, and
peoples. It is crucial to learn to communicate well handing it over carefully is important.
with people of all ages, genders, races, abilities, Americans may treat it as a mere formality,
religions, sexual orientations, incomes, marital so Japanese may feel insulted if it is
statuses, and ethnicities. accepted hastily.

In today’s world, communication must embrace These examples show how cultural ignorance and
diversity. Understanding cultural differences and insensitivity can lead to miscommunication and
communicating effectively are essential skills for misunderstandings in a global setting. To build
both a meaningful social life and a successful meaningful relationships and interact productively
career. with people from different cultures, it’s important to
recognize and respect these differences.
Even professionals from countries known for their
native languages, like Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, Additionally, remember that individuals from the
are learning English. They recognize that learning same culture may not always share the same
English, the global lingua franca, does not diminish communication habits, so being sensitive is crucial
their identity as Japanese, Koreans, or Vietnamese. for successful interactions.

Digital technology has blurred national and cultural In a global environment, the challenge is to
boundaries. People we once considered strangers understand, accept, and address cultural and
are now our coworkers, classmates, or friends, even communication differences.
if only on social media.
Ethics in Communication
Therefore, it’s important to develop graduates and
professionals who are multiculturalists—people Effective communication is ethical communication.
who engage with and respect different cultures. This It is ethical when it is genuine, open, cooperative,
isn’t just about people from other countries; even and sensitive to cultural and social beliefs.
within a single country, there are diverse sub- Communication becomes unethical if it aims to
cultures. For instance, in the Philippines, Southern conceal the truth or harm any organization, group,
Tagalog people have a different culture from or individual. Even if there is no intent to harm, if
Bicolanos, and Zamboangueños have different the message or its delivery causes unavoidable
norms from Ilocanos. damage, it is still considered unethical.
How Past Experiences Affect Effective communication in both academic and business
Comunication settings.

Past experiences and prejudices can greatly impact The two major elements affecting ethical
communication. People often bring their previous communication are language and body language.
experiences into a communication situation. For One concept that enhances body language is the
example: "Belly Button Psyche" or the belly button rule. This
rule suggests that the direction of a person's belly
 They might add extra information if they've button reveals their true interest during face-to-face
learned that it improves communication. communication.
 Conversely, they might hold back if their
contributions were ignored or undervalued Originating in the 1930s and developed by scientists
in the past. and body language experts, this rule was notably
supported by Dr. Albert Mehrabian, a UCLA
These experiences shape expectations and reactions psychology professor. He believed that the belly
in future communications. Positive responses may button rule is a key indicator of a person's
lead them to repeat the same style, while negative intentions. In simple terms, the direction of a
feedback can alter how they deliver messages in the person's navel can reflect their genuine interest in
future. the conversation. Here’s a basic explanation of the
rule:

When people are interested in what you have to

say, they will point their belly button directly at
you. This shows they are engaged and focused on
the conversation. Although this happens naturally,
it can be useful to consider this rule in important
conversations.

If you need to discuss something uncomfortable,

position yourself so your belly button points directly
at the listener's. This gesture helps show your focus
and encourages the listener to concentrate on you,
Prejudices occur when people generalize an even if they are not consciously aware of it. By
experience with one individual or group to all others focusing on listening and valuing the other person's
with similar traits, ignoring their personal identity. input before getting your message across, you can
This can apply to factors like age, gender, religion, significantly improve communication and build
race, socioeconomic status, and physical conditions. better connections quickly.
Effective communicators avoid such biases. They
recognize and respect each person as an individual, Respecting Socio-cultural Beliefs and Practices
separate from any preconceived notions. of Others

Showing Commitment and Genuine Interest Globalization is not just about technology or
creating a virtual world; it also changes how we
A key aspect of ethical communication is showing communicate with people who have different
commitment. This means dedicating enough time norms, cultures, and belief systems. This applies to
and resources to discussions and being open about all forms of communication, whether face-to-face,
any issues that arise. Commitment also involves via email, or through mass media, like the ads
sharing important information, even if it may discussed.
temporarily disadvantage oneself, as long as it
benefits the majority in the long run. Creating an In the previous activity, you may have noticed that
environment of trust encourages ethical both ads objectify women by implying they are only
valuable if they have fair skin or an 'hourglass'
figure. Ethical communication means respecting
others' socio-cultural beliefs and practices while
avoiding stereotypes.