Lesson 3: Principles of Communication

Gamble and Gamble (2010) stated several core communication

principles.
1. Communication is dynamic- when we call communication a
dynamic process, we mean that all its elements constantly
interact with and affect each other. Since all people are
interconnected, whatever happens to one person determines in
part what happens to others.
2. Communication is unrepeatable and irreversible- every human
contact is unique. It has never happened before, and never
again will it happen in just the same way. A communication
encounter affects and changes people so that the encounter
can never happen in exactly the same way again. We can
neither take back something we have said nor erase the
effects of something we have done.
3. Communication is culturally linked- cultural diversity, including
race, ethnicity, gender, and age, influences exist only not
only between persons who speak different language but also
between persons who speak the same language as well. Every
cultural group has its own rules or preferences for
interaction. When these are ignored or unknown, we are
likely to misinterpret the meaning of messages received and
miscalculate the impact of messages sent.
4. Communication is influenced by Ethics- Every time we
communicate; we decide implicitly or explicitly whether will
so ethically. Ethics includes the moral principles, values
and beliefs that the members of society use to guide
behavior. Since communication has consequences, it involves
judgement of right and wrong. When the agreed-upon the
standards of behavior are violated, the behavior is judged
unethical. For example, most of us expect those with whom we
interact to be honest, play fair, respect our rights and
accept responsibility.
5. Communication is competence-based- while we all have
different communication strengths and weaknesses, we can all
benefit from getting better communicating. When we add our
knowledge and make a commitment to develop the skills to
apply that knowledge across an array of communication
situations or contexts, we gain communication competence.
For example, included among the skills necessary for
 effective communication is the ability to examine ideas
reflectively and to decide what we should and should not
believe, think or do, given the specific set of
circumstances.
6. Communication is being transformed by media and technology- As
media critic Marshall McLuhan cautioned,” The medium is the
message.” In McLuhan`s view, different channels of
communication affect the way a sender encodes a message and
the way a receiver responds to a message. The words
delivered face-to-face, on paper, or via radio or television
do not constitute the same message. The channel of
communication changes things.
In addition, Angell (1997) also stresses on these communications
principles will help you understand how communication is done and
the aspects involved when we communicate with others.
1. ongoing and dynamic
2. Communication is contextual- our interactions with others
occur during specific socials situations, in different
physical environments, and for a variety of purposes.
3. Communication is continuous- it is ongoing process
4. Communication is symbolic- words or nonverbal modes may be
used in communication
5. Communication is culturally linked- our communication style
is linked to the culture into which we are born.
6. Communication is collaborative-people work together to
accomplish a goal
7. Communication is ethical- Ethics is a system of principles
that guide the proper conduct of companies and individuals.
Communication can be oral and written. Below is a table that
presents principles of effective oral and written
communication:
PRINCIPLES OF EFFECTIVE ORAL PRINCIPLES OF EEFECTIVE
COMMUNICATION WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
 Be clear with your Be clear. Be clear about your
purpose. You should know message. Always be guided by
by heart your objective in your purpose in communicating
communicating
 Be complete with the Be concise. Always stick to
message you deliver. Make the point and do not beat or
sure that your claims are run around the bush. Be brief
supported by facts and by focusing on your main
essential information point.
 Be concise. You do not Be concrete. Support your
need to be verbose or claims with enough facts.
wordy with your Your readers will easily know
statements. Brevity in if you are bluffing or
speech is a must. deceiving them because there
is nothing to substantiate
your claims
 Be natural with your Be correct. It is important
delivery. Punctuate that you observe grammatical
important words with correctness in your writing.
appropriate gestures and Always have time to revise
movements. Exude a certain and edit your work. Even
degree of confidence even simple errors may easily
if you do not feel distract your readers.
confident enough.
 Be specific and timely Be coherent. Convey logical
with your feedback. Inputs messages. The idea should be
are most helpful when connected with each other and
provided on time. related to the topic.
Be complete. Include all
necessary and relevant
information so that the
audience will not be left
wanting of any information
Be courteous. The tone of
your writing should be
friendly. Avoid any overtone
or insinuation to eliminate
confusion and
misinterpretation.