Lesson 3

Types of
Communication
PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION
 Objectives
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to
1. demonstrate knowledge about the role of language in human communication;
2. identify the types of communication in relation to communication mode, context,
and purpose and style;
3. differentiate verbal, , and visual communication and their sub-forms in relation to
communication modes;
4. evaluate the differences among intrapersonal, interpersonal, extended,
organizational, and intercultural communication in relation to communication
context.
5. explain the differences between formal and informal communication in relation to
purpose and style and
6. discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different communication types in
various communication settings.
WHAT IS COMMUNICATION?

Depending on what is being considered, communication as a term takes on

different contexts resulting in people having different views on communication
types.

Communication is exchange of thoughts, ideas, concepts, and views between or

among two or more people, various contexts come into play.

Context is the circumstance or environment in which communication takes place .

Such circumstance may include the physical or actual setting, the value positions of
a speaker/listener, and the relevance or appropriateness of a message conveyed. It
focuses on certain communication processes and even groupings of people that
constitute a communication situation.
The context of communication
may be physical, cultural, social,
and psychological in nature,

Communication may then be

classified according to :

1. Communication mode
2. Context
3. Purpose and style
Types of Communication
According to Mode

A message may be conveyed via these

types:
Verbal- non-verbal and visual.
 VERBAL-NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Effective communication calls for the

blending of these two types. One
cannot be separated from the other.

Example: Door-to-door salespersons

who demonstrate product knowledge
can only be effective if they know
how to properly punctuate what they
say with proper gestures and facial
expressions.
Their communication with
the customer begins upon
greeting him/her with a
welcoming smile then
assessing customer needs
and answering customer
queries enhanced by
gestures and a friendly,
happy, and pleasant
disposition.
It is only through this mode that salespeople with excellent communication
skills are able to provide the best information needed, thereby convincing the
client to patronize their products.
 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

As opposed to intra, the Latin prefix inter- means

between, among, and together. An interactive
exchange takes place as interpersonal
communication takes place. However, as it occurs,
a transaction does not necessarily takes place since
it can only be a simple interaction such as
greetings, getting to know a person, or ordinary
conversations that happen between or among the
interactants.

This may occur in dyads or small groups, also

known as group communication.
A communication situation is interpersonal if it is meant
to establish or deepen one’s relationship with others.
However, if the objective is to achieve something at the
end of the conversation it becomes transactional. While
the former is characterized by less seriousness and
formality, the latter is more formal and profound.
Whereas interpersonal talks are meant for maintaining
social relationships, transactional talks aim to accomplish
or resolve something at the end of the conversation.
Which is interpersonal and which is transactional?

1. Speaker A: Hello! I am Liezl Cristobal. 2. Speaker A: Excuse me. Would you know how to
And you? get to the nearest mall?

Speaker B: Oh, I am Carlo Mendoza. Speaker B: Yes, in fact , you may go there on foot
Glad to meet you. How are you related or simply take a jeepney. If you walk, it will take
to the bride? you about 20 minutes to get there. You can just
take the exit gate near the hospital then turn left
Speaker A: She is my cousin. Her mom and walk straight ahead. You won’t miss it because
and mine are sisters. How about you? of the big sign. Jeepneys take the same route and it
should not take you more than 10 minutes even
Speaker B: She was my high school
with the traffic.
classmate. I never knew anything about
her personal life so we were kind of Speaker A: Thank you very much. I think I will just
surprised when she sent us the take the public transportation as I am running out
invitation. As always, she is very private. of time. You have been very helpful. Thanks again.
 EXTENDED COMMUNICATION

Extended communication involves the

use of electronic media. Unlike before
when it only called for the use of
television and radio, nowadays, the
description of extended communication
may be expanded as to include tele, audio,
or phone conferencing; video-
conferencing; Skype calls; and other
technological means.
With the use of electronic media, messages are transmitted
quickly. For instance, with the use of Internet, recorded videos
may ba transmitted in seconds/minutes and may be viewed by a
greater number of people.

With extended communication, your own thinking, behavior, and

attitude may be influenced by other people and you may be
persuaded to take the views you hear.

It is important then that you weigh what you hear and assess
them against those beliefs that you hold onto so you do not get
easily swayed by other people’s convictions.
 ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION

This focuses on the role that communication

plays in organizational contexts. Organizations
comprise individuals who work for the company.

For an organization to be successful, a system of

communication should be put in place. A set of
rules or standards for communication protocol
should be made clear so that interaction patterns
are established. On the part of the individual, you
should be equipped with the needed oral and
written communication skills that the
organization expects you to possess.
 Two types of Organizational Structure
Formal and Informal

1) Formal structure allows communication to take place via designated channels of

message flow between positions in the organization. This may make use of four
approaches:
❖ Downward communication- the type that flows from upper to lower positions,
i.e., president to a manager or supervisor, a manager to an ordinary staff. The
flow of communication is top-down or from a superior to a subordinate, usually
asking certain individuals to perform a certain task.
❖ Upward communication-transmission of communication is bottom-up in which
subordinates send communication to their superior/bosses bearing their
views/feedback on organizational policies, issues related to their jobs, and the
like.
 Two types of Organizational Structure
Formal and Informal
Formal Structure (cont.)

❖ Horizontal Communication- is lateral in approach as it takes place among people

belonging to the same level but coming from different departments or units to
facilitate performance or tasks through proper coordination.
❖ Crosswise approach- is diagonal in nature as employees from different units or
departments working at various levels communicate with each other.

Each of these communication approaches has its own advantages and

disadvantages. Note that these structures are usually presented in the
company’s organizational chart and policy manuals.
 Two types of Organizational Structure
Formal and Informal

2) Informal Communication- comes from unofficial channels of message flow. Also known
as “grapevine”, messages coming from the different levels of the organization are
transmitted. This occurs due to the dissatisfaction of some employees accompanied by
uncertainty, such as superiors playing favorites and unfavorable or unacceptable company
rules and regulations.

Some employees even resort to baseless gossips and rumors which they spread like
wildfire. Tracing the origin of a rumor is almost next to impossible. In fact, when some
people are confronted, they impute the blame to others so they can get out of the mess
quickly.
 ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE
Each organization has its own
culture. This is referred to as
‘organization culture.’ Based
on its history and
development, an organization
develops its own core values,
vision and mission,
statements, goals, and
objectives.
 ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE

Organizational culture is of utmost

significance since it will dictate the kind
of behavior that employees should
possess as well as the extent of
commitment expected from them by the
organization.

They all share in the values, vision and

mission statements, goals, and
objectives.
 ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE
Organizational culture is of utmost
significance since it will dictate the
kind of behavior that employees
should possess as well as the extent of
commitment expected from them by
the organization.

They all share in the values, practices,

vision, and mission of the
organization.
ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE
Peter Drucker’s famous quote, “ Company
cultures are like country cultures. Never try to
change one. Try instead, to work, with what
you’ve got,” underscores the view that indeed,
culture is within the control of the
entrepreneur or company owner.

If at the outset, you think you cannot adapt to

the organization’s culture, better look for
another job or workplace where you will be
happy and in harmony with your superiors
and colleagues.
 INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
It is communication between or among people having
different linguistic, religious, ethnic, social, and
professional backgrounds.

Even gender differences affects communication.

Individuals having different orientations communicate
and interpret messages differently. This particularly
happens with non-verbal communication.

Examples: Australians consider eye contact as important

in assessing the sincerity of a person while for Indians,
looking straight into the eyes of a person while talking is
inappropriate. This, does not however mean that they are
dishonest or insincere.Moreover, Indians interpret
waving of hands from side to side as no or go away while it
means hello among Westerners.
 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

Similarly, linguistic differences are of the essence. With the advent of World Englishes,
different cultures develop different lexicon peculiar only to the speech community.

In the Philippines, a local variety of English called Philippine English has been developed
which has introduced lexical innovations, not found or used in other varieties, such as
thrice, batchmates, CR (comfort room), solons, barangay captain, and high blood.

Even in terms of pronunciation, words are pronounced differently by Filipinos, which to

some, are considered erroneous.

For instance, these supposedly pronounced instead with a /d/ by the average Filipino since
hard /th/ is not part of the Filipino phonology.
Types of Communication
According to Purpose and Style

Formal and Informal

 FORMAL COMMUNICATION
Employs formal language delivered orally or in
written form. Lectures, public talks/speeches,
research and project proposals, reports, and
business letters, among others are all
considered formal situations and writings.

Note that while lectures and speeches are

delivered orally, the texts have been thought out
carefully and written well before they are
delivered.

To inform, to entertain, and to persuade are the

main objectives of this type of communication.
 INFORMAL COMMUNICATION

This does not employ formal language.

It involves personal and ordinary conversations with friends,

family members, or acquaintances about anything under the
sun.

The mode may be oral as in face-to-face, ordinary or everyday

talks and phone calls, or written as in the case of e-mail
messages, personal notes, letters or text messages. The purpose
is simply to socialize and enhance relationship.
 Synthesis (1)

1. There are various types of communication. These types can be divided according to mode,
context, and purpose and style. In terms of communication mode, the types of
communication are verbal, non-verbal, and visual. In terms of contexts, the communication
types are intrapersonal , interpersonal, extended, organizational, and intercultural. In terms
of purpose and style, the types of communication are formal and informal.
2. Verbal and non-verbal codes should complement each other. With visual communication,
interpretation of signs and symbols is crucial since people have different ways of
interpreting them. It is important to always contextualize the symbol/sign received in order
to arrive at the correct interpretation.
3. In any organization, a system of communication should be put in place. Transmission of
messages and message flow also play an important role in effective organizational
communication.
Synthesis (2)

4. People have different linguistic, religious, ethnic, social, and

professional backgrounds. It is then necessary to pay attention to
intercultural communication to avoid miscommunication and/or
communication breakdown.

5. Formal communication and informal communication have

different uses depending on the situation. Both types may be in
oral or written mode.
Reminders

● Be ready for the quiz next

meeting.
● Visit Google
Classroom-Classwork for
assignments and activities.
Reference

● Purposive Communication: Using english in

Multilingual Contexts by Marilu Madrunio and
Isabel Martin, 2018
● Images/Photos were from various ONLINE
sources