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Eng 22 Module

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Eng 22 Module

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jabezgb07
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© © All Rights Reserved
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v

PCMOO-PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION
1
\\\\

Baliwag Polytechnic College


Dalubhasaan Kong Mahal
1st Semester
A.Y. 2020-2021

Module
in
Purposive Communication

Prepared by: Miss Millet T. Mendoza, LPT


PCMOO-PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION
2

Baliwag Polytechnic College


Dalubhasaan Kong Mahal
1st Semester
A.Y. 2020-2021

Your success to finish this module lies on your hands. This module is prepared for you to
learn new concepts and invaluable skills diligently, intelligently, and independently. As a future
young professional, doing these will greatly help and prepare you to become a responsible
student. Set your goals and invest for your future. The following guides and house rules will
help you further to be on track and to stay at the end of the module.

STUDY GUIDES

1. Schedule and manage your time wisely for you to accomplish the given tasks in this module.
2. If there are things that you do not understand, go over, and focus on the lesson. If this will not
work, seek the help of your family members or leave me a message so I can give assistance.
3. Before you start doing anything else, read, and understand the learning tasks carefully.
Always aim for the best and do not settle with low grades.
4. Think before you write. In answering all the assessment activities, write legibly, and
follow the instructions as needed.
5. Do not hesitate to keep open communication with me through any available platforms. I
am more than willing to help you to accomplish your goals.
6. Once you are done in the module, you can proceed with doing other tasks in the
succeeding units that are scheduled for the finals.
7. You are expected to answer all the activities, assignments, and reflection guides for you to
pass in this course. Put them in a portfolio.
8. Remember you are the student; hence, you are expected to accomplish and study the
module on your own. You can seek help and support from your family members and friends,
but the actual activities must be done by you.
9. You can use the internet for help and additional information if necessary.
10. Put your activities in your portfolio according to your module arrangement.

GRADING SYSTEM

COURSE EVALUATION/ GRADING SYSTEM:

Quiz/ Worksheet/ Activities –30 Project /Written Output/ Attendance-- 30% Examination -
40%
PCMOO-PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION
3

STUDY SCHEDULE

Dates Module/Topics
Week 1-3 Module 1 Communication Principles, Processes, and Ethics

Lesson 1 Elements of Communication


Lesson 2 Models of Communication
Lesson 3 Ethics in Communication
(Prelims)

Module 2 Communication in Multicultural Contexts

Lesson 1 Communication and Globalization


Weeks 4-5 Lesson 2 World Englishes
Lesson 3 Culturally Sensitive and Bias-free Language.

Module 3

Week 6-7 Lesson 1 Evaluation of Texts and Images in


Multicultural Contexts. (Midterms)
Lesson 2 Communication Aids and Strategies
Using Tools of Technology.

Module 4 Communication for General Purposes

Week 8-11 Lesson 1 Principles and Types of Speech


Lesson 2 Connecting with the Audience.
(Pre-finals)
Module 5 Communication for Work Purposes

Week 12-16 Lesson 1 Professional Writing


Lesson 2 Business Letters
Lesson 3 Memos
Lesson 4 E-mails
Lesson 5 Job Interview
(Finals)

Course Description:
Purposive communication is a three-unit course that develops students’ communicative
competence and enhances their cultural and intercultural awareness through multimodal tasks that
provide them opportunities for communicating effectively and appropriately to a multicultural
audience in a local or global context. It equips students with tools for critical evaluation of a variety
of texts and focuses on the power of language and the impact of images to
emphasize the importance of conveying messages. The knowledge, skills, and insights that
students gain from this course may be used in their other academic endeavors, chosen
disciplines, and future careers as they compose and produce relevant oral, written, audio-
visual, and/or web-based output for various purposes.

Module 1
Communication Principles, Processes, and Ethics

What Will You Learn from This Module?

In this module, you will learn what communication means and how important it is
in your personal and professional success.

This module is composed of 3 lessons

Lesson 1 Principles of Communication


Lesson 2 Models of Communication
Lesson 3 Ethics in Communication

After studying this module, you should be able to:

o describe the nature of communication;


o explain the communication process and
its elements through various models;
o discuss the principles of communication and their ethical implication; and
o examine how communication works as applied to various texts or situations.

Lesson 1
Principles and Processes of Communication.
An essential tool for human survival is communication. We communicate to get what
we need and to accomplish what we want. For instance, babies normally cry when they are
hungry; consequently, they are given milk by their mothers. An adult may pick up his/her own
phone an hour before lunch and ask someone to deliver his/her food. In both scenarios, the
babies and the adult rely on communication as a vital means to accomplish their ends.

Communication in relation to human survival does not confine itself to just addressing
the biological needs of people, while the food that we take satisfies our hunger, and the water
that we drink quenches our thirst, the daily interaction through the various communication feeds
our mind, nourishes our heart and enriches our soul. However, the benefits of communication
can only be fully enjoyed if carefully understood, effectively done, and purposefully carried
out.
5

What is Communication?

Communication has been defined in several ways by various authors. Now that you have come
up with your own definition of communication, find out if you share the same views with other
authors, experts, and scholars who have also defined communication in various ways and
contexts. Analyze the following definitions and establish their commonalities.

Communication is derived from the Latin word ‗communis,‘which means,


―Belonging to many‖ or ―equally‖ and ―communico‖ – to confer with others. It
is the mutual exchange of information, ideas, and understanding by any
effective means (Ballesterros, 2003).

Communication is the process of using messages to generate meaning. (Pearson


et al., 2011)
Communication is a systematic process in which people interact with and through
symbols to create and interpret meanings. (Wood, 2012)
In its simplest form, communication is the transmission of a message from a source to
a receiver. (Baron, 2011)
Communication is the process of sending information to oneself or another entity, usually
via a language. (Palta,2017)
Broadly speaking, communication is a process of sharing opinions and information,
ideas, and feelings (Jimenez & Alparo, 2000).

Communication is the process of sending and receiving messages sometimes through


spoken or written words, and sometimes nonverbally through facial expressions,
gestures, and voice. (Ober & Newman, 2013)

PRINCIPLES IN COMMUNICATION

1. Communication is transactional. It is a two-way process that involves an


exchange. When a message is sent, a reply is expected.
2. Communication is inevitable. It is impossible not to communicate. The moment you
wake up, you already start communicating by merely thinking of how your day will
look like. In other words, communication is an indispensable part of daily life.
3. Communication is goal-oriented- When you communicate, you have a goal in mind.
You communicate to express feelings, ideas, and emotions; to inform; persuade;
entertain; ask questions; to build and maintain a relationship and to influence others are
some of the purposes of communication.
4. Communication is complex. It entails a lot of processes, which can occur
simultaneously or successively. It requires you to know your audience, determine your
purpose, identify your topic, expect objections, establish credibility, present
information clearly and objectively, and develop a practical, useful way to seek
feedback.
5. Communication can be learned. Despite its complexity, it is a skill that can be learned.
6. Communication is relational. The process of how meaning is created also echoes
two vital aspects or the relationship of the communicators. Immediacy and control.
Immediacy is the degree of liking or attractiveness in a relationship while control is
the degree to which a participant shows dominance or power.
7. Communication is guided by culture. It may be defined as a system of knowledge
shared by a relatively large group of people. The system includes shared beliefs,
values, symbols, and behaviors.
8. Communication has various levels. Various levels of communication: intrapersonal
(self-talk), interpersonal (interaction between persons), small group (involves 3-20
people), public (to an audience i.e. 30 up) or mass (using print or electronic media),
extended (Includes tele, audio, or phone conferencing; Video-conferencing, Skype
calls) , organizational (formal comm.-1. Upward, 2. downward, 3. horizontal, and 4.
diagonal/crosswise)
9. Communication can be in the form of, verbal, non-verbal, and visuals.

a. Verbal Communication- It involves an exchange of information through face-


to-face, audio and/or video call or conferencing, lectures, meetings, radio, and
television.
a.1. Written Communication- Texts or words encoded and transmitted
through memos, letters, reports, online chat, SMS, emails, journals, and
other written documents.
a.2. Oral Communication is communicating with spoken words.

b. Non-Verbal Communication -Sending and receiving messages without the


use of words like facial expressions, tone of voice, appearance, gaze, posture,
gait, objects one uses, gestures, etc.
Examples of non-verbal
Kinesics Movements
Haptics- Touch
Proxemics- Distance
Chronemics- Time
Oculesics- eye movements
d.Visuals- A visual is something such as a picture, diagram, or piece of film that is
used to show or explain something. It involves the use of :
Images
Graphs
Charts
Logos
Maps
10.Communication can be seen as processes of information transmission
governed by three levels of semiotic rules:
Syntactic (sentences)
Pragmatic ( realistic/sensible)
Semantic (meaning)

11. The communication process requires a vast repertoire of skills:


Intrapersonal and interpersonal processing
Listening
Observing
Speaking
Questioning
Analyzing
Evaluating

Guidelines for Effective Communication


Be clear with your purpose.
Support your message with facts]
Be concise (K.I.S.S.)
Provide specific information in your feedback
Adjust to the needs, interests, values, and beliefs of your audience.
Observe communication Ethics
Be your natural self and appear very confident.

The Communication Process


Communication process refers to the transmission or passage of information or message
from the sender through a selected channel to the receiver overcoming barriers that affect its pace.
The process of communication is a cyclic one as it begins with the sender and ends with
the sender in the form of feedback. It takes place upward, downward and laterally throughout
the organization. The process must be a continuous and dynamic interaction, both affecting and
being affected by many variables.

It involves elements such as:


Source- the speaker or sender or encoder of the message
Message- information or ideas from the speaker
Channel- the means to deliver the message (face-to-face, telephone, and emails etc.
Receiver- recipient and decoder of the message.
Feedback- The action or the responses of the receiver to the message from the sender.
Context- the situation or the environment in which communication takes place.
Barriers- the factors which may affect the communication process.

Examples of barriers to communication:

Gender barrier Emotional barriers


Information overload Lack of focus/enthusiasm
Physiological barrier Psychological barrier
Cultural barrier
Difference in perception Noise
Expectations/Prejudices Use of jargon
Physical barriers
Language use Status

Communication Problems
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBT6u 0FyKnc

Eugene White (1960) mentions eight stages in the cycle of communication.


These are:
o Thinking
o Symbolizing
o Expressing
o Transmitting
o Receiving
o Decoding
o Reacting, and
o Monitoring

Lesson 2

Communication Models
The definition of communication and its element can also be further understood in the light of a
framework or model to see their interrelatedness. Communication Model is a sketch that
shows the basic elements of the communication process, and how each element
affects the other elements in the entire communication process as a system
The common models of communication that have been utilized over the years are as
follows.

Aristotle's Linear Model

The earliest model comes from Aristotle at around 500 B.C. in this model, well explains that
the speaker should adjust their messages according to their audience and the occasion to
achieve a particular effect. The Aristotle’s communication model revolves around the speaker
as the main concept of this theory is that, speaker plays the most important role in
communication and it is the only one who holds the responsibility to influence his/her audience
through public speaking. It is the speaker’s role to deliver a speech to the audience.
The audience is passive, influenced by the speech.

Berlo’s model of communication takes into account the emotional aspect of the
message. Berlo’s model of communication operates on the SMCR model.

The Shannon and Weaver Model of communication is a mathematical theory of


communication that argues that human communication can be broken down into six key
concepts: sender, encoder, channel, noise, decoder, and receiver. It is known as the “Mother of
all models” because of its wide popularity. The model is also called the “Telephone Model,”
since it was developed because of the technology of the telephone
The Osgood-Schramm Interactive Model of communication is defined as a circular model
that shows that messages go in two directions. The model has four key principles: (1)
Communication is circular not linear; (2) Communication is usually equal and reciprocal; (3)
Messages require interpretation; (4) there are three steps for communicating: encoding,
decoding and interpreting.

Transactional Model

This model was adapted


from Wood (1997) in
response to the failure of
interactive models to portray
dynamism of human
communication. The key
features of the transactional
model are as follows: it has a
time element which
influences how people
communicate. For instance,

freshman college students are more reserved at the start of the semester since they are still
getting to know their classmates. This will change overtime as they become more comfortable
with their classmates due to their frequent interaction. It depicts communication is varying, not
constant and dynamic, not other lines in the model indicate that communication occurs within
systems that influence what and how people communicate. This system may include culture
context and family background.
Finally, the model does not label one as the sender and the other as the receiver. Instead, our
communicators who actively, equally, and simultaneously participate in the communication
process.
The helical model of communication was developed in 1967 by Frank Dance, which
he originally named “Dance’s Helix Model of Communication”.The model views
communication as :
 Cyclical,
 Influenced by time and experience,
 Continuous,
 Non-Repetitive, and
 Accumulative (getting increasingly more complex and ‘knowledgeable’)

11
Lesson 3

Ethics in Communication

Ethics is based on well-founded standards of right and wrong that prescribe what humans ought
to do, usually in terms of rights, obligations, benefits to society, fairness, or specific virtues.
Ethical Communication is a type of communication that is predicated upon certain business
values, such as being truthful, concise, and responsible with one’s words and
the resulting actions

An integral aspect which you need to learn about communication is ethics.


Communication Ethics is how a person uses language, media, journalism, and creates
relationships that are guided by an individual's moral and values.

Can you think of some ethical communicators?


____________________________________________
unethical communicators?
____________________________________________________

Let’s Read

Here are some characteristics of an ethical communicator that is best emulated.

Ethical communicators are honest. Be truthful with your opinion and be accurate
with your judgment. Good communicators never lie and deceive other people.

Ethical communicators value diversity and respect others’ opinions and privacy.
Respect means showing regard or consideration for others and their ideas even if you do
not agree with them. Show compassion and consideration with the beliefs, status,
affiliations, and privacy of others. Accept that others have different views or opinions,
which may conflict with yours. So, listen and process the views of other people, and
learn how to reconcile their opinions with your own.

Ethical communicators observe freedom of expression effectively. Be careful of what


and how you say words depending on the type of people you are communicating with.

Ethical communicators are well aware of the consequences of their thoughts and
actions. Thus you need to take accountability for what you are doing and what you
are saying. Acknowledge your responsibility for all your actions, good or bad.

Ethical communicators are just and fair. Be impartial and objective. You do not
hastily make decisions or judgments based on hearsays, gossips, prejudices, and personal
biases. Exert every effort to further relevant facts or pertinent information related to a
situation before making a decision.

Ethical communicators listens actively and strives to understand the message.

Avoid using negative tones and cease from being judgmental.

Ethical communicators do not interrupt others.


MULTIMODAL TEXT
--is a text that combines images, sounds, and words.
These are the five modes:
 LINGUISTIC/ALPHABETIC ― written and spoken words.
 VISUAL ― images (moving or still)
 AURAL ― sound, music.
 GESTURAL ― movement, expression, body language.
 SPATIAL ― position, physical arrangement, proximity.

Multimodal texts may be classified as : (1) live, (2) paper-based, or (3) digital electronic

1. Live multimodal texts examples : dance, performance, and oral storytelling which convey
meaning through combinations of various modes such as gestural, spatial, audio, and oral
language.
2. Paper-based multimodal texts include picture books, text books, graphic novels, comics,
and posters.
3. Digital multimodal texts include film, animation, slide shows, e-posters, digital stories,
podcasts, and web pages that may include hyperlinks to external pronunciation guides or
translations.

SEMIOTICS
-- is the study of signs and symbols, in particular as they communicate things spoken and
unspoken
Examples: emojis (a Japanese word that translates in English as "e" for "picture" and
"moji" for "character), emoticons (digital icons that convey human expressions), and
road and traffic signs.
Remember

Communication is the process of sending and receiving messages sometimes


through spoken or written words, and sometimes nonverbally through facial expressions,
gestures, and voice. (Ober & Newman, 2013)
Guidelines for Effective Communication. Be clear with your purpose, support your
message with facts, be concise, provide specific information in your feedback, adjust to
the needs, interests, values, and beliefs of your audience, observe communication
ethics, and be your natural self and appear very confident.
The Process of Communication is the steps we take in order to successfully
communicate. Components of the communication process include Source,
Message, Encoding, Channel, Decoding, Receiver, Feedback, Context, Barriers.
Ethical Communication is dealing with values, righteousness, and behavior appropriate
for human communication particularly in a multicultural situation, it is fundamental to
responsible thinking, decision making, and the development of relationships and
communities within and across, contexts, cultures, channels, and media.

Module 2

Communication in Multicultural Settings

What Will You Learn from This Module?

In this module, you will learn the implications of globalization on communication. You
will read essays and expositions that will provide you with an awareness of the role and the
status of English as a global language, the notion of World Englishes and the need for standard
forms in academic and professional writing, and the importance of culturally sensitive and bias-
free language when communicating with people from different cultures and discourse communities.

This module is composed of 2 lessons

Lesson 1 - Communication and Globalization


Lesson 2 - World Englishes
Lesson 3- Culturally Sensitive and Bias-free Language.

After studying this module, you should be able to:

present ideas on communication and globalization;


explain the impact of globalization on communication and vice-versa;
explain the notion of World Englishes in the context of English being a global
language and;
use standard English and bias-free language in writing

Lesson 1

Communication and Globalization


Can you guess which brand each of the following logo designs represents? Write your answer
on the space provided.

Let’s See What You Already Know

1. What are some social media and other communication platforms that you know?

______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

2. How do they affect the way people communicate nowadays?


____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
PCMOO-PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION
15

Questions

· What is Globalization?
· What are the Benefits of Globalization?
· What are the Challenges of Globalization?
· How does globalization affect communication?
· How to Communicate Effectively in a
Global Society

Globalization is the word used to describe the growing interdependence and integration of
the world's cultural, political, economic, and technological domains of countries, brought
about by cross-border trade in goods and services, technology, flows of investment, people,
and information.

Globalization is an established part of the modern world, so most of us do not realize


the benefits it brings to our everyday lives—

Example: Trade, Immigration, travel, communication, transportation, knowledge, media


and entertainment, culture, law, environment, Science, political stability, human rights and
many more.

But the world is getting smaller, and companies need to understand what this means
for the future of doing business. Companies that do not embrace globalization risk losing a
competitive advantage, which allows other businesses to take over new opportunities in the
global marketplace.

Benefits of Globalization

1. Access to New Cultures


Globalization makes it easier than ever to access foreign culture, including food, movies,
music, and art. This free flow of people, goods, art, and information is the reason you can
have Thai food delivered to your apartment as you listen to your favorite UK-based artist
or stream a Bollywood movie.

2. The Spread of Technology and Innovation


Many countries around the world remain constantly connected, so knowledge and
technological advances travel quickly. Because knowledge also transfers so fast, this means
that scientific advances made in Asia can be at work in the United States in a matter of days.

3. Lower Costs for Products

Globalization allows companies to find lower-cost ways to produce their products. It also
increases global competition, which drives prices down and creates a larger variety of
choices for consumers. Lowered costs help people in both developing and already-developed
countries live better on less money.

4. Creates More Employment Opportunities

With fewer barriers to the import/export market, the cost of producing goods or offering
services would decrease. People consume more and create additional job opportunities
around the world. By creating an environment where free trade encouragement readily exists,
more innovation, creativity, and engagement would occur at every level of society. It has led
to many millions of people lifted out of poverty.

CHALLENGES OF GLOBALIZATION

1. Benefits the Wealthy More Than the Poor.


While many have lifted out of poverty, not everybody has benefited. Many argue that
globalization operates mostly in the interest of the richest countries, with most of the
world’s collective profits flowing back to them and into the pockets of those who already
own the most. Leading charity Oxfam says that when corporations such as Starbucks can
legally avoid paying tax, the global inequality crisis worsens. Basically, done wisely
globalization could lead to “Unparalleled peace and prosperity.” “Done poorly, to disaster.”

2. Transfer of Disease
As globalization spreads across the world through local and international travels,
Tuberculosis, HIV, certain influenza strains (Covid19), and other communicable
diseases produce outbreaks at epidemic and/or pandemic levels.

3. Struggled Jobs and Commerce Move Elsewhere.


While some areas have flourished, others have floundered as jobs and commerce move
elsewhere. Steel companies in the UK provided several jobs to people but when China began
producing cheaper steel, steel plants in the UK closed and thousands of jobs were lost.

4. Impacts the Environment Negatively.


We have already seen what free trade does to the environment. Greenhouse gas emissions
rose in 2018 despite efforts to reduce them. Micro-plastics invaded our oceans, creating
negative impacts on marine life. The waters of our planet are slowly acidifying, creating
economic and health impacts every day. Over 200,000 Americans die each year because of
pollution exposure. If caps are taken off of what is not permitted through globalization, then
this issue will continue growing worse.

HOW GLOBALIZATION AFFECTS COMMUNICATION

Globalization has grown due to advances in transportation and communication


technology. With the increase d global interactions comes the growth of international trade,
ideas,
and culture. Connecting with people on the other side of the world is now much easier than it
was a few years ago. With the advent of globalization associated with advanced technologies
across regions, the flow of information and communication has become smoother faster and
easier. One best example is the use of electronic mail (e-mail) such as Gmail and Yahoo Mail, or
social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Global communication is directly affected by the process of globalization, and helps to


increase business opportunities, remove cultural barriers and develop a global village. Both
globalization and global communication have changed the environmental, cultural, political and
economic elements of the world.

It also resulted in an inescapable emergence of World Englishes which will be discussed


in Lesson 2.

How to Communicate Effectively in a Global Society.


1. Express your ideas effectively in verbal, non-verbal, and written forms in either digital or
non-digital environments or both.
2. Use effective listening skills to evaluate arguments, rationalize judgments and improve
job-effectiveness and work relationship.
3. Communicate with purpose to a variety of audiences.
4. Promote collaboration and cooperation with others.
5. Understand the concept of diversity and promote respect all the time.
6. Use technology and social media responsibly.

It is helpful for students to learn about register, especially if students are from culturally
and linguistically diverse homes. As people are interacting with others, it is acceptable to
move from one register into an adjacent register without any problems or awkward
moments. However, skipping a level or even more than one level may be considered
inappropriate or offensive.

Lesson 2

World Englishes

The term World Englishes refers to the differences in the English language that emerge as
it is used in various contexts across the world. It is a term for emerging localized or indigenized
varieties of English, especially varieties that have developed in territories influenced by the
United Kingdom or the United States.
Traditionally, it has been common to classify English using the following
terms: English as a native language (ENL), English as a second language (ESL) and
English as a foreign language (EFL). By this classification, ENL is spoken in countries
such Britain and the USA; ESL is spoken where English plays an important
intranational role, typically in postcolonial countries such as Singapore and Nigeria;
and EFL is spoken only in classrooms in those countries where English has no
functional use outside the classroom.
American English is the form of English used in the United States. It includes all
English dialects used within the United States of America. British English is the form of
English used in the United Kingdom. It includes all English dialects used within the
United Kingdom.
Can you think of alternative words for
the following expressions?
_________________1. Xerox (action word)
_________________2. Comfort room
_________________3. Sewer
_________________4. Salvage
_________________5. There’s traffic
_________________6. Bottomless
English is in fact the global language,
but what does it mean to say that a language is
global? (David Crystal, 2003). In asking this,
consider the implications of English having this
status especially for its many users who speak different mother tongues.

Lingua franca (English as a Lingua Franca or ELF)


- Is a language that is adopted as a common language between/among speakers whose native
languages are different.

The two most well-known varieties of English are those of the colonial superpowers:
British English and American English. But there are many multilingual countries around the
world in which varieties of English have developed. This may be because English was initially
transported to that country by English speaking settlers as in the United States, Canada,
Australia, and New Zealand.

It could also be that English may have been brought to that country as a language of
conquest by English speaking colonizers as in South Africa, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. In
other countries, English has a particular role as an official language, medium of instruction, or
even language of law and government. In other countries where there is less exposure to
English, it is often learned for career progression because it is the language of international
business. Some effects of globalization to communication are: Virtual Interactions, cultural
awareness in speech, cultural awareness in body language and time differences. When countries
are able to exchange ideas, and communicate in an open society, everyone benefits.

All of these world Englishes are equal in functionality, but not all are equal in prestige.
The idea, however in writing, is to adhere to the standard English of one's country because
each variety, including those of the United States and United Kingdom, has its own peculiar or
individual features. These features include differences in spelling, punctuation, favored words
and expressions, and sometimes grammatical constructions.

The table that follows gives an example of some of these differences for American
English and British English. Two English speakers- one from the US and the other from the UK-
may become confused when encountering the other’s unfamiliar accent and word choices in a
conversation and when reading different spelling and punctuation conventions in writing.

Aspect American English British English


Punctuation Washroom, toilet, lavatory Comfort room

Date March 2, 2017 2 March 2017


Spelling Center, color, organize, Centre, colour, organise,
Program, gray, theater Programme, grey, theatre
Elevator, pants, diaper, apartment,
sneakers, mailbox, chips, gas, Lift, trousers, nappy, flat, trainers,
Words truck, corn post box, crisps, petrol, lorry, maize
Expression/local Ruffled feathers (agitated) Knickers in a twist (agitated)
Idiom
Do you have that book? Have you got that book? I
Grammar I will shall

Filipinisms refer to words that are loosely translated from common Tagalog expressions
and cause confusion when applied in conversations with native English speakers. Such mistakes
are taken as a big no-no in business communication, especially by corporations with staff
dominated by foreigners who are exceptionally fluent in American or British English (e.g. call
centers, five-star hotels and international banks). Philippine English (Filipinisms), as well, has its
unique usages. Here are examples.
20

Philippine English
Xerox Photocopy
comfort room/C.R. washroom/toilet/lavatory/powder room
There’s traffic There’s heavy traffic
sewer tailor/seamstress
Salvage To save
For a while Just a second/just a moment/hold on/hang on
bottomless Refillable
Fall in line Get into line/Line up/make a line.
Fill up Fill out/fill in
It’s for free It’s free
Come again Could you please repeat what you said?
Tuck out Untuck
I talked to her already I already spoke with her.
I’ll go ahead I have to go
I’ll pass by your house I’ll drop by your house

There is no wrong way of speaking English as long as those who speak it understand each
other. In fact, Sutherland says, the many versions of English is spoken around the globe merely
served to make English an even richer tongue. However, the fact that all varieties of English
have individual or peculiar usages is why it is important in the context of academic and
professional writing to follow a standard. This standard advocates the use of a consistent
spelling and punctuation system; it also avoids colloquial and informal usages. They use this
kind of English means to follow a spelling or punctuation system that is consistent with the
prescribed standard.

Non-standard English is an informal version of English. It usually contains slang and


colloquialisms that wouldn't be used in more formal or professional settings. It's the opposite of
standard English, which is defined by its use of proper spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Standard English is accepted as the "correct" form of English, used in formal speaking or
writing.
Lesson 3
Culturally Sensitive and Bias-Free Language

Just as important as awareness of the existence of the world Englishes is that of


practicing cultural sensitivity. To write in a culturally sensitive way means you are aware
that cultural differences and similarities between people exist. Students including you,
scholars, professionals, and anyone wishing to maintain harmonious communicative relation
should be careful in using words and phrases that do not discriminate against particular
groups, whether in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, social class, age, and disability. The
essential point is to communicate in a way that is respectful of diversity.

If sensitivity and bias-free language is not practiced, Cross-cultural blunders


(mistake; error) can be the result. It is caused by inappropriate use of language which is a
common problem in international professional communication. They cause misunderstanding,
lead to business failures, and tend to be offensive at times. Such blunders may occur in
business ads, slogans, products names, and instructions.

1. What examples of cross-cultural blunders do you know of?


______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

2. What are the ways to avoid these blunders?


______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

With the emergence of a global society, the


academic and professional environments have
become multicultural. That means you coexist
with people from diverse or different cultural
backgrounds beliefs, gender, nationalities, religion,
and ethnicity.

Here are some general principles to follow


when referring to different groups or categories .

1. Race and Ethnicity. (RACIST) Racism is a form of


discrimination against a person or persons of a different race in
general, it is best to avoid identifying people by race or ethnic
group. Race is an emotionally charged topic, so it is best to tread
carefully with the language used and to refer to race. Words that
reinforce stereotypes and that imply all people of a particular race
or ethnic group or the same should be avoided.

For example, although the assessment is positive in the


sentence, “Naturally, the Asian students won the Math contest.” The word “naturally”
reinforces the stereotype of generalization that Asians have superior aptitude in Math.

Next, one must be attuned to the current terminology by which racial and ethnic
groups refer to themselves. This may be done by reading national newspapers and watching
television news, which typically are good indicators of current and preferred usage. Some
research is required to find out about acceptable and preferred terms. In the Philippine context,
there have been shifts in the preferences for terms that Filipinos or Chinese ancestry used to
describe their identity: from Tsino, to Chinoy, to Filipino Chinese.

It is also important to be sensitive to religion when referring to various ethnic groups.


Assumption should not be made that stereotype of race, nationality, or ethnic group with a
specific religion. For example, not all Arabs or Muslims, not all Indians are Buddhists, and not
all Filipinos are Roman Catholics.

2. Gender and Sexual Orientation SEXIST

Sexism refers to the prejudice and discrimination


based on sex or gender. To be inclusive of all people in
general references one should favor gender-neutral words
and phrases over gender-biased words. For example,
rather than “man-made,” one could say “manufactured”,
“synthetic” or “artificial.”

Instead of layman's terms one can use ordinary terms. Neutral words should also be
chosen over words with men and women in job titles or descriptions. For example, it is more
appropriate to use chairperson in place of chairman, flight attendant in place of stewardess,
and labor in place of manpower. One should avoid sexist terms like woman lawyer and male
nurse and simply use lawyer and nurse.

Pronouns may also be gender-biased, for example, when the masculine “he” pronoun is
used as a generic one for both genders. Gender-biased pronouns can be avoided by (a) dropping
pronouns that signify gender and restating the sentence, (b) changing to plural construction,
and replacing masculine or feminine pronouns with “one” or “you.”

Examples of alternative gender-neutral constructions are provided here

Gender-biased example: Each student should submit his / her term paper by Monday.

Restatement Each student should submit a term paper by Monday.

Plural Construction Students should submit their term paper by Monday.

Use of “you” You should submit your term paper by Monday.


Other gender related terms may have to do with gender orientation or sexual orientation
period it is important to be sensitive to new attitudes about homosexual, transsexual, and
transgender people. For example , most gay people prefer the term gay to the more clinical
homosexual as a label lesbian is currently the term preferred by gay women Transgender
people prefer to be referred to as being the gender they identify as, not their birth gender.

Again, as a matter of principle, why should refer to societal groups in the way that
members of these groups preferred to be referred to. Note also the terminology in this area is
developing, and that not everyone agrees.

3. Social Class/classism
Classist
Class discrimination or classism is a form of
prejudice against the person or people because of their
social class. An example of language with a bias against
class is the American term white trash, Which is not only
a racial slur but a classist one that refers to white people,
usually from the rural southern United States, coming
from a lower social class inside the white population.
The term is negative not just because of the words that
comprise it but because of its connotation of danger;
White trash people are seen as criminal, unpredictable,
and without respect for authority.

There are examples from Philippine culture as well, informal terms “conyos” and “jologs'',
both derogatory terms referring to class. The first, used to describe young people from the upper
class who speak an idiosyncratic mix of English and Tagalog, connotes vanity and consciousness
about social status. The second coming out perhaps replaced by the term judgment as used in
reference to an idiosyncratic spelling or writing style, is used to describe persons who look for
an out of style.

4. Ageist

Ageism is a form of discrimination against the other people


because of their age, or assuming that older people are less physically,
intellectually, or emotionally able than other age groups. The capabilities
of younger people should also not be underestimated on the basis of
their age. Again, it is important to refer to a person's age only when that
information is pertinent to what is being discussed. When referring to a
generic group, one should also ask their subjects what wordings they
prefer: do they wish to be called older persons or senior citizens?

Do they prefer the label youth teenagers or young people? Lastly, according to the
American psychological Association, a writer should be specifically referring to males and
females in terms of their age: females 18 years or older or women, not girls do you girls refers to
those in high school or younger under 18. The same is true for voice and men.

5. Disabilities

Discrimination in this area


often arises because of lack of
understanding and awareness.
Therefore, first, it is important to
distinguish some terms that are
mistakenly understood to be
synonymous. Various guides on
bias-free communication and often
confused terminology are available online; they define the terms impairment, disability,
and handicap ask, respectively, a psychological condition, finally when referring to people
with disabilities, the focus should be on the person, not the condition.

Writers should avoid hurtful expressions such as retards or even the seemingly neutral
description the mentally retarded instead people with mental retardation. Similarly instead of
the blind and cancer patients one should instead use people with vision impairments and people
being treated for cancer respectively. These examples demonstrate the importance of identifying
first language or the importance of putting the person or people first period.

Synthesis. These general guiding principles are helpful, but not always apt. For
example there are heated debates now among parents of children with autism about whether to
use “person with autism” or “autistic person”. Yet again, it must be emphasized that research is
necessary to become aware of trends and debates in this and other areas. One may also simply
ask the concerned people what their preferred terms are. The final takeaway is that to be an
effective writer, one must not stereotype, demean, or exclude any member of his or her
audience. Such stereotypes and biases are barriers to communication.

An aspect of the professional style is its use of bias-free language. It is unprofessional


and in very bad form to use language that shows a bias against certain people or groups of
people. For example, in patriarchal societies, certain word choices reveal a bias against women,
especially those in the workplace. In youth-oriented cultures, there may be language bias against
older people. And, in capitalist societies, there may be language bias against the poor.
(Arinto,2009). Professional writers and speakers should use language “that does not
discriminate against people on the basis of sex, physical condition, age, race or any other
category” (Locker and Kienzler, 2013).

Biased Bias-free
Chairman chairperson/chair
Salesman Sales representative/rep/staff
Stewardess Flight attendant
Fireman Firefighter
Woman lawyer Lawyer
Woman doctor Doctor
Lady president President
Male nurse Nurse
Manpower Labor force/personnel
Mankind Humankind
Man hours hours/worker hours
Manning staffing
Managers and their wives Managers and their spouses
Faculty and their wives Faculty and their spouses
Dear Sir: Dear Sir / Madam:

The first set of examples provided consists of very dated and traditional gender-biased terms.
It is customary now to use gender-neutral labels for professions to acknowledge the fact that
both men and women thrive in those fields.

Remember

World Englishes refers to the different varieties of English and English-based


creoles (a language that has developed from a mixture of languages) developed in
different regions of the world.
With the emergence of a global society, the academic and professional environments
have become multicultural. That means you coexist with people from diverse or
different cultural backgrounds beliefs, gender, nationalities, religion, and ethnicity.
Because globalization moves people across borders, its effects are felt not only in
economic terms but in social and cultural aspects as well. Thus, globalization
also impacts communication.

Context- location, occasion, situation

LANGUAGE REGISTERS – is the level of formality with which you speak. Different
situations and people call for different registers. Thus, the appropriate language register
depends upon the audience (who), the topic (what), purpose (why) and location (where).

o Frozen/Static Register: This register rarely or never changes. Frozen


register describes speech that is so formalized that it is often produced via
recitation rather than spontaneous speech production.
Examples of frozen register include the Pledge of Allegiance or the Preamble
tthe Constitution, Marriage ceremonies and wedding vows, etc.
o Formal/Academic Register: This register includes academic language from
speeches, proclamations and formal announcements.
o Consultative Register: This register is formal and acceptable speech often used in
professional settings, marks a mentor-protege or expert-novice relationship.
Some examples of this register include discourse between teachers and students,
judges and lawyers, doctors and patients, and between a superior and a
subordinate.
o Casual Register: This register is used among friends and peers, and includes
informal language including slang and colloquialisms. Casual register is often
used among friends, teammates, etc.
o Intimate Register: This register is reserved for close family members such as
parents and children and siblings, or intimate people such as spouses.

Module 3
Today, as you have noticed, you are always confronted with a diverse wealth of
information for personal, academic, or professional use that can be accessed in multicultural
settings that is why evaluating texts and/ or images is essential because of the proliferation of
information resources and rapid technological change period. With the advent of a digital
environment or the Internet, most of the information is unfiltered making it off and its
authenticity, validity, and reliability questionable. The abundance of information from various
media poses a challenge for you in terms of evaluating and understanding it fully. As a
competent communicator you should be able to evaluate, manage, and use information
effectively and accomplish a specific purpose. One best way to evaluate messages and images
is through critical reading.

What Will You Learn from This Module?

I n this module you will learn the qualities of a critical reader, strategies of a critical
leader, PowerPoint, other web-based online presentations and how to evaluate them.

This module is composed of 2 lessons:


Lesson 1 Evaluation of Texts and Images in Multicultural Contexts.
Lesson 2 Communication Aids and Strategies Using Tools of Technology.

After studying this module, you should be able to:

apply critical reading in evaluating texts and


images; evaluate multimodal texts;
identify communication aids and strategies using tools of technology;
evaluate presentations;
reflect on a learning experience.

Lesson 1
10 Ways To Use Social Media More Responsibly
Turn Off Notifications
Here is a good place to start – turn off all notifications on your social media accounts.
Sure, many of us have FOMO, or a Fear of Missing Out, and notifications keep us in the
constant information loop. But as much as you’re not missing out, you’re being sucked
down the proverbial rabbit hole of continual distraction from work, family, and friends.
Watch Your Time
Researchers have recently identified a sweet spot when it comes to the amount of time
you spend on social media. The Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology suggests that
keeping usage down to 30 minutes a day can lead to better health outcomes, reduce
loneliness, and lower depression. So set limits on how much time you spend on social
media.
Follow With A Purpose
It’s important to follow people who add positivity, inspiration, creativity, joy, and hope to
the world. Make sure to diversify your digital worldview by following and engaging with
people online from different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs than you.
Stop Mindless Scrolling
Stop the scrolling! Instead, go directly to the account or person you actually want to
learn more about. Also, give your feed a good cleansing, especially of accounts you
don’t know or recognize. This approach will cut down your endless scrolling and will
have a positive effect on your personal mindset.
Beware Of Clickbait
In recent years, fake news and clickbait have become huge issues. As people scroll
through feeds, dubious headlines void of any context lead many to click on hyperlinks
which propagate fake content or misleading information. This is what’s referred to as
‘clickbait’. Unfortunately, studies continue to show that controversial or negative
headlines generate the most clicks on sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
If you have thoughts about getting ‘news’ from provocative headlines, it’s best to just
step back, check the website link, and acquire factual information from reliable sources.
Monitor Your Emotions
Be aware of how social can affect your mood, actions, and emotions. It’s easy to get
caught up in this social cycle of what’s real and what isn’t real. It’s important to remind
yourself that what you see on social media is not always the true picture. Many people
use filters, effects, and photoshop to enhance the illusion of perfection. Well, the simple
truth is that nobody is perfect. From an emotional standpoint, taking breaks from social
media is a healthy strategy. A digital detox can provide time for introspection, renewal,
and help create a new mindset that encourages other activities.
Likes Do Not = Self-Worth
An article published in Psychological Science compares the effect of “likes” on our
brain’s reward circuitry to winning money or eating chocolate. In reality, “likes” do not
equal validation. Remember that the amount of likes you get has nothing to do with who
you are, your intellect, how attractive you are, or how many friends you have. Simply
reminding yourself that you don’t need an image or post to be liked can be powerful and
effective.
Understand Privacy Settings
Whether it’s from prying eyes or the harmful intent of a cyber criminal, it’s vital to protect
your privacy on social media. Each platform has its own privacy settings and you should
know how each of these settings work. For example, on Facebook you can easily
restrict who can see your profile, posts, and photos. Always keep your settings up to
date as site policies change periodically. In addition, be aware of what public
information is on your profile. Even if they are private, social media profiles can still
publicly display details like your bio, education, or employer.
Build A Positive Digital Reputation
Before you post anything on social media, be mindful of what you are about to share
with the world. Friends, family, and potential employers can all view your social
presence. Poor decisions like posting negative content or controversial photos can stick
with a person for a long time. Words have tremendous power – so a good rule to follow
is to keep your posts positive, honest, relevant, uplifting, and informative.
Give Your Phone A Rest At Night
And that blue light from your screen – it suppresses melatonin which causes us to
experience insomnia, tiredness, and irritability. If you use technology at night, maybe it’s
time to set some bedtime phone rules. Try cutting off screen time one hour or even 30
minutes before you go to sleep.

Evaluation of Texts and Images in Multicultural Contexts


Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully
conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from,
or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to
belief and action.
Someone with critical thinking skills is able to do the following :
• understand the logical connections between ideas
• identify, construct and evaluate arguments
• detect inconsistencies and common mistakes in reasoning
• solve problems systematically
• identify the relevance and importance of ideas
• reflect on the justification of one's own beliefs and values

Additionally, critical thinking can be divided into the following three core skills:
1. Curiosity is the desire to learn more information and seek evidence as well as being open to
new ideas.
2. Skepticism - doubting
involves having a healthy questioning attitude about new information that you are exposed to and
not blindly believing everything everyone tells you.
3. Humility is the ability to admit that your opinions and ideas are wrong when faced with new
convincing evidence that states otherwise.

Critical Reading. When you read critically, your goal is to examine not only what
message is conveyed but also how the message is conveyed, as well as its purpose, target
audience, and other ways of presenting it. Essentially, critical reading requires you to be
an investigator and “break down” a text to appreciate and understand it better.

Debriefing Questions

What is the message of the image?

_______________________________________
_______________________________________
________________________________________
What contributes to the message of the image?
_______________________________________
________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________
Is your interpretation of the image different from those of others who looked at it? Why?
__________________________________________________________________________

Keep the results and remember them as you participate in the succeeding activities.
Let’s Read

Qualities of a Critical Reader

A critical reader annotates text by writing or using sticky notes.


Determines and analyzes the organizational pattern (chronological order,
order of importance (deductive and inductive arrangement), compare-
contrast, cause-effect, description, narration, definition, or persuasion of the
text.)
Asks critical questions that promote analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of text.
Considers the cultural and historical background of the text or image.
Distinguishes facts from opinions.

Here are eight ways to tell if a website is reliable.

1. Look for Established Institutions

The internet is full of websites that were started five minutes ago. What you want
are sites associated with trusted institutions that have been around for a while and have a
proven track record of reliability and integrity.

Such sites may include those run by government agencies, non-profit organizations,
foundations, or colleges and universities.

2. Look for Sites with Expertise


You wouldn't go to an auto mechanic if you broke your leg, and you wouldn't go to the
hospital to have your car repaired. This is an obvious point: Look for websites that specialize in
the kind of information you're seeking. So if you're writing a story on a flu outbreak, check out
medical websites, such as The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and so on.

3. Steer Clear of Commercial Sites

Sites run by companies and business—their websites usually end in .com—are more
often than not trying to sell you something. And if they're trying to sell you something,
chances are whatever information they're presenting will be tilted in favor of their product.
That's not to say corporate sites should be excluded entirely. But be wary.

4. Beware of Bias

Reporters write a lot about politics, and there are plenty of political websites out there.
But many of them are run by groups that have a bias in favor of one political party or philosophy.
A conservative website isn't likely to report objectively on a liberal politician, and vice versa.
Steer clear of sites with a political ax to grind and instead look for ones that are non-partisan.

5. Check the Date

You need the most up-to-date information available, so if a website seems old, it's
probably best to steer clear. One way to check: Look for a "last updated" date on the page or site.

6. Consider the Site's Look

If a site looks poorly designed and amateurish, chances are it was created by amateurs.
Sloppy writing is another bad sign. Steer clear. But be careful: Just because a website is
professionally designed doesn't mean it's reliable.

7. Avoid Anonymous Authors

Articles or studies whose authors are named are often—though not always—more
reliable than works produced anonymously. It makes sense: If someone is willing to put their
name on something they've written, chances are they stand by the information it contains. And if
you have the name of the author, you can always Google them to check their credentials.

8. Check the Links

Reputable websites often link to each other. You can find out which other websites
link to the site you're researching by conducting a link-specific Google search. Enter the
following text into the Google search field, replacing "[WEBSITE]" with the domain of the
site you're researching:

link:http://www.[WEBSITE].

9. Beyond the Headline

If a headline seems sensational or radical, carefully read the article to determine the
source of the pronouncement. If the actual story contradicts the headline, and if the points
aren’t backed up with solid scientific research, it’s a red flag that this website might prioritize
clicks over correctness.
10. Solid Science

Speaking of solid scientific research, check out what kind of evidence the website uses
to support their position. Reliable websites are transparent about their sources and help the
reader gain a deeper understanding of the topic, rather than relying on opinion pieces or second-
hand news. Our 11 Tips for Reading a Scientific Study can help you determine if the science
cited is up-to-muster.

5. Audience

Who is engaging with the site? If reputable professionals (such as RDs, MDs, PhDs, or
other experts) are referencing or sharing information from the site, that o ffers added
confidence that it is a source of solid information.

6. Ask Questions

If you’re not sure how something adds up, or if something posted seems too good to be true,
leave a comment or email the author or website administrator to learn more or to ask about their
sources. Your comments can help make others think twice! Also, keep in mind that someone
selling a product online might have a biased opinion on how useful a particular product (or diet)
might be. Reputable bloggers and writers will always disclose relationships and/or sponsorships
with companies or products they mention

Lesson 2

Communication Aids and Strategies Using Tools of Technology


Microsoft PowerPoint and other web-based or online presentations or some of the
tools popular in today's generation. These aids are valuable for speakers -amateur or
professionals - because they can help you fascinate your audiences and make them understand
and appreciate your conveyed message. Indeed, they can help you build your credibility and
boost your confidence. However, if you do not know how to use them effectively, they can
ruin your presentation.

Multimedia is content that uses a combination of different content forms such as text,
audio, images, animations, video and interactive content. Multimedia contrasts with media that
use only rudimentary computer displays such as text-only or traditional forms of printed or
hand-produced material.

Video is an electronic medium for the recording, copying, playback, broadcasting, and
display of moving visual media.
Sound recording and reproduction is an electrical, mechanical, electronic, or digital
inscription and re-creation of sound waves, such as spoken voice, singing, instrumental
music, or sound effects.
PowerPoint, web-based and online presentations- Online presentation software
specializes in letting you create interactive content. It also features many animation
effects. Not only can you use genially to create online presentations, you can also create
infographics and other interactive projects. Examples include PowerPoint Online, Google
Slides, Keynote, Prezi Basic, Linked In and Slide Share.
GENERAL GUIDELINE FOR CREATING AN EFFECTIVE PRESENTATION

1. Minimize the number of slides. To convey a clear message and to keep your audience
attentive interested, keep the number of slides in your presentation to a minimum. (should
not exceed 15 slides).
2. Choose a readable font style. Avoid narrow fonts such as Arial Narrow and fonts that
include fancy edges like Blackadder ITC.

3. Choose a readable font size. A one-inch letter is readable from 10 feet away, a two-inch
letter from 20 feet away
and a 3-inch letter from
30 feet away.
4. Use bullet points or short
sentences. You want your
audience to listen to you
and not read the text on the
screen. Bullets and short
sentences also make it
easier for the audience to
read.
5. Use art to convey your message. Use graphics to help you tell your story but don't
overwhelm your audience by adding too many in one slide.
6. Use labels for charts and graphs. Use only enough text to make label elements in
a chart or graph comprehensible.
7. Use subtle backgrounds consistently. Choose an appealing but consistent theme that is
not too eye-catching or distracting.
8. Use high contrast between background and text color. Set the contrast between a
light background with light colored text.
9. Check the spelling and grammar. This is to earn and maintain the respect of
your audience.

Let’s Try.

Let’s See What You’ve Learned

Create your own PowerPoint presentation or Google Slide Presentation about a recent
Racism, Ageism, Classism or Sexism issue. Indicate your suggested solutions. Provide
examples/evidences. Follow the guidelines and submit the Powerpoint presentation in
the virtual classroom/

Module 4
Communication for General Purposes
What Will You Learn from This Module?

In this module, you will learn that having excellent communication skills can
practically help you express yourself clearly and confidently, gain the respect of other
people, achieve your goals, and succeed in life. You would also learn how to establish a
connection with the audience and analyze their needs.

This module is composed of 2 lessons

Lesson 1- Principles and Types of Speech


Lesson 2 -Connecting with the Audience.

After studying this module, you should be able to:

discuss the principle of effective public speaking;


identify the type of speeches;
deliver a speech effectively;
apply some principles in connecting with the audience.

Lesson 1

Good speaking skills help you communicate effectively in various situations,


whether it's a casual conversation, a formal presentation, or a business
meeting. They are essential for sharing information accurately, persuading
others, and building strong relationships.
Let’s Read

Material- It refers to your topic which can be about your experiences, observations,
inspiration, or anything you are interested to talk about. For example, you are into
social media like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, you may be interested to talk about these
topics how social media helped you find your one true love, your grandmother's experience
in social media, cyberbullying in social media,

If you can't think of any idea about your topic one best strategy is to get a pen and paper
and write down everything that is in your mind then circle or underline the one that you are
interested in and really knowledgeable about. Once you have identified your topic, it is
important to know more about it.

Message-It refers to the content or the main point of your speech, which can be supported by
personal stories or anecdotes-- humorous or inspiring -- and relevant statistics or ideas from
newspapers and academic journals among others. Take, for example, your topic is cyberbullying
and social media. You can begin your speech by sharing that you read through Twitter how your
friend was bashed by his or her followers because of his or her use of the English language. You
can describe the situation, make your own interpretation, and or analysis which can be
supported by research, then build a message that can be valuable and relevant to your audience.
When you are developing your message, it is very important to know the needs, beliefs,
and values of your audience so that you can engage them easily in your speech. Once you have
connected with your audience, it will be easy for you to convey your message according to your
purpose.

1. Speech to inform seeks to provide the audience with a clear understanding of the concept or
idea presented by the speaker the lectures of your teachers are best examples of this type

2. Speech to entertain seeks to provide the audience with entertainment. The humorous
speeches of your favorite speakers are the best example of this type.

3. Speech to persuade seeks to provide the audience with favorable or acceptable ideas that
can influence their own ideas and decisions. The campaign speeches of candidates for
government posts or best examples of this type

• Ethos, Pathos, and Logos are modes of persuasion used to convince audiences. They
are also referred to as the three artistic proofs (Aristotle coined the terms), and are all
represented by Greek words.

• Ethos or the ethical appeal, means to convince an audience of the author's credibility
or character. Greek word for “character.”

• Developed by choosing language that is appropriate for the audience and topic (also
means choosing proper level of vocabulary), making yourself sound fair or unbiased,
introducing your expertise or pedigree, and by using correct grammar and syntax.

• Pathos or the emotional appeal, means to persuade an audience by appealing to


their emotions. Authors use pathos to invoke sympathy from an audience; to make
the audience feel what the author wants them to feel.

• A common use of pathos would be to draw pity, inspire anger from an audience in
order to prompt action. Pathos is the Greek word for both “suffering” and “experience.”
The words empathy and pathetic are derived from pathos

• Logos or the appeal to logic, means to convince an audience by use of logic or reason.

• To use logos would be to cite facts and statistics, historical and literal analogies, and citing
certain authorities on a subject. Logos is the Greek word for “word,” (1) The word
“logic” is derived from logos.

• In order to persuade your audience, proper use of Ethos, Pathos and Logos is

necessary. Methods of Delivery

Methods of delivery refer to the style of delivery. These methods are manuscript,
memorized, impromptu, and extemporaneous.
Impromptu – delivered without any preparations at all.
Manuscript/Read Speech. The speech is delivered by speakers who intend to read aloud
their speech word for word to the audience. One example is writing or reading a proclamation
paper, public announcement, or court decision. Since this is literally reading to the audience
manuscript speakers will have difficulty in grabbing the attention of and connecting with their
audience.

Memorized. The speech is delivered by speakers who intend to memorize their speech word
for word. This occurs when one delivers a declamation or oratorical piece for a contest or
during a gathering. Some common problems that you can encounter using this method are time
and commitment to memorize, memory lapses, awkward or unnatural delivery, eye contact, and
audience rapport among others.

Extemporaneous speech. This is delivered by speakers who intend to present a well-crafted


speech. This speech is fully prepared and perfectly rehearsed ahead of time. As an example, you
accepted an invitation from your former school to give an inspirational talk to the graduates. So
you give yourself enough time to deliver a speech that can motivate and inspire your audience to
do and think good deeds at all times. During your delivery, you may need some notes not for
you to read but for you to be guided. This method can usually be a bit nerve-wracking for the
inexperienced for beginners but that can be a good step towards mastering the art of speaking
extemporaneously.

Pronunciation is the way in which a word is pronounced/spoken accurately.


Enunciation is the act of pronouncing words or parts of the words clearly and accurately.
Diction is the strategic choice of words based on the audience, context, or situation.
Low law bit beat shit- sheet

Lesson 2

Connecting with the Audience.


As a speaker, before you can inspire your audience, you have to strive to establish a
connection with them. In the example above, you as a mayor should address the concerns or
needs of your staff and employees first so that they will be able to so that they will be receptive
to your conveyed message. These concerns include the stability of their jobs, pay, workplace,
and growth, among others. You will not get the support that you aim for if any of your staff or
employee is worried about his/her job during the process of change. The initial step in building
a connection with the audience is to know them, which can be achieved through audience
analysis.

Every speaker wants a good ‘connection’ with the audience. In some cases, that can be quite
hard. Not all audiences are the same. And some audiences, you have to ‘convince’. Wouldn’t it
be great if your audience would listen engaged to every word you had to say? It’s possible.
There are a few ways to connect to your audience. Some are easy. And your audience will
feel closer to you, without you being too obvious about it.
1. Respond to what you see

Many speakers are very self-focused when they are on stage. Most of the time, this is
not intentional. But speakers want to do a good job. So they focus on the job they feel is most
important: the words and the slides.
If you feel the room agrees or doesn’t agree, for example, act on it. Tell them “I see some
people disagree, that’s fine, here’s why I feel it is like this…” The mere fact that you are
responding to their movements shows you care. And caring means connecting.
2. Look at people a bit longer
It’s common advice for speakers: “Look to all parts of the room and focus on some
people”. Great advice, but you need to be careful with this. If you ‘glance’ over the audience
too much, they will feel neglected. They feel you don’t ‘see’ them.
What you want is a real connection. This means looking people in the eye. In fact, look
at some people a bit longer. Not too long, that gets creepy, but long enough to get the
connection. Get a smile even. It will bring you closer.
3. Smile and have fun
Smiling is one of the most underestimated parts of public speaking. If you want to
connect, the audience must feel you like them. And if you are not smiling, how will they ever
feel you like them? Once you show you are enjoying yourself on stage, the audience will become
part of that. And they will feel closer to you.
Being funny does help. If you can make the audience smile, they will feel closer to you.
Now there is a danger here. If your joke backfires, you could lose all the connection. So think
about jokes. Don’t offend people. Don’t make fun of specific groups. Be lighthearted and funny.
The best person to joke about is you.
4. Be personal
Which brings us to a very important part of your presentation. You have to make any
presentation you do personal. People bond with you, not with the presentation. So as soon as
you can make part of the presentation personal, you will get closer to the audience.
Show the connection between you and what you are trying to get across. People will like
you, and your talk, better.

5. Refer to what they already know


If you talk about stuff that people can’t relate to, you make it hard for them. It can be almost
like you are talking to them in a foreign language. How do you feel when you are part of a
conversation between two people speaking a language you don’t understand? You feel left out.

If you refer to what people know, you give them trust and they will get closer to you.
6. Walk towards your audience
There are speakers who stand behind a desk. And there are those who like to walk around
and prefer the walking way, for several reasons. For one, it’s a way of getting closer to your
audience. By physically getting closer to your audience, you will make them feel closer to you as
well. So, walk towards them. Make them ‘part’ of your presentation. And it will create a bond.
7. Compliment the audience
Finally, compliment the audience. Tell them how great they are. There are several parts
in the presentation where you can do this. At the start, you can make a compliment about the
location, the city that you are in or the company that you are presenting at. During the talk, you
can tell them you can see they are a smart audience. “I don’t need to tell you this, you know
this”, shows you feel they are smart. And at the end of the talk, you can say you enjoyed their
presence. A compliment can do many things!
8. Tell a story
As you can see, there are many ways of getting a connection with your audience. The
one important thing you have to keep in mind is that it has to be about them. They need to be
able to recognize themselves. The best way of doing that is by telling a story. People love
stories. Not only because they are fun, but because it’s part of our DNA. Stories are part of our
everyday life. Each day we tell each other stories. Each day we listen to stories.
When we hear a story, we listen better. We remember more. And we trust the source of
a story. This is why storytelling is such a powerful tool. And this is why storytelling needs to be
part of any type of talk that you do.

Let’s Try

Write 5-6 paragraphs long or a 3-5 minute-long of


persuasive speech regarding any topic on Racism
or Sexism you would like to convince other people
with . After writing, record yourself while doing the
speech.
Use [SPEECH (your last name, first name, and section)] as your subject. You must be able
to follow the rubric below as a guideline.

Module 5

Communication for Professional Purposes


What Will You Learn From This Module?

The previous unit discussed the principles of speech delivery and how to
connect with the audience. In this module, you will be introduced to corporate culture and
communication. Firstly, you will learn about the basic principles guiding any kind of
professional communication. Secondly, you will also learn global and local work trends as a way
of understanding the varieties of English used in different professional contexts, lastly, you can
participate in workplace activities that will train you to write effective professional
correspondence such as memos, letters, and emails. The culminating activity of this chapter will
be the assimilated job application process wherein you will submit a cover letter and resume.

This module is composed of 3 lessons

Lesson 1- Corporate Culture and Professional Communication


Lesson 2 -Letters, memos, and E-mails
Lesson 3- Resume
Lesson 4- Job Interview

After studying this module, you should be able to:

construct basic workplace documents based on the principles of


professional communication;
apply these principles on the letters, memos, and email;
explain the features and basic parts of a letter, memo, and e-mail.
differentiate a letter, memo, and email from one another; and
write an effective letter, memo, and e-mail.

Lesson 1

Corporate Culture and Professional Communication


Imagine yourself to be in a communication situation: where you are a tired waitress in a
busy, noisy restaurant (choose from a classy, fine-dining place or a canteen-like “karinderya”);
where you are reporting to your boss about a project you have been working on. How would
you respond to these kinds of situations?

What do your answers reveal about your use of language in different social situations?
Clearly, people shift their language depending on a variety of social factors: Who you are talking
to, the number of people you are addressing, and the general context as well. The physical
factors, chronological factors, and cultural conventions guide the communication situation.
Let’s Read

Corporate culture is the total sum of the values, customs, traditions, and
meanings that make a company unique . One may also describe this culture more simply as a
workplace or professional culture, which may vary from organization to organization. The
language of all forms of writing in the corporate or professional context, however, will be
guided by several basic principles.

The 7 Cs of effective communication


1. Completeness. Adequate details
2. Conciseness. (KISS) Keep it short and simple
3. Consideration. Not the I but the YOU
4. Clarity. Clear
5. Concreteness. Specific/detailed rather than generic/general.
6. Courtesy Respect, Politeness
7. Correctness

There are many different types of professional documents each with its own conventions.
However, there are basic principles that guide those who prepare such workplace communication
and require their application. The professional writing purpose includes: recording important
information, giving/asking important information, and persuading readers to take action.

Firstly, adopting a professional style means adopting a reader perspective in writing.


This “you” attitude looks at things from the reader’s point of view. Emphasizing what the
reader wants to know, respecting the reader’s intelligence, and protecting the reader’s ego.
The examples here demonstrate the differences between an “I-attitude” and a “you-attitude” in
writing. Only in negative situations should the word be avoided; in fact the writer should protect
the reader's ego by using impersonal expressions to avoid passing blame. (Locker and Kienzler,
2013).

I-Attitude You-Attitude

If I can answer any of your queries, I'm perfectly If you have any questions, please ask.
willing to do so.
We delivered the order to the provided address Your order was shipped to your address
this morning. this morning.
I’m happy to tell you that... You’ll be happy to hear that...

The second important aspect of a professional style is the emphasis on the positive in
order to build a positive image and goodwill. All information should be stated positively, which
means that there is a focus on what the reader can do rather than on what the writer will not or
cannot let the reader do. Negative information, if not important, may be omitted. If it really
needs to be said, it should be communicated briefly. Alternatively, the reason for the negative
news can be given, it may be linked in some way to a reader benefit, or the reader may be
redirected to more positive information. For example, a letter communicating the rejection of a
request may follow this rejection with information about the next round of applications.
Whatever the case the writer should also eliminate any words that sound harsh or have negative
connotations. The examples in the table here show how positive wording appeals to the reader's
sense of cooperation and fairness because the sentences are phrased in a non-threatening way.

Negative Wording Positive Wording


We cannot process your reimbursement Your reimbursement request will be processed
request because your documents are not as soon as you submit all the required
complete. documents.
We do not reply to emails on weekends. You may contact us via email at any time from
Monday to Friday.
We can’t give you the list of books because You will receive the completed book inventory
we have not yet finished taking inventory. by tomorrow morning.

In the first example, not only is the focus shifted on the writer “we” to the reader’s need “your
request.” but the emphasis also shifts from why the request is being denied to what the reader
will gain if he or she completes the requirements. The second example is similar in that it talks
about the reader's ability to contact an office. Finally, in the third example, failure is
transformed into a promise.

Let’s Try

Rephrase the negatively worded sentences that follow so that they


emphasize the positive period for some items you may need to add information to
revise the sentence effectively.

Negative Wording Positive Wording

You are not qualified to join the University


Cooperative because you haven’t fulfilled the
tenure requirements.

We put your case on hold because you never


sent us the information we requested on our
email sent on June 24.

Until your library and miscellaneous fees are


paid, we will consider you ineligible for
enrollment.

The third aspect of the professional style is its use of bias-free language. It is
unprofessional and in very bad form to use language that shows a bias against certain people or
groups of people. For example, in patriarchal societies, certain word choices reveal a bias against
women, especially those in the workplace. In youth-oriented cultures, there may be language
bias against older people. And, in capitalist societies, there may be language bias against the
poor. (Arinto,2009). Professional writers and speakers should use language “that does not
discriminate against people on the basis of sex, physical condition, age, race, or any other
category” (Locker and Kienzler, 2013).

Biased Bias-free
Chairman chairperson/chair
Salesman Sales representative/rep/staff
Stewardess Flight attendant
fireman firefighter.
Woman lawyer Lawyer
Woman doctor Doctor
Lady president President

Male nurse Nurse


Manpower Labor force/personnel
Mankind Humankind
Man-hours hours/worker hours
manning staffing
Managers and their wives Managers and their spouses
Faculty and their wives Faculty and their spouses
Dir Sir: Dear Sir or Madam:

The first set of examples provided consists of very dated and traditional gender-biased terms.
It is customary now to use gender-neutral labels for professions to acknowledge the fact that
both men and women thrive in those fields.

Professional Language

Professional documents require language that is appropriate to the workplace setting:


polite, professional rather than overly personal, and grammatically accurate. Each of these
three points is discussed in greater detail.

Firstly, polite language is essential in Contacts wearing their power as symmetries.


There are ranks in hierarchies in any workplace setting, and workers must ensure that there is
minimal conflict and disharmony in the organization. This is where polite words and phrases
come in. Expressions like please, kindly, and thank you soften in positions of power, create a
positive brighter image, and convey gratitude.

Secondly, both personal matters and overly friendly language should not appear in
workplace correspondence. In the example given the writer on the paragraph in the first
column of the table gives too much personal information and uses language that is too familiar
and informal. The revision on the right shares only the relevant and necessary information is
written using more professional word choices and carefully selected information.

Over Personal Professional


Hey, I'm not sure if you've heard, but I've been
having a bunch of family problems lately. My son I am writing to request a three-day
was recently expelled, my daughter is in rehab, and to leave. I have some urgent personal
top it off, my wife hasn't spoken to me in days! So, I business to attend to, and I would
really need a few days off to try to get my home certainly appreciate you approving this
situation straightened out. Please help me out by request. Thank you very much for
approving this request. your consideration.

Thirdly, it should go without saying that professional writing should exhibit grammatical
accuracy in the use of Standard English. Grammatical and even typographical errors reflect
poorly on the writer or speaker in the professional context. Professional writing should consist
of grammatically accurate and easy to read sentences.

Let’s See What You’ve Learned

PCMOO-PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION
53

Lesson 2

Business Letters
Genres of Professional Writing

There are different types of genres of professional documents. Each type of document
follows specific generic conventions for formatting layout and contents. For example, business
letters and memos are two of the most common forms of professional correspondence. But how
do these two differ? William Pfeiffer (2013) distinguishes between the two:

A business letter is a document that conveys information from one company to another,
or between such organizations and their customers, clients, or other external parties. The overall
style of letter depends on the relationship between the parties concerned. While a memo(short
for memorandum) is a document written by a member of an organization to one or more
members of the organization. Because the letter is a form of external communication it is
formatted to contain, among others, an inside address and a signature block that specify the
recipient and sender respectively, along with their contact information. A letter also contains
standard formulas of openings and closings called the salutation and complimentary close.

The date should not be written in plain numerals so as not to confuse the reader. The
standard salutation
format consists of the
word dear followed by
the title Mr., Ms., Dr.,
Prof., etc.) of the
addressee or recipient,
his or her last name,
and a colon.
Conventional
complimentary closes
for business letters
today are: Sincerely,
Respectfully, Best
regards, Kind regards,
and Yours truly.
However, conventions
change, so it's still best
to keep this closing as
neutral as possible and
to find out what is
preferred in each
particular business in a
professional context. Finally, the letter is formatted in a way that makes relevant information
easy to see and understand. Here is a template that shows the format and content of a formal
business letter. Example: Full block format with no indentatiom
Openings should be clear and direct, that is, they should immediately tell the reader the
purpose of the letter. The following two examples show the difference between an indirect
and direct opening.

Indirect: Thank you for your email of Mail 11 in which you inquired about the availability
of sprinkler parts H640V

Direct: You will be glad to know that we have an ample supply of H640V parts.

Typically, the body contains a brief introductory paragraph establishing the context and
purpose of the letter, a middle section conveying details of the message in a logical sequence,
and a brief concluding paragraph politely requesting action. Thanking the reader, or providing
any additional pertinent information.

The closing or concluding paragraph wraps up the main points while building goodwill via
what is called a positive or forward-looking final message. For example, writers can say I'm
glad to have been of help, feel free to call me again or look forward to... receiving your
application in the next call for proposals, etc.

Basic parts of the Business letter:


Letterhead contains the company name, address, logo, contact numbers
1. Heading/Letterhead - address and contact number of sender
2. Dateline day when the letter was written December 12, 2022
3. Inside Address (Name, position, name of company, address of company )
4. Salutation Greetings/ Dear Sir:
5. Body Content/message
6. Complimentary Close Truly/Truly yours, Very respectfully, Sincerely,
7. Signature Line/block Sender’s name and Signature

Optional parts of the letter


1. Attention line – direct the letter to the desk of a specific person in the company
2. Subject line – tells in advance the general/main topic of the letter
3. Enclosures / Encl. – when other documents are enclosed/attached with the letter
4. Courtesy copies/ cc. –tells the names of other people to whom the copy/copies of letter
was also sent
5. Typist Initials YB/TB – bears the initials of the one who made the letter
and the other one who typed the letter

Letter Format /Letter Arrangements


1. Block/Full Block
2. Semi-Block
3. Modified Block

Lesson 2
Office
Memo
An office memorandum, more commonly known as a memo, is a short message
or record used for internal communication in a business. Once the primary form of internal
written communication, memorandums have declined in use since the introduction of email and
other forms of electronic messaging; however, being able to write clear memos certainly can
serve you well in writing internal business emails, as they often serve the same purpose.

Memo, which is internal communication, immediately gives the Date, the addressee
(To) and sender, (From) and the Subject (RE:) of the memo in a standard format. There's no
need for an inside address, salutation, complimentary close, and signature block.

Here is a template that shows the format of a standard memo. For any type of
professional document, the writer should also know the mechanics of the conventions governing
the writing aspect such as punctuation, capitalization, the use of numbers versus figures, and
abbreviations. Many academic and business organizations have their own style guides. Members
of an organization may refer to these guidelines to ensure that written communication reflects
the professionalism and values of the organization. It is best to find out what writing mechanics
are followed by a company one is applying to or joining, but students may also look for general
guidelines to mechanics online which usually include the following tips.

The memo follows a specific format designed for internal communication. It tends to
be brief (1 page is usually enough) and its content is arranged into 1-3 paragraphs.

Example

The memo subject line is of prime importance. It aids in filing and retrieving the document,
and tells the readers why they need to read the document. Good news memos and letters can
highlight the good news in the subject line, whereas bad news should have a neutral subject
line. A good subject line is specific, concise, and appropriate to the kind of message.
MEMO: To, From, Date and Subject/Re
Example:

Too general: Training Seminar


Better: Dates for 2018 Training Seminar

Wordy: Survey of Student’s Preferences Regarding Course Offerings


Better: Students’ Course Offering Preferences
Or: Survey of Students’ Course Preferences

Lesson 4
E-mail
Many companies today use emails as an alternative to memos. Email messages have
several advantages over print communication: they allow professionals to send, forward, and
receive many messages quickly and efficiently, and they are designed for simultaneous
circulation. Messages may also be organized easily in electronic folders for later reference and
replies. Emails are eco-friendly as large documents may be sent economically without using
paper resources. The use of emails comes with challenges, however, because of the ease of
sending, one click of the send button for a message that contains factual, grammatical, or
typographical errors may result in writer's loss of credibility. Emails produce permanent records,
so writers should be aware of the dangers of messages traveling to unintended recipients.
According to Guffey (2000), even when deleted, emails can remain on multiple servers that are
backed up by companies or Internet service providers. Moreover, in sensitive situations, emails
are not as effective, as they are only partially able to convey the writer's attitude or emotions.
Like memos and business letters, email messages should be warm and friendly, but not too
conversational, emotional, or intimate. The goal is to be professional neither too formal nor too
conversational. There are guidelines specific to email correspondence. The term netiquette refers
to etiquette on the Internet or the acceptable ways of communicating on Internet platforms.

a. Workplace email still follows the standard format, minus the automatic
components: email systems automatically insert the date of incoming messages
and the name and email messages of the sender. The writer inputs the name and
email address of the recipient, as well as
2. the subject which, as in memos, should summarize the central idea of the message.
Work emails have salutations that use the colon at the end, but in certain contexts when
the sender and recipient have a close working relationship, titles are dropped, and first
names are used. Paragraph organization is the same for memos and letters, and the
information given should be only what is necessary. Unprofessional email addresses that
are suggestive, silly, or funny, should be avoided. Opening fillers (there it is), long lead-
ins (I am writing this letter to inform you that), and wordy phrases (because of the fact
that) should also be avoided. Lastly, it is best to compose emails offline or to at least
proofread the message before sending it.

Another important communication material is the minutes of a meeting. Organizations,


institutions, agencies, and even smaller units or offices hold meetings from time to time. It is
important that things discussed in the meeting are documented so that you can always refer to
them when issues arise in the future. It is important that records are kept properly. Soft and hard
copies are recommended.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING


(Name of Organization)
(Date the meeting was held)

List of attendees
● Present
● Absent
I. Approval of Agenda
II. Review and Approval of Minutes of the Previous Meeting
III. Business Arising from the Minutes
IV. New Agenda
V. Adjournment
Signature of the one who prepared the minutes/date
Approval of the person occupying the top position in the organization.

Other Types of business letters:


1. Cover letters
A cover letter is a business letter typically sent with your resume when applying to a job. While
not all employers require a cover letter, it is a great opportunity to explain your professional
experience, qualifications and interest in the company and job.
Introductory paragraph / Purpose of the letter
In your introduction, discuss why you are writing by mentioning the job title, the company name
and where you found the job listing. Showcase your research on the job and company by
expressing specific interest in both, explaining why you were drawn to the job posting and what
interests you about their organization.
Middle paragraph / Qualifying skills
In the body of your letter, highlight the specific skills that make you a strong candidate for the
open position. Your cover letter should complement your resume, so build off of the information
in your resume to provide more specific details of your professional experience.
Conclusion
End the cover letter with a memorable statement about why you are a good fit for the open
position. Include a call-to-action that encourages the reader to follow up on your application
should they want to interview you and learn more about how you could fit into their company.
2. Letters of recommendation
A letter of recommendation is written on behalf of another professional to verify their
qualifications and work ethic. A letter of recommendation can strengthen an application for
employment, higher education or another professional opportunity.
3. Sales letters
The purpose of a sales letter is to introduce a service or product to a client or customer. Sales
professionals often use these letters when making new contacts with prospective buyers or
strengthening relationships with longtime clients.
4. Letters of resignation
A letter of resignation informs your employer of your intent to resign. While you may verbally
notify your coworkers and employer of your plans to leave, many organizations prefer to have an
official letter for documentation purposes.
5. Thank you letters
A professional thank you letter is an important way to let colleagues, employers, vendors or
other business contacts know you value their time or efforts. Sending a professional thank you
letter will build rapport with the recipient and communicate your intentions for the future. It
might be appropriate to send a thank you letter after someone helps you with a job search, when
a customer makes a purchase, or if a business awards you a contract. You can also send a formal
thank you letter to simply state your general appreciation for someone.
6. Complaint/Claim letters
Complaint letters are usually sent by consumers to businesses when they're unhappy with a
service or product. Include all pertinent details, such as an account number or order number,
what and how much of a product or service was purchased and when the transaction occurred.
Clearly state the problem you have encountered with the product or service. For instance, the
product does not work properly, the service was not performed correctly, you were billed the
wrong amount, etc. Propose a satisfactory solution, such as a refund or discount on services
performed, a repair or an exchange.
7. An order letter is a formal letter written to confirm the list of items you would like to
purchase. The purpose of an order letter is to provide the manufacturer or distributor with
instructions in detail. An order letter needs to pen down the terms and conditions of the purchase.
It generally contains details such as product specifications, their quantities, a price that the
parties have agreed upon, the date of delivery, what to do in case there occurs a late delivery, etc.
8. A letter of inquiry asks someone for specific information. In some cases, such as a request for
promotional material, the recipient will have a clear interest in responding to your letter. In other
cases, such as a request for specific information on a product, the recipient may or may not be as
motivated to respond quickly. Consequently, always make the tone of the letter friendly and
make it easy for the recipient to identify and provide the information you need.

Resume’ - 1 / 2 pages
- In outline form
- summary of the applicant’s qualifications /credentials
- personal details, educational backgrounds, work experience, trainings/ seminars, Awards/
Organizations,
Character References

Curriculum Vitae - (CV) 3 or more pages

Lesson 5
Job Interview

The job interview is a conversation in which you and an employer exchange


information. ... Your goal is to present yourself as the best candidate for the
position and also to learn more about the position and the interviewer's
organization to determine whether both are well suited for you and your career
goals.

Top Interview Techniques


Be on Time. ...
Dress for the Job or Company. ...
Be Prepared for Common Questions. ...
Take Care to Answer the Questions.
Be Confident, but Not Arrogant. ...
Listen. ...
Use Appropriate Language. ...
Don't Talk Too Much. ...
Ask Questions. ...
Ending the Interview on a Positive Note.

“Tell me about yourself.”


“What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
“Why are you interested in this position?”
“Where do you see yourself in five years?”
Job Interview Tips: How to Make a Great Impression

Tips for before the interview


In the days before your job interview,
set aside time to do the following:
1. Start by researching the
company and your interviewers.
Understanding key information
about the company you’re
interviewing with can help you go
into your interview with
confidence. Using the company’s
website, social media posts and
recent press releases will provide a
solid understanding of the
company’s goals and how your
background makes you a great fit.
2. Practice your answers to
common interview questions.
Prepare your answer to the
common question: “Tell me about
yourself, and why are you
interested in this role with our
company?” The idea is to quickly
communicate who you are and
what value you will bring to the
company and the role—it’s your
personal elevator pitch.
Tip: You should come prepared to
discuss your salary expectations.
3. Reread the job description.
You may want to print it out and
begin underlining specific skills
the employer is looking for. Think
about examples from your past and
current work that align with these
requirements.
4. Use the STAR method in
answering questions. Prepare to
be asked about times in the past
when you used a specific skill and
use the STAR method to tell
stories with a clear Situation, Task,
Action and Result.
5. Recruit a friend to practice
answering questions. Practicing
your answers out loud is an
incredibly effective way to
prepare. Say them to yourself or
ask a friend to help run through
questions and answers. You will
find you gain confidence as you get used to saying the words.
6. Prepare a list of references. Your interviewers might require you to submit a list of
references before or after your interview. Having a reference list prepared ahead of time can help
you quickly complete this step to move forward in the hiring process.

7. Be prepared with examples of your work. During the interview, you will likely be asked about
specific work you have completed in relation to the position. After reviewing the job description,
think of work you have done in past jobs, clubs or volunteer positions that show you have
experience and success doing the work they require.

8. Prepare smart questions for your interviewers. Interviews are a two-way street. Employers
expect you to ask questions: they want to know that you are thinking seriously about what it
would be like to work there. Here are some questions you may want to consider asking your
interviewers:

Can you explain some of the day-to-day responsibilities this job entails?
How would you describe the characteristics of someone who would succeed in this role?
If I were in this position, how would my performance be measured? How often?
What departments does this teamwork with regularly?
How do these departments typically collaborate?
What does that process look like?
What are the challenges you’re currently facing in your role?

After you have spent time preparing, you can be successful on interview day by practicing
these tips:
9. Plan your interview attire the night before. If you are speaking to a recruiter before
the interview, you can ask them about the dress code in the workplace and choose your
outfit accordingly. If you don’t have someone to ask, research the company to learn what’s
appropriate.
10. Bring copies of your resume, a notebook and pen. Take at least five copies of your
printed resume on clean paper in case of multiple interviewers. Highlight specific
accomplishments on your copy that you can easily refer to and discuss. Bring a pen and a small
notebook. Prepare to take notes, but not on your smartphone or another electronic device. Write
information down so that you can refer to these details in your follow-up thank-you notes.
Maintain eye contact as much as possible.

11. Plan your schedule so that you can arrive 10–15 minutes early. Map out your route to
the interview location so you can be sure to arrive on time. Consider doing a practice run. If you
are taking public transportation, identify a backup plan if there are delays or closures. Tip:
When you arrive early, use the extra minutes to observe workplace dynamics.

12. Make a great first impression. Do not forget the little things—shine your shoes, make sure
your nails are clean and tidy, and check your clothes for holes, stains, pet hair and loose
threads. Display confident body language and a smile throughout.

13. Treat everyone you encounter with respect. This includes people on the road and in the
parking lot, security personnel and front desk staff. Treat everyone you don’t know as though
they’re the hiring manager. Even if they aren’t, your potential employer might ask for
their feedback.
14. Practice good manners and body language. Practice confident, accessible body language
from the moment you enter the building. Sit or stand tall with your shoulders back. Before the
interview, take a deep breath and exhale slowly to manage feelings of anxiety and encourage
self-confidence. The interviewer should extend their hand first to initiate a handshake. Stand,
look the person in the eye and smile. A good handshake should be firm but not crush the other
person’s fingers.

15. Win them over with your authenticity and positivity. Being genuine during interview
conversations can help employers easily relate to you. Showing positivity with a smile and
upbeat body language can help keep the interview light and constructive.

16. Respond truthfully to the questions asked. While it can seem tempting to embellish on
your skills and accomplishments, interviewers find honesty refreshing and respectable. Focus
on your key strengths and why your background makes you uniquely qualified for the position.

17. Tie your answers back to your skills and accomplishments. With any question you
answer, it is important that you tie your background to the job by providing examples of
solutions and results you have achieved. Use every opportunity to address the requirements
listed in the job description.

18. Keep your answers concise and focused. Your time with each interviewer is limited so be
mindful of rambling. Practicing your answers beforehand can help keep you focused.

19. Do not speak negatively about your previous employers. Companies want to hire problem
solvers who overcome tough situations. If you are feeling discouraged about your current job, focus
on talking about what you have gained from that experience and what you want to do next.

Tips for after the interview

When the interview is over, give yourself the best chances of moving forward by doing
the following:

20. Ask about next steps. After your interview, it is appropriate to ask either your interviewer,
hiring manager or recruiter about what you should expect next. This will likely be a follow-up
email with results from your interview, additional requirements like an assignment or
reference list or another interview.
Research is what propels humanity forward. It’s fueled by curiosity: we get
curious, ask questions, and immerse ourselves in discovering everything there is
to know. Learning is thriving. Without curiosity and research, progress would slow
to a halt, and our lives as we know them would be completely different.
Thankfully, schools are becoming more concerned with science and technology, and
research is finding its place in the minds of today’s students. Students are eager to
make discoveries, create solutions to the world’s problems, and invent the next big
thing. We’re going places, one research project at a time.
Thesis refers to an original, non-plagiarised, written scholastic paper acting as a
final project prepared and submitted for obtaining a university degree.
Here are the common components of the thesis paper and their role:
1. Title needs to be very specific and give a clear indication of the topic to be
discussed.
2. Abstract is a short review of the overall content of the paper. In a very few
words, the abstract must provide four elements:
a synopsis of the paper;
an introduction to the topic and the specifics being addressed;
a statement on any research methodology;
a general statement on the results and findings.
3. Introduction
The first part of the introduction introduces the broad topic along with some basic
background information. It narrows the topic to the specific aspect which will be
presented in the paper. The introduction states the purpose of the paper. It also
focuses on the writer’s preparation of the subsequent material while justifying the
need for the research.
4. Literature Review
The literature review describes previously published research and is a brief
description of how it specifically relates to the current research problem. The
prevailing theories related to the current topic are examined. The literature review
should only include current and credible sources, such as peer-reviewed journals
and academic books, should be included in the review.
5. Methods
This section shows how the research project was designed and how the study
research was conducted.
6. Results
The results section is the main area of the thesis paper. The presentation of the
results will vary depending on whether the study was qualitative or quantitative.
Make sure the results section is focused only on the results of the research and does
not include charts or tables.
7. Discussion/Conclusion
In this section, the original hypothesis presented in the thesis sentence is validated.
The discussion should also show how the conclusion conforms to or differs from
previously noted studies and research along with a discussion of how the results
differ or conform to the research noted along with any caveats.
8. References/Bibliography
The list of academic sources is listed in the alphabetical order.
APA style
Van Winkle, C. (2009). Soft spots: A marine's memoir of combat and post-traumatic
stress disorder. St. Martin's Press

Subject–Verb Agreement Rules


Key: subject = yellow, bold; verb = green, underline

Subjects and verbs must agree in number. In addition to the explanations on this page, also
see the post on Subject—Verb Agreement.
1. If the subject is singular, the verb must be singular too.
Example: She writes every day.

If the subject is plural, the verb must also be plural.

Example: They write every day.


2. When the subject of the sentence is composed of two or more nouns or pronouns
connected by and, use a plural verb.

Example: The doctoral student and committee member write every day.

Example: The percentage of employees who called in sick and the number of
employees who left their jobs within 2 years are reflective of the level of job satisfaction.
3. When there is one subject and more than one verb, the verbs throughout the sentence
must agree with the subject.

Example: Interviews are one way to collect data and allow researchers to gain an in-
depth understanding of participants.

Example: An assumption is something that is generally accepted as true and is an


important consideration when conducting a doctoral study.
4. When a phrase comes between the subject and the verb, remember that the verb still
agrees with the subject, not the noun or pronoun in the phrase following the subject of the
sentence.

Example: The student, as well as the committee members, is excited.

Example: The student with all the master’s degrees is very motivated.

Example: Strategies that the teacher uses to encourage classroom


participation include using small groups and clarifying expectations.

Example: The focus of the interviews was nine purposively selected participants.
5. When two or more singular nouns or pronouns are connected by "or" or "nor," use a
singular verb.

Example: The chairperson or the CEO approves the proposal before proceeding.

Either her siblings or Carla knows the family secret.

Neither his brothers nor Noel studies in the Phil.

The shrubs or the tree gives shade to the house


6. When a compound subject contains both a singular and a plural noun or pronoun joined by
"or" or "nor," the verb should agree with the part of the subject that is closest to the verb.
This is also called the rule of proximity.

Example: The student or the committee members write every day.


Example: The committee members or the student writes every day.
7. The words and phrases "each," "each one," "either," "neither," "everyone," "everybody,"
"anyone," "anybody," "nobody," "somebody," "someone," and "no one" are singular and
require a singular verb.

Example: Each of the participants was willing to be recorded.

Example: Neither alternative hypothesis was accepted.

Example: I will offer a $5 gift card to everybody who participates in the study.

Example: No one was available to meet with me at the preferred times.


8. Noncount nouns take a singular verb.

Example: Education is the key to success. Mumps, Physics, etc.

Example: Diabetes affects many people around the world.

Example: The information obtained from the business owners was relevant to include in
the study.

Example: The research I found on the topics was limited.


9. Some countable nouns in English such as earnings, goods, odds, surroundings, proceeds,
contents, and valuables only have a plural form and take a plural verb.

Example: The earnings for this quarter exceed expectations.

Example: The proceeds from the sale go to support the homeless population in the city.

Example: Locally produced goods have the advantage of shorter supply chains.

The scissors are missing.


10. In sentences beginning with "there is" or "there are," the subject follows the verb. Since
"there" is not the subject, the verb agrees with what follows the verb.

Example: There is little administrative support. Here is your key. Here are the keys.

Example: There are many factors affecting teacher retention.


11. Collective nouns are words that imply more than one person but are considered singular
and take a singular verb. Some examples are "group," "team," "committee," "family," and
"class."

Example: The group meets every week. The class is noisy. The class are arguing.

Example: The committee agrees on the quality of the writing. The team are resting in
their rooms.

However, the plural verb is used if the focus is on the individuals in the group. This is much
less common.
Example: The committee participate in various volunteer activities in their private lives.

The crew is dining. The crew are in their respective cabins.

Subject-Verb Agreement Practice Exercises


1. Everyone (has/have) done his or her homework.
2. Each of the students (is/are) responsible for doing his or her work.
3. Either my father or my brothers (is/are) going to sell the car.
4. Neither my sisters nor my mother (is/are) going to sell the house.
5. The samples on the tray in the lab (need/needs) testing.
6. Mary and John usually (plays/play) together.
7. Both of the dogs (has/have) collars.
8. Neither the dogs nor the cat (is/are) very hungry.
9. Either the girls or the boy (walk/walks) in the evening.
10. Either the boy or the girls (walk/walks) in the evening.
11. At the end of the fall (comes/come) the hard tests.
12. The slaughter of animals for their fur (has/have) caused controversy.
13. The student, as well as his teacher, (was/were) going on the field trip.
14. The hard tests (comes/come) at the end of the fall.
15. Both of my roommates (has/have) decided to live in the dorms.

66

References:
Ambida, R.S., Galicha, J.P., & Oandasan,L.R.(2019). Purposive Communication. C&E
Publishing Inc.
Uychoco, M.A. & Santos, M. (2018). Communication for Society Purposive Communication.
Rex Bookstore.
Barrot, J.S. & Sipacio, P.F.(2018). Purposive Communication in the 21st Century.
C&E Publishing Inc.
Suarez, C., Perfecto, M.R., Canilao, M. (2018). Purposive Communication English. The Ateneo
de Manila University Press
Website References:

https://www.speakwithpersuasion.com/ways-connect-audience/
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fbclid=IwAR184h5UFfDfk_lMqG82tYMO0Q3a0Xw_Ewcov0ke4TK25NzNTL6ZjCk
WKFYhttps://g-kenneth.blogspot.com/2019/10/communication-aids-and-strategies-using_15.html

Larsen, A.G. (2020). What you wish you’d known before your job interview. Retrieved from:
https://www.themuse.com/advice/what-you-wish-youd-known-before-your-job-interview
https://www.bing.com/th?id=OIP.vCxnZ5niowcQy_IF9Vp4ZAHaFs&w=199&h=160&c=8&rs=
1&qlt=90&dpr=1.5&pid=3.1&rm=2
https://image.slidesharecdn.com/howtowriteapersuasivespeech2-170111052345/95/how-to-
write-a-persuasive-speech-by-transtutors-4-638.jpg?cb=1484112357
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/job-interview-tips-how-to-make-a-great-
impression
https://velocityglobal.com/blog/globalization-benefits-and-challenges/
https://vittana.org/19-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-globalization
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https://www.thoughtco.com/gauging-website-reliability-2073838

Prepared by: Checked by:

Prof. Millet T. Mendoza, LPT Prof. Kenneth Robert A. Hernandez


Instructor/Professor Program Director

Approved by:

Dean Felipe Carlo O. Clarin


Dean

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