by Eingel Joy Pangilinan

MODULE 2: COMMUNICATION FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES

A. Academic Purposes
- It is a formal style of writing used in universities and scholarly publications. You
encounter it in journal articles and books
Academic Writing - It follows specific conventions in terms of content, structure and style
- We pick or choose the rights words, the right meanings to convey the right
meanings
- It adheres to conventions including language choice or diction, tone, pattern of
Academic Texts
development, grammar, punctuation and spelling
1. Formal Essay 5. Research Paper 9. Research
EXAMPLES OF ACADEMIC 2. Literary Review/Analysis 6. Research Report 10. Business Proposals
TEXTS 3. Thesis 7. Laboratory Report
4. Dissertation 8. Literature Review
SIX KEY ELEMENTS OF ACADEMIC WRITING
- No personal, slang and/or colloquial language
1. Formal Language
- It uses technical terms but avoids excessive jargon
- Impersonal, it uses the language of the field where you are going to research on
- Factual and unbiased
2. Objective Style - No opinions, emotions and personal feelings
- We do not write what we think about the topic which we would like to embark on
- Avoids vague, ambiguous words
3. Precise Language
- Does not use “almost,” “always,” and “approximately”
- Uses few but meaningful words
- It avoids unnecessary, redundant words
4. Concise Language
- It does not “go around the bush”
- You do not try to impress
5. In-text Paraphrasing and
- It acknowledges sources of information, ideas and evidence
Referencing
- Intelligible organization of ideas, sentences and paragraphs
6. Coherence and - Coherence is the interconnectedness of the ideas from one sentence to the next
Cohesions for you to make a paragraph
- Cohesions is the interconnectedness on the sentence level
- Most academic texts entail _____. As such, research papers must be:
 Formal and unbiased (impartial, arguments are evidence-based)
 Clear and Precise (Not vague, specific)
 Focused and well-structured (purpose/objective in the study, coherent
Research organization)
 Well-sourced (credible references, cite sources using APA)
 Correct and consistent (Grammar and mechanics)
- In other words, a research work is not personal, emotive and grandiose; neither is
it long-winded
1. Quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing with corresponding citations are
necessary in research writing.
2. You do these (QPS) when incorporating your own ideas with ideas from the
REMINDER
sources you have gathered.
3. Citing sources of information/references is a must to avoid intellectual theft, aka
plagiarism.
Plagiarism - The act of stealing someone else’s work and presenting it as your own.
A. Relevant sources as
DO’S AND DON’T’S IN ACADEMIC WRITING
prescribes by the “unwritten
 Within the 10-year limit including the year of the conduct of the study
rule of recency and
 Peer-reviewed/reputable journals
acceptability”
Traditional:
 3rd person (he, she, it, his, her, its, they, them, their, the researcher/s)
X 1st Person (I, we, our, my)
B. POV and Pronoun Usage
(Traditional vs. New)
New:
 3rd Person (he, she, it, his, her, its, they, them, their, the researcher/s)
 1st Person (I, we, our, my) (We discourage this at AUF)
1. Giving Examples (For example, for instance, specifically)
2. Connecting Examples (also, as well as, another example of, furthermore, next, in
C. Use Transitional Devices addition, similarly, not only… but also)
to maintain 3. Explaining a Process (After, eventually, meanwhile, as soon as, finally, following)
coherence/connectedness 4. Introducing info./adding info (first (etc.), in addition, similarly, furthermore
of parts/pieces of info 5. Introducing effect/consequence (consequently, as a result)
6. Introducing opposing info. (conversely, on the other hand)
7. Concluding Parts (In conclusion, all in all)
D. Time allotment (DO NOT  Sufficient time is given
CRAM) X Bumming around, thinking that the process may be rushed (IT CANNOT!)
 Writing the Research Paper
Your Paper should contain three (3) major parts:
THE CONTENTS/PARTS OF
I. Introduction
YOUR GROUP RESAERCH
II. Methodology
PROPOSAL: IMRaD
III. References
A. Background of the Study
- It includes related literature and studies so far conducted about your chosen
topic and the research gap you want to fill
B. Research Problem
I. Introduction - It includes the research questions (that you will answer in the paper) as well as
the aim/s of the study
C. Significance of the Study (To the current field of study)
D. Scope and Limitation of the Study
E. Definition of Terms (operational – how you mean/use it in the paper)
A. Research Design
B. Research Locale
- How will you identify/choose the respondents/participants of the study
II. Methodology
C. Research Instruments/Tools to be used (e.g. survey, interviews, etc.)
D. Procedure on Data Collection
E. Procedure on Data Analysis
- The last part of the paper is the list of references/bibliography
III. References
- Please use APA (7th edition) documentation format
1. Research findings and discussions of the findings (analysis and interpretation
A FULL BLOWN RESEARCH substantiate by theories and related studies, proving or disproving the findings of
ALSO CONTAINS: your study)
2. Summary, conclusion/s and recommendation/s
B. Academic Presentation
- Face-to-face presentation where the speech may either be read or interactive
A. Oral Presentation (OP)
- Where you and the audience have a sending and receiving of messages
- It is said to be the most common phobia
Glossophobia
- It is the fear of public speaking, “fear of the tongue”
1. Read, read, read. Be abreast of the latest developments regarding your
topic/know your content. (Prepare, prepare, prepare)
HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN 2. Prepare your oral presentation with an introduction, body and a conclusion
ORAL PRESENTATION 3. Use technology (audio and visual aids) to enhance your presentation. Pictures,
videos, graphs, tables, charts, maps, quotes, passages and sayings may be used
4. Rehearse by practicing aloud and get feedback
1. Non-verbal cues like facial expression, eye contact, emphatic gestures and
body movements as well as verbal codes like clear and intelligible pronunciation,
tone of voice, stress, pausing and how fast or slow you speak.
5. Be mindful of the
2. Posture and Physicality – While speaking, have a good posture and an
following when delivering
appropriate attire; avoid taking large meals especially dairy products before
the speech:
speaking; take sips of water every now and then
3. Pander to your audience – be as natural as possible; crack related jokes that
may delight them; keep them actively listening
1. Using a startling or shocking statement
2. Beginning with a quotation
3. Using a Quotation
4. Narrating an anecdote or a brief story
5. Singing a line from a song
6. Presenting statistics
NOTE: The strategy you decide to use should match your topic
TECHNIQUES FOR  The body should emphasize the major points backed up by supporting
INTRODUCTION statements that are logically sequenced through the use of transitional or
cohesive devices
 The conclusion should leave a lasting impression on your audience. If the
purpose of your presentations is to convince and/or persuade, you can
challenge your audience to act on the ideas you presented after restating
the highlights you mentioned
 Remember to hook your audience in the introduction, give ample
supporting information as you go on and end with a powerful conclusion
1. Be clear with your purpose
2. Be complete with the message you deliver
PRINCIPLES OF EFFECTIVE
3. Be concise
ORAL COMMUNICATION
4. Be natural with your delivery
5. Be specific and timely with your feedback
THE FOLLOWING SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN ORAL PRESENTATIONS
1. Audience
- Know the profile of your listeners to know how to deal with them and be in control
- Know the organizers, other speakers, if any, the venue and the available facilities
2. Logistics
or equipment that are available for use especially if you have complex visual aids
- Know the primary purpose of your presentation (inform, entertain,
3. Content of Speech
convince/persuade) and prepare a presentation to that end
 - May be real-time virtual presentation; slide presentation with a voice-over
B. Video Presentation (VP) narration. A strong internet connection is desired especially if the presenter is
abroad.
1. Prepare thoroughly for the presentation
OVERCOMING ANXIETY OR
2. You should know about the topic more than your listeners
STAGE FRIGHT
3. Rehearse/Practice presenting as a group
- Coordination, coherence and teamwork should be observed in group
Presenting in Groups
presentation.
MODULE 3: COMMUNICATION FOR WORK PURPOSES
A. Organizational Communication
- It is defined as the sending and receiving of information either spoken or written
Organizational
among individuals or groups within an organization or outside a company to
Communication or Business
promote the company’s products and services to potential consumers, to improve
Communication
organizational practices and reduce errors, and to reach organizational goals
ORGANIZATIONAL MOELS OF COMMUNICATION
1. Transactional Model
- Communicators take turns in sending and receiving messages and feedback
- Focus is on the negotiated meaning, the common ground (what is said is what is
2. Constructivist Model heard and the communicators have the same understanding of the intended
meaning)
COMMUNICATION IN WORK ORGANIZATIONS
- Communication that takes place via designated channels of message flow
between positions in the organization, which may use these approaches:
A. Formal 1. Downward – superior to subordinate; upper to lower; top-down
2. Upward – bottom-up; low-level employees to managers
3. Horizontal or Lateral – same level (in terms of position or organizational
hierarchy) from different departments or units.
- Communication flows in any direction. It generally does not follow the
organizational structure.
- Informal Communication can take place between all levels and areas of the
B. Informal
organization (Crosswise or Diagonal Communication)
- Usually, informal work relationships create a bond between workers that help
teams become more cohesive or otherwise (“grapevine”)
DISTORTIONS TO WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION
- It is the selective presentation of the content of communication
1. Filtering
- In other words, certain pieces of information are left out of the message
- This can happen in downward, upward, and lateral communication
- It is the purposeful omission of information presented to a receiver
- While filtering involves the omission of some aspects of the message, in censoring,
2. Censoring a choice is made not to send a message
- It frequently occurs when people are reluctant to transmit bad news. This is called
“MUM” effect
- It is the distortion of information by elaborating, overestimating, or minimizing the
3. Exaggeration
magnitude, impact and attention to a problem
IMPROVING COMMUNICATION SKILLA AT WORK
1. Underestimate people’s understanding –over communicate
2. Clarify and double check – clarify information by repeating and/or asking questions
TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE 3. Take a breather – pause for at least 10 seconds before responding/reacting; if it is
COMMUNICATION important because there might be consequences, take the 24 hr. rule; don’t rush
4. Stay focused – listen well; be mindful of what is being said; avoid distractions!
5. Choose the right method to use in communicating – face-to-face or through
electronic mail
B. Workplace Communication
- It is the exchange of information and ideas within organizations or social,
Workplace Communication
corporate environments
1. Employee expression and participation; a voice for all
A STRONG WORKPLACE
2. Employee efficiency, productivity and innovation
COMMUNICATION ALLOWS
3. Team building, growth and effective communication
- It refers to formal written communication or correspondence in any organization
- It uses a specialized language, e.g. IT company using IT terminologies
- Its more important features include:
Technical Writing
1. Accuracy 3. Straightforwardness 5. Presentability
2. Clarity 4. Objectivity
*i.e. devoid of grammar slips/errors, authority, etc.
1. The collective term for these modes of communication in the workplace is
WRITTEN MODES OF business letters
PROFESSIONAL 2. They are written so that companies/organizations can reach out to their clients
COMMUNICATION as well as to their employees and vice-versa
3. Each kind of business letter addresses a particular communication situation
1. Memoranda 4. Business Proposals
SOME OF THESE
2. Minutes of the Meetings 5. Incident Reports
COMMUNICATION
3. Business Letters (Letters of applications, resignation, acceptance, follow-up,
MATERIALS ARE:
appreciation, etc.)
 - Parts of business letters: heading (company’s stationery), inside address, salutation,
body, complimentary close and signature
- They are written following a specific format, i.e. full-block, modified block, and semi-
1. Business Letters
block
- Business e-mail can likewise be used. Don’t forget to fill the subject line and include
your full name and contact information such as e-mail address and phone number.
- Latin for “it must be remembered”
- It is usually issued by those occupying high level and mid-level positions for proper
guidance of their constituents who need to do something
2. Memoranda (Memos)
- They are supposed to be clear and with the most important information which is
stated at the outset
- The reasons, specific and relevant information should likewise be stated
- They refer to the documentation of the things discussed during a meeting. They are
3. Minutes of the Meeting
important because they are the ones we can refer to when issues arise in the future.
A. Purpose – to attract clients or secure support from possible investors or organizations.
It must be written persuasively
B. 3 Major Parts: Problem statement, problem solution, costing/pricing
C. It begins with the Executive Summary which highlights what you and your company
is all about, the services it provides, and how it differs from the others. This is your selling
point.
D. 1. Problem Statement – What your prospective client is encountering
2. Problem Solution – The step-by0step procedure on how you can address or resolve
4. Business Proposal
the client’s concerns including a realistic timetable within which the project can be
completed. Your qualifications and experience in the field must be highlighted here.
3. Costing – Price of your services; it may be a one-time payment or on a staggered
basis.
E. No hard and fast rules on the length of the proposal. However, it should contain all
the information that your prospective client may ask for.
F. Put a cover letter and a title page containing your name and company, company to
whom you are submitting the proposal, and the date of submission
C. Ethics in Communication
- Influence the behavior of an individual, group or organization and in turn, affect
Morals
communication
1. Establish an effective value system
GUIDELINES TO ETHICAL
2. Provide complete and accurate information
COMMUNICATION
3. Disclose vital information adequately and appropriately (transparency)
- It sets the standard to be observed by a person or a company that will create a
Code of Ethics good reputation or a positive image not only for the individual but also for the
organization
1. Be honest and truthful
2. Refrain from doing harm
3. Be fair to all stakeholders
4. Be an active listener (refrain from speaking judgmentally and strive to understand)
5. Avoid a negative tone
6. Do not interrupt others
PRINCIPLES OF ETHICAL
7. Speak from your own experience
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
8. Avoid speaking for others
9. Consider appropriate communication channel
10. Consider any potential roadblocks (e.g. language fluency, accessibility to
technology, etc.)
11. Respect privacy and confidentiality
12. Accept responsibility and accountability
1. Post information online with caution – Don’t post non-factual information; if you do,
promptly correct errors.
ONLINE ETHICS: POSTING 2. Don’t post questionable information anonymously
3. Be careful about sharing proprietary information (something that is used, produced,
or marketed under exclusive legal right of the inventor or maker)
ONLINE ETHICS: USING 1. Check credibility of information
INTERNET MATERIALS 2. Don’t own the information posted by someone else
THREE-TIERED PROCESS TO GETTING A JOB
1. Submission of documentary requirements
The Job Interview
2. Paper-and-pen tests
3. Interview
1. Lying
2. Answering a cell phone or text during the interview
JOB INTERVIEW BEHAVIORS
3. Appearing arrogant (an exaggerated sense of one’s own importance/abilities)
TO AVOID
4. Dressing inappropriately
5. Blaming others for your mistakes
1. Not making eye contact
2. Refusing to smile
BODY LANGUAGE MISTAKES 3. Playing with something on the table
TO AVOID 4. Fidgeting too much in your seat (small hand and feet movements showing
impatience or nervousness)
5. Crossing your arms over your chest
Good Luck 