Directions: Explain why there is communication breakdown on the given
situations. Again, write your answer on a separate sheet.
1. Jay and Michelle started talking about their plans on Christmas Vacation
when their classmate. Moy, interrupted them.
2. "Mama, I will buy this cake for you. I am very sure that you will like its taste.
It's from our favorite cake store!"
3. You spent the night thinking and analyzing why a student from another
class talked to you on your way home.
4. Livy encounters a participant who is very eager to share with others her
views and opinions. She does this without asking permission.
5. In some Asian countries, direct eye contact is considered disrespectful and
rude. In others, it is a must.
Answers
1. Here, the communication breakdown happened because the conversation between two people (Jay and Michelle) was interrupted by a third person. In this case, the thought processes lose their continuity and important points may be missed even when the conversation is resumed.
2. The communication is completely one-sided. The speaker is assuming that Mama will like the cake. It is incomplete communication since the speaker has already decided things for Mama, without listening to her views.
3. The purpose of communication is not clear, which is why the night was spent wondering why the student from another class spoke. The communication is not effective because the reason for communicating is not specified.
4. This is also an example of one-sided communication. Communication breakdown happens when everyone does not get an opportunity to speak. Here, the participant is voicing her views, without hearing what others have to say. Speaking and listening are both important for effective communication.
5. Communication has both verbal and non-verbal aspects. The non-verbal aspect adds more meaning to the verbal part. If one avoids direct eye contact, a lot of non-verbal clues can be missed, leading to incomplete communication. Eye contact is necessary for effective communication.