Communicative strategies get a feeling that the topic wasn’t fully
discussed. When done well, it may cause
Blueprint for how information will be exchanged
during the communication process.
Nomination
 At the start of a discussion, a topic must be
identified or nominated
 “Let’s talk about…..”
 “I would like to talk about…”
 “Today, I am going to discuss…”
Restriction
 A speaker must restrict the topic of
discussion to make it specific enough to be
manageable.
 On some occasions, topics that are too
broad don’t get to be properly discussed
because there isn’t enough time. When
properly restricted, the most important
parts are discussed
Turn-taking
 Involves changing from one speaker to
another in a way that does not disrupt the
communication process.
Tips to remember
o Know when your turn is up
o Don’t take too much time speaking
o Make subtle signals so others know
you’re done talking
Topic control
 Speaker should focus on the topic without
straying to other discussions
Tips to remember
o Don’t mention unrelated topics
o Don’t give examples and illustrations
that are too lengthy
Topic shifting
 When changing from one topic to the other,
prepare the audience or listeners for the
change
 The change must be done smoothly through
known expressions
 When not effectively done, the listeners will
be confused and may even take offense and
the listeners to have a positive attitude
towards the speaker even when not enough
information was given.
Forms use when shifting topic
 Let us now turn to the issue/topic of…
 I will now talk about…
 In addition to (current topic), there is also
(next topic)
Repair
 Speaker is misunderstood by his/her
audience. In this case, the speaker must
clarify what he or she is saying.
 When this happens, you may paraphrase or
restate what you said. (Note that repairing
a speech, may affect the whole speech and
it may deviate from how it was originally
intended).
Forms that can be used to signal repair
o “I mean…”
o “What I mean is…”
o “Let me rephrase that….”
Termination
 Any speech or discussion must be
terminated properly. If not, this will leave
the listeners confused.
Forms that are applicable:
o “Let me end by saying…”
o “In conclusion…”
o “In summary…”
o “We were able to discuss….”
Prevention of communication breakdown
1. Ask for clarification
2. Repetition
3. Rephrasing
4. Using non-verbal Language
5. Build on what others have said