Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
REGION VII – CENTRAL VISAYAS
Schools Division of Cebu Province

PERPERTUAL SUCCOUR ACADEMY,INC.

Malabuyoc, Cebu

Teacher-made Learner’s Home Task

WEEK 3-4

Grade/Section: Grade 11 Date: _______________

Subject Area: Oral Communication Time Allotment:_______

I. MELC COMPETENCY CODE

Uses various strategies in order to
avoid communication breakdown.

II.OBJECTIVES
Knowledge:
Identify the various strategies in order to avoid communication braekdown
Skills:
Explain the uses various strategies.
Values/Attitudes:
Participate in the given activity.
III.SUBJECT MATTER
Strategies to Avoid Communication Breakdown
Readings:
WHAT IS COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN?

Communication breakdown, as defined by Emily Rodgers in her online article, “is a failure to
exchange information, resulting in a lack of communication.”

What does “lack of communication” mean? To answer that question let us look at the examples
of communication breakdown in the workplace or in any given communication scenario as
provided by Rodgers .

1. A staff member making a mistake due to miscommunication or not enough information given
in training. In the classroom context, you as a learner, may make mistake in doing your task
because of miscommunication or lack of information

2. Two members of staff doing the same task and not realizing. In the classroom context, it could
be two members in the group make a duplication of activity and leave out one task undone
instead.

3. A colleague not treating a client correctly. A classroom officer showing unfair treatment to
one classmate for his/her attitude/appearance for instance, may cause misunderstanding among
students. 4. Certain vital tasks not being completed either on time or to the highest standard
because no one in the team is giving updates to each other. This happens most of the time in the
classroom when members in a group do not try to communicate, express themselves, or reach out
to one another.

5. An overworked manager sending an email missing vital information to their team because
they’ve got a client on their case about completing work. A group leader or SSG president, for
example, may fail to disseminate important announcement to the class because he/she is
pressured to finish another task.

6. A junior spreading Chinese whispers about the current state of a project’s completion because
they misheard what their manager was saying. In a classroom scenario, student A tells student B
that Student C may not be able to graduate but student A is not so sure about it because he/she
only overheard a conversation of her teachers. The act of spreading the “talk” is called gossiping.
Passing on wrong information may result to communication breakdown.

According to Rodgers, communication has a great impact to a team. So if you expect to have a
successful class, a team, a group work - it requires communication that is “well-oiled machine to
individual parts that simply cannot function without each other” between you and the one you
are communicating with or among members of a the group.

TOPIC 2: COMMUNICATION BARRIERS

Rodgers (2017) presented key communication barriers that cause communication breakdowns
1. Lost in translation
Lost in translation occurs across emails when the receiver perceives the message differently
because of lack of tone. It could also be a misinterpretation of a message because of the presence
of words that have double meanings.
Lost in translation is not necessarily referring to a language barrier but to how the receiver
interprets the words, phrases or sentences received.
The man in the image can be seen reading an email but ended up confused. Confusion comes in
when a person does not understand what he is reading.
He needs clarification at his end by either asking the source what was meant in the message or
by asking someone who has background information of what was sent. Otherwise,
communication breakdown will take place if this is not resolved.
2. The attention span of a gnat
This refers to human attention span which accordingly, can only listen for 8 seconds meaning we
have less time to remain engaged to what we have just listened to before switching off or start
thinking of other things, thus missing important information.
This lack of attention means that information constantly has to be repeated, which may be
frustrating for the speaker, not to forget how tiring it is to be repetitive.
In the sample image and which is usually the scenario in the classroom, the teacher would repeat,
if not recap, the most important details of the lesson. Repetition catches attention and ensures
retention.

3. Too much information

If there is no efficient communication flow plus the problem of sharing information to wrong
people, overload of information can result to chaos. True, there is a plethora of information
around the world. We can only do so much by giving it to the right people at the right time and at
the right amount because too much of anything can be dangerous, so to speak.
Knowing a lot of things is good but when too much information is given and received and yet
this information is sent and received wrongly, it could lead to tremendous problem.
Effective communication needs wisdom as to what, how much or how little, when and to whom
information is to be given.
4. Under pressure
High-stress jobs or tasks mean there’s often no time to communicate properly. If you’re on a
tight deadline or you’re behind on your target, you’re not going to waste precious minutes
formulating the perfect email, and doing such practice will result to greater consequences.
On the same note, if you show yourself too busy and too preoccupied with something, your
classmate or friend who is supposed to share with you an information may opt to back off in
communicating with you for fear of interrupting you or for fear that they may be either rejected
or scolded.
If the stress in your jobs get in your way and you allow it to block communication between you
and your classmates or group mates, you are inviting in communication breakdown.
Amidst your stressful tasks, you need to handle yourself properly, manage your stresses, and
carefully plan the tasks to do without jeopardizing the quality of your work or assignments.
Moreover, never sacrifice your relationships with people just because you are too preoccupied.
Take time to relax before doing anything else.
BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION
Language Barriers
Language and linguistic differences may become barriers to communication. But it is not also a
guarantee that when two people speak the same language, they understand each other because if
the receiver still does not understand the words used in the message received, the words used
may act as a barrier. This goes to mean that even if people speak in the same language, but in
different jargon, still, there is a language barrier.
This goes to mean that even if people speak in the same language, but in different jargon, still,
there is a language barrier.
Jargon is a set of specialized vocabulary in a certain field. Engineers have their own jargon that
only people in their profession understand. Doctors of Medicine have their own jargon that
patients may not understand. To avoid communication breakdown, engineers, doctors, scientists
have to use layman’s vocabulary of simple words.
The sample image is a conversation between an engineer and a doctor. Misunderstanding is
possible if they will both use their respective jargon.
3. Psychological Barriers
The psychological condition of the receiver affects his/her message reception of the message. For
example, someone who is stressed or anxious will not be as receptive to the message as
compared to the one who is not stressed. When we are at the peak of our anger, it is easy for us
to say things that we may later regret and we may also misinterpret what other people are saying.
This anger becomes a psychological barrier. Thus, there is a need for us to manage our stresses
and our emotions at all costs should we want to avoid communication barrier.
The image above shows an example of psychological barrier when Mario who is thinking on
how to tell his mother about failing grades could not concentrate to what Lani was saying. Here,
he missed relevant information from Lani.
4. Physiological Barriers
Physiological barriers may emanate from the receiver's physical condition. For example, a
receiver with a defective hearing may not be able to grasp the entirety of the spoken words,
especially with noisy surroundings.
In this image, Moira’s stomach ache hinders her from listening to her teacher’s discussion.
5. Physical Barrier
Physical barriers refer to the geographic location between the communicators. It is basically
referring to the distance or proximity between the sender and receiver. As said, communication is
easy when communicators are within short distances where there can be many options to use for
communication. Now that technology is widely used for communication, it is equally important
to know the best and the most appropriate channel to use in overcoming communication barriers.
Observe the communicators in this image. Leo is shouting so Mike could hear. Their distance is
keeping them from hearing each other properly.
5. Attitudinal Barrier
Prejudices and other related biases are examples of attitudinal barriers. These are behaviors or
perceptions of any of the communicators that hinder them from interacting effectively.
Attitudinal barriers to communication may arise from personality conflicts, poor management,
and reluctance to change, or no motivation. Effective listeners of messages should attempt to
hurdle their own attitudinal barriers to effect effective communication. Open-mindedness and
willingness to learn new things are vital in overcoming barriers.
The sample image is showing a listener’s prejudiced attitude towards the speaker. This kind of
attitude is a barrier to communication.
7. Using generalizations and stereotype
Speakers who make unqualified generalizations undermine their own clarity and credibility. Be
cautious not to get holed in the habit of using stereotypes, or making generalizations about
complex systems or situations.
Another form of generalization is "polarization" or creating extremes. Try to be sensitive to the
complexities of situations, rather than viewing the world in black and white.
The sample image shows how generalization causes misunderstanding and if not corrected may
lead to communication breakdown.
8. Jumping to an immediate conclusion
Confusing details with inferences is a common factor. Do not pretend you know the reasons
behind events, or that certain facts necessarily have certain meanings.
Make sure you have all the information you can have, and then talk clearly about the facts or
interpretations you attach to those.
In the sample image, the boy hastily made a conclusion about why the girl was sweating
profusely which irked the girl. Making conclusions without proofs will create problems in
communication.
9. Dysfunctional feedbacks
Ignoring or not responding to a suggestion or query quickly undermines effective
communication. Interrupting others while they are talking also creates a poor atmosphere for
communication.
In the sample image, a very common classroom scenario, what seems like an ordinary
communication situation often leads to communication breakdown. Even when a simple query is
not addressed, or is being blocked by something or someone else, or when the sender himself is
not sensitive to the reactions, comments, suggestions or questions of his audience/receiver,
chances for communication breakdown are tremendous
10. Lacking the confidence
Lacking confidence can be a big barrier to effective communication. Being shy, difficulty being
assertive or low self-worth can block your ability to express your needs and opinions known.
Also, a lack of knowledge of your own rights and opportunities in a given situation can prevent
you from telling your needs openly.

In most cases, bullying and shaming by peers cause extreme shyness among individuals which
eventually leads to one’s inability to express thus, fail to communicate. Students, be assertive,
know your rights, and develop your self-esteem!
EFFECTS OF COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN

 Loss of morale When you experience communication breakdown, there is a tendency that
your sense of purpose, and enthusiasm towards the task, may also be affected.

 Demotivation Communication breakdown results to weakening or even loss of one’s

motivation to do what you are supposed to do.

 Embarrassment A person who has experienced communication breakdown with his team
or is the cause of the communication barrier will eventually feel guilty and incompetent over that
failure and will feel haunted by that embarrassment.

 Anger Communication breakdown is so annoying that anyone involved can get into serious
trouble.
 Tension among the team Everybody in the team gets affected when communication
breakdown strikes. Chances are people will be pointing fingers to one another. The question here
is who’s to be blamed? No one. Everyone in the team is responsible and is equally important in
solving the problem.

 Stress caused to individuals Communication breakdown does not only affect the one who
caused it but equally, it affects the person who received the message but failed to understand.

 Loss of clients, business and sales (or friends/relationships) Communication breakdown

is really harmful. It will not only break relationships, it can even do worse. It means losing
people who trust you and whom you trust. Now, you don’t want that to happen, do you?

 Disorganization Nothing goes right when a communication breakdown occurs. Things,

situations, relationships just fall apart and for all you know, you are facing broken pieces. Don’t
wait for that to happen. Do something before things got shattered because of careless
communication.

 Gossip When communication goes out of control, rumors begin to spread like a virus.
Wrong information breaks out and spread faster than the truth that’s why treat communication
with proper care. Communicate properly and honestly.
5 WAYS TO RESOLVE A COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN (Rodgers)

These are simple things to do to ensure communication is never a problem

1. Observe Take the time to observe how each member of your team works, talk to them in
regular one-to-ones, and discuss how best they like to receive information, relating to their job
role, and then how they feel they can best use this information for others.

2. Options Whether giving your team another computer-based tool, introducing more huddles
and meetings, encouraging them to pick up the phone more, or urging them to physically walk
round to a person’s desk, giving them communicative options will help them feel less trapped in
the restrictive vices of the email world.

3. Sharing is caring Updates, updates, updates! Site-wide updates are vital for keeping everyone
in the know. This is within reason. Don’t rely on email for this. Meeting and discussion with the
team are important.. Your team members deserve transparency.

4. Practice makes perfect Providing consistent training sessions on how and why we
communicate, the best way to write an email, communicating with everyone or with the whole
class or team and how to give feedback in the most effective way will lift communication
breakdowns the more you do them. Training are also a great way to bring groups/ class together
who may not already be in direct contact with each other, building morale through one shared
goal.

5. One team, one dream If you resolve a communication breakdown and teach your team the
value of communication, the benefits abound. Good communication builds a strong team that
people want to engage in, it streamlines work processes, it equips individuals with the tools to
take on anything that’s thrown at them and ultimately makes whatever you are doing, a success.

Those mentioned above are generally found in the following strategies in communication on how
to overcome barriers:
1. Active Listening

Active listening is a skill that can be acquired and improved with practice. However, this skill
can be difficult to achieve and will, therefore, take time and delay. 'Active listening' means
actively listening or fully focusing on what is being said rather than just 'hearing' the message of
the speaker.

Active listening involves listening with all senses. There are both verbal and non-verbal
indicators that convey active listening. Non-verbal signs include smiling (if appropriate), making
eye contact, nodding at appropriate times, and avoiding interruptions. These non-verbal cues
relay the message that you are interested in what the speaker has to say, and that your attention is
fully invested. Giving verbal signs of active listening can also be meaningful. Paraphrasing
involves looking for slightly different terms to repeat the main idea of the speaker and is also a
great way to show active listening.

2. Use Common Language It is important to consider the audience that you are speaking to and
use language that can be easily understood. Avoid using unfamiliar terminology or jargon when
speaking to clients and their families. An important tool to use when speaking is to stop
occasionally and ask questions to ensure that your message is being understood as intended.

3. Give Constructive Response While the response that you give the speaker/sender may
occasionally be negative, it is important that it be constructive in nature. The goal of the
feedback should be to further the abilities of the speaker. This will bond the interpersonal
relationship, and enhance future communications.

3. Focus on the issue, not the speaker Try not to take all personally, and similarly, express your
own wants and opinions in terms of the job at hand. Solve problems rather than attempt to
manipulate others.

5. Be genuine rather than control. Be yourself, openly, and honestly. Be honest with yourself,
and center on working well with the persons around you, and acting with integrity.

6. Empathize rather than remain alone. Although professional relationships entail some borders
when it comes to interaction with colleagues, it is important to show sensitivity and to really care
about the people you work with. If you don't care about them, it will be difficult for them to care
about you when it comes to being together.
7. Be patient towards others. Allow for other points of view, and be liberated to other ways of
doing things. Diversity affects creativity and innovation.

8. You have to promote yourself and your own experiences. Be strong about your own rights and
needs. Undervaluing yourself motivates others to undervalue you, too.
 B. EXERCISES FOR SKILLS/ ANALYSIS USING HOTS FOR CONTENT
SUBJECTS EXERCISE 1

DIRECTIONS: SINGLE CHOICE

1. It is a set of specialized vocabulary used by specific people in a certain field

a) Layman’s Term c) language barrier b) Jargon d) words

2. It is referring to the simple words or vocabulary used to make the message easy to
understand.
a) Words
c) layman’s term
b) Language barrier
d) Jargon

3. It is a skill that can be acquired and improved by fully focusing on what is being said
rather than just 'hearing' the message of the speaker.

a) Active Listening
c) constructive response
b) Patience towards others
d) use common language

4. To resolve communication breakdown, you should avoid using unfamiliar

terminology or jargon when speaking to clients and their families. It means:

a) Active Listening
c) constructive response
b) Patience towards others
d) use common language

5. To enhance interpersonal future communications, feedback given by the receiver

should ensure furthering the abilities of the speaker. It encourages the use of:

a) Active Listening
c) constructive response
b) Patience towards others
d) use common language

6. Even if people speak in the same language, but in different jargon,still, there is this
barrier called:
a) Physiological
c) linguistic
b) Attitudinal
d) physical

7. When two people communicate but can barely hear and understand each other
because of their distance, this barrier is called:

a) Physiological
c) linguistic
b) Attitudinal
c) physical

8. To avoid communication breakdown, communicators should allow the points of view

of others. This suggests that communicators should:

a) Be genuine rather than control

c) be actively listening
b) Focus on the issue , not the speaker
d) be patient towards others

9. These are considered as disturbances or noise that hinder the smooth flow of
communication.
a) Language
c) The speaker himself
b) Jargon
d) barriers

10. A disturbance in a communicator wherein attention is distracted due to emotional

baggage, worries or anxiety.

a) Attitudinal
c) psychological
b) Physical
d) physiological

C. EXERCISES II

TRUE or FALSE: Write T if the statement is True and if the statement

is False.
____________1. When a person is not physically feeling well, he may not be
able to grasp the message that you are telling him.
_____________2. A man worrying about having lost his rice money due to
gambling may not be able to understand what you have to tell him.
____________3. As a new teacher with a dialect different to her, Reez had to
learn and understand the accent of her students so it would be easy for her to
reach out to them. What she did was right.
____________4. Arvin knows the answer to the question but he is too shy to
raise his hand. His shyness can become a barrier to communication.
____________5. If I allow my own perspectives on things to get in my way to
learning, I am blocking the chance to learn new things from other people.
____________6. Distance between two people may also become a barrier to
communication.
____________7. If a speaker considers the background and needs of the
receiver in delivering the message, barrier to communication can be avoided.
____________8. Our prejudices may hinder the smooth flow of communication.
____________9. Listening attentively to the speaker can help solve
communication breakdown.
____________10. The breakdown. sender can also be the cause of
communication.
 Prepared by:

MS. ADELINA ENERLAN

Perpetual Succour Academy, Inc.
Poblacion Dos, Malabuyoc, Cebu