Lesson 1: Define Communication

Adopted from Aclan, et al (2018)

There are many definitions of communication, you too may

have one. But Peña and Anudin (2016) put their definition in
this way:
Communication is the process of giving and receiving
information between a human sender and a human receiver
using words, code, or gestures. To add, Aclan, et al (2018)
have also a similar definition; it is the act or process of
exchanging information for a piece of common knowledge. As an act or process of conveying
intended meanings, communication involves two or more parties using mutually understood
words, signs, codes, and gestures to express one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It may be in
the form of speaking or writing, face-to-face, or via phone and other media as email, social
media including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.
In this lesson, we focus on oral
communication covering speaking and
listening in context. In various
circumstances or situations in which
communication may be understood and
assessed such as interpersonal relationship, time,
and space that may affect communication style directness and indirectness of speaking which is
greatly influenced by culture. Adair, et al (2009) explained that in low context Western cultures,
people are more direct in their matter of speaking, as they tend to say directly in words the
information they to convey. In high context Eastern cultures (Asians including Filipinos), people
generally use an indirect manner of conveying information relying on more complex and subtle
styles such as using metaphor or nonverbal cues.
Oral communication is the process of verbally transmitting one’s ideas or feelings to others.
Effective communication will take you to academic, career, and relationship success. Aclan, et al
(2018) urged that you need to learn how to speak effectively to convince others and promote
respect and understanding, as you are post-millennial which later on you will work in a culturally
diverse global area. It is necessary to learn how to communicate in various contexts including
interpersonal communication, small-group discussions, public speaking, etc.

Aclan, et al (2018) mentioned in their book in

“Oral Communication in Context’ that there
two types of oral communication: informal
and formal. Informal communication
includes face-to-face conversations, telephone
conversations, and casual discussions in
conferences, forums, or business meetings;
class lectures, and delivering. Formal communication examples are presentations in conferences,
forums, or business meetings; class lectures; and delivering a speech, sermon, or talk.
In the millennial age, modern types of oral
communication continue to evolve transcending
distances as people can communicate globally. They
include video calls and videoconferences through
VoIP or voice over Internet protocol, a technology
that transmits voice and multimedia content over IP
networks. Many people use VoIP such as Skype and
Messenger even in long-distance interviews and conferences to avoid having to fly long
distances and incur big expenses. VoIP also minimizes telephone call expenses.
Videoconferences also make it possible for interlocutors to see each other or screen so reactions
and gestures can still be in face-to-face conversation.
There are situations that oral communication
is more appropriate and advantageous than
written communication. Oral communication
is more personal and less formal, and it is
more flexible. Face-to-face oral communication is more effective in resolving conflicts and
addressing issues in organizations more quickly than writing. Talking things over is the best way
to settle misunderstanding or disagreement and relationships including family and friendships.
Coupled with a smile or a pat on the shoulder, face-to-face oral communication is an excellent
way of promoting harmony and camaraderie as well as boosting someone’s morale.