ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT

ACLC COLLEGE OF TACLOBAN

SHS DEPARTMENT

LECTURE NOTES

Lesson 1
(Week 1)

Introduction to Communication
Sub-Topics:
1. Definition of Communication
2. Nature of Communication
3. Principles of Communication
4. Features of Effective Communication
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the lesson, you will be able to:
a. define communication;
b. enumerate the nature of communication;
c. understand the principles behind communication; and,
d. communicate effectively observing features of effective communication.

Definition of Communication

Communication is a process of sharing and conveying messages or

information from one person to another within and across channels,
contexts, media, and cultures (McCornack, 2014)

There is a wide variety of contexts and situations in which communication

can be manifested: it can be a face-to-face interaction, a phone conversation, a
group discussion, a meeting or interview, a letter correspondence, a class
recitation, and many others.

Nature of Communication
1. Communication is a process.
Communication follows a predetermined set of steps in order to work.
For example, we can’t start communication by understanding what has been
said, until something has been said.

2. Communication occurs between two or more people.

This refers to the participants involved in communication which are
also known as the sender and the receiver/s.

3. Communication can be expressed through written or spoken words, actions

(nonverbal), or both spoken words and nonverbal actions at the same time.

Page 1 of 6
ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT
ACLC COLLEGE OF TACLOBAN
SHS DEPARTMENT

LECTURE NOTES
Principles of Communication
1. Schemata-driven
Schemas or schemata provide a basis on how we relate to ideas,
concepts and events based on past experiences. In other words, in order to
be able to communicate effectively in a communicative act, we first need to
have prior knowledge of the subject.

2. Interpretative Act
Communication is an interpretative act in a sense that only the
sender knows the exact meaning of the message. The receiver, on one hand,
can only interpret, infer, or guess the meaning of the message as they appeal
to his sense of hearing.

3. Active, Forceful, and Powerful

Messages may have various interpretations because of cultural,
ideological, and environmental factors. What is rude in one culture may be
perceived as something acceptable in another.

4. Symbolic
Signs, symbols, letters, and etc. are concrete objects that stand for or
represent and idea. For example, when the traffic lights signals a red light, it
is common knowledge that it means to STOP.

5. Always results in something

Communication, as a transactional process, creates an effect on the
involved parties (the sender and the receiver). It will bring about either a
verbal or non-verbal response.

6. Irreversible
In communication, either oral or written, what has been said is said.
The moment you utter a word already creates an impact on the listeners.

7. Contextual
Communication involves setting like time, occasion, purpose, and
manner of communication.

8. Progressive
Communication is a process we learn from birth and continues to
evolve as time passes by. As an infant, you communicate through crying –
when you are hungry, scared, or feel pain. But as you grow up, you learn to
communicate through speaking and writing. Thus, communication changes
with time.

9. Process
There are several stages that take place in communication when people
convey and exchange ideas with one another.

10.Ethical
A communicative event is expected to follow rules, values, and beliefs
agreed upon by members of the society.

11.Influenced by technology and media

Communication in the current age of technology is characterized by
the instant, real-time exchange of knowledge, messages, and services.

Page 2 of 6
ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT
ACLC COLLEGE OF TACLOBAN
SHS DEPARTMENT

LECTURE NOTES

Features of Effective Communication

In their pioneer book Effective Public Relations, Professors Broom, Cutlip,
and Center (2012) list the 7 Cs of Effective Communication.
1. Completeness
Communication should include everything that the receiver needs to
hear for him/her to respond, react, or evaluate properly. A complete
message reduces the need for follow-up questions and smoothens the
communication process.

2. Conciseness
Conciseness does not mean keeping the message short, but making it
direct or straight to the point. Insignificant or redundant information
should be eliminated from the communication that will be sent to the
recipient. This helps the receiver focus on what is important.

3. Consideration
To be effective, the speaker should always consider relevant
information about his/her receiver such as mood, background, race,
preference, education, status, and needs, among others. By doing so,
he/she can easily build rapport with the audience.

4. Concreteness
Effective communication happens when the message is concrete and
supported by facts, figures, and real-life examples and situations. In
this case, the receiver is more connected to the message conveyed.

5. Courtesy
The speaker shows courtesy in communication by respecting the
culture, values, and beliefs of his/her receivers. Being courteous at all
times creates a positive impact on the audience.

6. Clearness
Clearness in communication implies the use of simple and specific
words to express ideas. It is also achieved when the speaker focuses only
on a single objective in his/her speech so as not to confuse the audience.

7. Correctness
Correctness in grammar eliminates negative impact on the audience
and increases the credibility and effectiveness of the message.

Page 3 of 6
ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT
ACLC COLLEGE OF TACLOBAN
SHS DEPARTMENT

LECTURE NOTES
Assessment Activities
I. Answer the following questions:
1. With reference to the definition of communication mentioned above,
can we consider talking to one’s self as communication? Why or why
not? Explain.

2. Reflect on the happenings around you and cite 3 communicative

events that you think is guided by a specific principle of
communication.

3. What do you think might happen if one does not observe the features
of effective communication? Cite at least 3 examples of
communicative events.

4. What are the three natures of communication? Explain.

Page 4 of 6
ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT
ACLC COLLEGE OF TACLOBAN
SHS DEPARTMENT

LECTURE NOTES

II. Read each statement carefully and identify the principle of

communication. Choose the best answer.
1. Bea came across the term “endoplasmic reticulum” while scanning a
book in Science. She was not able to understand the term. What
principle of communication is NOT observed?
a. Interpretative Act c. Active, forceful, powerful
b. Schemata-driven d. Contextual
2. Teacher Joshua reprimanded the students to behave properly while
the classes are going on. The students in return obeyed and were
praised for doing what they are told to do. What principle of
communication does the situation illustrate?
a. Irreversible c. Always results in something
b. Progressive d. Process
3. In Grade 1, Gio cannot properly pronounce the sound /r/. At present,
he is already part of the radio broadcasting team of their university.
What principle of communication does the situation illustrate?
a. Symbolic c. Ethical
b. Progressive d. Process
4. Ellen was taught that when the traffic light goes red, it means you
should stop. What principle of communication does the situation
illustrate?
a. Symbolic c. Ethical
b. Progressive d. Process
5. Due to the corona virus pandemic, schools were made to close down
and implore distance learning instead. As a part of this method,
classes are now conducted online. What principle of communication
does the situation illustrate?
a. Symbolic c. Ethical
b. Progressive d. Influenced by technology and media
6. Rhoda talks to her older sister with little respect. What principle of
communication does the situation violate?
a. Symbolic c. Ethical
b. Progressive d. Influenced by technology and media
7. Filipinos are known for their perception of time, popularly known as
‘Filipino time’. This practice sometimes irritates foreigners. What
principle of communication does the situation illustrate?
a. Symbolic c. Schemata-driven
b. Progressive d. Active, forceful, powerful
8. Dina loves to listen to K-pop songs. She always talks about this hobby
to her friends but they seem not to respond to her stories. What
principle of communication does the situation illustrate?
a. Interpretative Act c. Active, forceful, powerful
b. Schemata-driven d. Contextual
9. Joseph received a message from his girlfriend written in all capital
letters. He was confused whether his girlfriend is mad at him over
something. What principle of communication does the situation
illustrate?
a. Interpretative Act c. Active, forceful, powerful
b. Schemata-driven d. Contextual

Page 5 of 6
ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT
ACLC COLLEGE OF TACLOBAN
SHS DEPARTMENT

LECTURE NOTES
10. Mandy sent a sexist joke to her parents. She only realized later that
the joke was sexist. What principle of communication does the
situation illustrate?
a. Interpretative Act c. Irreversible
b. Schemata-driven d. Contextual

References:

Baraceros, E. L. and Lintao, R.B. (2010). English 4: Oral Communication in Context

(First Edition). Rex Bookstore, Inc. Quezon City, Philippines

“Business Communication for Success”. (2012). Saylor Academy. Retrieved from

https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_business-communication-for-
success/

Dapat, J. O., Sadora, B. B., and Lumabi, B. C. (2016). Oral Communication in

Focus. Lorimar Publishing, Inc. Quezon City, Philippines

Diaz, R. H. (2014). Speech and Oral Communication for College Students (Revised
Edition). National Bookstore. Quezon City, Philippines

Fresnillo, P.J., and Balgos, R.G. (2016). Oral Communication in Context. C & E
Publishing Inc. Quezon City, Philippines

“How Important is Communication in Your Life?”. (2015). Retrieved from

https://linkedin.com/pulse/how-important-communication-your-life-
ted-landgraf

Page 6 of 6