Oral Communication in Context 1

Senior High School

This subject aims to:

 To improve your speaking and listening skills, and introduce strategies for
effective communication in various situation.
 To understand the nature and elements of communication, to value it's
functions, to understand the importance of speech context, style, act and
communicative strategy to achieve communicative competence, and
realize the rigors of crafting a speech, demonstrate effective
communicative strategies in a variety of speech situations and deliver
various features proficiently.

Lesson 1. Nature and Process of Communication
I. What is Communication?

 the act of giving, receiving, and sharing information -- in other words, talking or
writing, and listening or reading. Good communicators listen carefully, speak or
write clearly, and respect different opinions

Other definitions;

 It allows us to send and receive message using various forms.

 Communication is a two-way process, it's a cycle. By the means of sharing and
transferring messages, information, ideas or emotions from one person to
another.this connects people and helps build relationships

Side Notes: (Not Important)

 Humans are social creatures. Back in the history of mankind, early man could not
speak as humans today, but they were able to communicate through various
techniques such as symbols, gestures, sounds, drawings or sign languages.
 Over the years communication also developed side by side together with
technology. In the 21st century we can send text messages, call someone's phone,
take video calls and send chat messages. These allows us to communicate better
with other people no matter the distance

Successful Communication:

- this happens if we speak, listen and understand each other while we're in a conversation.
Note: Speaking, listening and understanding are key factors to successful communication.

Various forms of Communication:

a. Written Words - messages that are written, typed, or printed. Some examples are
letters, text/chat messages, emails.
b. Symbols - representations of an event, action, object, person, or place that can be
used to communicate about the event, action, object, person, or place.
c. Spoken Words - delivered orally. Examples of these are conversations with friends,
family or colleagues, presentations and speeches.
d. Actions - expressed through movement of the body parts. Examples are gestures,
posture, facial expressions, enhanced signals/sign language

Verbal Communication Nonverbal Communication

-the use of words to share information with other - communicating without the use of words such
people. It can therefore include both spoken and as eye contact, facial expressions, gestures,
written communication. posture, and body language.
II. 5 Basic Elements of Communication

1. Sender or Speaker

 The source of message, information, idea or emotion. It could be you or the person
who are talking to you.

2. Receiver

 The recipient of the message or the intended audience of the sender. The receiver
receives the message from the source, analyzing and interpreting the message in
ways both intended and unintended by the source.

3. Message

 It contains the information, ideas, opinions, thoughts, or emotions.The message is

the stimulus or meaning produced by the source for the receiver or audience.

4. Channel

 The medium or the means of communication that is use to deliver the message. The
channel is the way in which a message or messages travel between source and
receiver.

5. Feedback

 It refers to the reaction, responses , or information provided by the receiver. When

you respond to the source, intentionally or unintentionally, you are giving feedback

III. Process of Communication

 Encode- it's the process where the sender will construct the message through a
channel. When the encoding is done, the message is now ready to be transmitted to
the receiver.
 Decode- it's where the reciever start to read, listen and understand the message
given by the sender. When decoding has been achieved, the feedback will now be
given by the receiver to the sender.

NOTE: (Important)

- Barriers to communication may sometimes block the transmission of the message thereby creating a
misunderstanding.

Additional Questions/Information:

Why do we communicate?

Communication serves many purposes. We always say things to people for a reason,
we inform, clarify, promote, advise, teach, affirm, criticize, question, express,
persuade, reveal, deny and many more.
Lesson 2. Models of Communication
I. Different Models of Communication
Type of Model
1. Linear Model
- The linear model of communication is
a one-way interaction where feedback
is not present. The sender transmit the
Example of the said model Example of
situation
Shanon-Weaver Model in 1949 - watching
television
-This model is condidered as the
mother of all the models. - listening to radio
-It starts with the source/sender
message to the receiver through a
channel in which the receiver has no
way of responding to the given
message.
2. Interactive Model
- This is a two-way method where the
receiver can give a feedback, but
feedback is not simultaneous, so it
provides slow and indirect feedback.
Sometimes, the communication can be
linear if receivers do not reply to
senders.
3. Transactional Model
- This is an interaction among people.
These people are actively participating
in a communication situation where
they are actively exchanging messages
amongst each other.
- Simultaneous feedback is the
essential component of the
transitional models of communication.
II. Importance of the Models of Communication
Communication models are essential tools to understand the communication processes.
Communication models present detailed information regarding the communication process as well as
illustrate the flow of information.
passing through a channel in which
there are signals adapted for
transmission which may at time be
interrupted by noise. The receiver
then decodes the message, the
process stops ones the message
arrived at its destination.
Aristotle Model in 300BC
Lasswell's Model in 1948
Berlo's SMCR Model in 1960
Schramm Model in 1954 - conversation
between two
- In this model there is an exchanged people
of thoughts and ideas from the sender
to the receiver. All five basic elements
of communication are existing. There
is a cycle. Encoding and decoding are
key components of this model. The
receiver must give a feedback to the
sender to complete the cycle
otherwise the communication
transaction will fail.
Westley and Maclean Model in 1957
Eugene White's Model in 1960 - school
Dance's Helical Model in 1967 - party
Barlund's Model in 1970
Furthermore, the model of communication provides tips on how communicators can communicate
effectively. They represent the barrier or noise that obstacle the process of communication. They also
explain the complexities of the communication system. Finally, the model proposes to bring
improvement in the communication process to avoid conflict.

Additional Information:

1. Aristotle Model in 300BC- Aristotle’s communication model refers to the communication model
with the elements of speaker, speech, occasion, audience, and effect. In 300 BC, Aristotle developed a
linear communication model that mainly focuses on the speaker and messages. Controversially, it is
also known as the first model of communication. The speaker plays a crucial role in communication
because the speaker sets the message to deliver. However, the speech of the speaker is a message
that might vary on occasion.

2. Eugene White's Model in 1960- Eugene White’s model is one of the crucial transactional models of
communication that was introduced in 1960. According to Eugene
White’s model, communication is a circular process interaction
between senders and receivers. The most important element of
this communication model is feedback. The feedback continues
the communication process; therefore, it is a transactional model
of communication.

Lesson 3. Barriers to Communication

I. 4 Categories of Communication Barriers

Categories Definition Examples

Physical Barrier - These are the natural or environmental - people talk too loud,
conditions that act as barriers in noise from
communication whenever we are sending construction, loud
our messages. karaoke

Psychological Barrier - They are mental barriers that refer to - trauma, shyness, lack
the social and personal issues of a of confidence,
speaker towards communicating others. depression, anxiety,
stage fright

Cultural Barrier - These are communication problems - races, religion, age,

encountered by people due to their gender
personal values, beliefs, and traditions
which are in conflict with others.

Linguistic Barrier - Words and delivery of statements have - language

different meanings, especially in different
 places. Hence they may cause confusion
and misunderstanding among
communicators.

Other Barriers Accent and dialect, use of jargon and slang, speech defects,
language impairments

Verderber's Classification of Noise

1. External Noise

 These are the sight, sound, and other stimuli that draw people's attention away
from intended meaning. External noises are physical barriers.

2. Internal Noise

 These are thoughts and feelings that interfere with meaning. Internal noises are
psychological and cultural barriers.

3. Semantic Noise

 A word, phrase, or statement that may have another meaning in the mind of the
receiver. This may due to incorrect grammar, use of jargon, and use of idiomatic
expressions. Semantic noises are linguistic barrier.

Lesson 4. Avoid Communication Breakdown

I. Strategies to Avoid Communication Breakdown

5 Ways to Avoid Communication Breakdown by Ronnie Peterson

1. Have clarity of thought - This will help to avoid giving your confusing statements so
that the ideas can be understood well by others.
2. Learn to listen - Listen with respect and understanding. This helps to avoid
misunderstanding others.
3. Be aware of your body language and tone - This will help to keep our emotion in
check and have a healthy and relaxed environment while communicating with
others.
4. Build up your confidence - Ask for feedback and observe others. This will help to
voice out other's opinions/ideas without having to be shy.
5. Communicate face to face on important issues.
o These 5 ways of avoiding communication breakdown are not just the only possible
ways to solve communication breakdown problems.

Other strategies to avoid communication breakdown:

1. Keep focused - Put in mind the purpose of communication. What's your purpose for
communicating with others? What do you think is the purpose of the person your
communicating to ?

2. Speak Intelligibly - Use appropriate speaking volume, speech rate, proper enunciation,
and acceptable pronunciation. Doing this will allow your receivers to understand what we're
saying.

3. Listen with your Ears and Eyes - Pay attention to what people say and act, and how they
say it.

4. Minimize Distraction - Find a quiet place. Lessen the cause for confusion to make room
for focus and concentration.

5. Be Specific - Use simple and concise words so you can deliver your message straight to the
point.

6. Do not jump to conclusions - Before you give your comments and judgement, be sure that
you have listened attentively to the speaker. Conclusion should be drawn after a thorough
analysis of point given or information received.

7 C's of Effective Communication by Broom, Cutlip and Center (2012)

 Completeness - You, as a speaker, should include everything that the receiver needs
to hear, respond, react or evaluate properly. You should be able to convey all
important details so your listener or audience will be able to grasp your intended
message.
 Conciseness - You, as a speaker, should say your message directly or straight to the
point and should be expressed in the least possible number of words. You should
not include irrelevant information.
 Consideration - You, as a speaker, should give high regard and courtesy to your
audience's background information such as their culture, education, religion, status,
mood, feelings and needs. This will help you bud rapport or connection with your
audience.
 Concreteness - You, as a speaker, should make certain that your message is backed
up by facts, figures and real-life examples of situations.
 Courtesy - You, as a speaker, should show respect to your receivers through
understanding their culture, values and beliefs. You must choose your words
carefully to avoid ofeending your audience. Showing courtesy helps create a positive
vibe and healthy communication environment with the audience.
 Clearness - You, as a speaker, should use simple and clear words to express your
ideas. Avoid double meanings so as not to confuse your audience.
 Correctness - You, as a speaker, should avoid grammatically wrong statements to
show credibility and effectiveness of the message.
o Communication barriers are inevitable. But if we follow the ways, strategies, and
tips from communication experts, we can avoid them and communicate with
everyone effectively.
Lesson 5. Functions of Communication
5 Different Functions of Communication

These functions of communication are the purpose or reasons why we communicate

with other people:

1. Control or Regulation - This is used if we aim to control or regulate the behavior of a

person or a group of people. This can be in the form of of instructions, requests or
commands.

E.g. Plant tree and save a life. | Do me a favor and please clean your space. | Go
straight ahead and turn right when you see the green house.

2. Social Interaction - Use this function if our goal is to simply interact with other people.
This are greetings, getting to know others, chat chats, catching up with your friends, or
questions to initiate casual conversation.

E.g. Good morning! How's everyone? | Hey, what's poppin'?

3. Motivation - Use this function if we aim to inspire or motivate a person or people to do

better. These comes informs of cheers, quotations, bible verses, or advice.

E.g. The Golden Rule - "Do unto others what you want others to do unto you."

4. Information Dissemination - Use this if we aim to share information or data for the
purpose of educating our receivers. This are maybe facts, announcements, news or
information based on the given evidence.

E.g. This January 2020, Taal Volcano erupted once again after roughly four decades.
(News)

5. Emotional Expression - Use this if we aim to connect with people emotionally. These are
emotions we express, accept, deny or affirm.

E.g. I sincerely apologize for my mistake. | You give me butterflies to my tummy.

Lesson 6. Aspects of Effective Communication

Verbal Communication

- It refers to the use of words to convey a message. This pertains to communication

situations where people speak and converse to one another. In this, the communication
process becomes easier and more effective. When it is certain that the commucators
understand the words and context of the message. To achieve that, communicators must
consider the following aspects:

1. Appropriateness - This pertains to the use of suitable language which is appropriate to

the context of the situation. Is it a formal or informal communication situation? But how can
we distinguish the formality or informality of a communication situation?

o Formal Communication Situation - These are ceremonial or dignified gatherings.

Here, the exchange of information is controlled and prepared. It is also conforms to
certain rules and conventions as defined by the goals and values of particular groups
or organizations. These are company or business meetings, interviews, conferences,
formal one-on-ones, thesis defense, speech contests/deliveries and oral
presentation.
o Informal Communication Situation - This is characterized by free, casual and
spontaneous exchange of messages. These are communication situations where
there are no rules and conventions and these occur in our daily lives. These are
casual conversations, gossips, family social communication culture, and
interrelational activities among peers.

2. Brevity - This pertains to the conciseness of the message. Simple and precise words must
be used to avoid ambiguity and allows you to deliver your message directly.

3. Clarity - This pertains to the use of simple yet exact words that directly states your
message. Through this the purpose of your message will be clearly delivered to the
audience.

4. Ethics - It pertains to the moral standards that we must follow when communicating.
Words must carefully chosen so as not to offend, belittle, or discriminate anyone. Always
take not of your receivers age, gender, race, socila status and beliefs so you can adjust and
avoid bias judgement that you may unintentionally commit. Respect is a top priority when
communicating with others.

5. Vividness - It pertains to the descriptive words which make your message sound lively and
vibrant. This appeals to your creativity in constructing your messages. This language should
appeal to the census so you can elicit an active and vigorous response from your receiver.

Nonverbal Communication

- It refers to a collaboration of movements which are used to convey a message. These are
actions such as hand gestures, body language, facial expressions, posture, tone of voice or
appearance. This does not require nor include any spoken or written words. The most
commonly used nonverbal cues are as follows:

1. Bodily Kinesthetic - These are your head movements, eye movements, facial expressions,
way of sitting, standing or walking and hand gestures.

2. Attitude or Behavior - To specific situations and manners of dressing. These nonverbal

cues largely depend on the formality and informality of the communication situation. What
to wear and what would be the attitude.

3. Tone of Voice - It is to determine the mood of the communication situation based on the
tone of voice used by the communicators. We would know the situation when the
communicators are shouting at one another, when the communicators are whispering or
producing high pitched sounds.
Lesson 7. Different Types of Speech Context
Speech Context

- According to J.A. Devito of 2005, "Context refers to the setting in which the communication
takes place. Context helps to establish meaning and can influence what is said and how it is
said.".

4 Types of Speech Context

1. Intrapersonal Communication - It is focused on one person, where the speaker acts both
the sender and the receiver of the message. The channel of communication for
intrapersonal communication is the brain of the speaker that processes his or her thoughts
or feelings. Basically this is talkinto yourself, this may be done quietly inside your head but
some do this while actually talking or when looking in the mirror. We talk to ourselves if we
feel strong emotions.

2. Interpersonal Communication - It takes place between and among people. It include two
individuals and it can vary from casula and very personal to formal and impersonal
communication situation. This is divided into 2 types:

o Dyad Communication - Communication that happens between two people like when
you are interviewed, consoling a friend or seeing your parents having a
conversation.
o Small Group Communication - It involves at least 3 but not more than 12 people
engaged in face to face interaction. In this type of conversation, all participants can
freely express their ideas throughout the discussion like catching up with your group
of friends.

3. Public Communication - It enable syou to send/deliver a message before a crowd.

According to S. Hybels and R. Weaver of 2012, " In public communication, unlike
interpersonal and small groups, the channels are more exaggerated. The voices are louder
and the gestures are more expansive because the audience is larger.". Basically this is
delivering a speech in front of a big number of people.

4. Mass Communication - It is a type of speech context through television, radio,

newspapers, magazines, books, billboards, the internet and other medias. It reaches a wide
range of audience in different parts of the country or the world.