ORAL COMMUNICATION

 The word communication comes from the Latin word Communicare- meaning to share, to join,
to unite, or to have things in common.

 It is a two-way process by which information is exchanged between or among individuals

through a common system of symbols, signs and behavior (Martinez).

 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).

 Communication determines our quality of life and our relationship with our fellow human
beings. As a social animal, man needs to communicate effectively with others.

 It is also an ongoing process – past, present and future. Our communication today affects the
communication of the future.

 It serves not only as a bridge in time but a bridge across distances that can penetrate barriers of
human individuality. It is the spark that can ignite understanding and relations among human
beings even across cultures.

 Two (2) Types of Communication

1. Verbal Communication is the transmission of ideas, opinions, feelings, emotions or attitudes
through the use of oral and written language.
2. Nonverbal communication consists of all the elements of communication other than words.
These elements include body language, appearance, the sound of the voice and the
communication environment.

 Types of Nonverbal Symbols

1. Kinesics (Body Motions) – It is the study of body movement which includes a large
repertoire of physical actions such as eye contact, facial expression, gesture and posture.

2. Haptics (Use of Touch) – It is the study of how touch is used to convey meaning through the
hands, arms and other body parts. People differ in the way they use and perceive touch: Some
like to touch and be touched while others do not. Touch is culture-bound; also, it varies
according to the age, sex and status of the people touching and being touched.

 Five (5) Distinct Categories of Haptics

1. Functional/ Professional Touches 3. Friendship/Warmth Touches 5. Sexual Touches
2. Social/ Polite Touches 4. Love/Intimate Touches

3. Proxemics (Use of Space) – It refers to the way people use space to convey meaning such as
permanent structures, movable objects within space and informal space.

 Three (3) Distinct Categories of Proxemics

1. Permanent Structures 2. Movable Objects 3. Informal
Space

 Significance/Meaning of Distance or Space

1. Intimate Space (0-18 in) 2. Personal Space (18 in-4 ft) 3. Social Space (4-12 ft)
4. Public Space (12-15 ft & farther)

4. Chronemics (Use of Time) – It is the study of how people use and structure time. The use of
time for communication purposes is associated with duration, activity and punctuality.
 5. Personal Appearance – The way we dress, adorn and fix ourselves communicate a message
about us- our social and cultural roles and our personal qualities. In fact, one writer suggested that
clothing conveys different types of messages- economic level, trustworthiness, social position, level of
sophistication, economic background, level of success and moral character.

 Elements of Communication
1. Speaker/Sender – the source of information or message
2. Message – the information, ideas, or thoughts conveyed by the speaker in words or in actions
3. Encoding – the process of converting the message into words, actions, or other forms that the
speaker understands
4. Channel – the medium or the means, such as personal or non-personal, verbal or nonverbal, in which
the encoded message is conveyed.
5. Decoding – the process of interpreting the encoded message of the speaker by the receiver
6. Receiver/Listener – the recipient of the message, or someone who decodes the message
7. Feedback – the reactions, responses, or information provided by the receiver
8. Context – the environment or setting where communication takes place
9. Barrier/Noise – the factors that affect the flow of communication

 Functions of Communication
1. Regulation/Control – Formal and informal communications act to control individuals’
behaviors in organizations.
Example: A police enforcer is regulating the traffic to lead the motorists on the proper route.
2. Social Interaction – Communication allows individuals to interact with others.
Example: The two friends are talking about their plans for the weekend.
3. Motivation – Communication motivates or encourages people to live better.
Example: The guidance counselor is encouraging the problem student to change his behavior in
class so he will not cause any problem to his classmates and teachers.
4. Emotional Expression – Communication facilitates people’s expression of their feelings and
emotions.
Example: My best friend would call me and tell me about her problem with her husband.
5. Information Dissemination – Communication functions to convey information.
Example: The teacher discusses the lesson to her class by showing some concrete examples to
support her concept.

 Models of Communication
1. The Linear Communication Model – It shows communication as a one-way activity where
information flows from sender to receiver. In this model, there is an active sender who conveys
a message to a passive receiver. Messages from print and broadcast media which flow in a one-
way manner fall under this model.

Sender Encodes MESSAG Decodes Receiver

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Channel Channel

2. The Interactive Communication Model – It characterizes communication as a two-way process. The

sender formulates and transmits a message to a receiver who, in turn, formulates and sends a response
called feedback. A telephone conversation and an interview exemplify this communication model.

Sender Encodes MESSAGE Decodes Receiver

Channel Channel

Channel Channel
Receiver Encodes MESSAG Decodes Sender
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3. The Transactional Communication Model – This model gives additional elements - feedback and
noise. Feedback gauges the responses and reactions of the receivers of the message which is a positive
element. On the other hand, the possibility of ineffective communication can be caused by noise.

BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION

 Internal Barrier – Examples are fatigue, poor listening skills, attitude toward the sender
or the information, lack of interest in the message, fear, mistrust, past experiences,
negative attitude, problems at home, lack of common experiences, and emotions
 External Barrier – Examples are noise, distractions, e-mail not working, bad phone
connections, and speaker/sender uses too many technical words for the audience

1. PHYSICAL BARRIERS are the natural or environmental conditions that act as barriers in
communication in sending the message from sender to receiver.
Examples: 1. People talking too loud 2. Noise from a construction site 3. Loud sound of a
karaoke 4. Blaring horn of jeepney

2. PSYCHOLOGICAL BARRIERS are called as mental barriers. These refer to social and
personal issues of a speaker towards communicating with others.
Examples: 1. trauma 2. shyness/lack of confidence 3. depression 4. fear/stage fright

3. CULTURAL BARRIERS pertain to communication problems encountered by people

regarding their intrinsic values, beliefs, and traditions in conflict with others. People’s culture
affects the way they communicate and relate to others.
Examples: 1. different beliefs 2. customs and traditions
3. manners of dressing 4. somewhat peculiar way of speaking

4. LINGUISTIC BARRIERS pertain to conflicts with regard to language and word meanings.
Because words carry denotative and connotative meanings, they can sometimes cause confusion
and misunderstanding. Meaning of words and symbols also vary depending on culture.
Examples: 1. difference in language 2. accent and dialect
3. use of jargon and slang 4. speech defects or language impairments

Verderber (1991) gives a similar idea of barrier when he classifies noise into three kinds:
EXTERNAL, INTERNAL and SEMANTIC NOISE

1. EXTERNAL NOISES are the “sight, sound and other stimuli that draw people’s attention
away from intended meaning.”
Examples: 1. noise from vehicles 2. singing at the neighborhood 3. visual aids in front
of the classroom 4. the dog barking 5. the sound of airplane

2. INTERNAL NOISES are the “thoughts and feelings that interfere with meaning.”
Examples: 1. confrontation with a friend 2. fear of speaking in front of the class 3. racial
prejudice

3. SEMANTIC NOISES are the “alternate meanings aroused by a speaker’s symbols.” This
idea means that a word may have another meaning in the minds of the students. This is affected
by the language in which they grew and the culture in which they are exposed.
Examples: 1. incorrect grammar 2. using excessive technical jargon 3. using
idiomatic expressions

 7C’s of Effective Communication

Broom, Cutlip and Center (2012) listed the 7Cs of Effective Communication in their book
Effective Public Relations. These are Completeness, Conciseness, Consideration,
Concreteness, Courtesy, Clearness, and Correctness.
1. COMPLETENESS It is important to whole communication process. The speaker should
include everything that the receiver needs to hear, respond, react, or evaluate properly. S/he
should be able to convey all pertinent details so listener or audience will be able to grasp the
intended message.
2. CONCISENESS The message should be direct or straight to the point and should be
expressed in the least possible number of words. Irrelevant information should not be included.
3. CONSIDERATION In order to be effective, the speaker should give high regard and
courtesy to audience’s background information such as his/her culture, education, religion,
status, mood, feelings, and needs. This will result in building rapport or connection with the
audience.
4. CONCRETENESS Effective communication is backed up by facts, figures, and real-life
examples or situations. This will make the receiver to understand the message better.
5. COURTESY The speaker can show respect to his/her receivers through understanding their
culture, values, and beliefs. The speaker can show respect to the listeners by demonstrating an
understanding of their beliefs, values, and culture. This implies good choice of words and
language and a consideration of the audience’s perspectives and feelings on the part of the
sender. Showing courtesy helps create a positive vibe with the audience. This implies good
choice of words and language on the part of the sender and consideration of audience’s
perspectives.
6. CLEARNESS It implies the use of simple and specific words to express ideas. When the
speaker focuses on specific ideas, it will not confuse the audience.
7. CORRECTNESS Avoiding mistakes in grammar helps to boost the credibility and
effectiveness of the message, and at the same time it eliminates negative impact on the audience.

 Types of Speech Context

CONTEXT when referring to speech communication is the surroundings, circumstances,

environment, background or setting that determine, specify, or clarify the meaning of an event.
(LumenLearning.com/Elements of Communication).

According to DeVito (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.”

SPEECH CONTEXT is important because it helps you communicate appropriately, understand

the meaning of any message conveyed, and respond accordingly.

TYPES OF SPEECH CONTEXT

1. INTRAPERSONAL – This refers to a type of communication that is focused on one person,
where the speaker acts both as the sender and as the receiver of the message. The message is
made up of thoughts and feelings while the medium is the brain that processes what you think
and feel. (Hybels & Weaver, 2012, p 16)
Examples: • There is a voice within you that tells you, “It’s okay, you can still do it! You can
make it!” when you are losing your drive to finish the task that you are doing.
• When you told yourself not to talk to your friends when you have read in a Facebook post that
they were in a party and you were not invited.

2. INTERPERSONAL – This refers to the type of communication that takes place between
and among people and creates a personal relationship between and among them.
Normally, it includes two individuals, and it can vary from casual and very personal to
formal and impersonal.

TYPES OF INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

a. Dyad Communication – communication that happens between two people.
Examples: • You consoled your brother who was feeling down. • A conversation
between your father and mother about the latest announcement of your Barangay
Chairman.
b. Small Group – This applies to interactions involving at least three but not more than
twelve people engaged in face-to-face interactions to achieve the desired goal. In this
type of conversation, all participants can freely express their ideas throughout the
discussion.
Examples: • You are having a discussion with your two brothers about the surprise party
you are planning for your Mom’s birthday. • Kathlyn who came back from the United
States called her three brothers and four sisters and announced that she is getting married.

3. PUBLIC – This type refers to a communication that enables you to send or deliver a message
before a crowd. The message can be transmitted for informative or persuasive purposes. "In
public communication, unlike interpersonal and small groups, the channels are more
exaggerated. The voice is louder and the gestures are more expansive because the audience is
larger” (Hybels & Weaver, 2012, p 19).
Examples: • Delivering a graduation speech to your fellow graduates. • You were elected as the
new SSG president of your school and were given a chance to deliver a message of gratitude to
your fellow students.

4. MASS COMMUNICATION – This refers to communication through television, radio,

newspapers, magazines, books, billboards, the internet, and other types of media.
Examples: • You are watching a televised briefing of IATF on COVID-19. • You have recorded
a commentary for your school’s online discussion of the pandemic and uploaded it in your social
media account.