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Ge 101 Reviewer
Ge 101 Reviewer
Vision: A leading institution of excellent in innovative instruction and creative research and extension programs and projects, directed
towards lasting peace and total human development.
Mission: Basilan State College shall provide quality human resources equipped with adequate knowledge, skills, and attitude in
technological, vocational and professional fields of instruction, research, extension, and production to improve the quality of life of its
clientele.
Core Values:
A – Accountability
C – Commitment
C – Cultural Sensitivity
E – Excellent
S – Service
WHAT IS COMMUNICATION?
Introduction
“The art of communication is the language of leadership.” (James Humes)
It is a mistake to believe that communication is a simple process. Although people communicate with one another
every day, the real question is whether the ideas one has expressed are truly understood another. Communication
breakdowns happen in every part of the globe and these have led to plethora of problems. Effective communication can
breach peace, spark revolutions, and affect change in government. However, to communicate properly, one cannot simply
strive to express oneself and leave understanding to fate; one must also learn how to organize one’s thoughts, control one’s
emotions, use one’s words to articulate concepts and arguments, and express oneself in the best way possible.
The art of one’s communication reflect the art of one’s thinking. According to James Berlin (1982), one of the major
proponents of The New Rhetoric, “In teaching writing, we are not simply offering training in a useful technical skill that is
meant as a simple complement to the more important studies of other areas. We are teaching a way of experiencing the
world, a way of ordering and making sense of it” (776).
This is also true when it comes to all the language skills essential in communication, whether this is in writing,
reading, listening, or speaking. They are tools that help us analyze, critique, and negotiate with the world. To construct ideas
and bring people to believe in one’s vision, it is important to be able to communicate in an effective, articulate manner. On a
personal level, honing one’s communication skills can also bring about success to one’s personal and professional life.
To lead nations or corporations, communication skills are essential. To work smoothly as a team, communication is
indispensable. And to create a vision that people will believe in, one needs to learn how to communicate purposefully in
today’s society.
WHAT ARE THE COMMUNICATION MODELS?
Communication Models
One way of thinking about communication processes is by looking at the different communication models available.
According to Denis Mcquail and Sven Windahl (2013), in their book Communication Models for the Study of Mass
Communications, “a model seeks to show the main elements of any structure or process and the relationship between these
elements… it helps in explaining by providing in a simplified way information which would otherwise be complicated or
ambiguous.” (2)
Professor Ramona S. Flores (2016), in her book Oral Communication in Context, discusses four models of
communication in the chapter, “Explaining the Nature of Communication.” She discusses the different communication
models as follows (Aristotle, Shannon-Weaver, Schramm, and White, 2016):
The earliest model comes from Aristotle at around 5 B.C. In this model, Aristotle explains that speakers should
adjust their messages according to their audience and the occasion to achieve a particular effect. Let us apply this to a
modern example. After the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, then US President Franklin Roosevelt
delivered a stirring message to declare a war on Japan on December 8 (National Geographic, 2017).The speaker, in this
case, US President Franklin Roosevelt and his speech was crafted especially for the occasion, filled with strong words that
were crisps and straight to the point. The occasion was the US President’s response to the attack on Pearl Harbor; the main
audience was the US Congress; and the effect was to persuade members of Congress to declare war on Japan, which they
did, with only one dissenting vote. These components of speaker, speech, occasion, audience, and effect should be
considered when communicating one’s message.
The Shannon – Weaver model was created by Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver (Flores, 2006). According to
the website model was Communication.Org, in 1948. Shannon and Weaver wrote an article in the Bell System
Technological Journal entitled “A Mathematical Theory of Communication.” According to Flores (2006), this is also often
called the “Telephone Model,” since it was developed because of the technology of a telephone and the experience of
“noise” coming from the switchboard.
The sender would be the person giving the message, while the encoder would be the transmitter who converts the
message into signals. Let us use the modern example of the mobile phone. With our modern example, the encoder would
be the cell phone, and the sender, of course would be the person calling. The decoder, on the other hand, would be the
reception place of the signal which converts signals into message. This is why in the modern parlance, when there is “no
signal “, there is difficulty in decoding the message. The receiver would be the destination of the message by sender which
would be the person who is being called - and when there are problems or “noise” that interferes with the message, then the
receiver would give feedback, which is usually phrased as “choppy”, when the messaged cannot be heard because of the
signal. The messages are transferred by the use of channel, in the case of telephone the channel would be the cables,
while the case of cell phones, the channel would be radio frequencies (Communication Theory.Org). This model can also be
used in the situations, and can tell us how the messages may sometimes get lost because of the noise, which can be
physical or psychological, and how feedback is an essential component of communication to ensure that the message is
successfully received.
On the other hand, when it comes to Schramm’s model of communication, there two primarily models involved. The
first one is built on the theories of Osgood, which is why this is also known as the Osgood-Schramm model.
In this model, pay attention to the role of the interpreter. Encoding and Decoding are not automatic process both go
through the filter of interpreter. Therefore, the message may succeed or fail, Based on the interpreters appreciation of the
message. There are times when the receiver and sender may apply different
meanings to the same message, and this termed semantic noise” (Communicative, Theories.org). His second
model, on the other hand, builds this theory about the interpreter into the different fields of experience of the sender and
receiver.
For the message to reach the receiver there must be a common field of experience between the sender and
receiver. Although the receiver might not fully appreciate all the nuances of the message as there parts of the senders
experience that the receiver has no knowledge of, the receiver may still understand the core meaning of the message.
According to Sneha Mishra (2017), this field of experience may constitute “culture, social background, beliefs, experiences,
values and rules.”
The last model is Eugene Whites Stages of Oral Communication. According to Whit, it is possible to begin at any of
stages outlined in his model. People are under the mistaken impression that when we communicate, we usually start with
thinking, but that is not necessary the case. Since it is a circular model, it means that oral communication is a continue
process with no real beginning or end. The most important contribution from Eugene Whites model is the concept of
feedback, which can only be processed by the speaker if he or she has been monitoring the audience or the listener,
Hence, the speaker must also pay attention to the speaker’s verbal and non-verbal cues. (Flores, 2016).
T h in k in g S y m b o liz in g
M o n ito rin g E x p re s s in g
F e e d b a c k in g T ra n s m itti n g
D e c o d in g R e c e iv in g
In conclusion, communication is not a simple process that starts with the speaker and ends with the listener there
are many factors that should be considered. When it comes to the message, how the messaged is organized and what field
of experience it comes from should be taken into consideration. When it comes to the sender, the best communication is the
one that involves feedback. Furthermore, there are several kinds of “noise” that may be severely affect the reception of the
message and thus, should be considered and avoided. Cultural differences, technology and interpretation need to be
considered as well. To be good communicators, one needs to pay attention to how people are responding to the message
and adjust accordingly, rather than being pre occupied with simply expressing oneself.
What makes a speech What makes a speech so effective it can make the audience
electric? have goose bumps or make them flush in rage or joy?
Some speeches can be so effective they trigger adrenaline, while other speeches, just as effective, trigger a sense of peace
and calm in the midst of chaos. Great speakers have been called hypnotic, magnetic, and charismatic, and this is not just
because they have a compelling message, but because of the captivating manner they deliver these speeches, as well.
Performance. Speeches are performances, and they are delivered best when they have the feel of authenticity and
earnestness. People respond when they think that the one speaking is being honest and sincere, and they respond even
more strongly when they feel that they can relate to the speaker in question. Because of this, a sense of humor helps break
the ice, and strategic shows of vulnerability and concern can make an audience feel closer to the speaker.
Plan the Speech. It is important to express oneself in an expressive and articulate manner. It is best to choose one's words
carefully, and for ensure that one's speech builds on the foundations of logos, pathos, and ethos. To come across as
articulate, one must also nurture a speaking style that is effective, and this style varies from one person to another.
Eye Contact. One way of coming across as authentic is the ability to make good eye contact with the audience, and to
speak in a manner that touches them. It is important fo engage the audience, and eye contact helps in doing that. Some
people, however, have a hard time making eye contact. Should this be the case, if would help to pick out three people from
the audience, placed in a mental triangle from one's position, and try to make eye contact with them instead of the rest of
the people in the room., If one is truly hesitant to look at people's eyes, one may look at their foreheads instead; this creates
the illusion of making eye contact with people without actually doing it. On the other hand, if one is comfortable making eye
contact, it would help to pick out people who seem to be friendly or accommodating to look at, so that when one speaks,
one feels confident and at ease.
Speaking Style. Different people have different speaking styles and one can only find one's personal style through constant
practice. Some people seem to be more effective when they come across as calm, trustworthy, and reasonable, and their
hand gestures seem more open and thoughtful. Others, on the other hand, can get away with bursts of passion and
bombast, infecting the audience with their fervor and enthusiasm.
This is usually matched with pointing and/or punches thrown in the air, to punctuate their speeches and make a strong
impression on the crowd.
Hand Gestures. Whatever kind of speaker one may be, it is always best to be more purposeful when it comes to choosing
hand gestures. Hand gestures can create as much of an impact as the content of the speech itself. They must always look
smooth and natural, rather than robotic or artificial. Hand gestures can be useful signposts in making a point, such as the
usual hand gestures of enumeration. They can signal inclusiveness such as when both hands are stretched towards the
audience palm up, or division, Such as when there are sweeping gestures to indicate difference. Although they are intuitive
in nature, they are extremely Useful when used effectively, and note that these gestures are also culturally informed. Some
hand gestures are considered rude, and it is important to be able to match the appropriate hand gestures to one's audience.
Recording the Speech for Feedback. One of the best practices in public speaking is to videotape speakers, and then have
these speakers watch themselves. It might surprise them that they use hand gestures or mannerisms that distract from or
lessen the impact of their speeches. Some hand gestures are so exaggerated they look like policemen directing traffic, and
some people pepper their speeches with foo much nervous laughter, or fillers like "Umms" and "Uhhhs" in their speech. This
process is usually done inside speech laboratories, where students can access videos of themselves, and allow them to
study their speeches. They can watch for the flaws of their performances, instead of being too dependent on the teacher or
their peers when it comes to constructive criticism.
Peer Evaluation. Unfortunately, not all schools have the means to record their students' speeches. Should this be the case,
it is important to have discerning teachers, coaches, or peers to provide feedback when it comes to the affectivity of one's
speech. It is not enough to be given a grade for the speech, or just be accorded high praise. Feedback from people is
important, and this will be a great fool in improving one speech and one's speaking style in general. Observations can range
from the speaker's posture, one's facial expressions, and one's general appearance. This can also be done alone with the
speaker rehearsing their speech in front of a mirror.
Appearance. When it comes to appearance, it is important of look credible and worthy of respect. In the real world, this
depends a lot on one's audience, as the way one's dresses should match the kind of audience one wants fo impress.
Whether one's audience are corporate clients or creative directors, this should have an influence on the appearance one
presents.
Clothing. Traditional audiences often call for more formal clothing. For men, this would mean donning a suit and fie at the
most formal level, or at the very least, the use of long-sleeved button-down shirts, slacks, and leather shoes. In the
Philippines, the use of a barong and slacks is acceptable. For the women, a pantsuit or a formal coat and skirt ensemble
should suffice. In less formal instances, a dress or blouse and skirt (or slacks) outfit should do as well.
Good Grooming. In addition, good grooming is a must, and that extends to one's hair to one's nails. As long as one looks
neat and clean, that should be enough to satisfy most audience's requirements. Some audiences, however, may require
women to wear more (or less) make-up, don a hijab, or wear high heels - in these instances, it is always best to know the
cultural expectations of the audience and the venue.
Visual Aids. Since we live in a world that is more dependent on information technology, it has become de rigueur for
audiences to expect speeches to be accompanied with visual aids, such as PowerPoint presentations, video or audio clips,
and info graphics. Any off these are acceptable, and in most cases, commendable, as long as they are relevant to the topic
at hand.
PowerPoint Presentations. When it comes to the use of PowerPoint one should ensure that the font size of the text is not
too small. An acceptable size font would be type 24 or larger and the text should be in dark colors for easier reading. The
best PowerPoint presentations are not text-heavy: instead, they are visually oriented, which is why the use of photographs,
illustrations, charts, and the like would better serve one's Use of the medium. Video clips may or may not be embedded in
the presentation, as well as audio clips and animation.
The University of Leicester gives a few guidelines about the use of PowerPoint, as well. When it comes to color, it is best to
be consistent and to have the same color and background schemes for each slide. It also mentions the "six by six rule,"
whereby, "slides should have no more than six bullet points and each bullet point should be no more than six words long".
Although it is good to Use animation, it would be best not to overuse this feature. Once the PowerPoint presentation is
finished, one can view it several ways; one can view it in the "Notes" tab to see the comments and notes for the speaker,
aside from the actual slide presentation and another is the "Slide Sorter" view to see the visual impact of the presentation. A
good rule of thumb is one slide for every two minutes. One should also rehearse the speech while using the presentation,
and check the infrastructure (such as the room, laptop, and projector) before the speech (2017).
Handouts. It would be best to have handouts ready for one's audience, so that members of the audience will not have fo
scramble when faking notes during the presentation. These should be written succinctly, and should have appropriate
citations.
Feedback. Although the speech is a performance, it is also one where is audience can participate, often bythe speaker
asking rhetorical or directing actual questions to the audience. It is always good fo read the verbal and non-verbal cues from
the audience, such as whether they agree with what one is saying or whether they are resisting of certain ideas, mirrored by
their use of body language. The speaker is seen as more responsive and sympathetic to the audience when they modify
their speeches to match the audience's visual cues.
Conclusion. In the end, public speaking is a dynamic performance that is meant to disseminate information, create greater
awareness, and evoke emotions in the audience. It is utilized by teachers, lawyers, politicians, and the like. It has been
used effectively to promote human rights on the street and to create policies in government. Although it is a performance,
the most important speeches in the world have had material effects, such as the speeches of Abraham Lincoln, Susan B.
Anthony, and Martin Luther King, Jr., and these still affect the world today long after their speakers have already been long
gone.
Globalization
Globalization has affected us in numerous ways. Airfare has become cheaper, and one can travel internationally more than
one could in the past. Many Filipinos have decided to work or live abroad, with some of them migrating to other countries. The free
trade of goods and services all over the world has brought multinational companies and foreign investors to our shores. Because of all
of these factors, it is imperative to be aware of the differences between our culture and the rest of the world's cultures.
Because of the advent of the Internet, the world seems to be shrinking continually. One can communicate internationally in a
matter of seconds, whether one is sending an email, chatting in social media, or sending a text message. One can read about different
cultures, and have access to films, academic papers, and the like from countries around the world, and vice versa. Given this
increasingly shrinking world, one should know the difference between the kind of English that we write and speak and the kind of
Englishes that exist outside of the Philippines
World Englishes
David Crystal (2003) begins the first chapter of the book English as a Global Language with the assertion that English is, in
fact. the global language. After giving various examples to support this statement, he questions the assertion by asking, "What does it
mean to say that a language is global?" (Crystal, 2003). In asking this, he considers the implications of English having this status,
especially for its many users who speak different mother tongues.
In The Story of English, Robert McCrum et al. (1986) discuss the "success story" of the rise of English. They also provide a
variety of examples that demonstrate the global presence of English.