Module in Purposive Communication

(Modules 6 - 10 [for Finals])

Objective

The module aims to develop students’ confidence in using English in various

communication situations, both formal and informal. The ability to speak English effortlessly in
a variety of situations requires good pronunciation, a wide range of vocabulary, grammatical
accuracy and also the knowledge of what to say to whom and when. In short, proficiency in
speaking includes knowledge not only of the language but also social and cultural norms, and
the ability to respond appropriately in a variety of situations. This module contains a range of
activities to encourage students to speak effectively and with confidence.

______________________________________________________________________________

Week 1

Lesson 1: Public Communication

Introduction
Public communication is the art of expressing ideas through words and actions making
others know how you feel and what you think. It is a direct oral communication with an
audience.

One of the most common speaking functions for business people is the presentation of
ideas. Such presentation is most frequently made informally to a manager or to a small group of
colleagues; occasionally, they make formal speeches before large groups.

 Speech Preparation

1. Selecting the Subject

What to speak about may be your problem when you are asked to deliver a
speech. The following guides may help you in choosing a topic.

a. Is the subject suitable to the speaker?

b. Is the subject suitable to the audience?
c. Is the topic appropriate to the occasion?
d. Is the subject suited to the time available?

2. Organizing Content
 Begin your speech by defining its purpose. Is your goal to inform? To convince?
To persuade? To entertain? In describing your goal, write a statement of purpose.
Oral presentations often contain three parts: introduction, body, and conclusion.
One old timer explains the organization of speeches as follows:

a. tells them what you’re going to tell them

b. tells them what you have to say, and then
c. tells them what you’ve just told them.

3. Outlining

A speech outline is the skeletal framework of a speech composition. It consists of

the bones of the speech without the flesh. There are two (2) kinds of outlines:

a. The key-word outline is a brief outline that is composed of words and phrases
denoting general ideas.
b. The full-content outline is a comprehensive outline that is composed of
sentences expressing the ideas of the speech in a detailed manner.

Example of a key – word outline

I. Difference between absolute divorce and relative divorce or legal separation.

A. Meaning of absolute divorce
1. Dissolution of the marital bond
2. Remarriage
B. Meaning of relative divorce
1. No dissolution of the marital bond
2. No remarriage

Example of full – content outline

I. Absolute divorce is different from relative divorce or legal separation.

A. Absolute divorce is a complete breakup of a marriage.
1. The marital bond is deemed dissolved.
2. Divorced persons can remarry even if their previous mates are still
alive.
B. Relative divorce merely entitles the persons concerned to live separately.
1. The marital bond still subsists.
2. The persons concerned cannot remarry while their mates are still alive.

 Activities

Step 1 - Topic and Purpose

 Before you begin writing a speech, you need to pick a topic and have a purpose
as to why you want to give this speech.
Topic:
When selecting a topic, make sure you select something you’re interested in. Also select
a topic that you will be able to find a lot of factual information on.
Purpose:
After you select your topic, you need to decide why you are giving the speech. Is it going
to be informative, entertaining, or persuasive?

Now, you are ready to select your topic and select the purpose of your speech.

Your Topic: ____________________________________________________________________

Your Purpose: I want my speech to (inform, persuade, or entertain) Choose one.

Step 2 - Audience Analysis

An audience analysis is information about your audience and information concerning

the location where you will speak. An audience analysis helps you to understand what your
audience is expecting and what special needs you may need to meet in your speech (speak
louder, larger print, etc.)

In this step, you need to determine who you are speaking to.

Things to look for in an Audience Analysis

1. How large will the group be (10 people, 50 people?)
2. What group are you speaking to (4-H club, community service organization?)
3. Where will your speech be given? (classroom, auditorium?)

Write down a few items below concerning your audience and location of the speech.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Step 3 & 4 – Content and Structure

Choose and write an outline format according to your topic between the two (2) kinds
of outline to help you organize your speech and determine what information you would like to
use in your speech.

Include your outline and the rough draft of the body of your speech in the pages
provided in this module.

Step 5 & 6 – Developing the Introduction and Strong Conclusion

 Refer back to Step 3 & 4. This time you will write an introduction and conclusion about
your topic.
1. Remember to tell your audience what you will talk about in the introduction but don’t
go into detail.
2. Catch your audience’s interest in the beginning with something interesting.
3. In the conclusion, again tell your audience what you talked about and finish with a
statement to sum everything up. Again, don’t go into detail.

Write your introduction here. Refer to your Write your conclusion here.
outline if you need to.

Week 2

Lesson 2: Principles of Good Outlining

There are certain principles which can serve as useful guides to good outlining.

1. Reduction to essentials.

The materials on hand should be reduced to the basic ideas. As far as possible, each
item in an outline must contain only one idea. A good outline breaks complex ideas into their
component parts. In this manner, you can see exactly the basic units of your speech.

2. Consistency in form.

Every statement should be prefixed by a symbol for identification. Symbols must be

uniformly used. Ordinarily, we use Roman numbers first, then capital letters, then Arabic
numbers, then small letters, and if needed. Arabic numbers in Parentheses, and then small
letters in parentheses.
However, you may use your own set of symbols, provided that you are consistent in
your use thereof.

The ordinary form is as follows.

I. ________________________________________________
A. _________________________________________
1. ___________________________________
a. _____________________________
b. _____________________________
(1) _______________________
(a) _________________
(b) _________________
(2) _______________________
c. ______________________________
(1) _______________________
(a)_________________
(b) _________________
(c) _________________
(2) _______________________
B. __________________________________________
1. ____________________________________
2.____________________________________

Make sure that the division are correctly indented. Indentions aid in giving us a clear
picture of the relationship of the ideas.

3. Proper subordination.

The items under a statement should be logically subordinated to the statement. Stated
in another way, a sub – item placed under a more general item should properly belong to that
item. Otherwise, the objectives you seek to accomplish in outlining are lost.

4. Logical order.

How the ideas follow one another is important. Any kind of order may be employed, as
long as the order is logical. If you can give a good reason why you are placing one idea ahead of
another, then the order you use is logical.

 Sequences
 To achieve a logical order in speech compositions, five (5) kinds of sequences are
ordinarily used.

1. The time sequence or the chronological order is an order based on the passage of
time. Narratives or historical accounts should obviously use the time sequence.

2. The place sequence is an order based on physical directions. They are used for
descriptions of an object or place from left to write, top to bottom, north to south, east
to west, or vice versa. If you want to describe the functions of a machine and you do not
know where to start, how to continue and where to end, the space sequence is the
order to follow.

3. The cause – and – effect sequence is an order in which certain conditions are first
described and then their causes or their effects. First, you state that martial law has
been declared in this country. Then, you enumerate its causes or you describe its effects.

4. The problem- solution sequence is an order in which a certain problem or problems

are first discussed and then the corresponding solutions. You may be confronted with the
problem of environmental pollution. After you discuss their causes and their effects, you
then suggest or propose recommended measures to solve the problem.

5. The special topical sequence is an order based on the very nature of the topic itself.
For instance, if the objective of your speech is to describe or report on financial condition of
a business firm, the handiest materials for your speech would be the balance sheet and
the profit – and – loss statement of the company.

 Activities

Speech # 1: Anecdote

Write a speech that happened to you that you believe was meaningful, humorous,
dramatic, or unusual. You must tell the story (the sequence of incidents) and not only reveal its
significance or characters. Prepare and deliver the speech using an outline which clarifies for
you the introduction, body of the speech, and conclusion.

Week 3

Lesson 3: Parts of a Speech

1. Introduction
 The introduction, being an emphatic and strategic segment of a speech, should
be carefully prepared and worded well. Its initial sentence must captivate the audience
and make them listen (Carpio and Encarnacioun, 1984).

The introduction serves three main purposes: 1) to keep the listener interested
in the speech topic, 2) to let them listen intelligently, and 3) to receive the speech
amicably or objectively.

Purposes of introduction

Lionel Crocker, in his book, “Public Speaking for College Students”, speaks of the
four functions of the introduction as follows:

1. secure goodwill
2. secure attention
3. prepare the audience for his subject
4. suggest the speech purpose

2. Body or Discussion

The most important part of the speech is the body or discussion. The word
“body” refers to all the materials between the introduction and the conclusion. It
consists of all the major points to support the central idea, finally, specific ideas, and
information comes in to support the major points.

3. Conclusion

This is a very vital part of speech. It gives the final impression to the listeners,
and perhaps this impression is more important than the initial one. Through this, the
speaker has a last chance to achieve the specific speech purpose. Here, the speaker ties
up whatever loose threads of thought there maybe, makes the materials earlier taken
up clearer, strengthens what was discussed previously, vitalizes the speech’s
implications, and impels the listeners to action.

 Techniques of Ending the Speech

When working with the conclusion, refer to the different techniques commonly
used.

1. Summary
 The use of summary in the conclusion will help the audience remember the main
points. It restates and helps the speaker in impressing upon the audience ideas that he
wishes to be remembered. It is also draws inferences which may be implicit in the
speech material.

2. Quotation

The use of quotation may add authority to what has been said. The quotation
must fit the subject. It must have a direct bearing on the central idea or it supports the
attitude or actions that the listeners are expected to pursue.

3. Challenge or Appeal to Listeners

Challenge – appeal conclusions are used in the political arena and in non –
political pursuits. Here the speaker only appeals for belief or action. Done in a vivid and
compelling manner, the appeal should contain a suggestion of the principal ideas or
arguments carried by the speech discussion.

4. Expression of Personal Intention or Endorsement

A convincing method of conveying message is a statement of personal feeling or

an intention to act. This is most especially potent if the speaker is one of high prestige
and much respected. Patrick Henry’s declaration at the end of his speech gives an ideal
and classic example of expression of personal intention or endorsement. Striking
thought – provoking, and soul – searching is his: “…As for me, give me liberty or give me
death!”

 Activity

Prepare and deliver a speech explaining any of the following processes:

1. Playing a musical instrument

2. Cooking a favorite dish
3. An early morning bodily exercise
4. Writing a research paper
5. Presiding over a meeting

Week 4

Lesson 4: Gathering Supporting Materials

A building is constructed with strong, durable materials, and on these materials rely its
life span. So does a speech. Without useful and well – selected materials, it will fall apart. The
main heads of the speech are not enough to convey messages and meanings – they are mere
guides so that the speaker’s flow of thought and words would not falter.

 Coping with Stage Fright

Stage fright is a kind of social fear that can be minimized if not compromised if
not completely eradicated. Most beginning speakers are scared when they speak
initially especially before the public. Trembling hands and knees, tremulous voices,
perspiring palms, dry mouths, forgetfulness, breathlessness, “butterflies in the stomach”
– these are some manifestations of stage fright which are roadblocks to effective oral
communication. These physical manifestations are considered emotional disturbances.

The following lists some techniques people use for coping with stage fright.

1. your audience understands your nervousness; they know what you are feeling and
will forgive it.
2. nervousness is usually invisible; most speakers who describe themselves as nervous
appear confident and calm to the audience.
3. Be yourself; let the real you come through; relax, practice some deep breathing
techniques.
4. Begin in your comfort zone; practice with friends; share your fears with friends.
5. Check out the room first; check out the space, the equipment, the lights.
6. Concentrate on the message
7. Begin with a slow, well – prepared introduction; have a confident and clear
conclusion.
8. most important: be prepared and practice.

 Causes of Stage Fright

Some people are afflicted with stage fright because of the following reasons:

1. Social fear
2. Unpleasant previous experience
3. Limited experiences
4. Feelings of social inadequacy
5. Inadequate preparation
6. Unfamiliarity with the location

 Four Basic Steps (Gathering Supporting Materials)

1. Formulate a strategy for the specific audience.
2. Develop a flexible, flowing structure.
3. Combined prepared material with an enhancing, not distracting, presentation style; it
is important to remember that how you present is as important as what you present.
 4. Supplement the presentation with confident, informed responses to questions and
challenges.
 Activity

Speech: Introduction

Introduce the class partner that you interviewed. Describe where they are from
(hometown, where raised, living now, etc.), what they have done (work, sports, school
activities etc.), and what they are planning to do (career or personal goals). Provide a
clear picture using your own analysis of their appearance, personal style, and character traits.
Send the video to any of the social media of your instructor provided in this module.

Week 5

Lesson 5: Methods of Speaking

There are four types of speeches according to the manner of delivery. These are the four
(4) methods of speaking:

1. The Impromptu Speech

An impromptu speech is a speech where the development of both the ideas and
the language is thought out only at the moment of delivery.

Advantage:

Because the impromptu speech is made out on the spur of the moment, it is the
most spontaneous and most natural speech of all. It approximates the naturalness and
lack of artificiality present in ordinary conversation. Because of this, the listeners
theoretically would be more attentive than in other methods of speaking.

Disadvantage:

Because the speaker has no time to prepare the impromptu speech, it is

generally rambling, repetitious and disorganized. It is open to serious errors in content
and wording. If you, for instance, happen to listen on a telephone conversation, you will
observe how rambling, repetitious and disorganized the conversation is.
Preparation:

Best before delivery, the speaker should work out in his mind as best as he can
the major points of his speech and their sequence, think of ways of supporting them, if
he has time, and then, leave everything else to fate. He has no other choice.
 Delivery:

In delivering an impromptu speech, the flow of your language is important. Be

mentally alert. A true impromptu speech occurs when words that come to mind are
immediately uttered. It is thus necessary that before you start delivery, you must
condition your mind to be clear and well ordered.

2. The Extemporaneous Speech

An extemporaneous speech is one where the ideas are prepared but the
language is definitely composed only at the moment of delivery.

Advantage:

Because the extemporaneous speaker composes his language only at the time of
speaking, but has time to prepare, the speech has some spontaneity and naturalness
without the disadvantage of disorderliness of the impromptu speech. The good speaker
can achieve as much spontaneity and naturalness as in an impromptu speech.

Disadvantage:

Since the language of the extemporaneous speech is made only during delivery,
the speech does not have the precision and carefulness in language of a written speech.
However, this again depends on the speaker himself. Some talented speakers can
deliver brilliantly worded speeches in the extemporaneous manner, but they cannot
achieve the same brilliance with speeches written beforehand.

Preparation:

He may write out a tentative speech or an outline. If inexperienced speakers,

however, want to deliver a genuinely extemporaneous speech, they should not write
out a tentative speech. They will have a tendency to stick to the lines of the written speech.
It becomes memorized, not extemporaneous.

Delivery:

You should be more at ease with the extemporaneous delivery than with the
impromptu manner of speaking, for you are already supposed to be prepared with the
content of your speech. Thus, you can concentrate more on refining and beautifying
your language as you speak. What has been said as to impromptu delivery is also true as to
extemporaneous delivery.

 Activity
 Prepare an impromptu or extemporaneous speech by using the topic presented
below. Assume that you are an expert who has been called in to explain some aspect of
the topic before a group of interested individuals. Since the time is limited, prepare a
concise yet forceful speech.

A. How to overcome fears of anxieties when presenting a speech.

Week 6 (Added learning)

Lesson 6: Methods of Speaking (Continuation)

3. The Read Speech

A read speech is a speech that is written out and read word for word during
delivery.

Advantage:

Because the read speech is prepared and carefully worded, it enjoys, all things
being equal, the qualities of precision, organization, beauty and depth of language. Its
presentation is generally smooth and formal.

Reading speeches should be easy. But if a speaker is not even good at reading his
own speech, something must be seriously wrong with him. It shows his incompetence.

Disadvantages:

Because the read speech is made long before delivery, the delivery is not as
spontaneous and natural as in impromptu and extemporaneous speech. It may even
suffer from artificiality, if the speaker does not take care. He may lack rapport with his
audience. The audience may feel that the speaker is reading someone else’s words.

With the inexperienced speaker, the tone of his delivery may give the impression
that he is praying rather than delivering a speech.

Preparation:
The read speech enjoys all the benefits of preparation.

The speaker gathers materials for his speech, decides on those he will use and
the support he needs, puts them in outline form, writes out the speech, then practices
delivery.
 Delivery:

The great danger with reading a speech is that you may practically be talking to
your manuscript rather than to your audience, so that contact with your audience will
be very little, if not zero. Surely, it is quite disconcerting and highly boring to see the
eyes of a speaker glued to his manuscript all the time. He might as well distribute copies
of his speech for the listener to read. The most basic rule therefore is: Look at your
audience eye to eye as often as you can.

4. The Memorized Speech

A memorized speech is a speech that is committed entirely to memory and

delivered from memory.

Advantage:

The memorized speech has the same advantage as the read speech – precision,
organization, beauty, and depth of language.

Disadvantage:

The memorized speech has the same drawback as the read speech – lack of
spontaneity and naturalness, or artificiality, unless the speaker is experienced and
makes it appear that the delivery is extemporaneous. One other disadvantage, as
already stated, is that the speaker can easily forget. In addition, if one is not well
prepared, his effort to recall his lines distracts him from the more important “feeling
and spirit” of the speech.

Preparation:

To memorize effectively, the speaker must be systematic. In elocution pieces, the

speaker must first make sure that he understands the lines thoroughly. It helps memory
a great deal. Then, he should read and read and read until he gets more than tired of
reading. Memorizing, to be effective, should be a slow process. One cannot immediately
transfer with fidelity and accuracy the words on print into his or head.

Delivery:

With memorized speeches, a speaker is expected to have concentrated during

preparation on the mechanical aspects of speaking, like enunciation, proper
interpretation of the lines, gestures and platform behavior in general. The reason for
this is that since you do not have to think any more of what you will say, you have all the
time and opportunity to pay attention to the mechanics of delivery. More important,
 since you are supposed to have practiced your delivery well, your mind should already
be occupied with the proper feeling and interpretation of the lines.

 Activities

1. Speak out in meetings and conferences that you attend. That’s generally impromptu.
Just be careful that you take a little time to think out of your ideas to their logical
conclusion first so that you will not be said to have premature ideas. And watch your
language, your pronunciation, your enunciation, grammar, etc.
2. Sharpen your memory by memorizing likeable songs and prayers worth remembering.
3. Volunteer to be the lector in your religious services.
4. Read speeches of others and appreciate their finer points as well as their deficiencies.
5. Give yourself a topic and pretend that you are delivering an impromptu speech.

Week 7 (Added learning)

Lesson 7: The Nature of Argumentation and Debate

Argumentation and debate are deemed similar since both have the element of conflict
and the goal to persuade or convince the other to accept the arguer or the debater’s claims.

An argumentation must be distinguished from a debate. A debate is really a series of

arguments usually, but certainly not always, about a single topic or a set of related topics. In an
argumentation, arguments are more passionate and emotional – neither one of the two
speakers is really listening to the other one because one may be so angry about one’s side of
the story. In a debate, people express their point of view in a calm and logical manner – and not
to scream over one another.

Certainly, argumentation is much broader than debate. All debates may be considered
argumentation but not all argumentations may be considered debate. What sets argumentation
and debate apart from all other communicative forms is that both encourage the contenders to
compete with intellectual supremacy not with just a senseless blabber. Argumentation and
debate are a special communicative transaction displaying different points of view from people
with distinct characteristics, intellectual levels, and cultures.

The guiding principles of debate may be summed up as follows:

1. The question or the statement under consideration is expressed in the form of a
proposition.
2. The opposing teams are basically called the affirmative side or the “yes” team and the
negative side or the “no” team.
 3. The number of speakers on each team and the time allotted to each speaker are equal.
4. The two teams alternate in presenting their issues and arguments and normally, the side
which opened the debate will be the same side that will close it.

A moderator or a chair leads and presides over the debate and applies the basic
parliamentary procedures.

 Activities

Exercise 1

Write A if the statement is about argumentation, D if the statement is about

debate, and AD if the statement is about the two.

_____1. It is informal and can happen anywhere.

_____2. It allows the use of any king of language.
_____3. It is time – controlled.
_____4. There is an element of conflict.
_____5. The aim is to persuade or convince the other.
_____6. It always ensures equality and fairness.
_____7. It is, more often than not, emotion – driven.
_____8. It is calm and logical.
_____9. It is systematic.
_____10. There are opposing claims.

Exercise 2

From the list below, pick out the situations that can be categorized as
Argumentation then briefly explain why.

1. Two friends talking about a guy over the phone.

2. Members disputing about what topic must be chosen for their thesis.
3. Three guys convincing the girl they are courting.
4. A couple disagreeing because of jealousy.
5. A daughter explaining to her father why she came home late.
 REFERENCES

Speech Communication and Debate

By: Ma. Junithesmer D. Rosales, DEM

Elements of Public Speaking

By: Dr. Fortunato Gupit Jr.