CEBU TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT ACADEMY, INC.

2nd Flr., BAI Center, Cebu South Road, Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City

ORAL COMMUNICATION
IN CONTEXT
Voctech Senior High School
Grade 11

1st Semester
Module No. 3

________________________
Name of Student

PAULA JEN LOUISSE CABATINGAN

Teacher

ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT PAULA JEN LOUISSE CABATINGAN

Functions, Nature, and Process of Communication 0932 862 2033
STUDENT’S NAME/GRADE-SECTION: ______________________________________ Facebook: PJ Cabatingan
 CEBU TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT ACADEMY, INC.
2nd Flr., BAI Center, Cebu South Road, Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City

GRADE: 11 SEMESTER: 1st

SUBJECT TITLE: Oral Communication in Context WEEK NO.: 9-12

What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you identify
various strategies that could be used in order to avoid communication breakdown. It will lead you
to understanding how communication works among people to foster mutual understanding and
good relationship. The scope of this module permits it to be used in many different learning
situations. The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons
are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them
can be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.

At the end of this module you are expected to:

1. define the concept of communication breakdown;
2. identify the different kinds of barriers to effective communication;
3. explain the causes of communication breakdown; and
4. use appropriate strategies to avoid communication breakdown and achieve the goals
of relationship and community building.

ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT PAULA JEN LOUISSE CABATINGAN

Functions, Nature, and Process of Communication 0932 862 2033
STUDENT’S NAME/GRADE-SECTION: ______________________________________ Facebook: PJ Cabatingan
 CEBU TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT ACADEMY, INC.
2nd Flr., BAI Center, Cebu South Road, Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City

LESSON 1: COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN

What It Is

The elements involved in communication are important in the success or failure of this
process. These very same elements (sender, message, receiver, feedback, etc) can pose a threat
to the efficiency or effectiveness of the process. Communication breakdown may occur when
problems in any of the elements involved arise. They become barriers to communication.

Simply put, communication breakdown results when the intended message of the sender
is not understood exactly by the receiver. Barriers to communication are present.

Recognizing the barriers or obstacles to effective communication is important in order to

avoid communication breakdown. Here are some of the barriers that may cause communication
failure.

BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION

PHYSICAL BARRIERS are the natural or environmental condition that act as a barrier 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 of jeepney horns

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

CULTURAL BARRIERS pertain to communication problems encountered by people

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

LINGUISTIC BARRIERS pertain 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

ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT PAULA JEN LOUISSE CABATINGAN

Functions, Nature, and Process of Communication 0932 862 2033
STUDENT’S NAME/GRADE-SECTION: ______________________________________ Facebook: PJ Cabatingan
 CEBU TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT ACADEMY, INC.
2nd Flr., BAI Center, Cebu South Road, Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City

Verderber (1991) gives a similar idea of barrier when he classifies noise into three kinds:
External and Semantic noise.

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

INTERNAL NOISES are the “thoughts and feelings that interfere with 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

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 expressions4. the dog barking
5. the sound of airplane

ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT PAULA JEN LOUISSE CABATINGAN

Functions, Nature, and Process of Communication 0932 862 2033
STUDENT’S NAME/GRADE-SECTION: ______________________________________ Facebook: PJ Cabatingan
 CEBU TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT ACADEMY, INC.
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LESSON 2: VARIOUS STRATEGIES TO AVOID

COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN
In Lesson 1, you have learned the concept of communication breakdown and its causes.
In this lesson, you will find out how this breakdown of communication can be avoided.

What’s New

Communication breakdown may at times be inevitable but as a sensible speaker or sender of

the message, we could avoid this. Understanding the concept of communication breakdown and
its causes, will help us realize that failure in communication may be avoided through certain
strategies that we could adapt.

Here is an article entitled 5 Ways to Avoid Communication Breakdown by Ronnie Peterson.

5 Ways to Avoid Communication Breakdown

by Ronnie Peterson

Communication breakdown can cause issues or problems at home, school, and community.
There are so many barriers to communication like, physiological, psychological, cultural, and
linguistics.
Sometimes some communication barriers are too difficult to solve and this will lead to slowing
the progress and efficiency.

Here are the possible strategies to avoid communication breakdown:

1. Have Clarity of thought before speaking

Arrange your thoughts before verbalizing them this can help you communicate much
more clearly and succinctly. It's a better idea to say something like, "I've got a few ideas
here. Let me go through them one at a time. We can treat each one on its own merit."

2. Learn to Listen
As simple as it sounds, you’ll be surprised how many people out there don’t know how
to listen well. Not understanding those who you are trying to communicate with will lead
to a conversation fraught with misunderstandings. Don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat
or explain further in polite manner once you don’t understand the point.

3. Take Care of your Body Language and Tone

Keep your emotions in check, try to maintain eye contact, and adopt a relaxed tone
when conversing with others.

4. Build up your confidence by asking for feedback and observing others

Focus on improving your skills by practicing in front of those who you may feel more
comfortable with. You can also ask those whose advice you value to give you feedback
and critique your communication style after a discussion.

5. Communicate Face to Face on the important issues

Having that face to face dialogue means you can convey your point more clearly, with
your body language as well as your tone of voice.

It can also help to clear up any misunderstandings or distortion of the message that
could occur through other mediums.
Remember, becoming an effective communicator takes time and practice. Over time,
using these strategies can lead to better communication in your personal relationships, and
more productive workplace environments as well.

ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT PAULA JEN LOUISSE CABATINGAN

Functions, Nature, and Process of Communication 0932 862 2033
STUDENT’S NAME/GRADE-SECTION: ______________________________________ Facebook: PJ Cabatingan
 CEBU TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT ACADEMY, INC.
2nd Flr., BAI Center, Cebu South Road, Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City

What It Is

A smooth and successful communication transaction may result if we follow the strategies
to avoid communication breakdown. Communication becomes successful if and only if our
communication goal is achieved, that is, an understanding is reached and a relationship is built
or maintained.

Here are some strategies to avoid communication breakdown (Quipper n.d.).

Keep Focused
One way of being focused is to put in mind the purpose communication. As a speaker identify
your purpose for speaking and as a listener find the speaker’s purpose thru his/her verbal and
non-verbal cues.

Speak Intelligibly
Speaking intelligibly or clearly means using the appropriate speaking volume, pitch rate,
proper enunciation, stress, and acceptable pronunciation. We speak in order to be
understood.

Listen with your Ears and Eyes

Pay attention to verbal and non-verbal message. Effective communication depends on what
people say and how they say it.

Minimize Distractions
Look for a place where you can minimize distractions or noise like closed area, empty room,
or quiet places. Lessening the cause for confusion means giving more room to focus and
concentrate.

Be Specific
Use simple and concise words as much as possible in delivering a message. Being specific
means being particular and direct to the point.

Do not Jump to Conclusions

Before you give your comments and judgement, be sure that you have listened attentively to
the speaker. Conclusions should be drawn after a thorough analysis of point given or
information received.

TIPS ON HOW TO AVOID COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN

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.

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.

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.

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.

ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT PAULA JEN LOUISSE CABATINGAN

Functions, Nature, and Process of Communication 0932 862 2033
STUDENT’S NAME/GRADE-SECTION: ______________________________________ Facebook: PJ Cabatingan
 CEBU TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT ACADEMY, INC.
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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.

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.

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.

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.

Breakdowns in communication may arise because of several factors. But these factors
may be avoided if we follow strategies put forward by experts in the field. Communication is a
transaction that we do everyday. By following the 7 Cs of communication espoused by Broom,
Cutlip and Center (2012), we may achieve understanding in communicating with others and avoid
confusion and misinterpretations.

Avoiding communication breakdown helps you to be an effective speaker. Below are some
strategies which you can use to avoid breakdown communication. (Quipper n.d.)

HELPFUL EXPRESSIONS TO AVOID COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN

Strategies to Avoid Communication Helpful Expressions

Breakdown
Use helpful expressions to gain time to think “Really”
“Uhmm”
“Uh-huh”
“Anyway”
“Tell me more…”
Give positive remarks or comments “Sounds good”
“I see what you mean”
Ask for repetition “Can you please what you said?”
“What did you say again?”
“What did you mean, when you say that…”
Check for understanding “So, are you saying that…”
“So, what is your understanding of this?”

ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT PAULA JEN LOUISSE CABATINGAN

Functions, Nature, and Process of Communication 0932 862 2033
STUDENT’S NAME/GRADE-SECTION: ______________________________________ Facebook: PJ Cabatingan
 CEBU TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT ACADEMY, INC.
2nd Flr., BAI Center, Cebu South Road, Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City

What I Have Learned

In Module 2, you have learned about the models of communication. You have realized how the
different elements of communication work together to achieve a successful communication
transaction. Now, let us find out if you can still remember your previous lesson by answering the
activity below.

Activity 1. Review

Directions: Put the phrases or statements in the correct column. Write the LETTER of your
answer in the table.

Linear Model Interactive Transactional Model

A. Schramm Model of Communication

B. Shannon Weaver Model of Communication
C. a two-way communication process where feedback is given after a message is sent
D. shows circular process between the sender and receiver
E. barriers affect the smooth flow of communication
F. a one-way communication process
G. having a job interview
H. reciting a poem in front of the class
I. presiding an important meeting
J. focusing on the message sent

Activity 2

Directions: Identify the kind of communication barrier exemplified by each description. Tell
whether it is Physiological, Psychological, Cultural, or Linguistic Barrier.

______________________ 1. lack of confidence

______________________ 2. connotative and denotative meaning
______________________ 3. loud party
______________________ 4. different races
______________________ 5. poor lighting
______________________ 6. lack of interest and attention
______________________ 7. different views and opinions
______________________ 8. using idiomatic expressions
______________________ 9. information overload
______________________ 10. feel frustrated

ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT PAULA JEN LOUISSE CABATINGAN

Functions, Nature, and Process of Communication 0932 862 2033
STUDENT’S NAME/GRADE-SECTION: ______________________________________ Facebook: PJ Cabatingan
 CEBU TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT ACADEMY, INC.
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Activity 3

Directions: Explain why there is communication breakdown on the given situations.

1. Jay and Michelle started talking about their plans for Christmas Vacation when their
classmate, Moy, interrupted them.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
2. “Mama, I will buy this cake for you. I am very sure that you will like its taste. It’s from our
favorite cake store!”
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

3. You spent the night thinking and analyzing why a student from another class talked to you on
your way home.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

4. Livy encounters a participant who is very eager to share with others her views and opinions.
She does this without asking permission.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

5. In some Asian countries, direct eye contact is considered disrespectful and rude. In others, it
is a must.
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

Activity 4

Directions: Match column A with the best answer in column B.

Column A Column B
_____ 1. It refers to the use of simple and precise words. A. Keep Focused
_____ 2. The speaker should identify his/her purpose for speaking. B. Be Specific
_____ 3. He/she must pays attention to the verbal and non-verbal C. Do not Jump to
cues. Conclusions
_____ 4. He/she must find closed areas or quiet plays to avoid D. Speak Intelligibly
communication breakdown.
_____ 5. He/she must have an appropriate speaking volume, E. Listen with your
speech rate, and acceptable enunciation. ears and eyes
F. Minimize
Distractions

Activity 5

Directions: Identify what 7C’s to Effective Communication is being described.

__________________1. It helps to increase the credibility of the speaker and reduce negative
impact to the audience.
__________________ 2. It conveys all pertinent details so listener or audience will be able to
grasp the intended message.
__________________ 3. It is expressed in the least possible number of words and straight to the
point.

ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT PAULA JEN LOUISSE CABATINGAN

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__________________ 4. It implies good choice of words and language and a consideration of

the audience’s perspectives and feelings on the part of the sender.
__________________ 5. It is backed up by facts, figures, and real-life examples or situations.

Activity 6

Directions: Write a letter to your teacher about your personal learning on communication
breakdown. Include in your letter, how this lesson can be useful in your daily life
particularly at home, in school, and in the community.

_______________________,

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

_______________________,

_______________________

10

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 CEBU TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT ACADEMY, INC.
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Assessment
Quiz # 1: Communication Breakdown
Multiple Choice. Answer the questions that follow. Choose the best answer from among the
given choices. WRITE the letter of your answer in the space provided before the number. NO
ERASURES ARE ALLOWED.

_____ 1. What influence the interpretation of conversation to effective communication?

A. environment
B. language
C. noise
D. technological gadgets

_____ 2. When is the communication process complete?

A. when the message enters the channel of communication
B. when the receiver understands the message and feedback
C. when the sender transmits message to the receiver
D. when the sender transmits the message successfully

_____ 3. Which of the following must be avoided in communication breakdown?

A. ambiguity
B. focused attention
C. personal interpretation
D. Both A and B

_____ 4. Which barrier includes the mental conditions of the listener?

A. cultural barrier
B. linguistic barrier
C. physical barrier
D. psychological barrier

_____ 5. Which barrier includes the hearing or sight problem of the listener?
A. cultural barrier B. linguistic barrier C. physical barrier D. Both A & C

_____ 6. In which barrier can semantic noise be classified?

A. cultural barrier B. linguistic barrier C. physical barrier D. Both A & C

_____ 7. Which of the following must the listener do to avoid mental noise?
A. Be ready for the communication activity.
B. Be attentive and respond to the speaker.
C. Just remain quiet and daydream
D. Must not think of any problem during class hours

_____ 8. In which barrier can gender be classified in communication?

A. cultural barrier B. linguistic barrier C. physical barrier D. Both B & C

_____ 9. Which is the best option in order to avoid misinterpretation that causes communication
barrier?
A. Be familiar with the topic of the speaker.
B. Disconnect with your emotional baggage.
C. Do not be conscious of gender or status.
D. Inquire the meaning.

_____ 10. What is the barrier to which you classify withdrawal of listener?
A. cultural barrier
B. linguistic barrier
C. physical barrier
D. psychological barrier

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Functions, Nature, and Process of Communication 0932 862 2033
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True or False. For numbers 11-15, write T if the statement is TRUE and write F if it is FALSE.
NO ERASURES ARE ALLOWED.

_______11. Inability to understand a message causes failure in communication.

_______12. The actual message is lost in transmission.
_______13. Emotional problems can sometimes color one’s understanding of a message.
_______14. Culture may affect the interpretation of meaning in communication.
_______15. Pictures, gadgets, and other paraphernalia in front of the stage engage the
audience in listening to the speaker.

Quiz # 2: Various Strategies to Avoid Communication Breakdown

Multiple Choice. Answer the questions that follow. Choose the best answer from among the
given choices. WRITE the letter of your answer in the space provided before the number. NO
ERASURES ARE ALLOWED.

_____ 1. It takes place when the shared information is mutually understood.

A. barriers to communication C. effective communication
B. communication D. strategies to effective communication

_____ 2. It refers to the use of appropriate speaking volume, rate, acceptable

pronunciation, and proper stressing.
A. keep focused C. minimize distractions
B. listen with your ears and eyes D. speak intelligently

_____ 3. It helps to pay attention to the verbal message as well as the nonverbal message.
A. keep focused C. minimize distractions
B. listen with your ears and eyes D. speak intelligently

_____ 4. It uses concise and simple words to deliver the message.

A. be specific C. minimize distractions
B. do not jump to conclusions D. speak intelligently

_____ 5. It is important for a receiver to analyze first the message of the sender before
he/she accepts or reject them.
A. barriers to communication C. do not jump to conclusions
B. be specific D. effective communication

Fill each blank with the correct word, phrase, or clause to complete the statement. Choose the
letter of the correct answer.

_____ 6. Complete communication is _______ to the quality of the communication process in

general.
A. essential B. needed C. part D. reliable

_____ 7. _______ is making the message direct and straight to the point. _______ information
should be eliminated from the communication that will be sent to the recipient.
A. Clarity; significant C. Concreteness; insignificant
B. Conciseness; insignificant D. Courtesy; significant

_____ 8. In order to be an effective speaker, you should always _______ significant information
about your receiver’s mood, race, background, preferences, education, and others.
A. consider B. hold C. rate D. think

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_____ 9. Concrete message is supported by facts, figures, and real-life examples. This
will make the receiver to ___________________________.
A. develop rapport to the speaker.
B. realize the importance of communication process.
C. respond quickly to the message.
D. understand the message better.

_____ 10. As a speaker, you want to deliver a clear message to the audience or receiver.
Therefore, you will __________________ .
A. know their background information
B. include everything in your message
C. respect their culture, values, and beliefs
D. use of simple and specific words to express ideas

Choose the letter of the correct answer.

_____ 11. Which of the following shows positive feedback or remark?

A. You cooperate consistently with your team members.
B. You display concerned about the other’s job so often but not yours.
C. You show dishonesty in working among with your colleagues.
D. You urge to distract everyone in the office.

_____ 12. Which of the following display the best question and show politeness in asking for
repetition?
A. Could you be more specific?
B. I don’t understand what you said. Could you say it again?
C. Will you please repeat the instruction?
D. Both A and B

_____ 13. Which of the following does NOT show polite expression?
A. May I borrow your pen for a moment?
B. Order me a coffee.
C. Perhaps I’m not making myself clear.
D. Tell me, when you are available.

_____ 14. Which is NOT a time-gaining expression?

A. “Anyway”
B. “Sounds good”
C. “Tell me more.”
D. “Uh-huh”

_____ 15. Which is the BEST expression for asking for a repetition?
A. I’m sorry, would you mind saying that again.
B. Sorry, I didn’t get your point.
C. Sorry, let me explain.
D. What do you mean by that?

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