Department of Education

Oral
Communication
Functions, Nature and Process
of Communication
Module 1

Mira R. Sanchez
Writer

Ana Liza C. Canilang

Ma. Carmen D. Solayao
Validators

Schools Division Office – Muntinlupa City

Student Center for Life Skills Bldg., Centennial Ave., Brgy. Tunasan, Muntinlupa City

(02) 8805-9935 / (02) 8805-9940

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 This module has been prepared based on the Most
Essential Learning competencies identified by the Department of
Education for you to acquire knowledge and understanding of
the functions, nature, and process of communication. The scope
of this module includes topics and activities that will make you
more confident to carry out a conversation with other people
more easily and effectively.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Define communication;

2. Explain the process of communication;

3. Identify the elements of communication;

4. Convey one’s thoughts, ideas, and emotions using verbal and

non-verbal cues; and

5. State the importance of communication in one’s daily existence.

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 Directions: Read carefully each of the following descriptions.
Then, fill in the blank with the right word from the word bank.

WORD BANK
Barrier/Noise Decoding Receiver
Speaker
Context Situation Encoding Channel
Communication Feedback Message

1. The process of interpreting the encoded message of the speaker by

the receiver.

2. The process of converting the message into words, actions, or other

forms that the speaker understands.
3. The reactions, responses or information provided by the receiver.

4. The environment where communication takes place.

5. The information, ideas, or thoughts conveyed by the speaker in words

or in actions.

6. The factors that affect the flow of communication.

7. The recipient of the message, or someone who decodes the message.

8. The medium or the means, such as personal or non-personal, verbal or

nonverbal, in which the encoded message is conveyed.

9. The source of information or message.

10. Is giving, receiving or exchanging ideas, data, information so that the

message is completely understood by everybody involved.

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Test Your Knowledge

Directions: Read carefully each of the following statements. Write

TRUE if it is correct and FALSE if it is not. Underline the word or
phrase that makes it incorrect.

1. People’s participation is not a requirement in the process of

communication.
2. Communication only involves spoken and written words.
3. Communication starts even before words are spoken and can last
long after the words have stopped.
4. Communication may involve any processes in which people share
information, ideas and feelings.
5. There is more than one level of communication.
6. Communication using words is called verbal communication
7. Communication is a three-way process and is incomplete without
a feedback from the recipient to the sender on how well the
message is understood by him.
8. The sender chooses the message to communicate within the
context.
9. This two-way process may come in two forms: intrapersonal and
interpersonal.
10. Bad telephone connection, faulty encoding, faulty decoding,
inattentive receiver, poor understanding of message due to
prejudice or inappropriate gestures, etc. are examples of
communication process.
11. Verbal communication is done through actions, facial
expressions, or body language.
12. Nonverbal communication is sending and receiving word
messages.

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 LT
Stating the Nature, Functions
5 and Processes of Communication

“To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the
way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our
communication with others.”
-Anthony Robbins

In this lesson, you will learn how the nature, functions and processes
of communication work together. With knowledge and understanding of
these aspects, you can identify effective communication skills as you
observe people involved in the process. You may reflect on your present way
of communicating your ideas and eventually craft a scenario that
demonstrates good communication.

Let’s Warm Up

ACTIVITY 1
Go over the conversation below. Read carefully as you internalize the
dialogues.

Lisa: Kyle, I need to move these boxes of toys and books for garage
sale this Weekend. Could you help me?

Kyle: Sure. Hey, what will you do with the proceeds?

Lisa: Well, I’m thinking of giving cash donation to the charity for
children in the neighboring town.

Kyle: That’s a good idea. I have also some old toys to sell. What
about bags and clothes?
.
Lisa: You’re right. We may start sorting out and bring them to the
garage.

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Write a statement to answer each question below:
1. What do you think is the relationship of the two persons in the
conversation?

2. How do you describe their conversation?

3. Does Lisa give good responses to Kyle? How?

4. Is the conversation a good example of communication? Why did you say

so?

5. Is there any factor causing interference in their conversation?

A. Check it out!
Directions: Complete the table below by ticking the column that determines
how often you practice what the statements say. Do this as objectively as
possible. Bear in mind that there are no wrong answers. Good luck!

Always Sometimes Never

1. I convey my thoughts and feelings
clearly.
2. I listen attentively when someone is
speaking.
3. I use words that are easy to
understand.
4. I use non-verbal cues to emphasize my
ideas..
5. I establish eye contact with the
person/s I’m speaking with.
6. I clarify points in a polite way.
7. I try to understand the other’s point of
view .
8. I give feedback with utmost respect to
the sender of the message.

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9. I speak in a friendly tone
10. I adjust the form of communication
(serious or casual) based on the situation
and the type of person I’m speaking with.
TOTAL

Now, find out your score and see how well you communicate.
Congratulations if you are in the proficient or advance level of
communication. However, don’t worry of being at the approaching
proficiency level and beyond. You can still improve your communication
skills.

Scoring Points
ALWAYS 3 points
SOMETIMES 2 points
NEVER 1 point

SCORING

Score Level of Proficiency

28 – 30 Advanced
25 – 27 Proficient
22 – 24 Approaching Proficiency
20 – 22 Developing
19 below Beginning

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A. Think About This
Directions: Reflect on the following questions. Write your answers on the
space provided below.

1. What is
communication?

2. What are the 3. Why do we

elements of need to cultivate
communication? communication
skills?

4. How can we 5. In what

effectively convey situations do we
our thoughts and utilize the various
feelings? functions of
communication?

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 Functions, Nature and Process of Communication
Communication comes from the Latin term “communis” which
means to share and inform ideas, feelings, etc. It is the act of transmitting
intended meanings from one entity or group to another through the use of
mutually understood signs and semiotic rules.

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 is a systematic process through which individuals

interact through symbols to create and interpret meaning.

Nature of Communication
 Communication is a process
 Communication occurs between two or more people
 Communication can be expressed through written or spoken
words, actions (nonverbal), or both spoken words and nonverbal
actions at the same time.

Communication may be verbal or nonverbal. Verbal communication is

through oral expression of the idea or message. Nonverbal communication is
done through actions, facial expressions, or body language.

Elements of Communication

Communication is divided into elements which helps us better

understand its mechanics or process. These elements are the
following.

1. Speaker – 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

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 Elements of Communication

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 – the recipient of the message, or someone who decodes the

message

7. Feedback – the reactions, responses, or information provided by the

receiver

8. Context/Situation – the environment where communication takes place

9. Barrier/ Noise – the factors that affect the flow of communication

TYPES of Communication

I. Based on the means of delivering the message

a.) Verbal Communication:

 It occurs through the medium of spoken or written.

 A combination of several words is used and each words conveys a
specific meaning.
 Some important elements of verbal communication are language,
vocabulary, denotative and connotative meaning, pacing,
intonation, clarity, consciousness, preciseness, comprehension,
brevity, timing and relevance.
 Subtypes of verbal communication:
 Spoken communication
 Written communication
 Telecommunication
 Electronic communication

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b.) Nonverbal communication
 This communication occurs without words; where the five senses
and whole range of body movements, posture, gesture, facial
expressions and silence are used for sending and receiving the
message.
 Nonverbal communication is a more accurate way of
communication because it conveys the true and intended meaning
of the message.
 Nonverbal communication may be accomplished by the
following means:
 Touch
 Eye contact
 Facial expression
 Posture
 Gait
 Gesture
 Physical appearance
 Sound
 Silence

II. Based on the purpose of communication

a.) Formal communication

 Formal communication follows line of authority and is generally

used in organization to achieve organizational objectives.
 For example, the nursing superintendent of a hospital will
communicate with staff nurse through assistant nursing
superintendents, supervisors and ward-in-charge nurses
b.) Informal communication
 Informal communication does not follow line of authority.
 Examples of informal communication are gossip, chitchat and kitty
parties.

c.) Therapeutic communication

 Therapeutic communication takes place between a health care
personnel and a patient behavior.
 This is accomplished with repeated interaction using certain
essential attributes such as trust, empathy, tenderness, concern and
nonjudgmental attitude.

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III. Based on the levels of communication
A.) Intrapersonal
 Involves talking to yourself. It may involve deliberation, where you
think about your decisions or possible courses of action.
 It takes place within an individual; we may also say it is self-talk.
 It is crucial because it provides a person with an opportunity to
assess self or a situation, before acting on it, ultimately affecting
the person behavior.

B.) Interpersonal

 Involves talking to one or a limited number of people.

 Dyad – is an interpersonal communication between two people.
 Small group – is an interpersonal communication between
three or more people.

C.) Transpersonal Communication

1.) Public Communication

 Involves communicating to a wide group of people with

very varied traits, background, interests and persuasions.

2.) Organizational Communication

 It takes place when individuals and groups within an

organization communicate with each other to achieve
established organizational goals.

3.) Intercultural

 Involves communicating with a person or group of people who

may not share the same assumptions, values allegiances as
that of yours and may have different associations with the
symbols you take for granted for having a particular meaning.

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 FUNCTIONS of Communication

Basically, there are five functions of communication. These are

control, social interaction, motivation, emotional expression, and
information dissemination.

1. Control – Communication functions to control behavior.

2. Social Interaction – Communication allows individuals to

interact with others.

3. Motivation – Communication motivates or encourages people

to live better.

4. Emotional expression – Communication facilities

people’s expression or their feelings and emotions.
5. Information dissemination – Communication
functions to convey information.

Directions: Examine closely the following lines. Write the function of each
statement in the opposite column.
Flirtatious phrases for Function of communication
communicators
1. “Move on. He doesn’t love you
anymore.”

2. “How is your day going?”

3. Zoom is the leader in the modern

enterprise video communications

4. “My child, no matter what will be the

result of the contest, I’m still proud of
you.”
5. Think of your blessings every day.
Thank God. Live in gratitude not in your
failures.

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 B. Let’s Watch!

Directions: Check the links below and choose one for you to listen,
observe, and evaluate. Please be guided by the following questions:
1. Who was the speaker?

2. Who were the listeners?

3. What was the purpose of his/her speech?

4. In what context did the communication take place?

5. What level of communication was demonstrated? Why?

6. What communication skills did the speaker utilize in the delivery of

his/her speech?

7. What is your overall impression of the communication process in this

particular situation?

Check the video links below:

 Inspirational Valedictorian Speech
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kftac3d1eVO

 Blonde and Blue Eyes by Patricia Evangelista

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjwYW2ZdYO4

 Barrack Obama Inspirational Speech

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzII3W2MLYY

C. Directions: Identify the function of communication in each of

the following situations. Write your answers on the blank.

1. “Will you marry me?”

2. “Move on. He doesn’t love you anymore.”
3. “Take your medicine 3 times a day.”
4. “Would you like some coffee, tea, or me?”
5. “I’m so glad that you came into my life.”
6. “I like you so much!”
7. “I need you in my life.”
________________8. “Did you know that there’s a secret apartment at the
top of the Eiffel Tower?”

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 9. “We pray for those who suffered a broken heart from their
crush.”
10. “You can do it.”
11. “Wash the dishes now, or else I won’t allow you to go to the
party later.”
12. “Baby, when I’m with you, I feel like just breaking free and
throwing caution to the wind and living with reckless abandon and breaking
all the rules, including the one about run-on sentences.”
13. “I want to finish up my studies with good grades to be
accepted in a good university.”
14. Sheila delivers her speech.
15. The teacher reads and discusses classroom policies to her
students

Directions: Reflect on the following questions. Answer them briefly but

meaningfully.
1. What is good communication? Why is it important?

2. What are the different ways of communication? Describe each.

3. Why do people communicate?

4. Based on what have been discussed about communication, reflect

on how you communicate with your parents, teachers, siblings, and

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friends. What are the differences? Are you satisfied by the way you
speak with each one of them?

5. How can you improve your communication skills?

6. What is your most significant learning about communication?

A. Directions: The different types of communication are given in the

table below. Compare and contrast them based on the mode of
delivery, purpose, and level of communication. Fill in the table below
with your answers.

Based on Delivering the Based on the Purpose of Based on the Levels of

Message Communication Communication

1. Verbal 1. Formal 1. Intrapersonal

2. Nonverbal 2. Informal 2. Interpersonal
3. Therapeutic 3. Transpersonal
4. Small-group
5. Public
Communication
6. Organizational
7. Intercultural

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Based on Delivering Based on the Purpose of Based on the Levels of
the Message Communication Communication

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Directions: Write a skit and perform it highlighting the significance of
collaboration with your parents and siblings in coping with the current situation in
which COVID 19 is a pandemic. This activity needs family members’ involvement,
and you can video the presentation.

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 Skit/Play Rubric
Name: Date:

Grade & Section:

INDICATORS 7 5 3 1
Preparedness Students are Students The students Students do
completely seem pretty are not seem at
prepared prepared somewhat all
and have but might prepared, but prepared to
obviously have it is clear present.
rehearsed. needed a that
couple of rehearsal
rehearsals. was lacking

Content There is an There is There is a Topic is not

abundance of sufficient great deal of clear;
material information information information
clearly that relates that is not included
related to the to topic. clearly does not
topic. Most points connected to support topic
All points are are accurate the topic. in any way.
accurate and and clearly
clearly made.
made.
Props and Students use Students use Students use The students
Costume several props 1-2 props 1-2 props use no props
(could include that make during the OR the props
costume) that the presentation, chosen
show presentation which are detract from
considerable better. somewhat the
work/ effective. presentation.
creativity and
enhance the
presentation.

Enthusiasm Shows Shows very Shows little No

outstanding satisfactory facial Facial
facial facial expressions expressions
expressions expressions

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Directions: Answer the questions or complete the following sentences with the
correct word or phrase. Write the letter that corresponds to your answer.

1. The intonation of the voice that express meaning and feeling is called
.
A. Volume C. Clear
B. Tone D. Noise
2. What is the best statement to say when we admit our mistakes?
A. I’m sorry sir. We promise not to do the same mistake again.
B. I’m sorry sir. We admitted that it is our mistake, we will try to fix it as soon
as possible. This will not happen again.
C. I’m sorry sir. We admitted that it is our mistake, we will try to fix it as soon
as possible. However, we cannot promise that it will not happen again.
D. I’m sorry sir. We promised not to do the same mistake again.
3. The process of transferring messages and ideas from one person to another is
known as?
A. Texting C. Email
B. Communication D. Talking
4. The person for whom the message is intended is known as .
A. Audience C. Receiver
B. Sender D. None of the above
5. The content of a communication is called .
A. Message C. Notes
B. Jargon D. Language
6. is a type of communication that conveys meaning through
words.
A. Verbal Communication
B. Written Communication
C. Oral Communication
D. Nonverbal Communication

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7. Showing gestures is an example of .
A. Oral Communication
B. Written Communication
C. Verbal Communication
D. Nonverbal Communication
8. The message interpreted by the receiver is known as .
A. Feedback C. Decoding
B. Encoding D. Interpreting
9. The person who creates the message is the .
A. Messenger C. Sender
B. Decoder D. All of the above
10. The communication is not complete until .
A. The sender transmits the message
B. The recipient receives the message
C. The message is received using an appropriate channel
D. The receiver gives feedback
11. Which of the following is not a channel?
A. Phone call C. E-mail
B. Letter D. Environment
12. interferes or blocks the smooth flow of communication
process.
A. Communication Channels
B. Communication Media
C. Communication Barriers
D. Communication Methods
13. Confidential messages should be conveyed through .
A. Email C. Face to face conversation
B. Telephone D. Fax message
14. The following means of communication can send messages immediately
EXCEPT .
A. Fax message C. Email message
B. Letter by post D. Telephone call

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15. Which of the following is NOT an example of visual communication?
A. Charts C. Text message
B. Pictures D. Signs
16. is an appropriate means of
communication when making a request for permanent record.
A. Letter C. Interview
B. Telephone call D. Conversations
17. Which of the following is NOT an example of a written communication?
A. Memorandum C. Notice
B. Report D. Meeting
18. All of the following are examples of electronic communication EXCEPT
.
A. Teleconferencing C. Text messaging
B. Interviewing D. Videoconferencing
19. Oral communication is also known as .
A. Nonverbal Communication
B. Verbal Communication
C. Face to face Communication
D. None of the above
20. The most common barrier to oral communication is
A. Poor Listening C. Negative Attitude
B. Lack of Interest D. Gender Bias
21. Which of the following is NOT a part of the communication process?
A. Feedback C. Decoding Message
B. Noise D. Encoding Message
22. The method used to communicate a message is referred to as the
.
A. Channel C. Grapevine
B. Pathway D. None of the above
23. Which of the following can be a barrier to communication?
A. Distractions C. Cultural differences
B. A noisy environment D. All of the above

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24. The person that receives a message is the .
A. Receiver C. Sender
B. Feedback D. Flippant
25. A receiver gives to the message.
A. Reciprocal C. Nonverbal Communication
B. Feedback D. Oral Communication
26. Something that is sent or said ______________
A. Message C. Symbol
B. Sender D. Written Communication
For nos. 27-30, identify the function of communication present in each situation
27. A tourist guide orients a group of tourists about heritage site. What
functions of communication has been showed?
A. Motivation C. Information Dissemination
B. Control D. Emotional Expression
28. Sheila delivers her valedictory speech. Identify the function of
communication.
A. Information Dissemination
B. Motivation
C. Social Interaction
D. Emotional Expression
29. The city mayor presents his strategies to execute the plans in public forum.
A. Information Dissemination
B. Emotional Expression
C. Control
D. Social Interaction
30. The teacher reads and discusses classroom policies to her students.
A. Control
B. Information Dissemination
C. Encoding
D. Decoding

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1. Make two different lists. One list will include qualities that promote
good communication (e.g. cheerful, understanding, etc). The other is
the list of qualities that hinder good communication, (e.g. bossy, quick
tempered, etc.)

2. Where do you see communication going in the future?

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References

Bonidos [Screen Name]. (2007, Dec 12). Blonde and Blue Eyes by Patricia
Evangelista [Video file]. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjwYW2ZdYO4

Corporate Valley [Screen Name]. (2013, July 14). Barrack

Obama Inspirational Speech [Video file]. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzII3W2MLYY

Gamble, T. & Gamble, M. (1996). Communication works (5th ed).

USA: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Madison McCoy [Screen Name]. (2015, July 9). Inspirational

Valedictorian Speech [Video file]. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kftac3d1eV0

McCornack, S. (2014). Interpersonal communication: An

introduction. New York, NY: Bedford/ St. Martin’s.

Solomon, D. & Thesis, J. (2013). Interpersonal communication. IL:

University of Illinois Routledge.

Thomas, C., Cooper, P., & Blake, C. (1999). Intercultural

communication: MA: A Viacom Company.

Electronic Sources:

https://www.tameday.com/team-communication-quotes/

https://oralcom.wordpress.com/2016/10/14/functions-of-
communication/

https://www.creativelive.com/blog/3-easy-conversatio

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