Oral Communication in Context

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Definition and Principles of Communication

Definition and Principles of Communication

Welcome to your first module of the subject “Oral Communications in

Context.” This module will cover the importance, definition of
communication, its principles and characteristics. At the end of this module
you are expected:
1. To be able to understand why we need to study communication;
2. To be able to give the definition of communication; and
3. To know and understand the principles and characteristics of
communication.
Once born, we start communicating with our parents – crying when we are
hungry, scared, or when we feel pain. As we grow up, our family, then society
- teaches us how to speak then draw then read and write. Through these
practices, communication became integrated in our lives. It then became a
basic human activity that enables us to connect with each other (Langley,
2006).
Having done this as early as we were babies and having done this
subconsciously, it may be a bit surprising to discover that communication is
a complex process. We take it for granted because it is natural for us. It is
second nature for us to speak, use facial expressions, listen to each other, and
to learn how to read and write. To be able to understand how it happens, we
would need to dissect its characteristics and elements.
Think about an incident or experience in the past where you got in trouble
because you misunderstood what your parents or sibling said. What did it
feel like after you found out that you heard something wrong? Did it affect
your day and your relationship with that person? Such simple experiences
can give a glimpse of how pivotal communication is in our lives.

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Why Communication is important

(http://picfind1.indexbuzz.net/picfind1/page729/)
Look at the illustration above. Why do you think this happened to their
project? In your opinion, how could they have avoided this error?
Mark Twain sums up communication nicely, “The difference between a good
word and the right word is the same as the difference between a lightning
bug and lightning.” (Dean Brenner, Marni Lane). Learning how to be a good
communicator opens a lot of opportunity for us in relationships, career, and
in fulfilling our goals and dreams.

Defining Communication
Communication started years ago with some of our ancestors surviving
through drawings, sounds, and gestures. Along with the evolution of
civilizations various mediums of communication also emerged. Through
time, technology became integrated in our language processes and
description.
Communication is defined in several ways but the fundamental or basic
aspects embodies the following definition:
Communication, originating from the Latin word communicare – meaning to
share, unite or join, can be defined as the process by which people share
ideas or thoughts which can be understood by another through a chosen
medium. These said medium can either be verbal or non-verbal channels.
In a nutshell, it is to send and receive messages using a channel.

Principles of Communication
Before we delve in to oral communication, let us first go through the
principles of communication. Knowing these would make it easier for us to
understand how to properly and adequately communicate with others.
 Oral Communication in Context
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Definition and Principles of Communication

1. Schemata- driven
The process of communication makes you either the sender or receiver. By
taking one of the roles above, you will activate your schemata, background,
or experiences.
Schemata or schemas provide a basis on how we relate to ideas, concepts,
and events based on past experiences. Prior experiences give meaning to
conveyed messages. Having no previous experience nor idea will only resort
pronouncing or sounding the words. No experience of any communicative
act will trigger views, feelings, or ideas.
2. Interpretative act
Communication is an interpretative act. The exact meaning of the message
being transmitted is known only by the sender or speaker. The sender has
the absolute idea of what the meaning of the message is. The receiver can
only interpret, guess or infer based on how it appeals to his/her sense of
hearing.
3. Communication is active, forceful or powerful
In a communicative act, there will always be different effects to the
participants. Any message conveyed may have various interpretations
because of cultural, ideological, and environmental factors. What is rude in
one culture can be perceived as something acceptable in another. For
example, in western countries, calling an adult not related to you by their
first name is acceptable; yet, in the Philippines, this is rude. You need to use
their titles or (i.e. Attorney, Miss, Mrs., teacher, etc.) general terms showing
respect (i.e. auntie, kuya, tito, etc.) when you call refer to them or call them by
their name.
4. Communication is Symbolic
Signs, symbols, letters, graphs, pictures, etc. are concrete objects that stands
for or represents an idea. Non-verbal communication, on the other hand,
expresses ideas through gestures, voice pitch, posture, facial expression,
time, and space.
5. Communication always result in something
Two or more persons usually participate in any communicative act. One
sends the message while another reacts to the message. As a transactional
process, communication creates an effect on the involved parties. It will elicit
either a verbal or non-verbal response.
6. Communication is irreversible
The adage “Think before you click” suggests that you go over any message or
idea before posting it on your social networks or messages. The same
concept should also be applied to the other forms of communication. With
oral communications, the moment you utter the words to convey your
message already creates an impact to listeners. Attempts to reverse, restore,
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 or recreate the original mood or setting before these words were spoken
would be irrevocable. The discipline of mulling over your thoughts before
translating them into words can help avoid any instances which may cause
problems directly or indirectly.
7. Communication is contextual
Idea exchanges between the sender and the receiver involves communication
setting like time, occasion, purpose or manner of communication. Consider
cultural differences when communicating to avoid any negative impact due
to the effects of the factors above.
8. Communication is Progressive
Communication is a process you learn from birth and continues to evolve as
time passes by. Communicative competence is not learned in one sitting. You
go through different levels as you strive to improve your abilities to interact
with other people.
9. Communication is a process
Several stages of communication take place when people convey and
exchange ideas with one another. Each stage differs from the other. Elements
or components work in a coordinated manner the complete the process.
10. Communication is ethical
A communicative event is expected to follow rules, values, and beliefs agreed
upon by members of society. These standards determine which cultural
group you belong to. Going against these conventions make the interaction
with others wrong or unethical.
Examples can be read here: Don’t give a thumbs-up sign in Russia and other
hand gesture facts (Schwertly, 2014).
11. Communication is Influenced by technology and media
Communication in the current age of technology is characterized by the
instant, real-time exchange of knowledge, messages, and services.
The rapid speed of communication influences how people construct their
messages and what platform the use to send their messages.

Why we need to study Oral Communication

Oral communication competence – both in listening and speaking – is
mandatory to the success of a person academically, professionally, and in
their personal lives. Poor listening skills lead to people being unable to
absorb and understand instructions. This issue intensifies as they respond
incorrectly or inappropriately because of deplorable speaking skills. Being
able to articulate your ideas and opinions adds value to one’s self.
Skills in oral communication transcends the academic and professional
setting. Competence in listening and speaking can also contribute to personal
fulfillment.

Glossary
 Communicare - to join, share, receive or divide with/out
 Oral Communication in Context
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Definition and Principles of Communication

 Contextual - Depending on or relating to circumstances that form a

setting for an event, idea of statement to clarify a meaning
 Ethical - Pertaining to morals; To what is right and wrong; conforms
to imposed standards or rules and regulations
 Process - A series of steps or activities that leads to a result
 Progressive - Continuous improvement
 Schemata - A mental framework of preconceived ideas that are based
on experiences and interactions which shape how the world is seen
and understood
 Scrutinize - To examine, inspect thoroughly

References
Diaz, Rafaela Hernandez. (2014). Speech and Oral Communication for College
Students, Revised Edition. Quezon City: National Bookstore
“How Important is Communication in Your Life?” (2015, April 7). Retrieved
from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-important-
communication-your-life-ted-landgraf
Baraceros, Esther L. and Lintao, Rachelle, B. (2010). English 4: Oral
Communication in Context (First Edition). Quezon City: Rex
Bookstore, Inc.
Dapat, Jose Rizal O., Sadorra, Bryan Eli B., and Lumabi, Bethany Marie C.
(2016). Oral Cmmunication in Focus. Quezon City: Lormar
Publishing, Inc.
“Business Communication for Success” (2012). Saylor Academy Retrieved
from https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_business-communication-
for-success/
http://latin-dictionary.net/definition/11539/communico-communicare-
communicavi-communicatus

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