Oral Communication 1

LESSON 1: NATURE AND ELEMENTS part of the channel. The quality of the channel depends
on how free it is of noise.
OF COMMUNICATION  Noise
 is anything that reduces the quality of the signal
Communication
sent by the sender through the channel,
 is the process of giving and receiving information weakening the communication between sender
between a human source and a human receiver using and receiver. It could be garbled, too low in
words, symbols, or actions. volume, have too much echo or any other
 Communication is essential to human life. Without it, reduction in quality. For example, the
we cannot function properly. One of the primary ways surrounding is very windy or noisy, the words
we communicate is through oral communication. This spoken by speaker can be affected.
includes LANGUAGE.
Feedback
THE ELEMENTS OF COMMUNICATION
 refers to the message transmitted by the receiver in
Senders response to the message of the speaker. It may come as
feedback on the quality of the observed signal such as
 Senders convey messages by converting their thoughts when listener says, “huh?” when he or she does not
into symbols or observable signals such as words. This hear the utterance clearly.
is called codification and is usually done through the Example: “We have no classes today”
use of language. “ Really?”, shows disbelief.
Receivers TYPES OF COMMUNICATION
 Receivers hear the signals and convert the symbols into Intrapersonal Communication
their thoughts. This is called decoding, deciphering, or
interpretation.  It involves talking to yourself. It allows you to get to
know yourself better, organize your thoughts, and heal
Messages yourself emotionally.
 are the ideas or thoughts that are transmitted from  It allows you to explain yourself about your motives &
sender to receiver. They are the result of interpretation actions against your values and help you to make
of symbols, when meaning is derived from observable adjustments.
signals. Interpersonal Communication
 Schema
- is the culture and experience together. When the  It involves talking to one or a limited number of people.
sender and receiver have similarity between the This requires you to adjust your speech to suit the
schema, there is a much bigger of interpretation character & personality of person or people you talk to.
between them. Since you are communicating with a limited number of
people, the opportunity for feedback and clarification is
Verbal and Non-verbal Communication much greater.
 When it is between two people, then it is considered a
 Symbols are observable signals transmitted from sender
dyad. In this context, the possibility of clarification &
to receiver. They can be spoken signals that are heard
feedback is maximized because the interlocutors
(such as spoken words), printed symbols that can be
(participants) are focusing one on one. In addition, the
read (such as printed words), hand signals that are seen
opportunity to speak & express ideas is also
(such as signals in sign language), or even symbols that
maximized.
are felt (such as Braille writing for the blind)
 When it is between three or more people, it is
 Symbols do not have meaning in themselves.
considered a small group. In this context, the
- For example, when the sender says the word
possibility of clarification & feedback is lessened
“dog”, an image in the mind of the receiver is
because there is more than one person to adjust to. The
formed when the receiver hears the word.
opportunity to focus on the topic is also lessened
However, it is up to the receiver what kind of
because the participant may say something that is not
images comes to mind– whether the dog is furry or
connected to the topic.
not, what breed it is, what color and size it is, etc.
- Sometimes, the meaning stirred up by the word in Public Communication
mind of the receiver may be different from the
meaning intended by the sender.  It involves communicating to a wide group of people
 Symbols may be verbal or nonverbal. with very varied traits, background, interests, and
- When symbols come in the form of utterances persuasion. Engaging in this type of communication
coming from mouth of a speaker, they are means avoiding specialized language such as jargon or
considered verbal. If they come from body slang. This requires to avoid topics/discussions that
movements other than that of the mouth, they are may be understandable to only a select few.
considered nonverbal. Verbal symbols usually
Intercultural Communication
come in the form of spoken words, but they may
also be in other forms such as grunts (huh or ugh),  It involves communicating to a wide a person or group
breaths (hmmm or ahh), shrieks (ahh! Or ay!) or of people who may not share the same assumptions,
anything else coming out of the mouth of the values, allegiances as that of yours and may have
speaker. different assumptions with the symbols you take for
granted as having a particular meaning. This also
Channels
means avoiding loaded language such as metaphors &
 refers to the medium through which the message is sent. other figures of speech.
It connects the sender and receiver. Usually, it is the air
around the sender and the receiver. When the sender
uses a microphone or other device, then that becomes
LESSON 2: COMMUNICATION do not want to get involved. Everybody has a
sense of reason. You must present facts to the
MODELS audience for them to believe in you.
LINEAR MODEL OF COMMUNICATION  Shannon-Weaver Model
 The Shannon Weaver Model of Communication is
 In linear model, communication is considered one-way a mathematical model used for technical
process where sender is the only one who sends communication or machine communication like
message and receiver doesn’t give feedback or telegraph and telephone. In Shannon Weaver’s
response. model, if the channel does not have distorting
 Linear model is applied in mass communication like elements or noise producing elements, the
television, radio, etc. This model is not applicable in communication is successful.
general human communication as general human
Concepts in Shannon-Weaver Model
communication has to have feedback and responses.
 Key features  Sender (Information source)
 One-way communication – Sender is the person who makes the message,
 Used for the mass communication chooses the channel and sends the message.
 Senders send message and receivers only  Encoder (Transmitter)
receive – Encoder is the sender who uses machine,
 No feedback which converts message into signals or binary
 Concept of noise data. It might also directly refer to the
 Pros machine.
 Good at audience persuasion and propaganda  Channel
setting – Channel is the medium used to send message.
 Intentional results  Decoder (Receiver)
 Cons – Decoder is the machine used to convert
 Communication is not continuous as no concept signals or binary data into message or the
of feedback receiver who translates the message from
 No way to know if communication was signals.
effective  Receiver (Destination)
– Receiver is the person who gets the message
Lasswell’s Communication Model
or the place where the message must reach.
The receiver provides feedback according to
the message.
 Noise
– Noise is the physical disturbances like
environment, people, etc. which does not let
the message get to the receiver as what is
sent.
Disadvantages and Criticisms of Lasswell’s Model  Berlo’s SMCR Model
1. It does not include feedback.  Berlo’s Model was made to understand general
human communication. In Berlo’s Model,
2. Without feedback, a communication process cannot communication depends on many factors: like
be fruitful. communication skills, attitude, knowledge, socio-
cultural systems, the way in which the message
3. Ignores the possibility of noise.
has been sent, the content of the message, senses
4. It is very linear and does not consider barriers in the of the receiver, etc.
communication process.
INTERACTIVE MODEL OF COMMUNICATION
Types of Linear Communications
 Also known as Convergence Model.
 Aristotle’s Model  The communication process takes place between
 Aristotle’s Model is a linear communication humans or machines in both verbal or non-verbal way.
model which was made for public speaking. In This is a relatively new model of communication for
Aristotle’s model, the speaker sent message and new technologies like web.
the audience receive it. The model was made to  Example: Internet has increased the opportunity of
establish a propaganda. interactive communication and it is still evolving.
Critical Elements of a Good Communicator Human-computer interaction is also now considered as
 Ethos interactive communication as the model is circular
 Ethos is the characteristic which makes you where the senders interchange every time.
credible in front of the audience. If there is no
TRANSACTIONAL MODEL OF COMMUNICATION
credibility, the audience will not believe in you
and will not be persuaded by you. Expertise and  It is the exchange of messages between sender and
positions also give credibility to a person. receiver where each take turns to send or receive
 Pathos messages.
 If what you say matters to them and they can  Both sender and receiver are known as communicators
connect with it, then they will be more and their role reverses each time in the communication
interested and they will think you are more process as both processes of sending and receiving
credible. Emotional bonds will make the occurs at the same time.
audience captivated and they feel the speaker is  The model is mostly used for interpersonal
one of their own people. communication and is also called circular model of
 Logos communication.
 Logos is logic. People believe in you only if  The transactional model is the most general model of
they understand what you are trying to say. communication.
People find logic in everything. If there is no
logic behind the speaker’s work or time, they Factors Affecting Transactional Model
  Social Context Do you have a pen?
 Social context in communication refers to the  Declaratives
norms, values, laws and other restrictions of a  The idea is that when a person says something,
society to communicate within a specific limit. he/she wants the listener to do something.
It also includes rules that bind people’s ability  Example:
to communicate. Society shapes the way a I want to be alone.
person communicates. You need to hurry.
 Cultural Context That's not the right thing to do.
 Cultural context is the lifestyle and identity of a
person. Caste, class, race, ethnicity, gender, etc. Social Interaction
are the contexts which promote communication.
 Communication can be used to produced social
 Relational Context
interaction. In their daily course of living, human being
 Relational context of communication relates to
develop and maintain bonds, intimacy, relations and
relationship history and manners.
associations.

Motivation
THE GATEKEEPER MODEL OF
 as a function of communication refers to a person using
COMMUNICATION a language to express desires, needs, wants, likes and
 This fourth model can represent mass communication – dislikes, inclinations, choices and aspirations
that is, how an audience receives information from
Information
media, the intermediaries of information.
 Media takes the role of “gatekeeper.”  communication can be used giving and getting for
 MTRCB takes the function of a gatekeeper. information. Giving information usually comes in the
form of statements of facts (grammatically known as
ECOLOGICAL MODEL OF COMMUNICATION declaratives)
 The most complex of all communication models. Language Forms for Sharing/Obtaining Information
 It expounds the role of mass media, as well as the
individuals and groups that control these outlets of  Giving information using statements:
information.  I have three brothers.
 Communication between people (creators and  Philippine Normal University was established
consumers) is mediated by messages which are created in 1901.
using language within media; consumed from media  For every action, there is a reaction
and interpreted using language.  Giving information using rhetorical questions:
 Did you know that some earphones can be used
Ecology- refer to the environment where people interact as microphones?
among each other., using a particular language that they  Using questions:
commonly understand. Did it rain last night?
 E.g. Language of Lawyers. Language of  Using imperatives:
Doctors. Show me how to tie a knot.
 Using declaratives:
LESSON 3: FUNCTIONS OF  I don't know where to find it.

COMMUNICATION Emotional Expression

Communication  Human always need to express their emotions verbally
and nonverbally. Emotions are a central part of who we
 as a human activity always serves a function. Functions are. Beyond thinking about the things and people in our
of communication refer to how humans use language world, we feel about them and about ourselves.
for different purposes. Theoretician such as Roman
Jakobson, Michael Halliday, and Bronislaw Malinowsi Special Case of Expressing Opinions
have categorized the different uses or functions of
- The function to which expressing an opinion belongs
communication.
depends on the purpose and setting in which it is done.
Regulation/Control Expressing an opinion has broad function covering
every category of communication functions.
 can be used to control the behaviour of human beings.
It can be used to regulate the nature and amount of Verbal and Non-verbal cues that each speaker uses to
activities humans engage in. achieve their purpose
Language Forms for Regulation and Control Verbal Communication
 Imperatives  In order to communicate properly, speakers must not
 communication as a means of regulation and only communicate using their words, but also their
control can come in the form of commands. actions. Their words and actions must match.
 Example: Otherwise, miscommunication can occur.
Please come in. Communication using words is also called Verbal
Get a chair. communication.
Run. Pause
 Rhetorical Questions  A speaker pauses between utterances in order to
 they are not intended to get information. It can allow listeners to process what the speaker has
take as a form of control would be questions spoken.
that influence.
 Example: Loudness or Softness
Human Behavior.  depending on the speaker's style, emphasis can be
Why don't we go to the dining room now? achieved by either speaking loudly or softly. In
 addition, other emotions can be expressed using  Shakespeare's plays
the loudness or softness of the voice.  Weddings
 Introduction of each other between
Rhythm acquaintance
 The way a speaker talks can be a powerful tool to 2. Formal Style
engage listeners. Rhythm refers to the speed and  It uses formal words and expressions
flow of a speaker's utterances.  Example:
Formal
Repetition and Rephrasing  "Toyota's sales bounced back in March as
substantial discounts helped to win back
 reading, a listener cannot go back to what a
customers who had been shaken by the firm's
speaker has spoken if the speaker did not
mass safety recalls."
understand that particular utterance. As part of the
Casual/ Informal expressed counterpart:
speakers' effort to help the listener understand, the
 "Did you see Toyota's sales figures? Looks
speaker will do well to repeat his or her utterances
like the discounts have actually worked."
specially if the content of the utterance is difficult
 Most often seen in writing than in speaking
to understand.
 This speech style is expected to be presented in
Tone complete sentences with specific word usage
 Its usually elaborate complex sentences and
 Tone of voice is essential in communicating
noun phrases are well structured, logically
effectively. The tone of voice often shows the
sequenced, and strongly coherent
attitude of the speaker toward the topic or the
 It does not allow ellipsis (like omissions),
listener.
contractions, qualifying modal adverbless like
Appropriate Form of Language (evidently, surely, and certainly)

 a speaker must use the appropriate form of EXAMPLES OF FORMAL:

language to be used in a given setting. The
 Job Interview
technical term for the form of language used is
 Business Trip
register.
 Dinner Party
Non-Verbal Communication  Prestigious Ceremony
 Meeting
 Communication involves expressing oneself without  Academic Papers
the use of words. Because of its non-verbal
communication is more prone to misinterpretation than 3. Consultative Style
verbal communication.  Known as the Third Level of language - It is
Gestures unplanned speech
 play an important role in communication. They  This speech style uses listener participation and
can help express a speaker's point better. feedback
Eye contact The two defining features of this style are:
 When a speaker maintains eye contact with his or (a) the speaker supplies background
her listeners, he or she gives the impression of information
being serious about what is being discussed. (b) the listener participates continuously
Posture  Less appropriate for writing
 good posture is beneficial not only for health
reasons but also for relating to others when EXAMPLES OF CONSULTATIVE:
speaking. In general, standing with an erect body
 When a student is talking to his or her teacher
and head makes for good posture and is applicable
 When a student recites in class
in most settings.
Facial Expression 4. Casual or Informal Style
 A speaker's facial expression must match the topic
 This style is used in conversations between
of discussion.
friends and insiders who have something to
Proxemics
 speakers must make use of the space around share and have shared background information
properly. The use of space in the communication  There is free and easy participation of both
called proxemics. speaker and listener
 It is marked by various degrees of implicitness
LESSON 4: TYPES OF SPEECH STYLES because of intimacy between speaker and
listener
1. Frozen Styles  The use of language is general
 Also known as fixed speech  It is appropriate to use casual language in
 It is most the most formal communicative style situations where speech is improvised and not
that is often used in respectful situation or prepared ahead of time, or when the writer is
formal ceremony writing quickly without editing
 As most highly formal style, it uses the  You also use casual language when you want to
complex grammatical sentence structure and get to know someone on a more personal level,
vocabulary or you want the person to feel at ease.
 known only to experts in a particular field It  A simple greeting with those you know well
invites the reader to enter into a personal might probably be the causal:
experience of creative discovery such as literary - "Hi"
 texts like poetry The writing reflects the efforts - "Hey"
of revision - "What's up?"
- "How is it going?"
EXAMPLES OF FROZEN: - "How do you do?"
 Pledge of Allegiance - "Nice to meet you, Mr./Mrs./Ms., Dr.,
 - "Will you please excuse me for a 1. Nomination
moment?"  When you employ this strategy, you try to open a
- "Excuse me" topic with the people you are talking to.
 Casual or informal style have ellipsis, allows  When beginning a topic, you may start off with
the use of slang, profanity, and unconventional news inquiries and news announcements as they
English words
promise extended talk.
 The diction or vocabulary is informal
 Example:
(colloquial)
- Have you noticed the weird weather
 Some of the vocabulary used only in casual
situations are: lately? Is this because of global
– "dude" (a person) warming?
– "freaking out" (getting scared) - I was late for class again! The MRT
– "nope" (no) stopped midway. What is wrong with
– "puke" (throw up) the MRT?
 Its casual language uses words or phrases that  Several Forms can be conveniently used for
are shortened like: topic nomination. They include the ff:
– "I'm doin' it my way" (doing) - Let's talk about...
– "Lemme go!" (let me go) - I would like to talk about... Today, I'm
– "Watcha gonna do?" (What are you going to discuss/talk about...
going to do?) 2. Restriction
– "Whassup?" (What's up?)
 Any limitation you may have a speaker. When
EXAMPLES OF CASUAL: communicating in the classroom, in a meeting, or
while hanging out with your friends, you are
 Use of contractions typically given specific instructions that you
 Use of slang words. must follow.
 Use of simplified grammar
 For example, in your class, you might be asked
by your teacher to brainstorm on peer pressure or
5. Intimate Style
deliver a speech on digital natives. In these
 This style is used in conversations between
cases, cannot decide to talk about something
people who are very close and know each other
else.
quite well because having a maximum of shared
 Remember to always be on point and avoid
background information
sideswiping from the topic during the
 It is characterized by an economy of words,
conversation to avoid communication
with a high incidence of significant nonverbal
breakdown.
communication, such as gesture, facial
expression, eye contact and so on. 3. Turn-taking
 There is free and easy participation of both the  The process by which people decide who takes
speaker and listener, and is far more elliptical the conversation floor.
 The primary idea is give all to communicators a
EXAMPLES OF INTIMATE SPEECH: chance to speak.
 Remember to keep your words relevant and
• Telling your bf/gf that you love
reasonably short enough to express your views
them
or feelings.
• Telling your best friend about your deepest
 To acknowledge others, you may employ visual
and darkest problems
signals like a nod, a look, or a step back.
• Asking your family for advice about serious
Accompanied with spoken cues such as
matters
- "What do you think?" or "You
wanted to say something?"
4. Topic Control
 Covers how procedural formality or informality
affects the development of topic in
SYNTHESIS conversations.
 The purpose of the different types of speech is to help  For example, in meetings, you may only have a
turn to speak after the chairperson directs you to
people know the specific approach they should use in
do so.
every situation person and place.
 You can make yourself actively involved in the
 Knowing these things can help one prevent
conversation without overly dominating it by
misunderstandings and arguments from happening using minimal responses like "Yes," "Okay,"
because if they don’t watch what they say, they’d look "Go on"; asking tag questions to clarify
disrespectful in front of others. information briefly like "You are excited, aren't
you?", "It was unexpected, wasn't it?"; even by
LESSON 5: COMMUNICATIVE laughing.
STRATEGIES 5. Topic Shifting
 Moving from one topic to another. In other
Communicative strategies words, it is where one part of a conversation
ends and where another begins.
 Are attempts by participants in a communication - "By the way,"
activity but mainly by the speaker to express his or her - "In addition to what you said,"
ideas in a way that minimizes a breakdown in - "Which reminds me of,"
communication.  Several Forms can be conveniently used to shift
 Are nomination, restriction, turn-taking, topic-control, a topic/discussion. They include the ff:
topic shifting, repair and termination. These are also - Let us now turn to the issue/topic of... I
called as topic management. will now talk about...
 - In addition to (current topic), there is - This strategy is used particularly when
also the (next topic) at least one of the participants is not
6. Repair proficient in the language. It can also be
 Refers to how speakers address the problems in employed when the spoken utterances
speaking, listening, and comprehending that they are difficult to perceive due to a noisy
may encounter in a conversation. environment.
 Speakers will always try to address and correct if  Building On What Others Have Said
there is a problem in understanding the - It creates a connection between the
conversation. speaker and listeners because the
 Several Forms can be conveniently used to speaker affirms what others have
signal repair. They include the ff: already spoken, giving them a sense of
- I mean... importance.
- What I mean is...
- Let me rephrase that...
- In other words...
- Let me say that again...
7. Termination
 Close-initiating expressions that end a topic in a
conversation.
 Most of the time, the topic initiator takes
responsibility to signal the end of the discussion
as well.
 Several Forms can be conveniently used to
terminate a discussion. They include the ff:
- Let me end by saying...
- In conclusion...
- In summary…
- We were able to discuss...

Preventing Communication Breakdown

 A breakdown in communication is always possible in
any interaction. However, we can minimize
communication breakdown by employing several
strategies.
 These strategies can be collectively described as
communication support strategies.
 Asking for Clarification
- This is the most common way of
preventing a breakdown in
communication.
- In formality of situation, "what" is
impolite. However, it is acceptable for
clarification between close friends.
- Informal
 What?
 Can you say that again?
 Pardon?
 What did you just say?
 Say again? (or Say again, as a
command)
- Formal
 May I request you to repeat what
you said?
 Could you please say that again?
 I'm sorry?
 Repetition
- A speaker may repeat what he or she
said if he or she feels that the listeners
did not understand fully what was said.
However, too much repetition can
irritate listeners.
 Rephrasing
- It involves repeating the same message
using different words or expressions.
Listeners, especially ones who are not
very good in the language spoken may
not be familiar with a certain word,
phrase, or expression. One particular
element that may need rephrasing is an
idiom.
 Using Non-verbal Language