Oral Communication in

Context
Quarter 1 – Module 1:
Functions, Nature and Process
of Communication
proce multi
Face-to-
face

 
behav
sym unders
bols
 
wo  sig
ns

Hello learner,
 Welcome to the Oral Communication in Context Grade 11/12 Alternative
Learning Module.

Oral Communications in Context covers the development of listening and

speaking skills and strategies for effective communication in various situations. As
future professionals, you will engage in both formal and informal interactions with
various people. In each of these interactions, you will have to use skills that will
enable you to build rapport and connections with all sorts of people.

Moreover, you are expected to not only be skilled in your chosen field, but
also to be competent as a communicator. You are expected to express yourself
clearly and effectively and to interact appropriately with different people depending
on the situation. You can then use your various skills to foster personal and
professional growth as well as individual and communal progress.

It is important that you know when, where, and with whom to use specific
language efficiently and appropriately. It is not enough that you have the
confidence to speak up or you know a particular language as there is more to
language than being able to speak it. It is important that when you speak, you
command respect both for yourself and for the institution you represent. You have
to always show sensitivity to, respect, and consideration for other communicators.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning
and gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

Quarter 1 – Module 1:
 Functions, Nature and Process of
Communication
Welcome to the Oral Communication in Context Grade 11/12 Alternative Delivery
Mode (ADM) Module on Functions, Nature and Process of Communication!

What I Need to Know.

This unit lays out the foundational knowledge for studying oral
communication. It features essential information including the definition,
nature, process, forms and functions of communication as well as the
rudiments of communicating across cultures.
This module consists of lessons, namely:
• The Definition, Nature and Process of Communication
• Functions of Communication

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. define communication;
2. explain the nature and process of communication and;
3. understand the relationship of the functions of communication to everyday
life;
Code: EN11/12OC-Ia-1/2

LESSON 1: The Nature and Process of Communication

What is communication?
What are some samples of communication situations?
Communication is the process of sharing and conveying messages or
information from one person to another within and across channels,
contexts, media, and cultures (McCornack, 2014). It is an act of expressing
and exchanging information, thoughts, ideas, and meaning from one
person to another using different means.

The term communication is derived from two Latin words “communis” (noun) and
“communicare” (verb) which means common opinion or generally accepted view
(commonality) and make something common respectively. From this viewpoint of
etymology, communication refers to sharing of something to make something common.

There are different ways and terms of which communication can be fully
understood. From the simple nodding of your head, stretching of hands, performing
sign language, raising your eyebrows up to your daily conversations with your friends
over the phone, constant exchange of text messages, and regular browsing in social
networking sites, humans can express their thoughts, ideas, and feelings.
Communication can also be manifested thru face-to-face interaction, phone
conversation, group discussions, meetings or interview, letter correspondence, class
recitations, and many others. These only signify that humans engage in various forms
of communication.

The following are examples of communication situations:

 a professor delivering a lecture to her students
 a coach talking to his players
 a dad giving advice to his son
 a salesperson giving a sales pitch to clients
NATURE OF COMMUNICATION

Communication is a two-way process of connecting to both living and non-living

things. It is also a means of sharing and exchanging messages, information, ideas, and
feelings for mutual understanding (Gregoriom, J.C., 2015).

Communication connects people and the world they live in. It is through
communication that people are able to express their thoughts and ideas or convey
information and messages through word of mouth, gestures and signals, signs, and
others.

1. Communication is a process
o refers to a series of actions or steps taken in order to successfully
communicate. It is a process of creating and sharing ideas, information,
views, facts, feelings, etc. among the people to reach a common
understanding
2. Communication is happens between two or more people who act as the
speaker or the receiver of the message.
3. Communication can be expressed through written or spoken words,
actions (non-verbal) of both spoken words and nonverbal actions at the same
time.
4. Communication is an interaction that involves messages and
transactions.
o In our society, we all interact with messages. Without interactions, a
society cannot survive. Social interaction is always through messages. We
discuss problems and arrive at solutions. We exchange ideas and interact
with others. We transact, and then we negotiate. In doing all these, we
use communication. Without communication, all forms of human
relationships will vanish and die. Communication is therefore crucial in
building and maintaining relationships.
5. Communication is a message understood.
o For communication to take place, we have to consider two conditions.
First, there should be a clear message. Second, the message must be
understood by the receiver for whom it is meant.

ELEMENTS AND PROCESS OF COMMUNICATION

What happens in communication?

How does communication take place? What and who are involved?
Our everyday transactions with people follow the communication process.
Because communication is a process, it follows steps that will help us better
understand its mechanics. The following elements or components will help you better
understand the process of communication:

 Speaker- the source of the data, information or message, the person who creates
and encodes the message. Also known as “the sender”.
 Message- the fact, idea, a piece of information, a note from the speaker in words or
actions, feelings, perceptions or opinions conveyed by the speaker to the receiver. It
can be transmitted verbally or non-verbally.
 Encoding- is the action taken in interpreting the message into words, and on how
the speaker understands the information.
 Channel- the means or medium used to transmit the message. Any vehicle used by
the communicators such as written media, verbal media and nonverbal.
 Receiver-the one who receives the message and decodes it.
 Decoding- is a way of interpreting the message of the speaker by the receiver.
 Feedback-the reactions of the receiver, its responses with the information provided
by the speaker
 Context- is the scenario or the situation where communication took place.
 Barrier – the factors that affect the flow of communication, also known as noise or
interference that hinders the smooth flow of communication.
PROCESS OF COMMUNICATION
Communication usually begins when the speaker or source of communication
responds to a stimulus and generates an idea. The speaker decides to encode the idea
(converts it into words or actions) and transmit it in the form of a message (or a “code”).
Using a channel or any means of communication, the speaker will then transmit the
message to the receiver. The receiver gets the message and will either decode or
interpret the meaning based on the situation or context. The receiver responds or
provides feedback accordingly based on his interpretation. The response or feedback is
sent back to the original source of communication (sender) and the process goes on.
As the communication transaction continues, the sender and receiver may
exchange roles until understanding is achieved. Barriers to communication sometimes
block the transmission of the message thereby creating misunderstanding. Through this
process, we are able to understand that communication is systematic. In the advent of
technology, the exchange of information and messages has greatly evolved. But always
remember that for communication to be successful, there must be clear understanding
between the communicators (both sender and receiver).