Oral Communication

in Context

Week 2- 4

1
 What I Need to Know 
 
 
This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you master
the different models of communication. 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. 
 

This module consists of one lesson: 

• Communication Models 
 
After going through this module, you are expected to: 
1. differentiate the various models of communication; 
2. explain the process of communication through the elements involved; and 
3. recognize the importance of the models in understanding the communication
process as applied in everyday life.  

What’s In  
 
 
 

2
 Communicating with others takes us to a new experience. We are either the
ones starting the conversation process or the ones receiving it. As the exchange of
information progresses, both the source and the recipient go through favorable or
unfavorable experiences. The two or more individuals involved may end up satisfied
or discontented with the result. At some random instances, conflicts may incidentally
arise. But still, the end goal of communication is always for building better human
relationships. 
In the previous lesson, we talked about the functions, nature and process of
communication. Let us recall some key terms that you encountered in the
discussion.  
 
 
Directions: Complete the paragraph below by choosing the correct word from the
WORD POOL. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper. 
WORD POOL 
 
behavior
      motivates 
communication      nonverbal 
decoding     receiver 
 
interact     sender 
 
message     written 
 
 
(1.) __________ is a process which follows a certain procedure. Communication
occurs between two or more people: the (2.) __________ or source of the information
and the (3.) __________. It can be articulated through (4.) __________ or spoken words. It
can also be expressed through gestures, facial expressions, or actions which are (5.)
_________ where words are not needed to understand what one means.  
 (6.) _____________________ is the process of interpreting the encoded (7.)
_____________ of the source by the receiver. 
 Communication also functions to control (8.) ____________________. It (9.)
___________ or encourages people to live better and allows individuals to (10.) 
__________ with others. 
 

3
 What is It 
 
 
Imagine your life and the world you live in without proper communication
procedure.  Would there be order or chaos?  Would there be understanding or
misunderstanding? 
 
Communication plays a crucial role in human life.  It facilitates the sending
and receiving of knowledge and information.  It allows people to develop various
kinds of social relationships.  It provides an avenue for people to express their ideas,
thoughts, feelings, and insights.  Without it, societies will be restrained from
developing and progressing.  With all the advancements in technology,
communication nowadays has changed dramatically, adapting to the 21st century
way of life. Beginning from the ancient times when messages were written on tablets,
clays  and barks of trees or conveyed by the heralds or emissaries for proclamations
to an entire territory, communication has drastically evolved to fastest means of
sending messages through electronic gadgets and computers. Video calling or
conferences is another high technological innovation where distance is not quite a
problem anymore to foster mutual understanding.  
 
 The representations below will help you understand the basic elements of
communication. See how the elements operate and interact as communication
progresses. 
 

Models of Communication Process 

A. Linear Communication 
 
Have you talked to somebody but did not get any reaction from him/her 
at all?  Have you experienced sending a message without receiving any feedback?   
This is linear communication. 
 
Linear communication is one-way, focusing on the transmission of a 
message to a receiver who never responds or has no way of responding to the
information conveyed. For instance, a competition organizer is presenting the contest
mechanics.  The message is final and cannot be contended at all. It could be the
president giving his State of the Nation Address on the national television or a
student who reads a poem or tells a story in front of an audience in a school
program.  Other examples include sending a notification or automated message that

4
does not require a reply, reading a blog, or even the traditional way of sending a
message such as a telegram. 

 
 
Fig 1. Shannon-Weaver Model 
Source: https://tinyurl.com/yaltqfqy. Retrieved May 25, 2020 

 
Shannon-Weaver Model 
 
An example of linear type of communication is the Shannon-Weaver 
model (1949). It is also considered as the mother of all communication models. It has
a one-way process starting from a source (producer of message); passing through a
channel (signals adapted for transmission) which may at times be interrupted by
noise (barrier) to a receiver (decoder of message from the signal). 
The process stops after the message has arrived at its destination.  
 
B. Interactive 
 
  When was the last time someone surprised you?  How did you react?  Who was the
last person whom you praised for a job well-done?  What response did you get? 
What is the significance of getting a response or reaction from the person to whom
you addressed your statement? 
 
Interactive approach is a two-way communication process where a 
response is given after a message is sent.  The recipient of the action intentionally or
unintentionally gives a feedback associated with the information received.   
 
 
 

5
  
Let us extract Criselda and her mother’s dialogue from the story. 
 
Criselda: Nanay, I can smell the aroma of your best delicacy, 
adobo.  
Aling Terie: Yeah, I know.  It is the favorite of the family so adobo 
is what I prepared today. 
Criselda: I can’t wait to taste it! 
 
Aling Terie’s response to Criselda’s statement proves that she decodes 
the intended meaning of the idea passed on to her. That is what we call feedback.   
See, feedback makes a difference.  If the mother did not respond to the statement of
her daughter, the latter would not know whether her mother understands what she
said.  The exchange of ideas or information verifies that both parties understand the
message.  Take a look at the next model. 
 

Schramm Model 
 
 

 
Fig 2. Schramm Model 
Source: https://tinyurl.com/yazbv5mv. Date Retrieved May 25, 2020 

6
  
Schramm (1954) visualized the process of communication as an 
exchange of thoughts and ideas.  Feedback was added to the Shannon-Weaver
Model.  The recipient of the message decodes it and creates a feedback based on his
understanding of the information sent and vice versa. 
  The figure identifies the six elements of communication which are the sender, the
message sent, the receiver and the feedback provided by the receiver and sent back as
a response to the sender and the processes of encoding and decoding. 
Remember, information may become useless if it is not conveyed 
properly to others. Thus, the processes of encoding and decoding are the key
components of this model, including feedback. 
 
Encoding is when an idea or information is translated into words and 
expressed to others. 
 
Decoding is when this idea or information is understood and 
interpreted by the receiver. 
 
Hence, the receiver must be able to send feedback to the sender in order 
to complete the process.  Otherwise, the communication transaction fails. Schramm’s
model, which is a two-way communication model, revolves around these principles. 
 
The process goes on starting from the sender (source) who encodes the 
message transmitted to the receiver which he interprets; decodes a message
(feedback) to be sent back to the source who in turn, decodes and interprets the
information sent. 
 

C. Transactional Model 
 
Communication is dynamic. It has a complex nature. It takes place 
among individuals at any given time with any given subject. However, there are
tendencies that barriers would interfere which may create a sudden impact and
change in the processing of information. 
In a classroom setting, for example, you are being grouped into five or 
six members for an activity.  Your task is to give an opinion or reaction to the closure
of the biggest television network in the Philippines.  Each of you expresses your
thoughts regarding the matter.  While having that activity, you also heard the JHS
graders having their dance practice for the upcoming event.   That noise did not
interrupt your discussion as you give your own views.  This situation is an example
of a transactional approach. 
 
The communicator (source) encodes the message and transmits it 

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through a channel.  The message transmitted may be affected by the noise (barrier). 
The receiver (recipient of the message) decodes, processes, and filters the message
for understanding and is now ready to give his own feedback to the sender.  
 
 
Transactional Communication Model

 Fig 3. Transactional Model 

Source: https://tinyurl.com/ybwyog2a. Date retrieved: May 25, 2020 

 
The transactional model shows a circular process of interaction between 
the persons involved in the communication, with each one actively participating and
sharing ideas with one another. They are the communicators actively exchanging
information and reaction.   
  
Feedback is given freely and deliberately to one another or to all 
members participating in the communication transaction.  The sender and the
receiver may simultaneously exchange roles as communicators.  Since
communication is deemed dynamic and progressive, the topic may also change from
time to time.  
 
In this concept, the noise or barrier to communication is also taken into 

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 consideration for it may directly or indirectly affect the smooth flow of
communication.  In the event that the message was not clearly conveyed due to the
barrier, the communication continues in order to clarify the intended meaning of the
sender.  When the transmission is cut along the way due to the barrier, the
communicators work collaboratively to understand each other.  Now, the sender
becomes a receiver of feedback (the response from the receiver) and the receiver also
acts as sender providing information in response to the message conveyed to him.  In
this way, the communication is made more effective and complete.

  What’s More 
 
 
General Directions: Perform the activities below to better understand the 
concept of communication and how it works. Follow the indicated
directions for each activity. 
  
A. Directions: In the Venn diagram below, show the similarities and differences
of the three communication models. 

For you, which model is most effective? Why?  

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________ 

9
 What I Have Learned 
 
 
Answer the following questions: 
 
 
1. What are the different communication models? 
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________ 
 
2. What sets communication models different from each other? 
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________ 
 
3. Why is feedback important in communication?  
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________ 
 
4. When is communication process successful? 
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
 

What I Can Do 

 

1. Call a friend over a phone or via free media platform such as messenger. Note
down the conversation process. Identify what communication model is used. 
Illustrate how the communication happens. 
 
2. Interview your family members.  List down the things that you want to ask to
them.  You may record your conversation.  Draw a diagram of the conversation
and analyze how the communication takes place. 
 
3. Listen to a radio drama or watch a teleserye on a television.  Take note how the
communication transpires. Identify the different elements that are present in
the communication process and illustrate it.  

10
 Assessment 
 
A. Directions: Write T if the statement is TRUE and write F if it is FALSE.  Use a
separate sheet of paper. 
 
1. There will be order and peace in the world without communication. 
2. Along with the extensive revamp in most aspects of human life, ways of
communication also change. 
3. Schramm Model is the most complicated example of human communication
process. 
4. In the interaction model, communication is a one-way process. 
5. Communication is merely successful when conflict was absent in the
process.  
 
B. Directions: Read each item carefully then choose the letter that corresponds to
your answer. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper. 
 

1. Which of the following is an example of a one-way communication model? 

1. A group of teenagers planning for a big event 
2. The committee finding ways to reach for the less fortunate in their
barangay. 
3. The Philippine President delivering his SONA 
4. A and B 
 
2. You ask your sister to put on her mask every time she goes out and she nods
in reply. Which model of communication is presented here? 
A. Interactive C. Linear 
B. Conversational D. Transactional  
 
3. Which model of communication portrays a multilayer of communication
processes where the characters and environment change overtime? 
A. Interactive model C. Transactional model 
B. Linear model D. ALL of the above 
 
 
4. Which communication model focuses on the message sent to the recipient? 
A. Interactive Model C. Transactional model 

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 B. Linear Model D. A combination of A and B 
 
5. A strong wind struck as Arnold and his father took turns in pulling the fishing
boat to the shore.  Arnold cannot hear his father’s voice.  Which affects the
flow of the communication process? 
A. Arnold’s voice B. boat C. father D. wind
   
6. Myra submitted her report to her teacher online because of the enhanced
community quarantine.  Which element is missing in the process? 
A. channel B. encoding C. feedback D. receiver 
 
7. The Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) frightened many people here and
there.  On his social media account, Joshua posted a status of dismay.  Many
supported his claim, but others opposed it. His status acquired a hundred
reactions and the comments thread rose to 75. What model of communication
is exemplified? 
A. Berlo’s Model C. Shannon-Weaver Model 
B. Schramm Model D. Transactional Model  
 
8. In the situation given in #12, what element of communication is NOT present? 
A. barrier   B. context C. feedback D. receiver 
 
9. Which of the following is NOT a purpose of communication?  A. It connects the
gaps among persons involved. 
B. It narrows down issues and addresses it. 
B. It offers solution to the community problems. 
B. It paves a way to conflict. 
 
10.What happens when the message is NOT clearly conveyed? A. The
communication continues. 
B. The communicators end the communication process. 
B. The recipient may get the wrong information to share with others. 
B. The situation will never change.

12
 Expectations

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.

This module is divided into two lessons, namely:

• Lesson 1: Communication Breakdown
• Lesson 2: Various Strategies to Avoid Communication Breakdown

After going through 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.

Lesson 1
Communication
Breakdown
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.

13
 Looking back to your lesson

Directions: Put the phrases or statements in the correct column. Write the letter of
your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

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.

Brief Introduction

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Communication is a process of exchanging thoughts, ideas, and opinions in order to
connect with other people. It’s goal is to achieve a clear and effective understanding
resulting to good relationships in the community. However, there are times when this
goal is not reached due to certain factors. When this happens, there is
communication breakdown.

Directions: Identify the reasons for the communication breakdown in each picture.
Write your answer in a separate sheet of paper similar to the box below.

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 Lesson

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

16
 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

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

17
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. confrontation with a friend
2. fear of speaking in front of the class.
3. racial prejudice

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 jar gon
3. using idiomatic expressions

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 Activities and Assessment

Activity 1
Directions: Identify the kind of communication barrier exemplified by each
description. Tell whether it is Physiological, Psychological, Cultural, or Linguistic
Barrier. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

______________________ 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

Activity 2
Directions: Explain why there is communication breakdown on the given situations.
Again, write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

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.

19
 _________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
5. In some Asian countries, direct eye contact is considered disrespectful and
rude. In others, it is a must.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Checking your Understanding

Directions: Answer the following questions. Write your answer on the separate sheet
of paper.

1. What is communication breakdown?

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

2. What are the barriers to communication?

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

3. Why does breakdown of communication occur?

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Post-test

20
Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answers on a separate sheet of
paper.

1. What influence the interpretation of conversation to

effective communication?
A. environment C. noise
B. language 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 C. personal interpretation
B. focused attention D. Both A and B

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

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

5. Which barrier includes the hearing or sight problem of the listener?

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

6. In which barrier can semantic noise be classified?

A. cultural barrier C. physical barrier
B. linguistic barrier D. Both A and 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 does gender be classified in communication?

A. cultural barrier C. Physical barrier

21
 B. linguistic barrier D. Both B and 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 C. physical barrier
B. linguistic barrier D. psychological barrier

For numbers 11-15, write T if the statement is TRUE and write F if it is FALSE.

_______1. Inability to understand a message causes failure in

communication.
_______2. The actual message is lost in transmission.
_______3. Emotional problems can sometimes color one’s understanding of
a message.
_______4. Culture may affect the interpretation of meaning in
communication.
_______5. Pictures, gadgets, and other paraphernalia in front of the stage
engage the audience in listening to the speaker.

Additional Activities

Choose between offline activity or online activity.

For Offline Activity

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.

22
 Rubric for Writing a Letter

Excellent Poor (2 Needs

Criteria (5 points) Very Good points) Improvemen
Good (3 points) t
(4 points) (1 point)

Content Show very Shows Enumerate Lacks No details

meaningful meaningful s evidence provided
content, content significant that
explanation complete points connect to
and relation with related to the
to real- explanation the topic provided
world topic
context
Mechanics Sentence Insignifican A few Some Sentence
structures t errors in errors in errors in structure is
are well - sentence sentence sentence incorrect,
defined, structure, structure, structure, grammar is
accurate, grammar, grammar, grammar, poor, and
and clear spelling spelling spelling errors in
with no and and and spelling and
spelling, punctuatio punctuatio punctuatio punctuation
punctuatio n are n are n are abound
n and noted. noted. present.
grammar
errors.
Organizatio Ideas are Ideas are Ideas are Ideas are No evidence
n very well focused slightly loosely of
organized, and organized organized. organization
coherence directed. of ideas.
and
cohesion
are very
evident.
Score
Total Score / 15 points

23
For Online Activity

Create a 5 Minute Vlog about communication breakdown. Be sure that the definition
and explanation why there is a communication breakdown are evident in the video.
Send the link of your presentation to your teacher.

Rubric for Creating a Vlog

Excellent Very Poor (2 Needs

Criteria (5 points) Good Good points) Improvem
(4 points) (3 points) e
nt
(1 point)

Content Presents Presents Presents Lacks No

accurate, ideas ideas in evidence connectio
complete strongly relation to that connect n to the
and connected the given presentation provided
wellexplain to the given topic to the topic
ed ideas topic provided
related to topic
the topic
Organizat Informatio Information Information, Information, No
io n n, video, , video, video, video, evidence
pictures pictures pictures and pictures and of
and other and other other other organizati
content content are content are content are on of
are very focused slightly loosely informatio
well and organized organized. n, video,
organized, directed. pictures
and and other
coherence content.
and
cohesion
are very
evident.
Technical Visuals are Visuals are Visuals are Visuals are Visuals
it y wellframed maintained maintained maintained are not in
and audio and audio in most in a few many
or or sound parts and parts and parts and
sound quality audio or audio or audio or
quality is sound sound sound

24
 is understand quality are quality are quality are
excellent ab understanda understanda poor
and le and bl bl throughou
suitable appropriate. e and e and t.
throughout appropriate.a appropriate.a
. l l
so in so in
most most
parts. parts.
Score
Total / 15 points
Score

25