ENGLISH A: SPOKEN AND CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH

Module 1. Introduction to Communication

A. What is Communication?
Communication is the act of conveying meanings from one entity or group to another
through the use of mutually understood signs, symbols, and semiotic rules. The main steps
inherent to all communication are: The formation of communicative motivation or reason,
message composition, message encoding.

B. Types and Forms of Communication

Types of Communication
 Verbal communication
VERBAL COMMUNICATION
- Verbal communication refers to the form of communication in which message is transmitted
verbally
- Verbal communication is done by words, mouth or a piece of writing.

A. ORAL COMMUNICATION
- In oral communication, spoken words are used.
- It includes face-to-face conversations, speech, telephonic conversation, video, radio, television,
voice over internet.
- Communication is influence by volume, speed and clarity of speaking.

B. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
- In written communication, written signs or symbols are used to communicate.
- In written communication message can be transmitted via email, letter, report, memo etc.
- In written communication, is influenced by the vocabulary & grammar used, writing style,
precision and clarity of the language used.

 Non-verbal communication
- Nonverbal communication is the transfer of information through the use of body language
including eye contact, facial expressions, gestures and more. For example, smiling when you
meet someone conveys friendliness, acceptance and openness. Everyone uses nonverbal
communication all the time whether they know it or not.
Nonverbal communication is dependent on seeing and analyzing physical movements as
opposed to verbal communication, or the use of language to transfer information through
written text, speaking or sign language.

Forms of Communication - vary in terms of participants, channels used, and contexts. 

1. Interpersonal communication - is communication between people whose lives mutually
influence one another. Interpersonal communication builds, maintains, and ends our
relationships, and we spend more time engaged in interpersonal communication than the other
forms of communication.
2. Intrapersonal Communication - is communication with oneself using internal vocalization or
reflective thinking. 

Andrea Mae G. Verano, LPT (English A Instructor)

LA CARLOTA CITY COLLEGE
 ENGLISH A: SPOKEN AND CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH

3. Group communication - is communication among three or more people interacting to achieve a

shared goal. 
4. One-to-group communication - Public communication is a sender-focused form of
communication in which one person is typically responsible for conveying information to an
audience. Public speaking is something that many people fear, or at least don’t enjoy. But, just
like group communication, public speaking is an important part of our academic, professional,
and civic lives. When compared to interpersonal and group communication, public
communication is the most consistently intentional, formal, and goal-oriented form of
communication we have discussed so far.
5. Mass communication - Public communication becomes mass communication when it is
transmitted to many people through print or electronic media. Print media such as newspapers
and magazines continue to be an important channel for mass communication, although they
have suffered much in the past decade due in part to the rise of electronic media. Television,
websites, blogs, and social media are mass communication channels that you probably engage
with regularly. Radio, podcasts, and books are other examples of mass media. The technology
required to send mass communication messages distinguishes it from the other forms of
communication. 

C. The Speech Communication Process

1. Speaker – the person who initiates a speech

transaction
2. Message- whatever a speaker communicates to
someone else
3. Channel- means by which a message is
communicated
4. Listener- the receiver of the communicated
message
5. Feedback- comes in many forms and must be
understood
6. Interference- anything that hold back or hinder the
communication of the message
7. Situation- the time and place of occurrence

Andrea Mae G. Verano, LPT (English A Instructor)

LA CARLOTA CITY COLLEGE
 ENGLISH A: SPOKEN AND CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH

D. Language Variations
In every situation you encounter, you use speech appropriate to the person to whom you are
speaking and his or her context. The language you use when talking to your friends is not the same
language you would use when meeting someone as important as the Queen. This difference in language
formality is called register.
Language Register- the level of formality with which you speak. Different situations and people call for
different registers.

1. Frozen or Static
At this level, language is literally “frozen” in time and form. It does not change. This type of language is
often learned and repeated by rote.
Examples: biblical verse, prayers, Pledge of Allegiance

2. Formal or Academic Register

this style is impersonal and often follows a prescriptive formal. The speaker uses complete sentences,
avoids slang and may use technical or academic vocabulary. It is likely that the speaker will use fewer
contractions, but opt instead for complete words. (Have not instead of haven’t)
This register includes academic language from speeches, proclamations and formal announcements.

3. Consultative Register
This is the register used when consulting an expert such as doctor. The language used is more precise.
This register is formal and acceptable speech often used in professional settings. Some examples of this
register include discourse between teachers and students, judges and lawyers, doctors and patients, and
between a superior and a subordinate.
Examples: doctor (Sir or Madam) (Mr. or Mrs.)

4. Casual Register
The register is conversational in tone. It is the language used among and between friends, words are
general, rather than technical.
This register is used among friends and peers, and includes informal language including slang and
colloquialisms.

5. Intimate Register
This register is reserved for close family members such as parents and children and siblings, or intimate
people such as spouses. It is best avoided in public and professional situations.

Andrea Mae G. Verano, LPT (English A Instructor)

LA CARLOTA CITY COLLEGE