Oral Communication in Context

1
Strategies in Various Speech Situations

Strategies in Various Speech Situations

This module aims that you:

1. Be able to identify the several types of speech context;
2. Be able to distinguish types of speech style;
3. Learn to identify social situations in which each speech
style is appropriate to use;
4. Lear how to engage in communications situations using
acceptable, polite, and meaningful strategies; and
5. Explain that a shift in speech context, speech style, speech
will have effects in several elements of the communication
process.

Intrapersonal Communication
Intrapersonal speech is often about clarifying ideas or analyzing situations
and other times about reflection and appreciation. We are both the sender
and receiver of the message.
a. Self-concept
a. The way we see ourselves will influence how we act,
and how we respond when interacting with others.
Our self-concept is affected by our beliefs, values,
and attitudes. Beliefs are our learned personal
orientation when deciding which is right or wrong,
good or bad; beliefs can either be prescriptive or
descriptive. Values, are ideals that are based on and
are aligned with what we believe in – our beliefs.
Attitudes are learned disposition against or for a
topic. This is also consistent with our values.
Attitudes are typically emotional. These three
elements play a significant role in affecting our
behavior. Behavior is how we conduct ourselves
towards others and yourself.
b. Perception
Perception focuses on looking outward. Our perception of the
world is deeply entwined in our self-concept. Perceptions are
rooted in our beliefs, attitudes, and values.
c. Expectations

Course Module
 Expectations are “future-oriented messages dealing with roles
we call life scripts”. Our relationship with other people mold
our expectations.

Interpersonal
Interpersonal communication is when we communicate with at least one
person other person, a small or large group.
a. Dyad – this kind of communication involves two
people in the process.
b. Small group – this involve three or more people.
Group communication is often done to solve
problems and strategize.
c. Public – this involves a large group of persons.
Usually a one-way monologue happens here. This
kind of communication has very little feedback.
Information sharing, broadcasting, and recitals are
some examples.

Types of Speech Style

Various occasions mean different speech styles. To be an effective
communicator, the context or circumstances should always be considered.
Styles of language changes according to who your receiver will be in addition
to taking into consideration the context of the communication.
1. Intimate
This kind of communication happens with our family and
closest friends. Using the correct grammar or clear
articulation doesn’t necessarily happen here. This is a
spontaneous setting and people tend to use jargon or slang,
repeat words, and many times use the wrong or unnecessary
words when they speak. Informal communication happens
here and, more often than not, mere utterance of sounds or
non-verbal cues already communicate a lot in this setting.
2. Casual
This is also used between family and friends. This applies to
daily conversations where colloquial words are often used.
Slang language and short sentence are often used in this
setting.
3. Consultative
This form of communication is used in group discussions,
conversations inside the school or work, trade speech
conventions, etc. This is the most operational type of speech.
Consultative speech is delivered in an average rate of speaking
speed. Spontaneity means shorter sentences and the presence
of repeating words, slangs, jargons, and wrong choice of words.
 Oral Communication in Context
3
Strategies in Various Speech Situations

This type of speech can be observed in schools, offices, and

organizations.
4. Formal
Formal speech is given in formal events where topics are about
serious problems/issues. Formal speeches are very careful
with wordings, has low tempo speech, contains technical
vocabulary with complex and divergent grammatical structure.
Repetition of words are avoided, people are addressed using
their full name and titles, when necessary.
5. Frozen
Frozen speech is the most formal style and is a standard in
ceremonies and respectful situations. Speech given in this
style is well articulated, symbolic, fixed and historical in
nature. The delivery is almost oratorical in style.

Types of Speech Act

1. Locution (Utterance)
This is an act of performance of an utterance; it can also have words, phrases
and sentences. Sentence has grammatical structure and a literal meaning.
This kind of act deals with “what was said” rather than “what does it mean”.
Ex. “ Hello!” (greeting someone)
“Don’t go in the water!” (strong command)
“How much is that?” (inquiry)
2. Illocution (Intention)
Illocution is about the intention of the speaker. The meaning will depend on
the context (why, where, when, and how) and the utterance of the speaker.
Compare:
“How’d you like to hand me that spoon?” (locution)
“Hand me that spoon!” (illocutionary force of command)
Remember: every sentence has a locutionary force and illocutuionary force)
Ex. “Can I get you to hand me that bag?” (locutionary force) – has structure
(linguistic meaning) `will I be able to be successful in getting your cooperation
in handing me that bag’
Illocutionary force: “Please hand me that bag”
3. Perlocution (Response)
This is when there is an effect of the utterance to the receiver from the
speaker. The response may be induced by inciting, comforting, scaring,
Course Module
 persuading or inspiring. This is act is used to change the feelings, actions, and
thoughts.
Ex. “All is well” (comforting)
“ I don’t want to see you ever again!” (inciting)
“If it’s too good to be true, run!” (scaring)

Communicative Competency
Being an effective communicator and a good speaker can be learned. The
following reading is about how you can improve yourself in communication.
Communicative competence “is when the cluster of abilities that enable
humans to convey and interpret messages and to negotiate meanings
personally within specific contexts”. Having communicative competence
means you have the knowledge on the language and have an aptitude on the
target language.
Communicative competency can be classified in four sub-categories (Canale
and Swain, 1980):
1. Grammatical competence – proficiency in syntax and
morphology
2. Discourse competence – ability to use the proper words
(cohesion) and coherence, which is the appropriate
combination of communicative function.
3. Sociolinguistic competence – ability to use the appropriate
words in a particular social situation.
4. Strategic competence – proficiency to cope and adjust with
the imperfect knowledge and ability to sustain
communication through various methods.

Types of Communicative Strategy

Communicative strategies are techniques on how to deal with difficulties
encountered when communicating. Here are the seven Communicative
Strategies:
1. Nomination
This is the act of getting the attention of your listener and
“nominating” or to start talking about a topic that you propose.
This act allows other people to talk during the discussion. An
example can be talking to your classmate while waiting for
your ride or a lengthy conversation on the phone between a
mother and her child who is physically away from her.
2. Restriction
This is the opposite of nomination. Restrictive speaking is a
one-way process of communicating. The listeners are not
allowed to speak up or provide feedback to the speaker. An
example can be a homily or a commencement speaker during
graduation.
 Oral Communication in Context
5
Strategies in Various Speech Situations

3. Turn-taking
Turn-taking is when the people involved in a conversation
decide who speaks next. The rules are dependent on norms,
culture, traditions, or mechanics. A parliamentary debate
provides this example. Speakers take turns in raising their
points or arguing against their opponents instead of everyone
speaking and raising points at the same time.
4. Topic control
Topic control is limiting the discussion only about the chosen
topic. In a debate, the affirmative side can only argue as to why
they are in favor of the given proposition, they cannot speak to
oppose this. The discourse in a debate is always a controlled
one. Another can also be class reporting, groups take turns in
reporting and the topic is predetermined or assigned before
the presentation.
5. Topic shifting
This strategy is used when a speaker needs to change the topic
being discussed. This requires the speaker to be polite,
prudent, and courteous when ending the topic and leading the
conversation to a new one. An example can be reporters, the
reporters are obligated to ask varied types of questions and he
or she must know how to shift from one topic to another.
6. Repair
Within the process of communicating, miscommunication or
misarticulation could occur which may result to stopping the
interaction. To repair is to correct, to ensure that interaction
does not stop, that the turn sequence does not fail and to avoid
the distortion of the subject. Repair can come from the
listener- other initiated, or from the speaker (self-initiated).
7. Termination
This strategy entails ending a conversation “artistically”. This
is to end the discussion indirectly or directly. Indirect
strategies can be gestures such as looking at your phone,
yawning, or looking somewhere else. Direct strategies, on the
other hand, is when you use verbal and non-verbal signals.
You can point at your watch or simply say “I have to go….” Or
“Sorry, I need to leave now. I think we’ve talked long enough”.

Course Module
References

Diaz, Rafaela Hernandez. (2014). Speech and Oral Communication for College
Students, Revised Edition. Quezon City: National Bookstore
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 Communication in Focus. Quezon City: Lormar
Publishing, Inc.
Flores, C.and Lopez E. (2008). Effective Speech Communication 5 th Edition.
National Bookstore: Philippines.
Galero-Tejero, E. (2008) Doorways to English Language Proficiency: A self-
improvement program. National Bookstore: Philippines
Cabbab, J. A. and Cabbab, F. C. 1994. Speech Communication and Skills
Development. Metro Manila: Bookmark.
Crable, R. E. 1982. Using Communication: A New Introduction for the 1980’s.
Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Hopper, R. and Whitehead, Jr, J. L. 1979. Communication Concepts and Skills.
New York: Harper & Row.
http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/~haroldfs/edling/handouts/speechacts/spchax2.
html