Oral

Communication
in Context
 Oral Communication
in Context
Functions, Nature and Process of
Communication
Oral Communication in Context
Functions, Nature and Process of Communication
First Edition, 2020

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work of the Government of the Philippines.
However, prior approval of the government agency or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of
such work for profit. Such agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names, trademarks, etc.) included in this module are
owned by their respective copyright holders. Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials
from their respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership over them.

Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Mark Anthony P. Idang; Ethel B. Dasig

Editors: Marites M. Aguilar; Rizza A. Pereyra
Reviewer: Liza L. Banayo; Lea C. Villegas; Erma S. Valenzuela; Laila R. Maloles, Jhonathan S. Cadavido
Illustrator: Joseph O. Ocfemia
Layout Artist: Allan E. Medenilla
Management Team: Wilfredo E. Cabral, Job S. Zape Jr., Elaine T. Balaogan, Marites A. Ibañez; Ludy N. Pasagui,
Edgardo B. Militante, Orlando T. Valverde, Vincent Emmanuel L. Ilagan, Godofredo C. Mercado,
Henry P. Contemplacion

Department of Education – Region IV-A CALABARZON

Office Address: Gate 2 Karangalan Village, Barangay San Isidro

Cainta, Rizal 1800
Telefax: 02-8682-5773/8684-4914/8647-7487
E-mail Address: region4a@deped.gov.ph
Introductory Message
For the Facilitator:

Welcome to the Oral Communication in Context Grade 11 Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM).

This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by educators both from public and private institutions to assist
you, the teacher or facilitator in helping the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while overcoming the ir
personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and independent learning activities at their own pace and time.
Furthermore, this also aims to help learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking into consideration their needs and
circumstances.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module. You also need to keep track of the learne rs' progress
while allowing them to manage their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the learners as they do
the tasks included in the module.

For the Learner:

Welcome to the Oral Communication in Context Grade 11 Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM).

The hand is one of the most symbolized part of the human body. It is often used to depict skill, action and purpose. Through our
hands, we may learn, create and accomplish. Hence, the hand in this learning resource signifies that you, as a learner, are capable
and empowered to successfully achieve the relevant competencies and skills at your own pace and time. Your academic success lies
in your own hands!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own
leap and speed. You will be enabled to process the contents of the learning resource while being an active learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

What I Need to
Know This will give you an idea of the skills or competencies you are expected to learn in the
module.

What’s In
This is a brief drill or review to help you link the current lesson with the previous one.

What’s New
In this portion, the new lesson will be introduced to you in various ways such through as a
story, a song, a poem, a problem opener, an activity or a situation.

What is It
This section provides a brief discussion of the lesson. This aims to help you discover and
understand new concepts and skills.

What’s More
This comprises activities for independent practice to solidify your understanding and skills
of the topic. You may check the answers to the exercises using the Answer Key at the end of
the module.

What I Have
Learned This includes questions that you need to answer so you can process what
you have learned from the lesson.

What I Can Do
This section provides an activity which will help you transfer your new knowledge or skill
into real life situations or concerns.

Assessment This is a task which aims to evaluate your level of mastery in achieving the learning
competency.

Additional
Activities In this portion, another activity will be given to you to enrich your knowledge or skill of the
lesson learned. This also tends retention of learned concepts.

Answer Key This contains answers to all activities in the module.

At the end of this module you will also find:

References This is a list of all sources used in developing this module.

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 Week

What I Need to Know 1

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you master
the nature, process and function of communication. 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.

This module consists of one lesson, namely:

 The Functions, Nature and Process of Communication

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. explain the nature and process of communication;
2. understand the relationship of the functions of communication to everyday
life; and
3. illustrate the process of communication.

Lesson 1 The Nature and Process of

Communication
Communication comes in various forms. From the simple nodding of your
head, stretching of hands, 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, these are but some examples of how humans
communicate their thoughts, feelings, ideas, and insights. These only signify that
humans really engage in communication.

What’s In

How will you react to the following picture?

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 Believe it or not, your coming to your family is a great joy! Your first cry
immediately after birth announced your arrival into this world. Afterwards, your
mother understood that when you cry, you were hungry and gave you milk in
response. Your face also expressed your feelings. As years passed by, you started
pronouncing short words and responded by waving your hands or nodding your
head and most of the times, laughing out loud. Today, you can act out, speak,
and write to tell everyone what you think and feel. These are the ways you
communicate.

What’s New

When you exchange ideas with someone or you send information to others,
you do it in two ways. You either use words to say what you want to say or you
express yourself through gestures and facial expressions. Since then, people have
the inherent need to communicate. Humans are social beings. They live to interact
regularly with others. In fact, their endurance is due to their ability to express
themselves and connect to one another and the world they live in.

When you look back in the history of humankind, you will find that early man
could not speak as you do today. Records show that people have used various
communication techniques such as the use of symbols, gestures sounds, drawings,
and sign languages (Littlejohn, 2002 as cited in Amudavalli, n.d.). Words and
languages developed much later in human history.

Over the years, communication has progressed tremendously. Language

developed side by side with technology. Now in the 21st century, we realize the
power of communication in building relationships and the community at large.
Hence, we see the importance of communication.

Look at the pictures below. Identify the different ways of communicating with others.

1. ___________________________________ 2. _______________________________________

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 3. ______________________________ 4. _____________________________________

5. ________________________________________

What is It
What is communication and why do we communicate?

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. People have always communicated with one another in various forms.

Let us further define communication using the two key terms stated above,
“message” and “understand”.

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 1. Communication is a message understood.
Unless a message is understood we cannot say that communication has taken
place. Let us send a message to someone and say, “where came first”. The person
who gets this message would wonder what it means for the arrangement of the words
does not make any sense. The message is sent but the receiver does not understand
it. Therefore, 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.
2. Communication is social interaction through messages.
Think of someone telling, “It is very warm today.” In this case, we are
communicating what ‘we experience’. The weather being warm is what we feel or
experience physically. In this scenario, we are sharing our feeling or experience with
someone else. Thus, we may say that “communication is a sharing of experience.” 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. Imagine a situation where we are not able to speak and interact with
others or think of a family living in the same house without speaking to each other
or relating any form of message to one another. Such situation can be very lonely
and problematic. Without communication, all forms of human relationships will
vanish and die. Communication is therefore crucial in building and maintaining
relationships.

THE COMMUNICATION PROCESS

There are also times when we fail to communicate adequately and experience
misunderstanding or miscommunication. Why do you think this thing happens?
What are the ways to avoid them?
We are sometimes misunderstood by the level of speech we use during
conversation - by the volume or rate we talk with friends or acquaintances. We may
sometimes be misunderstood by the non-verbal actions that we project or incorporate
in our speech when talking face-to-face with people. Also, when we send text or chat
messages, we are misinterpreted because those messages are often brief and devoid
of emotion.
Let us now try to consider the process of communication. How does
communication take place? Who are involved? What processes are considered? By
understanding the communication process, we can also duly avoid
misunderstandings and / or miscommunication.

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 Our everyday transactions with people follow the communication process.
As seen in the illustration, communication begins when the speaker or source
of communication responds to a stimulus and decides to encode or transmit it in
the form of a message (or a “code”) through a particular channel or means of
communication.
The receiver decodes or interprets the message sent and responds accordingly
based on his interpretation of the message. This response comes in the form of a
feedback sent to the original source of communication (sender). 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
in society has advanced and has been a subject of many studies.

FUNCTIONS OF COMMUNICATION

Why do we communicate?
Since communication is certain in our lives, it comes naturally and
unknowingly. Communication serves many purposes. The following are some of the
many reasons why we, humans, communicate:

Inform Misinform Counsel Sell

Clarify Question Express Promote

Buy Confuse Confirm Advise

Teach Learn Persuade Reveal

Accept Affirm Clarify Motivate

Criticize Deny Conceal And many others

From the above table, we realize that communication serves many purposes.
Whether we are at home, in school, at work, or at play, people engage in
communication. You will discuss these functions in detail in Module 4.

What’s More

Think of communication transactions in your daily life. Enumerate situations where

communication takes place. Then, indicate the result of the communication
transaction and tell whether it is successful or not by writing the elements that made
it so and specify its function on the third column. Use a separate sheet of paper to
answer this.

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 Situation Result of the communication Function of
transaction Communication

When I was 12, my father

Message was clear that I need to
told me that I am in-charge
perform my task. At first the
of cooking the rice every
communication was successful. I
lunch time whenever I am
thought other family members will
available. One time, I forgot to inform
do my task because I am doing
to cook rice because I got and
other things. My fault there was I
busy on my assignment. As to clarify
failed to communicate to them that
a result we did not have food
I am busy doing my assignment.
to eat. My father reminded
Should I have communicated this
me again about the task
earlier, we would have rice to eat.
assigned to me.

You may probably have recalled many situations that occurred from the time
you woke up until the time that you are about to sleep at night. This is because
communication transactions happen every time we interact with our own selves
and with others. We cannot help but communicate!

What I Have Learned

Activity 1: KWLH Chart

Now, based on the details above, fill-in the following KWLH Chart to see your learning
status in this module. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
K W L H
(What do I (What (What did I (How did I
know before concepts or learn from learn it? Cite
the start of ideas do I this lesson?) samples and
this module?) want to know situations)
more?)

Nature of
Communication

Process of
Communication

Functions of
Communication

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Activity 2: Social Media Post
Show what you have learned creatively. Compose a Twitter or Facebook post of your
most important insights about the definition, nature, process and function of
communication. Include hashtags at the end of your post.

What I Can Do
Activity 1: Comic Strip
Create a comic strip showing how you would communicate to your community the
advantages of following health protocols and guidelines amidst COVID-10 pandemic
in your municipality or province. You may cut-out pictures of people or authorities
to depict your character, but be sure to write your own original scripts and texts.

Activity 2: Reflections
Explain how you can use this lesson in your life. Make a reflection using the
following paragraph starters.

Today, I learned ….
______________________________________________________________________

I realized …
______________________________________________________________________

Therefore, I will…
______________________________________________________________________

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 Assessment

Directions: Read each item carefully then choose the letter that corresponds to your
answer. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

1. It is the exchange of thoughts, messages, or information as by speech,

signals, writing or behavior.
A. communication C. language
B. feedback D. message

2. These are considered forms of communication.

1. talking clearly 3. sending emails
2. chewing gum 4. looking bored

A. 1234 B. 134 only C. 342 only D. 1 only

3. This body language shows that one is listening.

A. nodding and making eye contact
B. looking out of the window
C. turning away from the speaker
D. whistling while biting nails

4. It is the sender of the message.

A. barrier
B. originator
C. receiver
D. sender

5. It is a good indication that good communication occurs.

A. destructed C. unreceived
B. confused D. shared

6. It is shown when there is an understanding in the communication.

A. Each gets a chance to be the sender and the receiver.
B. Each party is able to provide feedback.
C. Each party is able to say what they want to without the other person
interrupting.
D. Each party has different languages.

7. It is the content of the communication.

A. jargon C. message
B. media D. noise

8. This communication type is characterized by a certain look or gaze.

A. non-verbal Communication
B. oral Communication
C. verbal Communication
D. written Communication

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 9. It is the definition of communication.
1. Communication involves a transaction.
2. Communication is sharing of ideas among a group of people.
3. Communication is a confusion of ideas in the mind of the other.
4. Communication is a transfer of messages from one person to
another.
A. 1234 B. 234 only C. 124 only D. 4 only

10. This is the BEST way to continue communication.

A. active listening
B. asking questions
C. not interrupting
D. making good eye contact

11. It is known when the receiver gives a verbal or non-verbal message.

A. answer C. response
B. feedback D. none given

12. It is an indication that communication really takes place.

A. when the message enters the channel
B. when the message leaves the channel
C. when the receiver understands the message
D. when the sender transmits the message

13. This is to be avoided for effective communication.

A. ambiguity C. politeness
B. listening D. sharing of activity

14. This is essential to an effective communication.

A. three-way process
B. both a one-way and a two-way process
C. one-way process
D. two-way process

15. This refers to the responsibility of the person who receives the message
for communication to take place.
A. feedback C. perception
B. non-verbal clues D. self-concept

Additional Activities
Picture Talk. Write short conversations using the cut-out pictures from
magazines, brochures, or any other materials. Consider the nature and process of
communication. Be guided by the following rubric in making your output. Use a
separate sheet of paper for this.
Choose one topic that might interest you:
1. Fake News
2. ECQ/MECQ/GCQ
3. Use of Technology in Online Communication
4. Gulayan sa Tahanan
5. Essential Needs vs. Non-Essential Needs
6. Others

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 3 2 1

Content/ The output clearly The output partially The output has no
Elements illustrated the illustrated the clear connection of
concepts of nature concepts of nature the concepts of
and processes of and processes of nature and
communication. communication. processes of
communication.

Coherence The script or The script or There is no

dialogue has clear dialogue partly gives coherence in the
and concise clear message script or dialogue
message. at all.

Relevance The output clearly The output partly The output has no
talks about the talks about the clear discussion of
topic chosen. chosen topic. the chosen topic.

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 Oral Communication
in Context
Communication Models
Oral Communication in Context
Communication Models
First Edition, 2020

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work of the Government of the Philippines.
However, prior approval of the government agency or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of
such work for profit. Such agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names, trademarks, etc.) included in this module are
owned by their respective copyright holders. Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials
from their respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership over them.

Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Divina P. Maming

Editors: Marites M. Aguilar; Rizza A. Pereyra
Reviewer: Liza L. Banayo; Lea C. Villegas; Leilani J. Miranda; Jhonathan S. Cadavido
Illustrator: Joseph O. Ocfemia
Layout Artist: Allan E. Medenilla
Management Team: Wilfredo E. Cabral, Job S. Zape Jr., Elaine T. Balaogan, Edna Faura-Agustin, Nicholas M. Burgos
Mary Ann L. Tatlongmaria, Evelyn P. De Castro

Department of Education – Region IV-A CALABARZON

Office Address: Gate 2 Karangalan Village, Barangay San Isidro

Cainta, Rizal 1800
Telefax: 02-8682-5773/8684-4914/8647-7487
E-mail Address: region4a@deped.gov.ph

12
Week

2 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.

Lesson 2 Communication Models

What’s In

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

13
arise. But still, the end goal of communication is always for building better human
relationships.

Last time, we talked about the functions, nature and process of

communication. Let us recall some key terms that you encountered from the previous
lesson.

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.

What Is New

How often do you and your family eat all together? What do you normally talk
about? Read the anecdote and extract the different communication situations that
you will find in the story.

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 The Glitch

By Divina P. Maming

Dela Cruz family came together for

breakfast. Each had his own story to tell
about his experiences for the week. This
is the usual scenario every Sunday
morning.

“Good morning kids!” greeted the

mother who had just finished setting the table for five. Tonio and Maria could not
wait to reach for their chairs with a big grin on their faces as they said, “Good
morning, nanay!”

Criselda walked out from her room, still sleepy, her hair unkempt, her
sleepwear on but appeared equally thrilled as her siblings shared the table with their
mother.

“Nanay, I can smell the aroma of your best delicacy, adobo,” she remarked.
“Yeah, I know. It is the favorite of the family so adobo is what I prepared today,” she
answered. Criselda replied, “I can’t wait to taste it!”

Mang Cardo, the man of the family, is a clerk in one of the rural banks in
town. He was talking to somebody over the phone; his voice echoed excitement but
later on, his positive mood gradually vanished. As he turned towards the table, he
shrugged his shoulders for disappointment.

“Let’s eat!” mother exclaimed, wanting to turn the situation around. But
everybody seemed to have been overwhelmed by their father’s silence. It was the first
time they saw him in a really low spirit. “What happened?” at last, the wife asked.

“I may lose my job,” he said with a croaky voice.

“But why?” Aling Terie was surprised and so were the children. She quickly
walked towards him and patted his shoulder. “It’s okay. You can still find another
job,” she said offering him a seat.

The children also let their father feel their support as they smilingly uttered,
“Tatay, don’t worry, we are here to help.”

“Yes, we will assist nanay in selling fish in the market after school hours,”
Tonio said. “Maybe we can add vegetables to sell too, for additional income,” Maria
added. Criselda, on the other hand, volunteered to do the home chores.

“Thank you, my dear children,” was all Aling Terie could say.

Mang Cardo was moved by his family’s gesture. He was not expecting for such
an all-out support. He felt good about it. He started asking his kids about their
activities in school and how they fared in their subjects.

15
 Each of them excitedly told his own story. Criselda declared, “I got highest
score in Math, so my teacher rewarded me with a bar of chocolate.” Tonio then
mentioned about their project in Science which could eliminate foot smell and
everyone poked fun at it. They asked him whether they could try the product to see
if it would really work. Maria spoke about their field trip to the town’s historical
heritage and talked about what she learned from it.

Exchanges of stories persisted until someone gave Mang Cardo a ring. The
ringing lasted for some seconds and finally, he stood up to answer the call.

As he returned to the table, he was smiling. He was informed that the

retrenchment was not for him; it was a mistake. Now, the glitch is fixed and he is to
report to work the next day again.

All of them could not contain their happiness. And so, they sat down again to
eat all together. “We will go to the church after breakfast, as usual,” Mang Cardo
sighed with relief.

Now, answer the following questions:

1. What are the different communication instances in the story?
_________________________________________________________________________
2. How did each communication scenario develop?
_________________________________________________________________________
3. Did a conflict arise in the story? What kind of conflict is it? Did it affect the
communication process? How did the rest of the family members react to it?
_________________________________________________________________________
4. How can we establish a good communication?
_________________________________________________________________________
5. What is the importance of communication in our daily life?
_________________________________________________________________________

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
disagreement?

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 gives an avenue for people to express their ideas, thoughts,
feelings, and insights. Without it, societies will be restrained from developing and

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progressing. With all the advancements in technology, communication nowadays
has changed dramatically, adapting to the 21st century way of life.

Look at the representations below. They will help you understand the basic
elements of communication. See how they 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 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 an email, reading a blog, or even the traditional way
of having letters sent.

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

17
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.
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

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 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.

19
 The communicator (source) encodes the message and transmits it
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
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

20
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?

B. Directions: Identify the elements that constitute the communication process by

answering the crossword puzzle below. Write your answer on a separate sheet of
paper.

Across:

1. the reaction or
response provided by
the receiver of the
information
4. the recipient of the
message sent

Down:

2. the source of the information or message

3. the information or idea conveyed
5. the factor affecting the communication flow

21
C. Directions: Read the given situations and fill in the grid below by identifying the
elements of communication.

1. Rosa instructs her little brother to water the plants in their garden. However,
she did not notice that her brother was wearing headphones when she gave
instructions. She learned too late that her brother did not do what she told
him.
source
message
receiver
Barrier (if any)
2. Gerry bought a can of milk from the nearby store. As it was handed to him, he
checked its expiration date. He found out that the product is already expired
and reported it to the storekeeper.
message
receiver
Feedback (if any)
3. Trina’s mother gave her a ring and requested for a video call. The poor internet
connection did not make it possible. They resorted to just texting each other.
source
channel
Barrier (if any)

D. Directions: Write a response to each of the following dialogue prompts to

complete the communication processes.

Trisha: Gaby, can’t you see that grandma crossing the street?
She might be hit by the speeding vehicles.
Your answer: __________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________.

Rica: Hey Reggie! Are you going to join the Bible study this afternoon?
Reggie: I will ask permission from my parents because it may end late.
Your answer: ________________________________________________.

22
 You are comfortably seated on a bus full of passengers for a
long drive. Before it departs, a pregnant woman persuades the driver
to count her in even if she’ll be standing the whole trip.
Driver: Ma’am, there are no more vacant seats.
Pregnant Woman: Please sir, I’m already tired from the day’s work and
I’d like to go home to take a rest.
You: _____________________________________________________________.

What I Have Learned

Answer the following questions:

1. What are the different communication models?

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

2. What sets each apart from the other?

___________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

3. Why is communication an important part of life?

___________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

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. Note down how
the communication transpires. Identify the different elements that are present
in the communication process and illustrate it.

23
 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.

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

A. A group of teenagers planning for a big event
B. The committee finding ways to reach for the less fortunate in their
barangay.
C. The Philippine President delivering his SONA
D. A and B

7. 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

8. 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

9. Which communication model focuses on the message sent to the recipient?

A. Interactive Model C. Transactional model
B. Linear Model D. A combination of A and B

24
10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. In the situation given in #12, what element of communication is NOT

present?
A. barrier B. context C. feedback D. receiver

14. 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.
C. It offers solution to the community problems.
D. It paves a way to conflict.

15. What happens when the message is NOT clearly conveyed?

A. The communication continues.
B. The communicators end the communication process.
C. The recipient may get the wrong information to share with others.
D. The situation will never change.

25
 Additional Activities
A. List down examples of situation in each of the given communication models

Shannon-Weaver Model Schramm Model Transactional Model

B. Write a 10-sentence paragraph in this situation. As a student, if you are to address

the nation or the Filipino people in this time of pandemic, what would you tell
them? You may post it on your social media account (not compulsory) and see
the different reactions you will get. You may clarify points but refrain from building
conflicts in the process.

C. Exchange e-mails or messages with your friends regarding your ECQ experiences
and how do you see and feel about it. Tell them how it affects your life.

26
 Oral Communication
in Context
Strategies to Avoid
Communication Breakdown
Oral Communication in Context
Strategies to Avoid Communication Breakdown
First Edition, 2020

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work of the Government of the Philippines.
However, prior approval of the government agency or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of
such work for profit. Such agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names, trademarks, etc.) included in this module are
owned by their respective copyright holders. Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials
from their respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership over them.

Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Jhon Jhon P. Zotomayor, Fely Rose M. Nacario

Editors: Marites M. Aguilar, Rizza A. Pereyra
Reviewer: Liza L. Banayo, Lea C. Villegas, Leilani J. Miranda, Erma S. Valenzuela, Jhonathan S. Cadavido
Illustrator: Joseph O. Ocfemia
Layout Artist: Allan E. Medenilla
Management Team: Wilfredo E. Cabral, Job S. Zape Jr., Elaine T. Balaogan, Edna Faura-Agustin, Marites A. Ibañez,
Nicholas M. Burgos, Edgardo B. Militante, Mary Ann L. Tatlongmaria, Orlando T. Valverde, Evelyn P. De Castro
Godofredo C. Mercado

Department of Education – RegionIV-A CALABARZON

Office Address: Gate 2 Karangalan Village, Barangay San Isidro

Cainta, Rizal 1800
Telefax: 02-8682-5773/8684-4914/8647-7487
E-mail Address: region4a@deped.gov.ph

27
 Week

What I Need to Know

3
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 3 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.

What’s In
Directions: Put the phrases or statements in the correct column. Write the letter of
your answer.
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

28
 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.

What’s New
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.

What is It
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.

29
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

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.

30
 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 jargon
3. using idiomatic expressions

What’s More
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

31
______________________ 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.

1. Jay and Michelle started talking about their plans on 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.
___________________________________________________________________________
In some Asian countries, direct eye contact is considered disrespectful and
rude. In others, it is a must.
___________________________________________________________________________
What I Have Learned
Directions: Explain your understanding on the given 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?

___________________________________________________________________________

32
 What I Can Do
Interview some people and ask them about a past communication breakdown they
have experienced and what was its cause.
1.1. Complete the table by answering the following questions:
a. Who were the persons involved?
b. What was the situation?
c. When did the communication breakdown happen?
d. What were the barriers to communication?
e. What happened due to the communication breakdown?

1.2 Identify the cause of the communication breakdown.

An example is provided for you:

Persons Situation Time of Barrier/s to Result
Involved Communication Communication

Aling Aling Celia When Reysa was Physiological Aling Celia was
Celia and asked Reysa watching her Barrier upset because
Reysa to wash the favorite anime Reysa did not
(Mother & dishes. series do as told.
Daughter)

What was the cause of communication breakdown?

Reysa’s lack of attention caused the communication breakdown.

Now, do the following on your own. Interview someone from home, school and
community.
Persons Situation Time of Barrier/s to Result
Involved Communication Communication

What was the cause of the communication breakdown?

_________________________________________________________________________

Assessment
Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter 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

33
 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
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.

34
 _______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.
Rubric for Writing a Letter
Excellent Poor Needs
Criteria (5 points) Very Good (2 points) Improvement
Good (3 points) (1 point)
(4 points)
Content Show very Shows Enumerates Lacks No details
meaningful meaningful significant evidence provided
content, content points that
explanation complete related to connect to
and relation to with the topic the
real-world explanation provided
context topic
Mechanics Sentence Insignificant A few errors Some errors Sentence
structures are errors in in sentence in sentence structure is
well - defined, sentence structure, structure, incorrect,
accurate, and structure, grammar, grammar, grammar is
clear with no grammar, spelling and spelling and poor, and
spelling, spelling and punctuation punctuation errors in
punctuation punctuation are noted. are present. spelling and
and grammar are noted. punctuation
errors. abound
Organization Ideas are very Ideas are Ideas are Ideas are No evidence of
well organized, focused and slightly loosely organization of
coherence and directed. organized organized. ideas.
cohesion are
very evident.
Score
Total Score / 15 points
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 to your teacher the link of your presentation.
Rubric for Creating a Vlog

Excelle Very Poor Needs

Criteria nt Good Good (2 points) Improvemen
(5 (4 points) (3 points) t
points) (1 point)

35
Content Presents Presents ideas Presents ideas Lacks evidence No connection
accurate, strongly in relation to that connect to the provided
complete connected to the given topic presentation to topic
and well- the given topic the provided
explained topic
ideas
related to
the topic
Organization Informati Information, Information, Information, No evidence of
on, video, video, pictures video, pictures video, pictures organization of
pictures and other and other and other information,
and content are content are content are video, pictures
other focused and slightly loosely and other
content directed. organized organized. content.
are very
well
organized
, and
coherenc
e and
cohesion
are very
evident.
Technicality Visuals Visuals are Visuals are Visuals are Visuals are not
are well- maintained maintained in maintained in in many parts
framed and audio or most parts and a few parts and audio or
and sound quality audio or sound and audio or sound quality
audio or is quality are sound quality are poor
sound understandabl understandabl are throughout.
quality is e and e and understandabl
excellent appropriate. appropriate.als e and
and o in most appropriate.als
suitable parts. o in most
througho parts.
ut.
Score
Total Score / 15 points

36
Week

4 Lesson 3.1 Various Strategies to Avoid

Communication Breakdown
What’s In
In Lesson 1, you have learned the concept of communication breakdown and its
causes. Now, you will understand how this breakdown of communication can be
avoided.

Directions: List down two (2) to three (3) situations based on your What I Can Do
Activity in Lesson 1 in which communication breakdowns were experienced at
home, school, and community. Then, suggest one best strategy to avoid that
communication breakdown.
Example:

Breakdown: The DOST scholar uses technical words in explaining his research to
the barangay secretariats which resulted to confusion among them.

Strategy: The DOST scholar should use simple and specific words about his
research to the barangay secretariats so they would fully understand his message.

Experiences of Communication Strategies to Avoid Communication

Breakdown Breakdown

What’s New
The process of communication does not mention and explain about the barriers or
problems that may be encountered in a communication transaction. They are simply
implied or understood in the process. However, after understanding the concept of
communication breakdown and its causes, we may realize that failure in
communication may be avoided through certain strategies that we could adapt.

37
Here is an article entitled 5 Ways to Avoid Communication Breakdown by Ronnie
Peterson.

5 Ways to Avoid Communication Breakdown

by Ronnie Peterson

Communication breakdown can cause issues or problems at home, school, and

community. There are so many barriers to communication like, physiological,
psychological, cultural, and linguistics.

Sometimes some communication barriers are too difficult to solve and this will
lead to slowing the progress and efficiency.

Here are the possible strategies to avoid communication breakdown:

1. Have Clarity of thought before speaking

Arrange your thoughts before verbalizing them this can help you
communicate much more clearly and succinctly. It's a better idea to say
something like, "I've got a few ideas here. Let me go through them one at a
time. We can treat each one on its own merit."

2. Learn to Listen
As simple as it sounds, you’ll be surprised how many people out there
don’t know how to listen well.

Not understanding those who you are trying to communicate with will lead
to a conversation fraught with misunderstandings. Don’t be afraid to ask
them to repeat or explain further in polite manner once you don’t
understand the point.

3. Take Care of your Body Language and Tone

Keep your emotions in check, try to maintain eye contact, and adopt a
relaxed tone when conversing with others.

4. Build up your confidence by asking for feedback and observing others

Focus on improving your skills by practicing in front of those who you may
feel more comfortable with. You can also ask those whose advice you value
to give you feedback and critique your communication style after a
discussion.

5. Communicate Face to Face on the important issues

Having that face to face dialogue means you can convey your point more
clearly, with your body language as well as your tone of voice.

38
 It can also help to clear up any misunderstandings or distortion of the
message that could occur through other mediums.
Remember, becoming a strong and effective communicator takes time and
practice. Over time, using these strategies can lead to better communication in
your personal relationships, and more productive workplace environments as
well.

Answer the following questions based on the article above.

1. What are the barriers to communication mentioned from the article?

______________________________________________________________________________

2. How can communication breakdowns be avoided?

______________________________________________________________________________

3. In your opinion, which is the easiest and most difficult way to avoid
communication breakdown?

______________________________________________________________________________

4. Do you think effective communication avoid communication breakdown? Why

or why not? Do you agree that becoming a strong and effective communicator
takes time and practice? Why or why not?

______________________________________________________________________________

What is It
A smooth and successful communication transaction may result if we follow some
particular strategies to deliver our message. Communication becomes successful if
and only if our communication goal is achieved, that is, an understanding is reached
and a relationship is built or maintained.

Here are some strategies to avoid communication breakdown.

Keep Focused
One way of being focused is to put in mind the purpose communication. As a
speaker identify your purpose for speaking and as a listener find the speaker’s
purpose thru his/her verbal and non-verbal cues.

Speak Intelligibly
Speaking intelligibly or clearly means using the appropriate speaking volume,
pitch rate, proper enunciation, stress, and acceptable pronunciation. We speak
in order to be understood.

Listen with your Ears and Eyes

Pay attention to verbal and non-verbal message. Effective communication
depends on what people say and how they say it.

39
 Minimize Distractions
Look for a place where you can minimize distractions or noise like closed area,
empty room, or quiet places. Lessening the cause for confusion means giving
more room to focus and concentrate.

Be Specific
Use simple and concise words as much as possible in delivering a message.
Being specific means being particular and direct to the point.

Do not Jump to Conclusions

Before you give your comments and judgement, be sure that you have listened
attentively to the speaker. Conclusions should be drawn after a thorough
analysis of point given or information received.

Tips on How to Avoid Communication Breakdown

Broom, Cutlip and Center (2012) listed the 7Cs of Effective Communication in
their book Effective Public Relations. These are Completeness, Conciseness,
Consideration, Concreteness, Courtesy, Clearness, and Correctness.

Completeness
It is important to whole communication process. The speaker should
include everything that the receiver needs to hear, respond, react, or
evaluate properly. S/he should be able to convey all pertinent details so
listener or audience will be able to grasp the intended message.

Conciseness
The message should be direct or straight to the point and should be
expressed in the least possible number of words. Irrelevant information
should not be included.

Consideration
In order to be effective, the speaker should give high regard and courtesy
to audience’s background information such as his/her culture,
education, religion, status, mood, feelings, and needs. This will result in
building rapport or connection with the audience.

Concreteness
Effective communication is backed up by facts, figures, and real-life
examples or situations. This will make the receiver to understand the
message better.

40
 Courtesy
The speaker can show respect to his/her receivers through
understanding their culture, values, and beliefs. The speaker can show
respect to the listeners by demonstrating an understanding of their
beliefs, values, and culture. This implies good choice of words and
language and a consideration of the audience’s perspectives and feelings
on the part of the sender. Showing courtesy helps create a positive vibe
with the audience. This implies good choice of words and language on the
part of the sender and consideration of audience’s perspectives.

Clearness
It implies the use of simple and specific words to express ideas. When
the speaker focuses on specific ideas, it will not confuse the audience.

Correctness
Avoiding mistakes in grammar helps to boost the credibility and
effectiveness of the message, and at the same time it eliminates negative
impact on the audience.

Breakdowns in communication may arise because of several factors. But

these factors may be avoided if we follow strategies put forward by experts in the
field. Communication is a transaction that we do everyday. By following the 7 Cs of
communication espoused by Broom, Cutlip and Center (2012), we may achieve
understanding in communicating with others and avoid confusion and
misinterpretations.
Avoiding communication breakdown helps you to be an effective speaker.
Below are some strategies which you can use to avoid breakdown communication.
Helpful Expressions to Avoid Communication Breakdown

Strategies to Avoid Communication Helpful Expressions

Breakdown

Use helpful expressions to gain time to “Really”

think
“Uhmm”

“Uh-huh”

“Anyway”

“Tell me more…”

Give positive remarks or comments “”Sounds good”

“I see what you mean”

Ask for repetition “Can you please what you said?”

“What did you say again?”

“What did you mean, when you say

that…”

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 Check for understanding “So, are you saying that…”

“So, what is your understanding of

this?”

What’s More
Activity 1
Directions: Match column A with the best answer in column B. Write your answer
on the space provided.
Column A Column B

_____ 1. It refers to the use of simple and A. Keep Focused

precise words.

_____ 2. The speaker should identify his/her B. Be Specific

purpose for speaking.

_____ 3. He/she must pays attention to the C. Do not Jump to

verbal and non-verbal cues. Conclusions

_____ 4. He/she must find closed areas or quiet D. Speak

plays to avoid communication Intelligibly
breakdown.

_____ 5. He/she must have an appropriate E. Listen with

speaking volume, speech rate, and your ears and
acceptable enunciation. eyes

F. Minimize
Distractions

Activity 2
Directions: Identify what 7Cs to Effective Communication is being described. Write
your answer on the space provided.

__________________ 1. It helps to increase the credibility of the speaker and

reduce negative impact to the audience.

__________________ 2. It conveys all pertinent details so listener or audience

will be able to grasp the intended message.

__________________ 3. It is expressed in the least possible number of words

and straight to the point.

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 __________________ 4. It implies good choice of words and language and a
consideration of the audience’s perspectives and
feelings on the part of the sender.

__________________ 5. It is backed up by facts, figures, and real-life examples

or situations.

Activity 3
Directions: Think of another helpful expression for each of the following expressions
below to avoid communication breakdown. Put your answer in each box.

Time-gaining Expression

Give Positive Remark or Comment

Ask for a Repetition

Check for Understanding

What I Have Learned

Directions: Complete the diagram on how to avoid communication breakdown.

Strategies on how to Avoid

Communication Breakdown

Strategies on How 7 Cs of Effective Helpful

to Avoid Communication Expressions to
Communication Avoid
Breakdown Communication
Breakdown

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 What I Can Do
Conduct an interview either online or offline with five (5) SHS students about their
experiences on communication breakdowns. Summarize their experiences and
decide the most appropriate strategy to avoid each communication breakdown.
Explain your reason for each strategy.

Assessment
Strategy to Avoid
Communication Breakdown
Respondent Experiences

Directions: Read the statements comprehensively. Then, identify whether correct or

not. Write TRUE if it is correct and FALSE if it is not.

__________________ 1. Concreteness creates positive impact to the

audience

__________________ 2. Clearness helps in eliminating confusions among

the audience.

__________________ 3. Grammar mistakes eliminate negative impacts

among the receivers.

__________________ 4. Rapport is created when considering the

background of the receivers.

__________________ 5. Communication becomes effective when it is

supported by facts, figures, and examples.

__________________ 6. As a speaker, you have to use technical words in

order to impress the crowds.

__________________ 7. Complete message is important to the process of

communication particularly with the receivers.

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 __________________ 8. Giving positive remarks shows interest in a
conversation.

__________________ 9. The expression “So, are you saying that…” asks for
repetition.

__________________ 10. Use polite expressions when asking for

clarifications.

__________________ 11. You may use appropriate speaking volume, pitch

rate, proper enunciation, stress, and acceptable
pronunciation.

__________________ 12. Accept the ideas of the sender even without full
understanding of the message.

__________________ 13. The speaker should know his purpose before he

speaks.

__________________ 14. You must pay attention only in verbal cues.

__________________ 15. To limit distractions, stay beside the basketball

court.

Additional Activities
Directions: Write your own 5 Tips on how to avoid communication breakdown.
Include a brief explanation for each tip.
Rubric
Needs
Excellent Very
Good Poor Improvement
Criteria (5 points) Good
(1 point)
(3 points) (2 points)
(4 points)
Content Show very Shows Enumerate Lacks No details
meaningful meaningful s evidence provided
content, content significant that
explanation complete points connect to
and with related to the
relation to explanation the topic provided
real-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
spelling, punctuatio punctuatio punctuatio and

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 punctuatio n are n are n are punctuatio
n and noted. noted. present. n abound
grammar
errors.
Organizatio Ideas are Ideas are Ideas are Ideas are No evidence
n very well focused slightly loosely of
organized, and organized organized. organizatio
coherence directed. n of ideas.
and
cohesion
are very
evident.
Score
Total Score / 15 points

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