HUMSS 11 ORAL COMMUNICATION 11 | Lesson 1

Communication is a process of sharing and conveying messages or information from one person to
another within and across channels, contexts, media, and cultures (McCornack, 2014). There is a wide
variety of contexts and situations in which communication can be manifested; it can be a face-to-face
interaction, a phone conversation, a group discussion, a meeting or interview, a letter correspondence, a
class recitation, and many others.

🔺Nature of Communication🔺

1. Communication is a process.

2. Communication occurs between two or more people (the speaker and the receiver).

3. Communication can be expressed through written or spoken words, actions (nonverbal), or both

Spoken words and nonverbal actions at the same time.

🔺Elements of Communication🔺

Communication is divided into elements which help us better understand its mechanics or

Process. These elements are the following:

1. Speaker – the source of information or message.

2. Message – the information, ideas, or thoughts conveyed by the speaker in words or in actions.

3. Encoding – the process of converting the message into words, actions, or other forms that the
speaker understands.

4. Channel – the medium or the means, such as personal or non-personal, verbal or nonverbal, in which
the encoded message is conveyed.

5. Decoding – the process of interpreting the encoded message of the speaker by the receiver.

6. Receiver – the recipient of the message, or someone who decodes the message.

7. Feedback – the reactions, responses, or information provided by the receiver.

8. Context – the environment where communication takes place.

9. Barrier – the factors that affect the flow of communication.

🔺Process of Communication🔺

▪️The speaker generates an idea.

▪️The speaker encodes an idea or converts the idea into words or actions.

▪️The speaker transmits or sends out a message.

▪️The receiver gets the message.

▪️The receiver decodes or interprets the message based on the context.

▪️The receiver sends or provides feedback.

🔺Models of Communication🔺

1. Shannon-Weaver Model

Known as the mother of all communication models, the Shannon-Weaver model (1949) depicts
communication as a linear or one-way process consisting of five elements: a source (producer of
message); a transmitter (encoder of message into signals); a channel (signals adapted for

Transmission); a receiver (decoder of message from the signal); and a destination.This model, however,
has been criticized for missing one essential element in the communication process: feedback. Without
feedback, the speaker will not know whether the receiver understands

The message or not.

2. Transaction Model

Unlike the Shannon-Weaver Model, which is a one-way process, the Transaction Model is a two-way
process with the inclusion of feedback as one element. This model is more interactive. There is a
collaborative exchange of messages between communicators with the aim of understanding each other.
It also shows that a barrier, such as noise, may interfere with the flow of communication.

🔺Functions of Communication🔺

Basically, there are five functions of communication. These are control, social interaction,

Motivation, emotional expression, and information dissemination.

1. Control – Communication functions to control behavior.

2. Social Interaction – Communication allows individuals to interact with others.

3. Motivation – Communication motivates or encourages people to live better.

4. Emotional expression – Communication facilitates people’s expression of their feelings and

Emotions.

5. Information dissemination – Communication functions to convey information.

🔺Features of an Effective Communication🔺

In their pioneer book Effective Public Relations, Professors Broom, Cutlip, and Center (2012) list

The 7 Cs of Effective Communication. This list is widely used today, especially in public relations and

Advertising.

1. Completeness

Complete communication is essential to the quality of the communication process in general. Hence,
communication should include everything that the receiver needs to hear for him/her to respond, react,
or evaluate properly.
 2. Conciseness

Conciseness does not mean keeping the message short, but making it direct or straight to the point.
Insignificant or redundant information should be eliminated from the communication that will be sent
to the recipient.

3. Consideration

To be effective, the speaker should always consider relevant information about his/her receiver such as
mood, background, race, preference, education, status, and needs, among others. By doing so, he/she
can easily build rapport with the audience.

4. Concreteness

Effective communication happens when the message is concrete and supported by facts, figures, and
real-life examples and situations. In this case, the receiver is more connected to the message conveyed.

5. Courtesy

The speaker shows courtesy in communication by respecting the culture, values, and beliefs of his/her
receivers. Being courteous at all times creates a positive impact on the audience.

6. Clearness

Clearness in communication implies the use of simple and specific words to express ideas. It is also
achieved when the speaker focuses only on a single objective in his/her speech so as not to confuse the
audience.

7. Correctness

Correctness in grammar eliminates negative impact on the audience and increases the credibility and
effectiveness of the message.

🔺Barriers to Communication🔺

There are instances when miscommunication and misunderstanding occur because of certain barriers.
To become an effective communicator, you should recognize these barriers that hinder the
communication process. This will enable you to control the situation, reset conditions, and start anew.

1. Emotional Barriers

2. Use of jargon

3. Lack of confidence

4. Noisy environment

🔺Verbal Communication and Nonverbal Communication 🔺

▪️Verbal Communication refers to an interaction in which words are used to relay a message. For
effective and successful verbal communication, use words to express ideas which can be easily
understood by the person you are talking to. Consider appropriateness, brevity, clarity, ethics, and
vividness when engaging in this type of communication.
 1. Appropriateness

The language that you use should be appropriate to the environment or occasion (i.e., whether formal
or informal).

2. Brevity

Speakers who often use simple yet precise and powerful words are found to be more credible. Try to
achieve brevity by being more direct with your words. Avoid fillers and insubstantial expressions which
do not add to the message, such as “uh,” “you know,” “I guess,” and others.

3. Clarity

The meanings of words, feelings, or ideas may be interpreted differently by a listener; hence, it is
essential for you to clearly state your message and express your ideas and feelings.

4. Ethics

Words should be carefully chosen in consideration of the gender, roles, ethnicity, preferences, and
status of the person or people you are talking to.

5. Vividness

Words that vividly or creatively describe things or feelings usually add color and spice to communication.
Hence, you are encouraged to find ways to charm your audience through the use of vivid words.

▪️Nonverbal communication refers to an interaction where behavior is used to convey and represent
meanings. All kinds of human responses that are not expressed in words are classified as nonverbal
communication. Examples of nonverbal communication are stares, smiles, tone of voice, movements,
manners of walking, standing and sitting, appearance, style of attire, attitude towards

Time and space, personality, gestures, and others.

Mastery of nonverbal communication is important for several reasons:

1. It enhances and emphasizes the message of your speech, thus making it more meaningful,

Truthful, and relevant.

2. It can communicate feelings, attitudes, and perceptions without you saying a word.

3. It can sustain the attention of listeners and keep them engaged in the speech.

4. It gives the audience a preview to the type of speaker you are.

5. It makes you appear more dynamic and animated in your delivery.

6. It serves as a channel to release tension and nervousness.

7. It helps make your speech more dramatic.

8. It can build a connection with listeners.

9. It makes you a credible speaker.

10. It helps you vary your speaking style and avoid a monotonous delivery.