Quarter 3 – Module 2

Using Appropriate Oral Language, Stance and Behavior when Giving Information,
Instruction, Making Explanation and Narrating Events in Factual and Personal Recounts.

A recount is a written or spoken narration of an event that happened in the past.

Two kinds of recounts.
a. Factual recounts – These are used to record details and facts of a particular
events with the speaker or writer have not necessarily been involved.
b. Personal recounts – These describe events that the speaker/writer.

Things to consider in oral language as we narrate events.

1. Speaking - the action of conveying information or expressing one's thoughts
and feelings in spoken language.
2. Oral Language - the system through which we use spoken words to express
knowledge, ideas, and feelings.
Components of Oral Language
2.1 Pause – a non-fluency feature used to delimit units of grammatical construction
2.2 Pitch - Highness and lowness of the tone of voice that indicates feeling
Stress - the prominence given to a syllable or word which makes the word or
syllable stand out
2.3 Volume – loudness and softness of voice to show emotions
2.4 Intonation - movement of the voice up and down
2.5 Speech Rate – speed at which you speak
2.6 Projection - strength of speaking; the clarity of voice to command respect and
attention
3. Stance – How you stand in front of the room speaks before you open your
mouth. Your stance can tell the audience that you're happy, scared, confident,
or uncomfortable.
4. Behavior – The way the speaker acts and behaves before his/her audience.
5. Body Language - The process of communicating nonverbally through
conscious or unconscious gestures and movements.
Aspects of Body Language
5.1 Posture
- Keep a good posture, stand straight with shoulders back, relaxed and feet shoulder width apart.
- Do not cross your arms, put your hands in your pocket or slouch.
- Face the audience as much as possible and keep your body open.
5.2 Breathing
- Relaxed and deep breaths ensure that your voice holds power and can project.
- Use slow and measured breathing to pace your speech, pause to emphasize key points.
5.3 Gestures
- Use hand gestures to emphasize your words.
- Keep the audience’s attention by varying your gestures, incorporating your head, arms and
hands.
- Use positive gestures to sway your audience.
- When using visual aids, point and look at the relevant data. The audience will automatically
follow your hands and eyes.
Three simple gestures
1. The Give – This is where you hold your arm and hand out, with your palm facing upwards, as
though you are giving something to someone.
2. The Show – You can use a range of motions to show your audience something
3. The Chop – Slice through the air with your hand as though you are
chopping a watermelon.
Be aware that nervousness or feelings of inadequacy can show immediately in
your gestures. These can be very destructive and misinterpreted.
For example:
• Hands on hips = condescending, parental, overbearing
• Crossed arms = cutting off, disagreeing, wanting to protect
• Hands crossed in front (fig leaf) = feeling weak, timid, needing protection.
• Hands joined behind your back = you’re on parade!
• Hands in pockets = nervousness. This can result in jingling any change or keys, making it
even more obvious you don’t know what to do with your hands!
5.4 Eye Contact
- Moving from face to face, making eye contact while speaking ensures that the audience is
engaged.
- When answering an audience member’s question, maintain eye contact, this conveys sincerity
and credibility.
5.5 Movement
- Move around the presentation space, your speech will be more dynamic.
- Use movement to illustrate transitions from one subject or key point to another.
- Stepping towards the audience creates a positive feeling, use this technique when you
want to encourage or persuade your audience.
5.6 Facial Expression
- A simple smile will make your audience feel more comfortable and at ease.
Be aware of any artificial, unfriendly, or deadpan expressions you may be making. Start
including facial expressions that support your stories and reflect your emotions.
5.6.1 arching eyebrows – when you are surprised or questioning
5.6.2 frowning – when you are moody, disapproving or concerned.
5.6.3 grimacing – when you are fearful, in pain or anxious
5.6.4 smiling - when you are happy, pleased with the situation
or circumstance etc.