ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT
LESSON 4: Examining Oral Communication 3. Clarity
Activities Based on Functions of
Communication and Usage of
Verbal and Nonverbal Cues
Verbal Communication
 Verbal communication is the use of words in
sharing information with other people.
 It can include both spoken and written
communication.
 The verbal element of communication is all about
the words one chooses and how the receiver
interprets it.
 This type of communication can be regarded
efficient and successful if the receiver can easily
process the message delivered by the sender.
Here are some of the aspects that you need to consider in
this type of communication.
1. Appropriateness
It pertains to the use of suitable language form applicable
to the nature of the event or context of situation (i.e.,
whether formal or informal).
Formal communication is the type of communication used
in formal, ceremonial, or dignified gatherings. Here, the
exchange of information is controlled, well-thought out,
and prepared. It also conforms to certain rules and
conventions as defined by the goals and values of
particular groups or organizations.
Types of Formal Communication
 Meetings
 Interviews
 Conferences
 Formal One-on-One
 Speeches
 Presentations
Informal communication is characterized by free, casual
and spontaneous exchange between two or more persons.
The exchange is a kind of interaction that is unrestrained
by rules and conventions. It is also the type of
communication that occurs in everyday life.
Types of Informal Communication
 Casual Conversations
 Gossips
 Tales
 Inter-relational Activities
 Family Social Communication Culture
 Inter-relational activities outside of the formal
2. Brevity
Speakers frequently opt to use simple and precise words
in delivering their message. This is brevity. It can be
achieved by using more direct and clear words and
avoiding beating around the bush. It is saying more with
less words.
Clarity refers to using simple yet exact words that directly
express your thoughts and emotion. It warrants that the
purpose of the message will be successfully delivered to
the audience. Through this, communication breakdown
like misinterpretation may be avoided by the receivers.
4. Ethics
Ethics pertains to moral standards that need to be
considered when delivering a message. The audiences’
background such as their age, gender, race, social status
and personal convictions shall be given due importance for
speaking purposes.
5. Vividness
Vividness refers to words that make the conversation or
exchange of information lively and vibrant. The purpose of
this aspect of communication is to simplify thoughts for the
audience to easily grasp the message through the use of
distinctive language. This language should appeal to the
senses so the speaker can elicit an active and vigorous
response.
Non-Verbal Communication
 Transmitting messages without using words is
called non-verbal communication.
 It is conveyed as visual cues. Gestures, facial
expressions, giving flowers, choosing a color of
what to wear, or putting a forefinger in front of lips
are just some examples of non-verbal
communication.
Non-verbal communication includes the following:
1. Language of gestures
 Gestures are movement of the body, hands, arms,
or head to express an idea or feeling.
 Gestures are the most often used type of non-
verbal communication.
 The following are other examples of gesture:
a. Emblems – clenched fist upraised
b. Emphasizing – “YES” clenched both fists
in front of breast
c. Illustrating – “this large” (open hands set
apart)
d. Regulating – “shh” forefinger in front of
lips
2. Facial Expression
 The face plays a very important role in
communication. It expresses various types of
emotions or feelings such as joy, sorrow, anger,
annoyance, confusion, fear, hatred, or surprise.
3. Language of colors
 People choose colors based on the meaning of
each. Colors have certain meanings based on the
dictates of culture and gender.
4. Language of flowers
 Flowers are also used to say what we cannot
expressed in words.
  These meanings are also influenced by culture
and gender.

5. Language of space
 Language of space or proxemics is the use of
space based on importance.
 This type of non-verbal communication is similarly
used as chronemics by people who want to show
who they are.

6. Language of time or chronemics is the use of time

based on position and power.

7. Language of touch
 Language of touch also known as Haptics can
also be used to expressed what cannot be said.
 It is also one of the most powerful of the types of
non-verbal communication.
 Touch can comfort, encourage, dissuade, or
aggravate.

8. Paralanguage
 Paralanguage refers to the “how” of saying
something other than what is said.
 The meaning of words spoken depends on how
they are said.
 Tones, voices, and rhythm must match the
content of the message if the message is to be
understood at all; they reinforce the message.

9. Posture and Body Orientation

 Posture and body orientation are also a type of
non-verbal communication.
 How one stands or sits tells the people around
how one sees oneself as a speaker, how he/she
sees the listeners, and his attitude toward the
message.

Importance of nonverbal communication:

 Makes the message more meaningful.
 Expresses message without the use of words.
 Makes audience more enthusiastic.
 Defines the kind of speaker one is.
 Makes one a dynamic speaker.
 Gives confidence to the speaker.
 Adds color to a speech.
 Connects the speaker to the audience.
 Gives the speaker a variety of ways to deliver
his/her message.