Republic of the Philippines

President Ramon Magsaysay State University

Masinloc Campus
Masinloc, Zambales

College/Department: COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION

Course Code: EN+
Course Title Enhanced Communication Skills
Place of the Course in The Program : GE
Semester & Academic Year: FIRST SEMESTER, AY 2022-2023
Instructor: REJINA R. ECLEVIA

Enhanced Communication Skills

(En+)
This course aims primarily to provide students with basic skills in the use of English language as
a tool for learning and for communicative competence. This specifically includes listening,
reading, spoken interaction, spoken production and writing. At the end of the course, the students
are expected to become B2 level which corresponds to a more advanced and more independent
level.
Course Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, the students will be able to:
1. Understand the main ideas of both concrete and abstract topics;

2. Include technical discussions in his/her field of specialization;

3. Interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with
native speakers quite possible without strain for either party; and

4. Produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain viewpoint on a
topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options .
Enhanced Communication Skills
Spoken Interaction

Lesson 1 Vocabulary Enhancement

Lesson 2 Appropriateness of words
Lesson 3 Gender Fair Language (GFL)
Lesson 4 Idioms and Figurative Languages
Lesson 5 Spontaneity and fluency thru different speaking activities

At the end of these weeks, the students should be able to:

a. Interact fluently and spontaneously in English
Lesson 1 Vocabulary Enhancement
You need good communication skills to work effectively with others in person, through email or
by other means. Knowing which words to use and when is an important part of being a strong
communicator. Building your vocabulary is one easy way to improve your communication skills.
Having a large vocabulary can help you choose the right word or phrase needed for the situation,
allowing you to easily convey your ideas, concerns, decisions and more.
A strong vocabulary can also increase your confidence and your ability to express yourself,
whether you’re giving a presentation or meeting with a client to deliver a proposal. When
building your vocabulary, it is important to incorporate both general terms and those related to
your industry to develop a solid foundation.
1. Learn the roots of words
To build a strong foundation for your vocabulary, it’s helpful to understand the roots of words.
Many words have a common root and a prefix or suffix that helps you determine what the
meaning might be. For example, when a word includes the root “duc,” a Latin word that means
“to make or lead,” you can assume that the root refers to that Latin definition. You’ll see this root
in words like “produce” or “deduce.”
2. Focus on practical terms and words
Some industries have different definitions for words or use entirely new words, which is called
jargon. If your coworkers and others in your field use technical jargon, try focusing on building
your vocabulary to incorporate these words. For example, some industries use the word “stand-
up” to mean a short daily meeting.

You can also look for clearer ways to express yourself instead of relying on cliches that may be
difficult for others to understand or skew your meaning. For example, instead of saying “get your
foot in the door,” you could use “expand your opportunities.”
3. Create word associations
Word associations can help you remember certain words or phrases. For example, the word
“gargantuan” means very large. Try creating a sequence with the word, such as tiny, small,
medium, large, giant and gargantuan. Forming associations can help you recall words you’re
learning with more ease. These associations can also ensure you remember the word long term.
4. Complete regular vocabulary tests
At the end of each week, create a quiz that includes the vocabulary words, root words or other
language aspects that you’ve been studying. Taking a quiz or test can increase your ability to
retain new words. Every time you learn a new root or word, create a flashcard. On one side of the
card, write the word, and on the opposite side, write the definition. You can practice recalling the
definition from the words and vice versa.
5. Take a writing class
As you build your vocabulary, you can also improve your writing skills, which will benefit you
in your professional life. Take a writing course online or at a local adult educational institution
that incorporates assignments and tests to help you boost your ability to communicate effectively
through writing. If you complete a writing class, take notes on any new words you learn
throughout the course.
6. Create groups of words
As you learn new words, you can group them together by meaning. By creating these groups,
you can identify patterns that make it easier to incorporate the words into your daily speech. For
example, you might learn words like affirmative, efficacious and decisive, which all mean
positive. By grouping these words together, it becomes easier to recall their general meanings
and how to use them in speech.
7. Identify word nuances
Some words have alternate definitions in different contexts. An example of nuance is the word
“frame,” which could have several meanings depending on the scenario. A frame could be a
border that surrounds a picture or window, or it could mean to outline or highlight a certain
physical quality. Identifying and understanding these nuances in language will help you better
know how to use the words you’ve learned in your communication with others.
8. Identify words that share meanings
Different words often share the same or similar meaning. You can create a list of word groups to
help you construct new and unique statements in your writing and speech. Some words have
similar meanings but don’t always substitute for one another, so it’s helpful to review definitions
of similar words before using them. By varying the word choices in your communication, you’ll
sound more polished and professional.

9. Diversify what you read

Most people spend at least some of their time reading every day. Diversifying your reading
choices can help you build a stronger vocabulary since you see new words from different writers
who have varying writing patterns. Adding new texts and options to your reading list can also
help.
10. Edit what you write
When you finish writing any professional text, such as an email or cover letter, review your
content for repetitive words or phrases. Consider using your expanded vocabulary to replace
words you used frequently throughout the document. By editing your own writing, you can
improve clarity, style and tone.

Lesson 2 Appropriateness of words

Strive to be human in your writing.
Plain-language writing uses the clearest words possible to describe actions, objects and people.
That often means choosing a two-syllable word over a three-syllable one, an old familiar term
instead of the latest bureaucratic expression and sometimes, several clearer words instead of one
complicated word.
Use words your readers are likely to understand. Base your choice of words on what will be
clearer for your reader. To help you draft easy-to-understand documents, below are some
guidelines on your choice of words.
Use simple, everyday, familiar words
Choose common English words with clear meanings: explain a problem instead of
address a problem; invisible, open or obvious instead of transparent. Especially if your document
may have many readers with limited English proficiency or be translated for them, choose words
with just one or a few clear meanings. Also avoid puns and words with double meanings: voters
instead of grassroots; available instead of free (if that's what you mean).
Here are other examples of simple, precise words and phrases you might substitute:

Instead of ... Try using ...

amongst among

attain arrive at, gain, get, grasp, meet, reach, win

consequently so

dialogue (as a verb) meet, talk

disseminate communicate, deliver, distribute, give, scatter,

send, send out, share, spread

endeavor (as a verb) carry out, strive, take on, try

expedite hasten, help along, hurry, rush, send, speed up

hereinafter after this, from now on, in the rest of this

document, later

heretofore before, before this, earlier, until now

impact (as a verb) change, have an effect, increase, influence, risk,

stimulate

implement (as a verb) carry out, do, finish, fulfill, impose, put into effect,
set up, start

inordinately excessively, unduly, unusually

institute (as a verb) begin, create, found, set up, start

obtain get

optimum best, greatest, ideal, most, peak

per annum [Latin] annually, a year, each year, yearly

per capita [Latin] each, per person

per diem [Latin] a day, daily

peruse examine, inspect, read carefully or thoroughly,

study

prioritize order, rank, set priorities

reference (as a verb) mentioning, refer

shall will or must

strategize plan
Cut out unnecessary, useless words
Use only as many words as you need. Use fewer structural words with little meaning: because or
since instead of due to the fact that; if instead of in the event that. Tighten verbose (or wordy)
text by replacing overly complex statements with shorter terms or single words: geography, not
the field of geography; tends to, not have a tendency to.
 Instead of:
All illumination on these premises must be extinguished upon departure.
 Use:
Please turn out the lights if you're the last to leave.
Avoid or explain technical words or difficult terms
Whenever possible, avoid words that your readers do not know. Every occupation and interest
group has special terms. If you must use a technical term, define it--either by giving a definition,
explaining the term or by giving an example. If suitable for your publication, think about
including a glossary of technical words and difficult terms.
Also, avoid technical terms used with nontechnical meanings: Use start instead of initialize;
work with, meet or call instead of interface with. And avoid rare or fancy words used within your
work group or profession, like nexus and infrastructure.
Here are other examples:
Instead of ... Try using ...

bring to a conclusion assume, close, decide, end, finish, infer, settle

carry out an evaluation check, evaluate, test

conduct a review of review

conduct an investigation explore, find out, look at, look into, research,
study

exhibit improvement improve

file an application apply

gave an explanation explained

give a justification for justify

give assistance aid, back, help, relieve

have an objection object

have knowledge of, have need for know, need

have reservations about doubt

hold a meeting meet

make a proposal propose, recommend

offer a suggestion suggest

perform an assessment of assess

placed an order ordered

reach an agreement, reach a agree, conclude

conclusion

send an invitation to invite

take action act

When in doubt, spell it out.

Here are other examples:

Instead of ... Try using ...

aka also known as

ASAP as soon as possible, soon [or be specific about time]

 When in doubt, spell it out.

Here are other examples:

Instead of ... Try using ...

aka also known as

ASAP as soon as possible, soon [or be specific about time]

could've, should've, would've could have, should have, would have

e.g. for example, such as

etc. and so on, and the rest

i.e. that is

hi, lo high, low

lb., oz. pound, ounce

lite light

mightn't, mustn't might not, must not

n.a., N/A not applicable, not available, none

rep repetition, representative

specs specifications

stats statistics

that'll that will

thru through

vet veteran, veterinarian

Lesson 3 Gender Fair Language (GFL)

Gender-fair language is language that avoids bias toward a particular sex or gender and therefore
is less likely to convey stereotypes.
WHAT ARE SOME GOOD SOLUTIONS?
Use Neutral Expressions Rather than Gender-Specific Ones in Phrases and Occupations
"police officer" instead of "policeman"
"chair," "head," or presiding officer" instead of "chairman"
""executive" instead of "businessman"
"humanity" or "humankind" instead of "mankind"
"manufactured," "machine made" instead of "man-made"
These are just a few examples; a little creative thought on your part can usually solve this
problem.
In American English you should also avoid using old feminine forms of noun such as "poetess"
and "bachelorette": just drop the feminine endings. Be aware, however, that British English still
uses many of these (a female British store manager is actually referred to as a "manageress").
Use Plural Nouns and Pronouns Instead of Singular, Gender-Specific Forms
NOT: Every student should read his syllabus at the beginning of the term.
TRY: Students should read their syllabi at the beginning of the term.
NOT: A player should not question his coach's instructions in crucial moments.
TRY: Players should not question their coach's instructions in crucial moments.
Just remember that sometimes the meaning of the sentence will not allow you to use a plural.
Reword to Avoid Gender Problems Entirely
The last example could be reworded to avoid entirely the problematic possessive pronoun "his":
A player should not question the coach's instructions in crucial moments.
NOT: When a person watches too much television, his brain turns to mush.
TRY: Watching too much television turns a person's brains to mush.
WHAT ARE SOME LAST DITCH SOLUTIONS?
Use First Person ("I") or Second Person ("You")
ORIGINAL: If a student is having a problem with a professor, he should discuss the problem
with the Department Chair.
REVISED: If you are having a problem with a professor, you should discuss the problem with
the Department Chair. OR
REVISED: If I have a problem with a professor, I discuss it with the Department Chair.
You can easily see one problem with this solution: it changes the meaning of the sentence
somewhat, which could be significant in context. Other, less obvious, problems, are that overuse
of the words "you" or "I" in a paper can sound accusatory or self-centered, respectively, and the
mixed use of first, second, and third person in a paper can be confusing to a reader.
Use Passive Voice
ORIGINAL: If a person drinks at a party, he shouldn't drive a car home.
REVISED: A car should not be driven home by a person who drinks at a party.
You can see that this sounds pretty awkward. Reword to avoid this problem instead.
BETTER REVISION: If a person drinks at a party, another person who is a designated driver
should drive home.

Lesson 4 Idioms and Figurative Languages

An idiom is a phrase or an expression whose meaning is different from the meanings of the
individual words it contains. A figure of speech is a phrase or an expression that expresses an
idea by using words in an imaginative fashion.
Idioms:
1. Under the weather
What does it mean? To feel ill
If someone says they’re feeling under the weather, your response should be ‘I hope you feel
better!’, not ‘Would you like to borrow my umbrella?’.
2. The ball is in your court
What does it mean? It’s up to you
How do you use it? It’s your move now, but this idiom refers to life rather than a sport. If you’ve
got the ‘ball,’ the decision is yours and someone is waiting for your decision.
3. Spill the beans
What does it mean? To give away a secret
How do you use it? If you told someone about their own surprise party, you’d have ‘spilled the
beans’ or even ‘let the cat out of the bag’. The secret is out.
4. Break a leg
What does it mean? To wish someone luck
How do you use it? This idiom is not at all threatening. Often accompanied by a thumbs up,
‘Break a leg! ’is an encouraging cheer of good luck. It originates from when successful theater
performers would to bow so many times after a show that they would break a leg.
5. Pull someone’s leg
What does it mean? To play a practical joke
How do you use it? This is the perfect phrase to learn if you’re a fan of practical jokes. ‘Pull their
leg’ is similar to ‘wind someone up’. Use it in context: ‘Relax, I’m just pulling your leg!’ or
‘Wait, are you pulling my leg?’.
6. Sat on the fence
What does it mean? To be undecided
How do you use it? If you’re sat on the fence, you’ve not decided which side of an argument you
agree with. ‘I’m on the fence about hot yoga classes,’ translates as ‘I’m not sure whether I enjoy
yoga in a sauna yet.’
7. Through thick and thin
What does it mean? To be loyal no matter what
How do you use it? Often used to describe families or BFFs, ‘through thick and thin’ means that
you’re by each other’s side no matter what happens, through the bad times, as well as the good.
8. Once in a blue moon
What does it mean? Rarely
How do you use it? This charming phrase is used to describe something that doesn’t happen
often. Example: ‘I remember to call my parents from my study abroad trip once in a blue moon.’
9. It’s the best thing since sliced bread
What does it mean? It’s really, really good
How do you use it? Sliced bread must have revolutionised life in England because it’s since been
used as the ultimate benchmark for things that are great. We love it almost as much as tea.
10. Take it with a pinch of salt
What does it mean? Don’t take it too seriously
How do you use it? ‘I heard that elephants can fly now, but Sam often makes up stories so I take
everything he says with a pinch of salt.

Figures of Speech
a . A Simile is a figure of speech that uses comparison. In a simile, we use two specific words
“like” and “as” to compare two unlikely things, that actually have nothing in common.
Ex. quite like a mouse
as tall as a mountain
b. A metaphor and a simile are quite similar actually. A metaphor also uses compares to things
that are in no way similar. It does so to bring out the symbolism. A metaphor is a word or phrase
used to show its similarity to another thing. It helps to explain an idea, but if you take a metaphor
at its literal meaning it will sound absurd.
Alex is a chicken
love is a battlefield
c. Personification
Another very interesting figure of speech is personification. In this, we personify or represent a
non-human entity as human. We give an inanimate object or an intangible idea of some human
qualities such as emotions, or gestures or even speech. this is done to portray the object as alive
and help the listener or reader paint a vivid picture. Again, if we take the words at their literal
meaning they will sound absurd.
The wind howled as the storm grew stronger
time ran away from him
d. Hyperbole
Hyperbole in the Greek language translates to ‘excess’. And that is what it does, it exaggerates.
We use hyperboles to emphasize the importance or overstate something. This exaggerates claims
and statements are never meant to be taken at their literal meaning. They are used to create a
strong and lasting impression
thin as a toothpick
his grandfather is older than the hills

Lesson 5 Spontaneity and fluency thru different speaking activities

How to Improve English Speaking Skills and Become a Great Communicator
English is the world’s most studied language — around 20% of the world speaks English.
Knowing how to speak English can open new life possibilities: from traveling more easily to
communicating with more people, and even getting better jobs

How To Improve English Speaking Skills

• Find a Conversation Partner: If possible, it’s best to find a native English speaker with
whom you can practice your English. If you don’t know anyone in your direct network, consider
finding a tutor. Otherwise, you can always find someone online to digitally connect with and
practice your conversation skills.
• Make Sure To Listen As Well As Speak: One of the best ways to understand the
formulation of sentences and build your vocabulary is to listen to people speak. Try listening to
podcasts and recorded conversations. From YouTube to real-life conversations, there are so
many places to access English speaking.
• Record Your Conversation Practice: When it comes to speaking, you will likely make
mistakes. But you have to be open to making mistakes so that you can learn from them. If you
record yourself speaking with your conversation partner, you can play it back and learn even
better. That way, you can track your progress and pick up on pronunciation.
• Surround Yourself With The English Language: English is everywhere. No matter where
you live, you can find menus, marketing materials, books, movies, road signs, and more with the
English language. The more you immerse yourself and pay attention to these daily pieces of
English, the stronger your foundation will be.
• Practice With Music and Movies: Most people like to relax and unwind with some music
or entertainment in the form of movies. You can choose to watch movies in English, or instead,
watch them in your native language with English subtitles that you can read.
• Read Aloud: If you like to read more than speak and make up your own conversation, try
reading out loud. That way, you can hear yourself pronounce the words and remember them
more because you are both seeing and reading them.
• Talk To Yourself: If you’re still unsure whether you’re ready to put your speaking skills
to the test, simply talk to yourself! The more you practice with yourself, the better your English
skills will become.
• Build a Strong Foundation
Foundationally, learning a language comes from understanding the tone, vocabulary, and
grammar.
• Build your vocabulary: When you’re a child, you learn words as people point to items
and teach you what they are called. You can adopt this same approach when learning and
building your English skills. It all begins with vocabulary. You can choose to learn a certain
number of words each day.
• Improve your pronunciation: There are digital tools that will speak words out loud so that
you can pick up on pronunciation. From YouTube channels to online dictionaries, knowing the
pronunciation is key in being understood when you speak.
• Learn the natural flow of English: Every language has its own flow and rhythm. When
speaking English, it helps to know contractions — for example, two words that come together to
form one word, like “I am” becomes “I’m.” Also, you want to know what syllable to stress when
speaking. That all comes from conversational practice and listening to natives speak.

Techniques to Improve English Speaking Skills

• Speech shadowing: Basically, this is copying how a native speaks. Speech shadowing can
be done most simply by watching videos or a movie with subtitles. First, read the sentence and
speak it out loud. Then, play it back with the native speaker speaking it. Try to pause in between
to copy the flow and pattern as closely as possible. If you want, you can record yourself doing
this to compare it with the way the native speaker sounds.
• Self-talk: Whether you choose to speak your thoughts out loud or record yourself singing,
talking to yourself and hearing the words will help you improve. You can also read out loud.
• Think in English: This probably won’t come naturally, but you can help train yourself to
think in English by first translating the thoughts in your head. Otherwise, you can keep a journal
or diary of thoughts and write them in English.
• Retell a story in English: Start with something simple, like a fairytale or traditional story
from your childhood. Then you can take this to the next step and challenge yourself to retell a
story that someone else shares in English. This helps to check your comprehension and
understanding.

Frequently Practice to Improve Your English-Speaking Skills

From friends to strangers, you can always find someone who speaks English to practice with.
Here are a few more ideas on how and where you can speak English:
• Participate in public speaking events: Public speaking events, from forums and
conferences to slam poetry events, offer a good place to listen to others speak. You can also
potentially apply to be a speaker. If it’s something less formal, like sharing your creative writing
or telling a story in front of a small group of friends, public speaking can really showcase your
skills.
• Go to language cafes: Language cafes exist around the world. This is a place for people
to come together and practice the languages of their choice in small group settings.
• Using apps: Technology is here to assist in learning languages. From apps like Duolingo
to Busuu, which lets you speak to native speakers, you can improve your English speaking skills
wherever you go.

Strategies and English Trainings

• Talk to Yourself: Share your thoughts or read out loud.

• Use a Mirror: Watch yourself speak to build confidence.
• Focus on Fluency, Not Grammar: It’s ok to take time to learn grammar. But it’s more
important to be able to communicate your thoughts first.
• English Tongue Twisters: Try English tongue twisters to master the sounds of each letter.
• Listen and Repeat: Practice and keep practicing by listening and repeating what you hear.
• Pay Attention to Stressed Sounds: The language has a rhythm and certain syllables are
stressed in both words and sentences.
• Sing Along to English Songs: Use music to memorize words.
• Learn Phrases, Not Words: By learning longer phrases, you combine words in context
and can memorize both their meaning and pronunciation.
• Learn Your Most Common Sayings: First, start with things you need to say the most.
Whether it’s words for work or eating at a restaurant, you can start with specific situations in
your life.
• Have a Debate: If there’s something you’re particularly interested in, talk about and
debate it with English-speaking friends.
• Don’t Stress: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and be kind to yourself in the process of
learning. It takes time, so don’t stress!
English is the most global language. Being able to speak English will widen your possibilities for
higher education and career options.
When enhancing your speaking skills, be sure to practice a lot. Don’t give up! You can practice
by yourself, with the help of friends, or use technology to make it work for you.

Rererences/online sources:
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/improve-vocabulary-skills
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53SIKuCuHv0
https://kingcounty.gov/help/editorial-style-guide/plainwriting/appropriatewords.aspx
http://facweb.furman.edu/~moakes/Powerwrite/gender.htm
https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/language/20-english-idioms-that-everyone-should-know/
https://www.toppr.com/guides/english/vocabulary/figures-of-speech/

Prepared by:

REJINA R. ECLEVIA, MAEd.

EN+ Instructor

PRESENTERS/ REPORTERS:

Abegania, Charnes Mae V. Batan, Aloha Mae B.

Apino, Gaudelyn .. Carpio, Judell S.
Aquino, Daniela Q. Dela Cruz, Edlyn O.
Aspa, Brigette L. Doctor, Christian M.
Basul, Jemmalyn E.