Oral Communication in

Context
Quarter 1 – Module 3:
Strategies to Avoid
Communication Breakdown

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 What I Need to Know

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.

What I Know
A. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write your answers on a separate
sheet of paper.

1. It happens when the sender fails to communicate his/her message properly or when the
intended message is not clearly understood by the receiver.
A. communication
B. communication barrier
C. strategies to avoid communication barriers
D. process of communication

2. It refers to the natural or environmental conditions that hinder a successful

communication transaction.
A. cultural barrier
B. external noise
C. physical barrier
D. psychological barrier

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3. These are issues like trauma, lack of confidence, fear, anger, frustration, and depression
that may affect the communication process.
A. external Noise
B. linguistic barrier
C. psychological barrier
D. semantic Noise

4. It refers to the way a person responds in a communication situation affected by personal

norms and traditions.
A. cultural barrier
B. linguistic barrier
C. physical barrier
D. psychological barrier

5. This is an example when linguistic barrier to communication becomes evident. A.

A professor explains his lessons eloquently in class.
B. Elena is afraid to deliver her opening remarks.
C. People do not understand each other’s language.
D. The transmitter disrupted the speech of Ms. Speaker.

6. This is one of the reasons why cultural diversity can make communication
inefficient. A. Cultural diversity allows people to be unique and original.
B. Different culture interpret words, gestures, and symbols differently.
C. Traditions propagate through the preservation of norms and values.
D. Values of people reflect

7. It is the main cause of semantic noise.

A. jeepneys beeping
B. constructing building
C. using excessive technical jargon
D. people talking too loud

8. Which best defines NOISE in the context of communication? A. It is the sound of

karaoke from your neighbor.
B. It is any sound that occurs during the communication process.
C. It is a sound that blocks or interferes communication situations.
D. It is anything that interferes with the communication.

9. Which of the following is an example of psychological barrier?

A. ability to read minds
B. dissatisfaction to customer service
C. inattentiveness to detail
D. poor listening skills

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10. Which factors are considered cultural barriers to communication?
A. economic status, age, and gender
B. ethics, standards, and grammar
C. politics, administration and government
D. religion, World Meanings, and Philosophy

11. Why does communication breakdown occur?

A. because the information is overloading.
B. because of lack of attention among the audiences or receivers.
C. because the listener or receiver has a very short attention span.
D. All of the above

12. Which does NOT belong to the group?

A. external noise
B. internal noise
C. semantic noise
D. verbal noise

13. “Mrs. Erlinda was invited as a speaker during the National Women’s
Month. She talked about Gender Equality. She delivered her speech for
almost 1 hour with more than 50 slides. The audience appeared uneasy
and seemed uninterested after 20 minutes.”
What barrier of communication is evident in this situation?
A. cultural barrier
B. linguistic barrier
C. physiological Barrier
D. psychological Barrier

14. Which communication situation displays physiological barrier?

A. The General Parents and Teachers Association (GPTA) president felt
nervous when he started to speak in front of all the parents and
guardians.
B. The Municipal Agriculture officer is discussing certain agricultural
crops management procedure in a community that is not very
familiar with the topic.
C. The newly designated general manager of the restaurant was a bit
hesitant to talk with the guests.
D. The research teacher discusses with his students about the problem
when a song was played loudly from the other classroom.

15. Which situation BEST exemplifies communication breakdown?

A. adjusting your language depending on the people you are talking to
B. incorrect labeling of handouts to be used in product distribution

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 C. listening to your friend’s heartaches and unsuccessful love stories
D. looking for the positive characteristics or strengths of a speaker

Lesson
Communication
1 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 on a separate sheet of paper.

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

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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

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 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.

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 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
______________________ 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 of paper.

1. Jay and Michelle started talking about their plans for 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.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
5. In some Asian countries, direct eye contact is considered disrespectful and
rude. In others, it is a must.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

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 What I Have Learned
Directions: Answer the following 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?

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

What I Can Do
Interview three (3) people and ask them about a past
communication breakdown they have experienced and what were the causes.
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)

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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 in your home, school and
community. Copy the table on a separate sheet of paper and supply the needed
information.

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 correct answer. Write your answers 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

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
C.
4. Which barrier includes the mental conditions of the listener?
A. cultural barrier C. physical barrier
B. linguistic barrier D. psychological barrier

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 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.
_______5. Pictures, gadgets, and other paraphernalia in front of the stage
engage the audience in listening to the speaker.

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 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 (2 Needs

Criteria (5 points) Very Good 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 connect
explanation complete related to to the
and relation to with the topic provided
real-world explanation topic
context

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 errors
spelling, spelling and punctuation punctuation in spelling and
punctuation punctuation are noted. are present. punctuation
and grammar are noted. abound
errors.

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

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For Online Activity
Rubric for Creating a Vlog

Excellent Very Poor (2 Needs

Criteria (5 points) Good Good points) Improveme
(4 points) (3 points) nt
(1 point)

Content Presents Presents Presents ideas Lacks No

accurate, ideas strongly in relation to evidence that connection to
complete and connected to the given topic connect the provided
wellexplained the given presentation topic
ideas related topic to the
to the topic provided topic

Organizatio Informatio Information, Information, Information, No evidence of

n n, video, video, video, pictures video, pictures organization
pictures and pictures and and and of
other other content other other information,
content are are focused content content video,
very well and directed. are are pictures and
organized, slightly loosely other content.
and organized organized.
coherence
and
cohesion are
very evident.

Technicalit Visuals are Visuals Visuals are Visuals are Visuals are
y wellframed are maintained in maintained in not in many
and audio maintained most parts and a few parts parts and
or and audio or audio or sound and audio or audio or
sound sound quality quality are sound quality sound quality
quality is is understandabl are are poor
excellent understandab e and understandabl throughout.
and suitable le and appropriate.al e and
throughout appropriate. so in appropriate.al
. most so in
parts. most
parts.

Score
Total Score / 15 points

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 What I Know
Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answers on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. It takes place when the shared information is mutually understood. A.

barriers to communication C. effective communication B.
communication D. strategies to effective communication
2. It refers to the use of appropriate speaking volume, rate, acceptable
pronunciation, and proper stressing.
A. keep focused C. minimize distractions
B. listen with your ears and eyes D. speak intelligently
3. It helps to pay attention to the verbal message as well as the nonverbal
message.
A. keep focused C. minimize distractions
B. listen with your ears and eyes D. speak intelligently
4. It uses concise and simple words to deliver the message. A. be specific
C. minimize distractions
B. do not jump to conclusions D. speak intelligently
5. It is important for a receiver to analyze first the message of the sender before
he/she accepts or reject them.
A. barriers to communication C. do not jump to conclusions
B. be specific D. effective communication

Fill each blank with the correct word, phrase, or clause to complete the statement.
Choose the letter of the correct answer and write it on a separate sheet of paper.
6. Complete communication is ___________to the quality of the communication
process in general.
A. essential C. part
B. needed D. reliable
7. ___________ is making the message direct and straight to the point.
___________ information should be eliminated from the communication that
will be sent to the recipient.
A. Clarity…significant C. Concreteness…insignificant
B. Conciseness…insignificant D. Courtesy…significant
8. In order to be an effective speaker, you should always ___________ significant
information about your receiver’s mood, race, background, preferences,
education, and others.
A. consider C. rate
B. hold D. think
9. Concrete message is supported by facts, figures, and real life examples. This
will make the receiver to ___________________________. A. develop rapport to
the speaker.
B. realize the importance of communication process.
C. respond quickly to the message.
D. understand the message better.

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 10. As a speaker, you want to deliver a clear message to the audience or receiver.
Therefore, you will __________________ . A. know
their background information
B. include everything in your message
C. respect their culture, values, and beliefs
D. use of simple and specific words to express ideas

Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answers on a separate sheet of
paper.
11. Which of the following shows positive feedback or remark?
A. You cooperate consistently with your team members.
B. You display concerned about the other’s job so often but not yours.
C. You show dishonesty in working among with your colleagues.
D. You urge to distract everyone in the office.
12. Which of the following display the best question and show politeness in
asking for repetition?
A. Could you be more specific?
B. I don’t understand what you said. Could you say it again?
C. Will you please repeat the instruction?
D. Both A and B
13. Which of the following does NOT show polite expression? A. May I borrow
your pen for a moment?
B. Order me a coffee.
C. Perhaps I’m not making myself clear.
D. Tell me, when you are available.
14. Which is NOT a time-gaining expression?
A. “Anyway”
B. “Sounds good”
C. “Tell me more.”
D. “Uh-huh”
15. Which is the BEST expression for asking for a repetition? A. I’m sorry, would
you mind saying that again.
B. Sorry, I didn’t get your point.
C. Sorry, let me explain.
D. What do you mean by that?

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 Lesson

2 Various Strategies to Avoid

Communication Breakdown

What’s In
In Lesson 1, you have learned the concept of communication breakdown and its
causes. In this lesson, you will find out 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 officials which resulted to confusion among them.
Strategy: The DOST scholar should uses simple and specific words about his
research to the barangay officials so they would easily understand his message.

Scenarios where Communication Strategies to Avoid Communication

Breakdown occurred Breakdown

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 What’s New
Communication breakdown may at times be inevitable but as a
sensible speaker or sender of the message, we could avoid this.
Understanding the concept of communication breakdown and its
causes, will help us realize that failure in communication may be avoided through
certain strategies that we could adapt.

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 confidenceby 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.
It can also help to clear up any misunderstandings or distortion of the message
that could occur through other mediums.
Remember, becoming an 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.

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Answer the following questions based on the article above.
1. What are the barriers to communication mentioned in the article?

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

2. How can communication breakdown be avoided?

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

3. In your opinion, which strategy is the easiest to do? Which one is the most
difficult to do? Why?

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

What is It
A smooth and successful communication transaction may result
if we follow the strategies to avoid communication breakdown. 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 (Quipper n.d.).

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

20
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.
(Quipper n.d.)

Helpful Expressions to Avoid Communication Breakdown

Strategies to Avoid Helpful Expressions

Communication
Breakdown
Use helpful expressions “Really”
to gain time to think “Uhmm”
“Uh-huh”
“Anyway”
“Tell me more…”
Give positive remarks or “”Sounds good”
comments “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…”
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 separate sheet of paper.
Column A Column B
_____ 1. It refers to the use of simple and precise A. Keep Focused words.
_____ 2. The speaker should identify his/her purpose B. Be Specific for
speaking.
_____ 3. He/she must pays attention to the verbal C. Do not Jump to
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 eyes acceptable
enunciation.
F. Minimize Distractions

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Activity 2

Directions: Identify what 7Cs to Effective Communication is being described. Write

your answers on a separate sheet of paper.
__________________ 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.
__________________ 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

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What I Can Do
Conduct an interview either online or offline with five (5) SHS students
who have experienced 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
Respondent Experiences Communication Breakdown
1
2
3
4
5

Directions: Read each statement carefully. Write TRUE if the statement is correct
and FALSE if otherwise. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.
__________________ 1. Concreteness in communication 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 audience.
__________________ 7. Complete message is important to the process of
communication particularly with the receivers.
__________________ 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 must 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.

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