Scribd
Upload
41 views4 pages

Oral Communication Hand Out 1

Communication is the process of sharing information between individuals through common symbols. It has evolved from prehistoric symbols and drawings to modern technology-based communication. The key elements of communication are a speaker, message, encoding, channel, decoding, receiver, feedback, context and potential barriers.

Uploaded by

Laila Alimagno
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
41 views4 pages

Oral Communication Hand Out 1

Communication is the process of sharing information between individuals through common symbols. It has evolved from prehistoric symbols and drawings to modern technology-based communication. The key elements of communication are a speaker, message, encoding, channel, decoding, receiver, feedback, context and potential barriers.

Uploaded by

Laila Alimagno
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

What is Communication?

1. Communication is simply the act of transferring information from one place, person or
group to another.
2. Communication is a process by which information is exchanged between individuals
through a common system of symbols, signs or behavior.
3. 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).

The Evolution of Communication


The prehistoric men used symbols, drawings and gestures to communicate. Most of
these symbols were carved on walls of caves and stones.
In modern times, people use technology to communicate with each other. Sending
emails, instant messaging and online communication are widely used.

Various Forms of Communication


● Spoken words
● Written works
● Actions
● symbols

Nature of Communication

1. Communication is a process.
2. Communication occurs between two or more people (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.

Key Factors for Effective Verbal Communication


● Speaking
● Listening
● Understanding

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 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
7. Feedback - the reactions, responses or information provided by
8. Context - the environment where communication takes place
9. Barrier - the factors that affect the flow of communication

Models of Communication
1. The Shannon -Weaver Model - known as the mother of all communication models. It
depicts communication as a linear process which consists of five elements.

Fig. 1
Shannon-Weaver Model

2. Transaction Model
The Transaction Model is a two-way process with the inclusion of feedback as one
element.

Fig. 2: The Transaction Model


As shown in Figure 2, this model is more interactive. There is collaborative exchange of
messages between communicators with the aim of understanding each other. It also shows that
barriers, such as noise may interfere with the flow of communication.

Functions of Communication
● control - Communication functions to control behavior.
● social interaction - Communication allows individuals to interact with others.
● motivation - Communication motivates or encourages people to live better.
● emotional expression - Communication facilitates people’s expression of their feelings
and emotions.
● informational dissemination - Communication functions to convey information.

Features of Effective Communication


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
straightforward.
3.Consideration
The speaker should always consider relevant information about his/her receiver such as
mood, background, race, preference, education, status and needs, among others.
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 cultures, values and
beliefs of his/her receivers.
6. Clearness
Clearness in communication implies the use of simple and specific words to express
ideas.
7. Correctness -
Correctness in grammar eliminates negative impact on the audience
and increases the credibility and effectiveness of the message.

Barriers to Communication
● emotional barriers
● use of jargon
● lack of confidence
● noisy environment

(Other barriers may arise out of context, language, physical restrictions, etc.)
VERBAL AND NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION
Verbal Communication refers to an interaction in which words are used to relay a message.
1. Appropriateness
The language that you use should be appropriate to the environment or (i.e, whether
formal or informal).
2. Brevity
Speakers who often use simple yet precise and powerful words are found to be more
credible.
3. Clarity
The meanings of words, feelings, or ideas may be interpreted differently by the 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 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.

Nonverbal communication refers to an interaction where behavior is used to convey and


represent meanings.

Importance of having mastery of nonverbal communication:


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 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 way of speaking style.

You might also like