Oral Communication

in Context
Quarter 1 – Module 4:
Examining Samples of Oral
Communication Activities
Oral Communication in
Context
Quarter 1 – Module 4:
Examining Samples of Oral
Communication Activities
 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written to make you aware of the
different functions and purposes of communication. This aims to make you
explore and examine the different oral communication activities, and you
will have your own judgment of the content and intentions of the writer and
speaker of the speech. Activities are provided for you to take the role of the
writer/speaker so that you will be able to internalize the functions and
purposes of communication.

In this module, you will be able to:

 Examine samples of oral communication activities.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. review on the functions of communication;
2. distinguish the purposes of communication; and
3. write a 250-word essay of your objective observation and evaluation
of the various speakers watched and listened to.

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 What I Know

Directions: Read each item carefully then choose the letter that corresponds
to your 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
B. communication
C. effective communication
D. strategies to effective communication

2. Which of the following must the listener do to avoid mental noise?

A. Be attentive and respond to the speaker.
B. Be ready for the communication activity.
C. Just remain quiet and daydream
D. Must not think of any problem during class hours

3. What influence the interpretation of conversation to effective communication?

A. noise
B. language
C. environment
D. technological gadgets

4. 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

5. Which of the following must be avoided in communication breakdown?

A. Ambiguity
B. focused attention
C. personal interpretation
D. Both A and B

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6. 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.

7. Which of the following is NOT one of the three purposes of communication?

A. Speech to inform
B. Speech to describe
C. Speech to persuade
D. Speech to entertain

8. Which purpose of communication makes the reader laugh, cry, or

experiences some other emotion?
A. Bias
B. Inform
C. Describe
D. Entertain

9. Which purpose of communication writes to show or explain facts?

A. Inform
B. Describe
C. Entertain
D. Sensory words

10. Which purpose of communication writes to influence or convince the reader?

A. Inform
B. Describe
C. Persuade
D. Entertain

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11. What purpose of communication is observed in the situation: “Calligraphy is
a form of handwriting. A special pen must be used. Letters are formed using
up and down strokes. Old documents are usually written in this form.
Diplomas, certificates and other awards are written in calligraphy. It is an
interesting form of handwriting.”
A. to describe
B. to inform
C. to entertain
D. to persuade

12. All of the following are functions of communication EXCEPT for one:
A. Control
B. Agreement
C. Motivation
D. Social Interaction

13. What function of communication is observed in the situation: Phoebe shares

her insights on how to live peacefully despite a complicated life.
A. Control
B. Information
C. Motivation
D. Emotional Expression

14. What function of communication is observed in the situation: Ross greets

Rachel; then, they start talking about their plans for the holidays.
A. Control
B. Information
C. Motivation
D. Social Interaction

15. What function of communication is observed in the situation: Monica shares

her personal frustrations with Chandler.
A. Information
B. Motivation
C. Social Interaction
D. Emotional Expression

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 Lesson
Examine Samples of
1 Oral Communication
Activities

What’s In

In Module 3, you have learned about the barriers to

communication and how to overcome communication breakdown. Now,
let us find out if you can still remember your previous lesson by
answering the activity below.

Observe their conversation on the picture.

1. What barrier of communication is evident in the above scenario?

___________________________________________________________

2. Does this scenario happen in real life?

___________________________________________________________

3. How would the communication breakdown be overcome?

___________________________________________________________

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 For you to further refresh yourself of the past lesson, watch the video online
entitled: A Failure to Communicate. What were the problems encountered by the two
women in the train station? What barriers to communication did they face? How
were they able to overcome the communication breakdown?

In this module, we will review and further discuss the functions and
purposes of communication. We will also read and watch speeches and will examine
the functions and purposes of these sample oral communication activities.

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 What’s New

Let us first hear an inspiring story from a lady who was a refugee from
Algeria when she was a kid but she graduated in Harvard University. Below is
a copy of Lucila Takjerad’s Valedictory speech during her graduation rites for
her master’s degree in Harvard University in 2019. Read the speech by heart, or
if you have access to internet you can watch it in YouTube, click the link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewZZl_qyNWU. Answer the questions that
follow.

Lucila Takjerad
English Graduate Commencement
Speech May 20th, 2019

The Least You Can Do

As Harvard graduates, you will be

asked to go into the world and do the
most you can do. I am here to ask you to
do the least.

I was born in Algeria. Every

Friday, my sister and I had our weekly
shower at the public baths. We didn‘t have
running water at home. On winter nights,
we cuddled against the cold because our
heat was cut off. And, on some days, we hid
our hunger in order not to worry our
parents. When I was seven years old, my
country plunged into a bloody civil war.
Every night, I prayed to God that
tomorrow, there would not be an empty
seat at our dinner table.

On one hot summer day in 1994, my life was changed forever by a man whom I
never met, do not know, and can never thank. My mother was at the local market when she
noticed a chaotic gathering. Wading into the crowd, she learned that the French
government was allowing some Algerians to find refuge from war.

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 All you had to do was write your name on a list. My mother desperately wanted to sign
that list. That list might promise her daughters a better future. But there was one problem: my
mother was illiterate; she did not know how to write her name: Fadila Takjerad. Dejected, she
walked away. A man noticed her and ran after her. He got my mother‘s name and wrote it
down on the list. A few months later, my family was fortunate to emigrate to France. I was sad
to leave my beloved homeland, my caring neighbors, childhood friends and extended family.
But I knew that bright opportunities awaited me. Had I stayed in my village -assuming I was
spared from bullets or bombs – my life would have been very different. I would not have
become the first woman in my family to graduate from college to work and live abroad. I
would not have had the chance to call Harvard my home this past year.

As we are graduating today, I still find myself asking – Why did this wonderful man
run after my mother? A simple gesture of writing a stranger‘s name on a page offered an
entire family hope for a better life. He will probably never know the difference he made, but
from the small seeds of his goodness have grown fruits of prosperity for my family, myself,
and everyone whom we touch. I now have the ability to shape my world, but this ability was
sparked by one little encounter which lit up the course of my life. So, that is the real power,
the power of little things, the least you can do can bring true change. Perhaps you have been
blessed in your life with small gifts that made big changes.

Maybe it was a teacher who instilled in you her love of a certain subject. Or a kind
stranger who helped you with directions when you were lost. At Harvard, I see it every day, in
the smiles of the cafeteria staff who keep me so well caffeinated, and in ad hoc baby-sitting
circles. Small things… such small things… but from these small things grow inspired people,
lasting friendships, and stronger communities. When one person thanks another, that second
person often replies, ―Oh, it‘s the least I can do‖ ... because, often, the least you can do can be
more than enough.

You don‘t need to move mountains. Maybe it‘s a matter of translating documents for a
family at the immigration office or offering a car ride to a pregnant lady. You never know how
these small gestures can affect people‘s lives. But I can tell you: they do.

Fellow graduates, of course, do the most you can do: your education and legacy
demand it. But also do the least you can do. Because, the least you can do might turn out to be
the most significant.

To that gentleman in Algeria, I now say ‫ی ك ی ع و ه لل ا ش ك ر‬ ‫ – اف‬thank you and

God bless you.

And to each of you today, I ask of you: what is the least you can do – now – to make
the world around you a little better? (Harvard Magazine, 2019)

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  In simple words, what does the speaker wants to tell you? Why do you
think she chose this topic?

 Have you done good to someone lately? Please tell the story.

 If you were to give a speech, what would be your title?

Activity 1: The Speaker in ME

Directions: Write a one paragraph speech of five sentences or more for
the frontliners during this COVID 19 pandemic. Think of your purpose
while writing this simple speech.

Process Questions:

a. What do you want to tell people?

b. What is you purpose in writing this particular speech?

_ _

c. Why do you think your message is worth reading or knowing?

_ _ _

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Activity 2: She Said, He Said

Directions: Analyze the purpose of the speaker in each statement. Write

your answer on the space provided after the sentence.

1. “I always pray to God that this COVID19 pandemic will be over

soon.” - What feeling does this statement give?

2. “I‟m so happy, I found you. - What emotion is expressed here?

3. “You can do it „cause you have the capacity”. - What is the

speaker trying to do?

4. “Do you want to spend your life with me?” - What is being

expressed in this statement?

5. “Would you like some waffle and milktea? - What is the motive of the
speaker here?

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 What is It

Communication functions refer to how people use language for

different purposes also refers to how language is affected by different
time, place, and situation used to control the behavior of people used
to regulate the nature and amount of activities people engage in.

A. REVIEW ON THE FUNCTIONS OF COMMUNICATION

Functions of communication refer to how humans use language for
different purposes. There are five (5) basic functions of communication.
They are Regulation or control, Social Interaction, Motivation,
Information and Emotional Expression.

1. Regulation or control

Communication functions to control behavior. It enables the control or

regulation of behavior in many ways. Your parents set rules in the house; your
teacher too, in school. Can you imagine a world without control and
regulation? People can do what they want! Isn’t that frightening? No traffic
rules, no punishments - it would be a chaotic society. Rules are for our
protection. Have you noticed that many people died of motorcycle accidents
because they refused to wear helmets? It was never imposed for the sake of
rules, it is for protection.

Examples:

 Doctors’ Prescription

“Take your medicine 3 times a day.”

 Parents’ Instruction to their child

“Wash the dishes now, or else I won‟t allow you to go to the party
later.”

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 In school, one’s behavior in any organization is expected to be in
agreement with its goals and objectives.

In a formal communication network, a leader may post the following

memorandum to impose a policy that regulates a school procedure. See the
example below:
Date: June 1, 2019

Memo

To: All Student Leaders

From: Office of the Principal

Re: Submission of Class/Club Reports

Greetings of peace!

It has been observed in the past school year that class and class presidents
submit their reports on the last day of the signing of clearance. This posed
problem in some instances because the the Office had no time to carefully review
the details of the reports, considerng that the student leaders were in a hurry to
have their clearances signed. In thos context, the office announces the following
procedures of submitting reports:
a. All club/class presidents must submit a report about the meetings,
activities and other projects their clubs or class have been engaged in.
b. Reporting will be done in hard and soft copies every September,
December and March. Soft copies must be sent in the school’s official
website or mail which can be seen in our handbook.
c. All reports must be endorsed by the respective advisers of the class or
club.
d. On-time submission of reports will have a corresponding effect in the
points given for the class or club peformance. Hence, early or on tme
submission will mean one point addition to the performance rating.

If you have queries and clarifications, you are advised to visit the office. For your
strict compliance.

What if you were not informed about the regulations? Can you do the

report correctly? Will you know the merits of passing on time?

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 2. Social Interaction

Communication fosters social interaction. We interact with people in

almost all aspects of our life and in every communication situation. We talk to
our parents, siblings, teachers, friends, vehicle operators, sales assistants,
doctors etc.

For example, communication is essential in any organization such as

the academe and other sectors- business, politics, media, economy, among
others. In ordinary life situation, we start a conversation in order to interact
with other people, even among those we do not know personally.

Examples:
 Encouragement
“You can do it.”
 Marriage Proposal
“Will you marry me?”
 Invitation
“Would you like some coffee, tea, or me?”

Read the following excerpt from the story “War” by Luigi Pirandello. The
characters in the train saw the husband explained to the other passengers the
indifference of his wife, and the others simply engaged readily, as if they
understood what the husband and wife went through. Read it carefully and try
to analyze the exchanges.

―Are you all right, dear?‖

The wife, instead of answering, pulled up her collar again to her eyes, so as to hide her face.

―Nasty world,‖ muttered the husband with a sad smile.

And he felt it his duty to explain to his traveling companions that the poor woman was to be
pitied for the war was taking away from her her only son, a boy of twenty to whom both had
devoted their entire life, even breaking up their home at Sulmona to follow him to Rome
where he had to go as a student, then allowing him to volunteer for war with an assurance,
however, that at least for six months he would not be sent to the front and now, all of a
sudden, receiving a wire saying that he was due to leave in three days‘ time and asking them
to go and see him off.

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The woman under the big coat was twisting and wriggling, at times growling like a wild animal,
feeling certain that all those explanations would not have aroused even a shadow of sympathy
from those people who—most likely—were in the same plight as herself. One of them, who had
been listening with particular attention, said:

―You should thank God that your son is only leaving now for the front. Mine has been sent
there the first day of the war. He has already come back twice wounded and been sent back
again to the front.‖

―What about me? I have two sons and three nephews at the front,‖ said another passenger.

―Maybe, but in our case it is our only son,‖ ventured the husband.

―What difference can it make? You may spoil your only son with excessive attentions, but you
cannot love him more than you would all your other children if you had any. Paternal love is
not like bread that can be broken into pieces and split amongst the children in equal shares. A
father gives all his love to each one of his children without discrimination, whether it be one or
ten, and if I am suffering now for my two sons, I am not suffering half for each of them but
double ‖

―True ... true ‖ sighed the embarrassed husband, ―but suppose (of course we all
hope it will never be your case) a father has two sons at the front and he loses one of them,
there is still one left to console him ... while ‖

―Yes,‖ answered the other, getting cross, ―a son left to console him but also a son left for whom
he must survive, while in the case of the father of an only son if the son dies the father can die
too and put an end to his distress. Which of the two positions is the worse? Don‘t you see how
my case would be worse than yours?‖

―Nonsense,‖ interrupted another traveler, a fat, red-faced man with bloodshot eyes of the
palest gray.

He was panting. From his bulging eyes seemed to spurt inner violence of an uncontrolled
vitality which his weakened body could hardly contain.

―Nonsense,‖ he repeated, trying to cover his mouth with his hand so as to hide the two missing
front teeth. ―Nonsense. Do we give life to our children for our own benefit?‖

The other travelers stared at him in distress. The one who had had his son at the front since the
first day of the war sighed: ―You are right. Our children do not belong to us, they belong to the
Country ‖

―Bosh,‖ retorted the fat traveler. ―Do we think of the Country when we give life to our children?
Our sons are born because well, because they must be born and when they come to life they
take our own life with them. This is the truth. We belong to them but they never belong to us.
And when they reach twenty they are exactly what we were at their age. We too had a father
and mother, but there were so many other things as well ... girls, cigarettes, illusions, new ties
... and the Country, of course, whose call we would have answered—when we were twenty—
even if father and mother had said no. Now, at our age, the love of our Country is still great, of
course, but stronger than it is the love for our children. Is there any one of us here who
wouldn‘t gladly take his son‘s place at the front if he could?‖

There was a silence all round, everybody nodding as to approve.

Were they friends? What were common among the people inside the vehicle?
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3. Motivation
Communication motivates or encourages people to live better. Examples
are the statements: “I must trim down my weight for her.” “We need to be
proactive and stop procrastinating.”

When people in an organization are clearly informed of the tasks and are
praised for their performance, they are most inspired to work. Furthermore,
they are encouraged to continuously improve their work in view of the goals and
objectives of the organization.

In your case, you may have heard your friend or your teacher telling you
to get focused on your studies so that you can reach your desired career. When
you hear someone affirming your action, you often want to do it again with
more vigor. In fact, you may see schools or organizations motivating their
members by posting their accomplishments as an institution or group.

Recently, motivational speeches were born, they have become visible in

YouTube and other platforms and have been used by many to motivate their
students, their workers, and their organization. Below are samples of
Motivational speeches. A copy is provided for you. You may also watch them in
YouTube, links are provided for you.

It’s Not Easy, But It’s Worth It – Motivational Speech | Fearless

Motivation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zkn-nsN_Iq0&feature=emb_title

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 It’s Not Easy, But It’s Worth It – Motivational Speech | Fearless Motivation

It‘s easy to have FAITH everything is going to work out, when everything IS working out.

It‘s much harder to have faith when you are facing challenges in your life. But that is exactly
when you need to apply your faith.

Because faith is believing in the unseen. Faith is taking the first step .Faith is jumping in the
deep end and KNOWING everything will be OK.

It‘s easy to be positive when everything is working out… It‘s much harder, much much harder
when nothing is working out…. But that‘s when we need it the most.

EVERYTHING WORTH THE PRIZE! IS WORTH THE FIGHT!

If you want the prize you can‘t quit at half time. You can‘t quit mid season. You must play the
whole game. Pre season, through the cold, through darkness, through the challenges, the
opponents.

You will be knocked down… but you MIST GET UP. KEEP FIGHTING. DIG DEEP and discover
your true STRENGTH.

Then you will win the real prize:

CHARACTER. EXPANSION.
YOU rising to the next level

IF I SURVIVE THE STORM, I CAN OUTDO THE NORM.

TO BREAKTHROUGH THE NORM, I MUST FIRST SURIVE THE STORMS.
TO HAVE MORE THAN MOST – I MUST DO MORE THAN MOST. BELIEVE MORE THAN
MOST. LEARN MORE THAN MOST. SACRIFICE MORE THAN
MOST. BELIEVE MORE THAN MOST.

Now, say to yourself:

LONG TERM, I know what I need will come my way. LONG TERM, I know if I keep at it I will be
rewarded LONG TERM, I know consistency pays off

LONG TERM I know all my actions, all my discipline all my integrity will pay off in a big way.

I HAVE FAITH everything will work out. IN THE END all will be fine… IF I KEEP WORKING.
IF I KEEP LEARNING. IF I CONTINUE TO EVOLVE. IF I CONTINUE TO ADAPT. IF I LEARN
NEW WAYS.

Set backs aren‘t always negative. Sometimes they are sent to guide us in a much bigger and
better direction… But you can only see that if you show character in those hard times. If you
remain open minded in the hard times. If you show strength through your struggles.

Don‘t say ―Why me‖. Ask: ―How can I come out of this stronger… ―What can I learn‖

In the hard times we see who really has the character. In the hard times we see what people are
really made of. What are you made of? Tell me, What are you made of?

CHARACTER EXPANSION. GROWTH AND PRIDE!

CHARACTER EXPANSION. GROWTH AND PRIDE!

DIG DEEP! Find that strength that lives inside you. TRUST that if you keep doing your thing,
you will be rewarded. It might not happen right away, it rarely does, but it will happen if you
keep going.

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Don‘t allow regret to enter your life. Don‘t you dare look back on your life in 5 years and think ―I
could have done more‖… ―If only I stuck it out, I could have been in a much better position‖ No.
Look back with pride. Look back and be able to say to yourself, ―It wasn‘t easy, but I AM SO
PROUD I stuck it out… because I got my rewards‖

Make sure your story is one of strength. Make sure your story is one of someone who refused to
give up. Refused to settle. Refused to be normal.

Keep going. Your future self is begging you.

How did you feel after reading or watching the speech? Did you learn something?
Were you motivated?

Another motivational speech was that of Denzel Washington, the famous

actor, who gave himself to God, to serve Him, and to inspire other people. May you
be inspired as you listen to Him. God bless you. You can watch him via YouTube,
just search for the title Denzel Washington Motivational Speech 2020 – Dream Big.

4. Information

Communication functions to convey factuality. Giving

information comes usually with statement of facts. Examples are these
statements: “Did you know that there‟s a secret apartment at the top of the
Eiffel tower? Do you know that there is a museum under the Dambana ng
Kagitingan? What information did you get from these statements? They are
interesting, right?

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 The article below is an example of information.

IS THERE A TREATMENT AND VACCINE FOR COVID-19?

https://www.cdc.gov/media/subtopic/images.htm

Not yet. As of now, there is no specific treatment for or vaccine against

COVID-19. However, many of the symptoms can be treated based on the patient‘s
clinical conditions. Supportive care for infected persons is highly effective. Most of
those infected have recovered with only supportive care.

Vaccines and specific drug treatments are currently being developed and are
tested through clinical trials. WHO and DOH are coordinating with those who are
developing the vaccines and medicines to determine possible availability of these
resources.

On the other hand, DOH continuously advises the public to frequently clean or
wash hands, cover cough with a tissue or the bend of the elbow, and maintain a
distance of at least one meter from people who are coughing or sneezing (for more
information, see Section on protective and preventive measures.
(https://www.doh.gov.ph/node/19587)

The news that we watch all the time inform us of what is going on in our
community, country and the world. It is important to be informed so that we
have knowledge of pros and cons and we can adapt to our environment on a
daily basis. Even in school, if you are not informed that there is a deadline or a
test, it will be a disaster right?

5. Emotional Expression

Communication allows people in an organization to express their

feelings, satisfaction, frustration, and needs. As members of a community, they
are given space or mechanism to communicate their sentiments and needs with
others. Being able to communicate their social and ego needs gives them a
feeling of belongingness and boosts their self-esteem.

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 Check your personal experience in dealing with your classmates, friends
or other people in authority. Do you remember expressing your dissatisfaction
for the grade given to you by your teacher? Have you heard some people
jumping for their victory? These are just few of the occasions where you see
communication works as a means of expressing emotion.

Examples:

 Appreciation
“I‟m so glad that you came into my life.”
“I like you so much!”

 Expressing one’s ambition

“I want to finish up my studies with good grades to be accepted in a good university.”

 Expressing a need
“I need you in my life.”

Read the following excerpt from the story “Hills Like White Elephants,”
by Ernest Hemingway and see how the speaker communicates her
exasperation to her boyfriend.

They sat down at the table and the girl looked across at the hills on the dry side of the
valley and the man looked at her ad at the table.

―You‘ve got to realize, he said, ‗that I don‘t want you to do it if you don‘t want to. I‘m
perfectly willing to go through with it if it means anything to you.‘

―Doesn‘t it mean anything to you? We could get along.‖

―Of course it does. But I don‘t want anybody but you. I don‘t want anyone else. And I know
it‘s perfectly simple.‖

―Yes, it‘s perfectly simple.‖

It‘s all right for you to say that but I do know it.‖

―Would you do something for me now?‖

―I‘d do anything for you.‖

―Would you please please please please please please please stop talking?

How did you feel after reading the story? Did you find the conversation funny?

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 B. PURPOSES OF COMMUNICATION
There are many purposes in communication. Speakers always have a
goal in mind which varies depending on the communicative situation. This is a
more focused idea on what the speaker intends to communicate to the
audience. Some experts narrow down these general purposes into the following:
to inform, to persuade or to convince and to entertain.

1. Speech to Inform

This is evident in a lecture where the speaker presents factual

information. For instance, the president delivers the State of the Nation Address
enumerating the accomplishments of the President’s Office.

Speech to inform is formal and expository. It is often accompanied with

visual presentation so that the audience will not get tired of the facts and
figures simply read before them.

The purpose of informing is also commonplace in ordinary conversations.

This can be seen in the following exchange among friends.

Aya: Excuse me guys! I have an announcement to make. Our homeroom adviser will
meet us today after our last class.

Uno: Oh, my. I‘m supposed to leave early. Is it going to be long? What is the agenda?

Aya: I guess, it‘s gonna last for one hour. She said that it‘s about the upcoming intramural.

Uno: What room?

Aya: She‘ll meet us in the student hall.

Uno: Can I be absent? I can just keep posted through Nikki.

Aya: It‘s up to you. But I guess you need to get Ms. Jean‘s permission first.

What pieces of information can we get from the dialogue above?

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2. Speech to Persuade or Convince

They are appeals to the audience’s intellect or emotion. The speakers of this
type of speech want their audience to think and feel the way they want them
to. For instance, a politician wants to get the vote of his or her target
constituents. He or she would present his or her speech in a manner that the
audience would see the merit choosing him or her. He or she may highlight
educational attainment, performance record or to appeal to the audience’s
emotion, he or she may trace her family background being one with the
masses.

In literature, you might have come across the speech of Shylock in Merchant
of Venice by Shakespeare (Act 111 Sc 1)

Hath not a Jew eyes?

Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions,

senses, affections, passions?

Fed with the same food hurt with the same

weapons, subject to the same diseases,

Healed by the same means, warmed and

cooled by the same winter and summer as
Christian is?

If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle

us, do we not laugh?

If you poison us, do we not die?

And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?

The above excerpt shows Shylock’s argument that appeals to emotion. He

points out that being a Jew is no different from being a person of another race;
that like any other human being, he can be happy and be hurt or be offended
by unjust and oppressive dealings.

Have you experienced being treated unjustly because of your skin,

appearance or status in life?

Another famous persuasive speech that had often been quoted is the “Land
of Bondage, Land of the Free” by Raul Manglapus. Read the following excerpts
from his speech:

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 No wonder, then that tao, being a slave, has acquired the habits of a slave. No wonder
that after three centuries in chains, without freedom, without hope, he should lose the erect and
fearless posture of the freeman, and become the bent, misshapen, indolent, vicious, pitiful thing
that he is! Who dares accuse him, who dares rise up in judgement against this man, reduced to
this sub-human level by three centuries of oppression. The tao does not come here tonight to be
judged — but to judge! Hear then his accusation and his sentence:
I indict the Spanish encomiendero for inventing taxes impossible to bear. I indict the
usurer for saddling me with debts impossible to pay.
I indict the irresponsible radical leaders who undermine, with insidious eloquence, the
confidence of my kind in our government.
You accuse me of not supporting my family. Free me from bondage, and I shall prove
you false.
You accuse me of ignorance. But I am ignorant because my master finds it profitable to
keep me ignorant. Free me from bondage, and I shall prove you false.
You accuse me of indolence. But I am indolent not because I have no will, but because I have no
hope. Why should I labor, if all the fruits of my labor go to pay an unpayable debt. Free me from
bondage, and I shall prove you false.
Give me land. Land to own. Land unbeholden to any tyrant. Land that will be free. Give
me land for I am starving. Give me land that my children may not die. Sell it to me, sell it to me
at a fair price, as one freeman sells to another and not as a usurer sells to a slave. I am poor, but
I will pay it! I will work, work until I fall from weariness for my privilege, for my inalienable
right to be free!
BUT IF YOU WILL NOT GRANT ME THIS … If you will not grant me this last request,
this ultimate demand, then build a wall around your home … build it high! … build it strong!
Place a sentry on every parapet! … for I who have been silent these three hundred years will
come in the night when you are feasting, with my cry and my bolo at your door. And may God
have mercy on your soul!

What does Sir Raul Manglapus want to tell us? Were you persuaded by
the issues he raised about bondage and freedom?

In ordinary conversation, the act of persuading or convincing is also

evident. You may even have done this when you ask your father or mother to
increase your allowance, or to allow you to attend a class party. You may also
have seen this among groups of advocates for environmental protection who
convince you on the alarming effects of global warming or the serious damages
that the typhoons have caused to the country.

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3. Speech to Entertain

This speech is aimed at lightening the mood of the audience. This could be
a standalone speech like those done by stand-up comedians or short segments
used as adlib for long informative or persuasive speeches.

Below is an excerpt from a commencement speech for STI College

Munoz by Lloyd de Luna. You may watch the whole speech in YouTube.

Just like your parents, I am also incredibly proud of what you have come to take
home today. Yeah, an empty piece of paper called ―Diploma.‖
That piece of paper is important. But diplomas do fade. Medals get rusty.
Certificates get old.
On the other hand, the wonderful memories and
experiences and friendships you made here will last
long—perhaps long enough that you can take them off
the shelves of your mind when you feel lost, afraid,
disappointed.
Your achievement today may be forgotten
soon before you can even land your first job simply
because your achievement is nothing but a
recognition of what you have become. It‘s never an
assurance of what you will become.
The truth is, the world does remember no cum
laude, no valedictorian, no best in spelling, no best in
writing.
It only remembers those who have made an impact on the lives of the people they
serve. Hopefully, you will serve humanity to the best of your ability.
Your future is yours to create. It is yours to design. It is yours to embrace. We had our time.
And our time is almost over.

To all parents who are present here today, and this is important, be ready to provide
temporary shelter and minimum wage to your children. Their first day of ―non-working
holidays‖ starts tomorrow.

Wala yatang maraming available na trabaho so please be a good ―employer‖ to these

―highly qualified‖ job-seekers. Wala silang pwedeng takbuhan kapag na-reject ang
application nila. So, please be kind. Who knows after five more years, may trabaho na sila.

Finally, I will tell you one important truth.

Life will not guarantee you of anything. You are not entitled to some automatic
success. Some of you may make it. Some of you may not. Some of you may stumble and get
up. Some of you may stumble and stay on the ground. Some of you may try one thing and
succeed at it. Some of you may try many things and terribly fail at all of them.

23
 But please know that it only happens because life doesn‘t have any obligation to
guarantee your success. It only gives you one assurance—that you can try to do anything at
any time at any place for as long as you can endure.

But if you should move on with your life with kindness, if you keep your faith in God
and in yourself, and if you stay in love in what you do best, amazing things will come your
way.

Lastly, please don‘t take your life so seriously. Please ask me why. Ilang beses ka na
bang nagseryoso pero sa huli ikaw ang iniwan at hindi sineryoso?

Remember I told you about the only two things I remembered from our speaker on
my own graduation? Hopefully, you won‘t forget these words either:

To the graduating class of 2017, congratulations and God bless.

It has been an honor of my life to have been your commencement speaker.

Thank you.

Lloyd Luna (born 12 May 1982) is a Filipino leadership speaker, author, and entrepreneur best
known for his speeches on motivational leadership in the English language. Luna was conferred the
title of remarkable alumni of Polytechnic University of the Philippines in business category.
https://www.lloydluna.com/category/humorous-speech-philippines/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=ZoZ9V4W8qOo&feature=emb_logo

Did you find Mr. de Luna’s speech entertaining? He is not a stand-up

comedian, but a motivational speaker, and yet he was able to make adlibs to make
his speech entertaining and at the same time meaty and meaningful.

You may also watch the video of Donna Cariaga who won in stand up
comedian competition of Showtime in this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YylVAe1SYXw Did you enjoy her speech? Her
speech is an entertaining speech.

24
 What’s More

You have learned about the Functions and Purposes of Communication.

Let us see if you can creatively apply what you have learned.

Activity 3: ‘Blank , What Are You?’

Directions: Young people like you love to make Hugot Lines. Let’s see how you
would do it. Make two Hugot Lines , one about function of communication and one
about purposes of communication.

1.

2.

Activity 4: ‘Like And Share’

Directions: Study the following FB Statuses. Write on the lines the purpose or

function of each status.

1.

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2.

What I Have Learned

Let us check your understanding of our lesson today. In your own simple words,
answer the following questions meaningfully and briefly. Write your answers on the
space provided for you.

1. Why is it important to know the functions and purposes of communication?

2. As a student, do you think it is helpful to be able to identify these functions

and purposes? Why?

3. Was there a time in your communication activities that you use these

functions and purposes? Please cite one for function, and one for purpose.

Relate the situation.

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Rubric for the essay:
5 4 3 2 1
Excellent Very Good Needs Unacceptable
Good Improvement
Content

 "Addresses each
question and all its parts
thoroughly; incorporates
relevant course content
into responses; uses
specific information from
case in response.
Understanding/Application

 "Demonstrates deep
understanding of
course theories and
ideas applied to
analysis of case
situations"
Original Thinking

 "Demonstrates original
thinking that adds
insight to analysis of
case; meaningful
elaboration beyond
text, notes, class
discussion in strategy
development"

Structure

 "Response to each
question is well
organized and clearly
written; there is
evidence of planning
before writing"

Grammar and Mechanics

 "Response is virtually
free of mechanical,
grammatical writing
errors"

https://teachingcommons.lakeheadu.ca/rubric-essay-exam-questi

27
 What I Can Do

Activity 4: ‘What Am I Thinking?’

Directions: Choose three radio/television/online commercials and identify the

functions or purposes of each advertisement. At the last column, add the
value/lesson that is being taught by the advertisement.

Title of the Function Purpose Value/Lesson

Commercial

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 Assessment

Directions: Read each item carefully then choose the letter that corresponds to your
answer. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Which of the following is NOT one of the three purposes of communication?

A. Speech to inform
B. Speech to describe
C. Speech to persuade
D. Speech to entertain

2. What purpose of communication is observed in the text: Today, I'd like to give you
some of the facts about caffeine and its effects on your body. I may not cause you to
change your coffee consumption, but at least you'll be better informed about what you
are putting into your body. I'm going to talk about the beneficial effects of caffeine, the
negative effects and discuss what are considered to be 'safe' levels of caffeine
consumption.
A. to inform
B. to persuade
C. to entertain
D. to motivate

3. What purpose of communication is observed in the text: Laugh. It feels like the
funniest thing that has ever happened to me. I'm still laughing as Dad helps me out of
the boat. "That wasn't so bad, was it?" he asks. I consider for a moment. "Well, no, I
guess not it wasn‟t as bad as a lot of people find speech-giving to be, anyway.... I still
haven't understood people‟s fear of public speaking any amount of it I had has been
done away with after having this class. Maybe if more people took Mr. Yates classes,
then the number two fear of people might be...
A. to inform
B. to persuade
C. to entertain
D. to motivate

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4. What purpose of communication is observed in the text: Chippers are the crispiest,
crunchiest, and most delicious brand of chips you will ever taste. Buy a bag today.
A. to inform
B. to persuade
C. to entertain
D. to motivate

5. All of the following are functions of communication EXCEPT for one:

A. Control
B. Agreement
C. Motivation
D. Social Interaction

6. What function of communication is observed in the situation: Joey became a

lecturer in a soap opera acting class for a day, and he shared that the most
important thing he learned in soap opera acting was reacting.
A. Information
B. Motivation
C. Social Interaction
D. Emotional Expression

7. What function of communication is observed in the situation: The tourist guide

asked the tourists not to leave any of their belongings inside the bus.
A. Information
B. Motivation
C. Control / Regulation
D. Emotional Expression

8. What function of communication is observed in the situation: A television personality

thanks the supportive moviegoers during an interview.
A. Information
B. Motivation
C. Social Interaction
D. Emotional Expression

30
9. What function of communication is observed when someone says: Clean the room,
then you can go to the mall.
A. Control
B. Motivation
C. Social Interaction
D. Emotional Expression

10. What function of communication is observed when someone says: You can find the
bathroom right next to this door.
A. Control
B. Motivation
C. Information
D. Emotional Expression

11. What function of communication is observed when someone says: Do you have
plans this Saturday night?
A. Control
B. Social Interaction
C. Control / Regulation
D. Emotional Expression

12. What function of communication is observed when someone says: Don't be

afraid to fail because we strive for progress, not perfection.
A. Motivation
B. Social Interaction
C. Control / Regulation
D. Emotional Expression

13. What function of communication is observed in the situation: Phoebe shares her
insights on how to live peacefully despite a complicated life.
A. Control
B. Information
C. Motivation
D. Emotional Expression

31
14. What function of communication is observed in the situation: Ross greets Rachel
then, they start talking about their plans for the holidays.
A. Control
B. Information
C. Motivation
D. Social Interaction

15. What function of communication is observed in the situation: Monica shares her
personal frustrations with Chandler.
A. Information
B. Motivation
C. Social Interaction
D. Emotional Expression

32
 Additional Activities

Activity 5 – ‘I Can Do It!’

Directions: Choose one of the speeches of President Rodrigo Duterte. You may
watch or listen to it and then examine its function and purpose.
Write the title of the speech and the date it was delivered. If it is
possible, share the link to the class fb group.

Title

Date Delivered:

Function:

Purpose:

Link:

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Activity 6
Directions: Review the speeches read, and listened to during our lesson
discussions. Then write a 250-word essay of your objective observation and
evaluation of the various speakers watched and listened to.

Be guided by the following:

 Did the writers and speakers clearly convey the functions and

purposes of their messages? Give details.

 What was the primary message delivered by each writer/speaker?

 Was the objective achieved by each speaker/writer?

 What were the lessons learned from the speeches? Did you find

some practical applications?

 You may add other observations and evaluations of your own.

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Rubric for the essay:

http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/printouts/Essay%20Rubric.pdf

35
Answer Key

36
References
Books
Sipacio, P.J., Balgos, A.R. (2016). Oral Communication in Context For Senior High
School. C & E Publishing, Inc.
Soccsksargen Region, (2020). Oral Communication in Context. Printed in the
Philippines by Department of Education – SOCCSKSARGEN Region.

Websites
Dubec, Rhonda. (2018, September 14). Rubrics for Essay Exam Questions.
Retrieved from URL https://teachingcommons.lakeheadu.ca/rubric- essay-
exam-questions

Harvard Magazine. (2019). The Least I can do by Lucila Tagjerad. Retrieved from
URL https://www.harvardmagazine.com/2019/05/harvard-368th-
commencement-morning-exercises

Luna, Lloyd. (2017, June 6). ). Funniest Inspirational Graduation Speech by a

Filipino Motivational Speaker in the Philippines. URL
https://www.lloydluna.com/category/humorous-speech-philippines/

Oral Communication in Context. (2016, October 14). Functionsof Communication.

Retrieved from URL https://oralcom.wordpress.com/2016/10/14/functions-
of-communication/
Staff, Elcomblus. (2019, August 10). Teaching Guide: Functions Of Communication.
Retrieved from URL https://www.elcomblus.com/teaching-guide-functions-
of-communication/

Videos
ABS-CBN Entertainment. (2017, December). Donna Cariaga/Grand Finals/It’s
Showtime Funny One. (Video). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=YylVAe1SYXw
Harvard University 2019, May 30). Graduate English Address by Lucila Takjerad (Video).
Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewZZl_qyNWU

Luna,lloyd. (2017, June 3). Funniest Inspirational Graduation Speech by a

Filipino Motivational Speaker in the Philippines. (Video). Youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=ZoZ9V4W8qOo
&feat ure=emb_logo
Team Fearless. (218, January 22). It’s Not Easy but It’s Worth It – Motivational Speech.
(Video).https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZknnsN_Iq0&feature=emb_title
Tyler, Legrand. {Legrand Tyler}. (2011, November 22). A Failure to Communicate
{Video}. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ox5LhIJSBE

Prepared by:

MARY JASIEL S. JARDELIZA

CNCHS

37