ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT

ACLC COLLEGE OF TACLOBAN

SHS DEPARTMENT

LECTURE NOTES

Lesson 1
(Week 1)

Introduction to Communication
Sub-Topics:

1. Definition of Communication
2. Nature of Communication
3. Principles of Communication
4. Features of Effective Communication
Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the lesson, you will be able to:

a. define communication;
b. enumerate the nature of communication;
c. understand the principles behind communication; and,
d. communicate effectively observing features of effective communication.

Definition of Communication

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)

There is a wide variety of contexts and situations in which communication can

be manifested: it can be a face-to-face interaction, a phone conversation, a group
discussion, a meeting or interview, a letter correspondence, a class recitation, and
many others.

Nature of Communication
1. Communication is a process.
Communication follows a predetermined set of steps in order to work.
For example, we can’t start communication by understanding what has been
said, until something has been said.

2. Communication occurs between two or more people.

This refers to the participants involved in communication which are
also known as the sender and the receiver/s.

3. Communication can be expressed through written or spoken words, actions

(nonverbal), or both spoken words and nonverbal actions at the same time.

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 ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT
ACLC COLLEGE OF TACLOBAN
SHS DEPARTMENT

LECTURE NOTES
Principles of Communication

1. Schemata-driven
Schemas or schemata provide a basis on how we relate to ideas,
concepts and events based on past experiences. In other words, in order to be
able to communicate effectively in a communicative act, we first need to have
prior knowledge of the subject.

2. Interpretative Act
Communication is an interpretative act in a sense that only the sender
knows the exact meaning of the message. The receiver, on one hand, can only
interpret, infer, or guess the meaning of the message as they appeal to his
sense of hearing.

3. Active, Forceful, and Powerful

Messages may have various interpretations because of cultural,
ideological, and environmental factors. What is rude in one culture may be
perceived as something acceptable in another.

4. Symbolic
Signs, symbols, letters, and etc. are concrete objects that stand for or
represent and idea. For example, when the traffic lights signals a red light, it
is common knowledge that it means to STOP.

5. Always results in something

Communication, as a transactional process, creates an effect on the
involved parties (the sender and the receiver). It will bring about either a verbal
or non-verbal response.

6. Irreversible
In communication, either oral or written, what has been said is said.
The moment you utter a word already creates an impact on the listeners.

7. Contextual
Communication involves setting like time, occasion, purpose, and
manner of communication.

8. Progressive
Communication is a process we learn from birth and continues to evolve
as time passes by. As an infant, you communicate through crying – when you
are hungry, scared, or feel pain. But as you grow up, you learn to
communicate through speaking and writing. Thus, communication changes
with time.

9. Process
There are several stages that take place in communication when people
convey and exchange ideas with one another.

10. Ethical
A communicative event is expected to follow rules, values, and beliefs
agreed upon by members of the society.

11. Influenced by technology and media

Communication in the current age of technology is characterized by the
instant, real-time exchange of knowledge, messages, and services.

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 ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT
ACLC COLLEGE OF TACLOBAN
SHS DEPARTMENT

LECTURE NOTES

Features of Effective Communication

In their pioneer book Effective Public Relations, Professors Broom, Cutlip, and
Center (2012) list the 7 Cs of Effective Communication.

1. Completeness
Communication should include everything that the receiver needs to
hear for him/her to respond, react, or evaluate properly. A complete
message reduces the need for follow-up questions and smoothens the
communication process.

2. Conciseness
Conciseness does not mean keeping the message short, but making it
direct or straight to the point. Insignificant or redundant information
should be eliminated from the communication that will be sent to the
recipient. This helps the receiver focus on what is important.

3. Consideration
To be effective, the speaker should always consider relevant
information about his/her receiver such as mood, background, race,
preference, education, status, and needs, among others. By doing so,
he/she can easily build rapport with the audience.

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
culture, values, and beliefs of his/her receivers. Being courteous at all
times creates a positive impact on the audience.

6. Clearness
Clearness in communication implies the use of simple and specific
words to express ideas. It is also achieved when the speaker focuses only
on a single objective in his/her speech so as not to confuse the audience.

7. Correctness
Correctness in grammar eliminates negative impact on the audience
and increases the credibility and effectiveness of the message.

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 ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT
ACLC COLLEGE OF TACLOBAN
SHS DEPARTMENT

LECTURE NOTES

References:

Baraceros, E. L. and Lintao, R.B. (2010). English 4: Oral Communication in Context

(First Edition). Rex Bookstore, Inc. Quezon City, Philippines

“Business Communication for Success”. (2012). Saylor Academy. Retrieved from

https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_business-communication-for-
success/

Dapat, J. O., Sadora, B. B., and Lumabi, B. C. (2016). Oral Communication in Focus.
Lorimar Publishing, Inc. Quezon City, Philippines

Diaz, R. H. (2014). Speech and Oral Communication for College Students (Revised
Edition). National Bookstore. Quezon City, Philippines

Fresnillo, P.J., and Balgos, R.G. (2016). Oral Communication in Context. C & E
Publishing Inc. Quezon City, Philippines

“How Important is Communication in Your Life?”. (2015). Retrieved from

https://linkedin.com/pulse/how-important-communication-your-life-
ted-landgraf

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