Grade

Self-Learning Module
ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT
in
Lesson: Strategies to Avoid Communication Breakdown
Week Day and
Quarter: I 3 See Class program
: Time:

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Learning competency:
 Uses various strategies in order to avoid communication breakdown
Learning Tasks for LESSON 1:
Study Notebook Activity Sheet
 What I Know, pp.1-3  What’s New, p.3
 What I Have Learned, p.5  What’s More, p.5
 Assessment, pp.6-7  What I Can Do, p.5
Learning Tasks for LESSON 2:
Study Notebook
 What I Know, pp.7-8
 What’s More (Act, 1 & 2), p.11
 Assessment, p.11

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:
a. define the concept of communication breakdown;
b. identify the different kinds of barriers to effective communication;
c. explain the causes of communication breakdown; and
d. use appropriate strategies to avoid communication breakdown and achieve the goals
of relationship and community building.

What I Know
A. Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer.
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 c. strategies to avoid communication barriers
b. communication barrier d. process of communication

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2. It refers to the natural or environmental conditions that hinder a successful
communication transaction.
a. cultural barrier c. physical barrier
b. external noise d. psychological barrier
3. These are issues like trauma, lack of confidence, fear, anger, frustration, and
depression that may affect the communication process.
a. external noise c. psychological barrier
b. linguistic 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 c. physical barrier
b. linguistic 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 c. using excessive technical jargon
b. constructing building 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 c. inattentiveness to detail
b. dissatisfaction to customer service d. poor listening skills
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 c. semantic noise
b. internal 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?

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 a. cultural barrier c. physiological barrier
b. linguistic 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
c. listening to your friend’s heartaches and unsuccessful love stories
d. looking for the positive characteristics or strengths of a speaker

LESSON 1: COMMUNICATION 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.

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.
1. __________________ 2. ____________________ 3. _____________________

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.

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 Barriers to Communication
1. Physical Barriers are the natural or environmental condition that act as a barrier in
communication in sending the message from sender to receiver.
Examples:
 People talking too loud.
 Noise from a construction site
 Loud sound of a karaoke
 Blaring of jeepney horns
2. Psychological Barriers are called as mental barriers. These refer to social and personal
issues of a speaker towards communicating with others.
Examples:
 trauma
 shyness, lack of confidence
 depression
 fear, stage fright
3. 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.
4. Examples:
 different beliefs
 traditions, and customs
 manners of dressing
 speaking
5. 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:
 difference in language
 accent and dialect
 use of jargon and slang
 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.
1. External Noises are the “sight, sound and other stimuli that draw people’s attention
away from intended meaning.”
Examples:
 noise from vehicles
 singing at the neighborhood
 visual aids in front of the classroom
 the dog barking
 the sound of airplane
2. Internal noises are the “thoughts and feelings that interfere with meaning.”
Examples:
 confrontation with a friend
 fear of speaking in front of the class.
 racial prejudice
3. Semantic noises are the “alternate meanings aroused by a speaker’s symbols.” This
idea means that a word may have another meaning in the minds of the students. This is
affected by the language in which they grew and the culture in which they are exposed.

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 Examples:
 incorrect grammar
 using excessive technical jargon
 using idiomatic expressions

What’s More
Directions: Explain why there is communication breakdown on the given
situations.
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.

What I Have Learned

Directions: Answer the following questions.
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.

a. Complete the table provided below.

b. Identify the cause of the communication breakdown.

An example is provided for you:

Persons Situation Time of Barrier/s to Result
Involved Communication Communicatio
n
Aling Celia and Aling Celia When Reysa was Physiological Aling Celia
Reysa (Mother asked Reysa watching her Barrier was upset
& Daughter) to wash the favorite anime because Reysa
dishes. series did not do as
told.

What was the cause of communication breakdown?

Answer: Reysa’s lack of attention caused the communication breakdown.

Now, do the following on your own. Interview three (3) people and copy the table on a
separate sheet of paper and supply the needed information. Then, answer the question “What
was the cause of communication breakdown?”

Persons Situation Time of Barrier/s to Result

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 Involved Communication Communicatio
n

Assessment
Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer.

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
4. Which barrier includes the mental conditions of the listener?
a. cultural barrier c. physical barrier
b. linguistic barrier d. psychological barrier
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.
_______11. Inability to understand a message causes failure in communication.
_______12. The actual message is lost in transmission.
_______13. Emotional problems can sometimes color one’s understanding of a message.
_______14. Culture may affect the interpretation of meaning in communication.

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_______15. Pictures, gadgets, and other paraphernalia in front of the stage engage the
audience in listening to the speaker.

LESSON 2: VARIOUS STRATEGIES TO AVOID COMMUNICATION

BREAKDOWN

What I Know
Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer.
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
6. Complete communication is ___________to the quality of the communication process in
general.
a. essential b. needed c. part 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 b. hold c. rate 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.
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

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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.

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?

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
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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 confidence by 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.

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.):

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.

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1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.

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 Communication Helpful Expressions
Breakdown
Use helpful expressions to gain time to “Really”
think “Uhmm”
“Uh-huh”
“Anyway”
“Tell me more…”
Give positive remarks or comments “”Sounds good”
“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?”

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 What’s More
Activity 1
Directions: Match column A with the best answer in column B.
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 pay attention to the verbal and c. Do not Jump to Conclusions
non-verbal cues.

4. He/she must find closed areas or quiet d. Speak Intelligibly

plays to avoid communication breakdown.

5. He/she must have an appropriate speaking e. Listen with your ears and
volume, speech rate, and acceptable eyes
enunciation.

f. Minimize Distractions

Activity 2
Directions: Identify what 7Cs to Effective Communication is being described.
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.

Assessment
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.

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 ANSWER KEY FOR LESSON 1:

What I Know What I have learned Assessment

1. B 1. Communication Breakdown 1. C
2. C happens when the transmitted 2. B
3. C message is not understood exactly 3. D
4. A by the receiver 4. D
5. C 2. Physiological, Psychological, 5. B
6. B Cultural, Linguistic, 6. B
7. C 3. Answers may vary 7. B
8. D 8. A
9. B 9. B
10. A 10. B
11. D 11. True
12. D 12. False
13. C 13. True
14. D 14. True
15. B 15. False

ANSWER KEY FOR LESSON 2:

What I Know What’s More Assessment

1. C Activity 1 1.False
2. D 1. B 2.True
3. B 2. A 3.True
4. A 3. E 4.True
5. C 4. F 5.True
6. A 5. D 6.False
7. B Activity 2 7.True
8. A 1. Correct Grammar 8.True
9. D 2. Completeness 9.False
10. D 3. Conciseness 10.True
11. A 4. Courtesy
12. C 5. Concreteness
13. B
14. B
15. A

ROSALES NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

SENIOR DEPARTMENT
Don Antonio Village, Rosales, Pangasinan

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 INSTRUCTION: Detach and submit this Worksheet together with the activity sheets.

WORKSHEET

Name:
ORAL
Grade/ Subject: COMMUNICATION
IN CONTEXT
Section:
Subj. Teacher: Week: 3

I. SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
A. Directions: Identify the kind of communication barrier exemplified by each
description. Tell whether it is Physiological, Psychological, Cultural, or Linguistic
Barrier.
___________________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

B. Directions: Write your own 5 Tips on how to avoid communication breakdown.

Include a brief explanation for each tip.

Rubric
Criteria Excellent Very Good Poor Needs
(5 points) Good (3 points) (2 points) Improvement
(4 points) (1 point)
Content Show very Shows Enumerates Lacks evidence No details
meaningful meaningful significant that connect to provided
content, content points related the provided
explanation complete to the topic topic
and relation to with
real-world explanation
context
Mechanics Sentence Insignifica A few errors Some errors in Sentence
structures are nt errors in in sentence 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 punctuation punctuation are in spelling and
punctuation and are noted. present. punctuation
and grammar punctuatio abound
errors. n are
noted.
Organization Ideas are very Ideas are Ideas are Ideas are No evidence of
well focused slightly loosely organization of
organized, and organized organized. ideas.
coherence and directed.
cohesion are
very evident.

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Score
Total Score / 15 point

II. REFLECTIVE ASSESSMENT

1. What concepts or skills did you learn well?

2. What concepts or skills was difficult to understand?

3. What activities did you enjoy the most?

4. What activity was hard to execute?

5. Did you ask help from your teacher? (Yes or No).

If Yes, did you immediately receive the needed assistance?
Was the given assistance helpful for you to understand better the lesson?

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