ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT

Communication according to experts:

Psychologist

“Carl Rogers”

“Real communication occurs when we listen with understanding- to see from the perspective of the other person’s
point of view”.

Author “Elizabeth Tierney”

“Communication is a process which begins with a message being delivered, the audience receives the message, reacts
and responds to it. This response may then spark other messages. It’s a continuous process.

Professor Julia T. Wood

“Communication is a systematic process in which people interact with and through symbols (language, non-verbal
behaviors) to create and interpret meanings (literal message).

COMMUNICATION occurs in a systematic process where messages are sent (with or through symbols) to the
receiver, giving him the chance to respond and this process is repeated.

ORAL COMMUNICATION is communication through spoken language, often taking place in, face to face
conversation, meetings, teleconferencing, oral presentations, public speaking, etc.

REASONS WHY WE COMMUNICATE

Adler, et. Al(1998) enumerated in the book “Interplay”

Four main reasons why we communicate

1. Physical Needs
Satisfying personal relationships with others may lead one to live a normal healthy life.
2. Identity Needs
Communication enables us to learn who we are through how others look at us. We are able to develop the
unique “I” by discovering how others perceive us to be.
3. Social Need
Communication fills in social vacuum within ourselves. By dealing with people and maintaining a healthy
relationship with them, we satisfy our social needs.
4. Practical Needs
Communication is needed in all facets of life. We communicate with others everyday transactions with them.
Without communication life would no longer be life characterized by change, energy and changes.

Camp and Satterwhite(2002)

Four main reasons why we communicate

1. To inquire
2. To inform
3. To persuade
4. To develop good will

THE COMMUNICATION PROCESS

SMRC-E Model ( Rogers and Shoemaker, 1971)
 SENDER-MESSAGE-CHANNEL-RECEIVER-EFFECT

The senders are the sources of the message. They are known by such terms as encoders, speakers, writers,
and others. They transmit their messages which can be ideas opinions, beliefs, and others to the receivers who
are also known as decoders, readers and viewers, through symbols sent through a medium such as letter or a
phone call or what other authors term as channel.

The symbols can take in various forms such as verbal or visual. Verbal form carries words while visual channels
makes use of gestures, facial expressions, bodily movements and postures of the speaker and the listener. The
message goes through channels which connect the senders and the receivers. The process does end here, for the
receivers are rational and social beings. They also have feedback or reactions in their minds and they express
these, too through channels.

ELEMENTS OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Communication to be effective must have the following elements:

1. The Individual Sending the Message(SENDER) - the source of information or message

- The person talking to someone is the sender undergoing an outflow of the communication; and
the person talked to(the receiver) gets the inflow of the communication. In a conversation as a
form of communication, is the process of alternating outflowing and inflowing of communication.
- The sender brings out four key elements to every communication act:
a. Communicative purpose
b. Speakers know the source of information or message
c. Speaker’s attitude
d. Speaker credibility
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 the means such as personal or non-personal, verbal/nonverbal in which the encoded
message is conveyed.
5. Decoding- the process of interpreting the encoded message of the speaker(sender) by the receiver
6. Receiver-the recipient of the message or someone who decodes the message
The way the message is received and responded varies according to:
- Listener’s Purpose
- Listener’s Knowledge and Interest in the Subject
- Level of Listening Skills
- Attitude toward Self, Speaker, and Idea Presented
7. Feedback- the reactions, responses, or information provided by the receiver.
8. Context- the environment where communication takes place.
9. Barrier- the factors that affect the flow of communication.

Verbal Communication and Nonverbal Communication

Verbal Communication refers to an interaction in which words are used to relay a message. For effective and
successful verbal communication, use words to express ideas which can be easily understood by the person you are
talking to. Consider appropriateness, brevity, clarity, ethics, and vividness when engaging in this type of
communication.

1. Appropriateness
The language that you use should be appropriate to the environment or occasion (i.e. whether formal or
informal).

2. Brevity
 Speakers who often use simple yet precise and powerful words are found to be more credible. Try to achieve
brevity by being more direct with your words. Avoid fillers and insubstantial expressions which do not add to
the message, such as “uh,” “you know,” “I guess,” and others.

3. Clarity
The meanings of words, feelings, or ideas may be interpreted differently by a 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 the 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.
Hence, you are encouraged to find ways to charm your audience through the use of vivid words.

Nonverbal communication refers to an interaction where behavior is used to convey and represent meanings. All
kinds of human responses that are not expressed in words are classified as Nonverbal communication.

Mastery of nonverbal communication is important for several reasons:

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 you 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 speaking style and avoid a monotonous delivery.