Oral Communication Introduction by Ms. Daisy Rose Villas

Importance of Communication

Communication can be summarized in one word: connection. It is essential for building relationships, sharing knowledge, and fostering understanding among individuals. Reflecting on a situation where communication is present, it can be seen in everyday interactions, from casual conversations to formal presentations.

Definitions of Communication

Communication is:

• Speaker imparts ideas and information to listeners.

• Interaction between individuals that influences perceptions and feelings.

• Generating ideas in another person's mind through the transmission of messages.

• Public sharing of experiences for collective benefit (Monroe & Ehninger, 1974).

• Sending a message that evokes thoughts, emotions, or actions.

• A learned skill, requiring practice and awareness.

Models of Communication (Lesson 2)

Key Models:

1. Aristotle (384-322 BCE)

   • Considered the earliest communication model which emphasized the speaker and the message within specific settings (Legal, Political, Ceremonial).

   • Enhances communication through three elements:

     • Ethos (credibility): Establishing trust and authority.

     • Pathos (emotional connection): Engaging the audience’s emotions.

     • Logos (logical reasoning): Presenting coherent and logical arguments.

2. Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver (1948)

   • Known as the Telephone Model; introduced the concept of "noise" as a barrier to effective communication.

   • Breakdown of the model includes:

     • Information source

     • Transmitter

     • Signal

     • Receiver

     • Destination

   • Highlights how noise can disrupt communication, leading to misunderstandings.

3. Wilbur Schramm (1955)

   • Recognized as the father of mass communication.

   • Proposed that communication occurs through overlapping fields of experience between speaker and listener, emphasizing the importance of mutual understanding.

4. Eugene White (1960)

   • Defined communication as a circular process that incorporates feedback into the dynamics of communication.

   • Key processes include: Symbolizing, Expressing, Transmitting, and Receiving messages.

In-Class Activities

Students were divided into groups to discuss and creatively present various communication concepts. The activities focused on fostering group cooperation, understanding presentation styles, and practical applications of communication theories.

Elements of Communication (Lesson 3)

Key Elements:

• Speaker: The individual who creates and delivers the message, establishing the tone and direction of communication.

• Message: The content that is central to communication, which must be crafted purposefully to achieve the desired intent, whether to inform or persuade.

• Listener: The recipient of the message, whose attention and engagement are crucial for successful communication.

• Channels: The methods of transmission through which messages are conveyed, including oral, written, visual, and electronic means.

• Response: The immediate reactions of the listener indicating message receipt; responses can be verbal or non-verbal and may be positive or negative.

• Feedback: Involves the speaker's observation of the listener's response, which can help adjust the communication process for better understanding.

• Noise: Barriers that impede effective communication, categorized as:

  • Physical: Environmental distractions (traffic noise, chatters).

  • Physiological: Physical conditions affecting perception (hearing impairments).

  • Psychological: Internal distractions such as biases or emotions.

• Communicative situation: Refers to the context in which communication occurs, encompassing both the physical and psychological environment.

Dimensions of Communication (Lesson 4)

Types:

• Verbal: The use of spoken or written words to convey messages.

• Nonverbal: Communication without words, which includes body language, gestures, and facial expressions.

• Oral: Communication delivered through spoken word, often in a live setting.

• Written: Communication conveyed through written symbols.

• Formal: Structured communication occurring in professional or institutional contexts.

• Informal: Casual communication typically occurring in personal or social settings.

• Intentional: Communication that is deliberate and planned, aimed at sending a specific message.

• Unintentional: Messages that are conveyed inadvertently through nonverbal cues or contexts.

Cultural Influence (Lesson 5)

Communication can vary widely across cultures, influencing not only the choice of words but also nonverbal interactions. Understanding cultural context is essential for effective communication across different backgrounds.

Gender Influence on Communication (Lesson 6)

Gender plays a significant role in shaping verbal and nonverbal communication styles. It’s essential to recognize and respect cultural differences in communication practices to foster effective dialogue.

Nonverbal Communication (Lesson 7)

Types include:

• Paralanguage: The vocal elements that accompany speech, such as tone, pitch, and volume.

• Gestures: Movements of the body that express ideas or emotions.

• Facial Expressions: Nonverbal signals conveyed through facial movements that translate feelings.

• Haptics: Communication through touch, which can convey comfort, affection, or authority.

• Proxemics: Use of personal space in communication; varies culturally.

• Chronemics: The role of time in communication (punctuality, duration).

• Each type conveys meaning and can enhance or distort the intended message, necessitating awareness of context.

Barriers to Verbal Communication (Lesson 8)

Common obstacles include:

• Physical infirmities: Hearing issues or speech difficulties that complicate verbal exchanges.

• Personal beliefs and biases: Preconceived notions that affect interpretation and response to messages.

• Topic complexities: Difficult subject matter leading to misunderstandings.

• Communicative situation issues: Such as background noise, unclear communication purposes, or lack of rapport.

Activities

Engage in listing various communication activities, assessing different communicative elements present in each. Reflect on common misunderstandings based on the identified dimensions of communication.