ENGS01G – ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT REVIEWER

Communication - It is a process that occurs between two or more people and can be expressed through written or
spoken words, actions, or both spoken words and non-verbal actions at the same time.

Elements of Communication

1. Speaker – the source of information or message

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, or nonverbal, in which the
encoded message is conveyed.

5. Decoding – the process of interpreting the encoded message of the speaker by the receiver.

6. Receiver – the recipient of the message, or someone who decodes the message.

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.

Intercultural Communication happens when individuals interact, negotiate, and create meanings while bringing in their
varied cultural backgrounds.

Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity offers a structure that explores how people experience cultural
differences. According to Benette and Benette, the DMIS has six stages known as the denial, defense, minimization,
acceptance, adaptation, and integration.

• Denial - This is the first stage in the DMIS model that pertains to an individual who does not recognize cultural
differences.

• Defense – This is when an individual starts to recognize cultural differences and is intimidated by them,
resulting in an either superior view on their own culture or an unjustified high regard for the new one.

• Minimization - pertains to when an individual see cultural differences and they bank more on universality of
ideas rather than on cultural differences.

• Acceptance - happens when an individual appreciates important cultural differences in behaviors and especially
in values.

• Adaptation - happens when an individual is very open to world views when accepting new perspectives.

• Integration – The stage where an individual starts to go beyond their culture and see themselves and their
actions based on multifarious cultural viewpoints.
Functions of Communication

Basically, there are five functions of communication. These are control, social interaction, motivation, emotional
expression, and information dissemination.

1. Control – Communication functions to control behavior.

Example: The teacher reads and discusses classroom policies to her students.

2. Social Interaction – Communication allows individuals to interact with others.

Example: Ross greets Rachel; then they start talking about their plans for the holidays.

3. Motivation – Communication motivates or encourages people to live better.

Example: Phoebe shares her insights on how to live peacefully despite a complicated life

4. Emotional expression – Communication facilitates people’s expression of their feelings and emotions.

Example: A television personality thanks the supportive moviegoers during an interview.

5. Information dissemination – Communication functions to convey information.

Example: A tourist guide orients a group of tourists about a heritage site.

Types of Speech Style

1. Intimate – This style is private, which occurs between or among close family members or individuals. The
language used in this style may not be shared in public.
Example: Having a one-on-one conversation with a loved one
2. Casual – This style is common among peers and friends. Jargon, slang, or the vernacular language are used.
Example: Talking and laughing about memorable experiences
3. Consultative – This style is the standard one. Professional or mutually acceptable language is a must in this style.
Example: Talking to a counselor or psychiatrist.
4. Formal – This style is used in formal settings. Unlike the consultative style, this is one-way.
Example: Delivering campaign speeches
5. Frozen – This style is “frozen” in time and remains unchanged. It mostly occurs in ceremonies.
Example: Reading pledge of allegiance to the flag.

• Competent communicator is a person who is effective in intercultural communication.

• Complete communication is essential to the quality of the communication process in general. Hence,
communication should include everything that the receiver needs to hear for him/her to respond, react or
evaluate properly.
• Correctness in grammar decreases negative impact on the audience and increases the credibility and
effectiveness of the message.
• Speakers should always consider relevant information about his/her receiver such as mood, background, race,
preference, education, status, needs, among others so he/she can easily build rapport with the audience.
• The speaker should always show courtesy in communication by respecting the culture, values, and beliefs of
his/her receivers.
• Miscommunications and misunderstandings occur because of communication barriers.
• Being courteous always creates a positive impact on the audience.
• Effective use of non-verbal communication can strengthen your message.
• Verbal communication is equally important as non-verbal communication.
• How you communicate reflects who you are as a person.
• When you communicate, choose what you want to say and how you want to say it.
• Interpersonal communication refers to communication that centers on one person where the speaker acts both
as the sender and receiver of the message.
• The most common speech style is casual as we use it among peers and friends. Jargon, slang or the vernacular
language are used.
• Mass communication refers to communication that takes place through television, radio, newspapers,
magazines, books, billboards, internet, and other types of media.
• Cultural Sensitivity matters in intercultural communication.
• Flexibility and the ability to tolerate high levels of uncertainty are two traits that define a competent intercultural
communicator.