Oral Communication in Context Quarter 1

Module 1: Functions, Nature and Process of Communication

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you master the nature,
process and function of communication. 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. This module
consists of one lesson, namely:
The Functions, Nature and Process of Communication After going through this module, you are
expected to:
1. explain the nature and process of communication;
2. understand the relationship of the functions of communication to everyday life; and
3. illustrate the process of communication.

Communication comes in various forms. From the simple nodding of your head, stretching of
hands, raising your eyebrows up to your daily conversations with your friends over the phone,
constant exchange of text messages, and regular browsing in social networking sites, these are
but some examples of how humans communicate their thoughts, feelings, ideas, and insights.
These only signify that humans really engage in communication.
Believe it or not, your coming to your family is a great joy! Your first cry immediately after birth
announced your arrival into this world. Afterwards, your mother understood that when you cry,
you were hungry and gave you milk in response. Your face also expressed your feelings. As
years passed by, you started pronouncing short words and responded by waving your hands or
nodding your head and most of the times, laughing out loud. Today, you can act out, speak, and
write to tell everyone what you think and feel. These are the ways you communicate.
When you exchange ideas with someone or you send information to others, you do it in two
ways. You either use words to say what you want to say or you express yourself through gestures
and facial expressions. Since then, people have the inherent need to communicate. Humans are
social beings. They live to interact regularly with others. In fact, their endurance is due to their
ability to express themselves and connect to one another and the world they live in. When you
look back in the history of humankind, you will find that early man could not speak as you do
today. Records show that people have used various communication techniques such as the use of
symbols, gestures, sounds, drawings, and sign languages (Littlejohn, 2002 as cited in
Amudavalli, n.d.). Words and languages developed much later in human history. Over the years,
communication has progressed tremendously. Language developed side by side with technology.
Now in the 21st century, we realize the power of communication in building relationships and
the community at large. Hence, we see the importance of communication.
NATURE OF COMMUNICATION
Communication is a two-way process of connecting to both living and nonliving things. It is also
a means of sharing and exchanging messages, information, ideas, and feelings for mutual
understanding (Gregoriom, J.C., 2015). Communication connects people and the world they live
in. It is through communication that people are able to express their thoughts and ideas or convey
information and messages through word of mouth, gestures and signals, signs, and others. People
have always communicated with one another in various forms. Let us further define
communication using the two key terms stated above, “message” and “understand”.
1. Communication is a message understood. Unless a message is understood, we cannot say that
communication has taken place. Let us send a message to someone and say, “where came first”.
The person who gets this message would wonder what it means, for the arrangement of the
words does not make any sense. The message is sent but the receiver does not understand it.
Therefore, for communication to take place, we have to consider two conditions. First, there
should be a clear message. Second, the message must be understood by the receiver for whom it
is meant.
2. Communication is social interaction through messages. Think of someone telling, “It is very
warm today.” In this case, we are communicating what ‘we experience’. The weather being
warm is what we feel or experience physically. In this scenario, we are sharing our feeling or
experience with someone else. Thus, we may say that “communication is a sharing of
experience.” In our society, we all interact with messages. Without interactions, a society cannot
survive. Social interaction is always through messages.
We discuss problems and arrive at solutions. We exchange ideas and interact with others. We
transact, and then we negotiate. In doing all these, we use communication. Imagine a situation
where we are not able to speak and interact with others or think of a family living in the same
house without speaking to each other or relating any form of message to one another. Such
situation can be very lonely and problematic. Without communication, all forms of human
relationships will vanish and die. Communication is therefore crucial in building and maintaining
relationships.

PROCESS OF COMMUNICATION
There are also times when we fail to communicate effectively which results to misunderstanding
or miscommunication. Why do you think this thing happens? What are the ways to avoid them?
We are sometimes misunderstood due to the level of speech we use during conversation - by the
volume of our voice or the rate of our speech when we talk with our friends or acquaintances.
Sometimes, we are misunderstood due to the nonverbal actions that we project or incorporate in
our speech during face-to-face communication. Also, when we send text or chat messages, we
are misinterpreted because those messages are often brief and devoid of emotion.
Let us now try to consider the process of communication. How does communication take place?
Who are involved? What processes are considered? By understanding the communication
process, we can also duly avoid misunderstandings and / or miscommunication.

WHAT IS COMMUNICATION?
Webster defines communication as a
process by which information is
exchanged between individuals
through
a common system of symbols, signs or
behavior.
Communication is a process of sharing
and conveying messages or
information from one person to
another
using different means, medium,
context, media, and cultures.
There are different ways and terms in
which communication can be
manifested. It can be through face-to-
face,
a phone conversation, a group
discussion, a meeting or interview, a
letter correspondence, a class
recitation, and
many others. In other words, the basic
functions of communication are to
achieve understanding or shared
meaning
and to persuade, inform, entertain and
manage relationships
• WHAT IS COMMUNICATION?
Webster defines communication as a process by which information is exchanged between
individuals throughcommon system of symbols, signs or behavior.
Communication is a process of sharing and conveying messages or information from one
person to another using different means, medium, context, media, and cultures.
There are different ways and terms in which communication can be manifested. It can be
through face-to-face,a phone conversation, a group discussion, a meeting or interview, a
letter correspondence, a class recitation, andmany others. In other words, the basic
functions of communication are to achieve understanding or shared meaningand to
persuade, inform, entertain and manage relationships.
ELEMENTS OF COMMUNICATION
Communication is divided into elements which help us better understand its mechanics or
process. These elements are the following:
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

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.
 2. Social Interaction – Communication allows individuals to interact with others.
3. Motivation – Communication motivates or encourages people to live better.
4. Emotional expression – Communication facilitates people’s expression of their
feelings and emotions.
5. Information dissemination – Communication functions to convey information.

NATURE OF COMMUNICATION
1. Communication is a process. Communication as a process means it is a step by step
activity and it is essentially a two-way process that involves the active participation of
both the sender and receiver. It is the act or process of using words, sounds, signs, or
behaviors to express or exchange information or to express your ideas, thoughts, feelings,
etc., to someone else.
2. Communication is much more of an ART than a science. There is no right or wrong
way to communicate – no set of absolute rules to be followed but there are underlying
principles to guide us into an effective communication.
3. Communication has a sender and receiver. Communication occurs between two or
more people acting as the speaker or the receiver of the message.
4. Communication is verbal or non-verbal. Communication can be expressed through
written or spoken words(verbal) or actions (non-verbal) of both spoken words and
nonverbal actions at the same time. It does involve ideas and emotions that are expressed
through signs, symbols and gestures.
5. Communication is inevitable. Inevitability means communication is taking place even
when someone does not want or intend to communicate. This “does not want to
communicate” feeling of someone actually does communicate
something. You cannot avoid communicating even when you do not want to
communicate, you are communicating. You are sending a message by the way you smile,
or frown, sit or move or by the way you walk or dress up yourself and by your actions.
And even when you are sleeping in class, you are communicating that you are either
bored or sick or whatever your reasons be it.
6. Communication is irreversible. This means that what you have said can never be
unsaid. Irreversibility happens the very minute you click the “OK” button for a comment
or post on your social media and that it would be too late to take it back when a lot of
people have already reacted, and commented to it. The same thing when you perhaps
throw a hurting or offensive word to your enemy because of your anger so we must be
careful and choose the appropriate words to say before saying them.
7. Communication is Unrepeatable. Unrepeatability means that an act of communication
can never be duplicated . We may say the same thing over and over again but the effect
of what you said the second or third or fourth time will not be the same as the first time
you said it.
• The Natural Flow of Communication Process
• The Speaker generates an idea
• The speaker encodes and idea or converts the idea into words or actions
• The speaker transmits or sends out a message.
• The receiver decodes or interprets the message based on the context
• The receiver gets the message
• The receiver sends or provides feedback
Oral Communication
in Context
Quarter 1 – Module 2:
Communication Models

Oral Communication in Context

Quarter 1 – Module 2:
Communication Models
Communication Models
Communicating with others takes us to a new experience. We are either the ones starting
the conversation process or the ones receiving it. As the exchange of information
progresses, both the source and the recipient go through favorable or unfavorable
experiences. The two or more individuals involved may end up satisfied or discontented
with the result. At some random instances, conflicts may incidentally arise. But still, the
end goal of communication is always for building better human relationships.
Imagine your life and the world you live in without proper communication
procedure. Would there be order or chaos? Would there be understanding or
misunderstanding?

Communication plays a crucial role in human life. It facilitates the sending

and receiving of knowledge and information. It allows people to develop various
kinds of social relationships. It provides an avenue for people to express their
ideas, thoughts, feelings, and insights. Without it, societies will be restrained from
developing and progressing. With all the advancements in technology,
communication nowadays has changed dramatically, adapting to the 21st century
way of life. Beginning from the ancient times when messages were written on
tablets, clays and barks of trees or conveyed by the heralds or emissaries for
proclamations to an entire territory, communication has drastically evolved to
fastest means of sending messages through electronic gadgets and computers.
Video calling or conferences is another high technological innovation where
distance is not quite a problem anymore to foster mutual understanding.

The representations below will help you understand the basic elements of
communication. See how the elements operate and interact as communication
progresses.

Models of Communication Process

A. Linear Communication

Have you talked to somebody but did not get any reaction from him/her
at all? Have you experienced sending a message without receiving any feedback?
This is linear communication.

Linear communication is one-way, focusing on the transmission of a

message to a receiver who never responds or has no way of responding to the
information conveyed. For instance, a competition organizer is presenting the
contest mechanics. The message is final and cannot be contended at all. It could
Imagine your life and the world you live in without proper communication procedure.
Would there be order or chaos? Would there be understanding or misunderstanding?
Communication plays a crucial role in human life. It facilitates the sending and receiving
of knowledge and information. It allows people to develop various kinds of social
relationships. It provides an avenue for people to express their ideas, thoughts, feelings,
and insights. Without it, societies will be restrained from developing and progressing.
With all the advancements in technology, communication nowadays has changed
dramatically, adapting to the 21st century way of life. Beginning from the ancient times
when messages were written on tablets, clays and barks of trees or conveyed by the
heralds or emissaries for proclamations to an entire territory, communication has
drastically evolved to fastest means of sending messages through electronic gadgets and
computers. Video calling or conferences is another high technological innovation where
distance is not quite a problem anymore to foster mutual understanding. The
representations below will help you understand the basic elements of communication. See
how the elements operate and interact as communication progresses.
Models of Communication Process
A. Linear Communication
Have you talked to somebody but did not get any reaction from him/her at all? Have you
experienced sending a message without receiving any feedback?
This is linear communication.
Linear communication is one-way, focusing on the transmission of a message to a
receiver who never responds or has no way of responding to the information conveyed.
For instance, a competition organizer is presenting the contest mechanics. The message is
final and cannot be contended at all. It could be the president giving his State of the
Nation Address on the national television or a student who reads a poem or tells a story in
front of an audience in a school program. Other examples include sending a notification
or automated message that does not require a reply, reading a blog, or even the traditional
way of sending a message such as a telegram.

Shannon-Weaver Model
An example of linear type of communication is the Shannon-Weaver model (1949). It is
also considered as the mother of all communication models. It has a one-way process
starting from a source (producer of message); passing through a channel (signals adapted
for transmission) which may at times be interrupted by noise (barrier) to a receiver
(decoder of message from the signal). The process stops after the message has arrived at
its destination.
B. Interactive

When was the last time someone surprised you? How did you react?
Who was the last person whom you praised for a job well-done? What response
did you get? What is the significance of getting a response or reaction from the
person to whom you addressed your statement?
B. Interactive
When was the last time someone surprised you? How did you react?
Who was the last person whom you praised for a job well-done? What response did you
get? What is the significance of getting a response or reaction from the person to whom
you addressed your statement?
Interactive approach is a two-way communication process where a response is given after
a message is sent. The recipient of the action intentionally or unintentionally gives a
feedback associated with the information received.
Interactive approach is a two-way communication process where a response is given after
a message is sent. The recipient of the action intentionally or unintentionally gives a
feedback associated with the information received.
Let us extract Criselda and her mother’s dialogue from the story.
Criselda: Nanay, I can smell the aroma of your best delicacy, adobo.
Aling Terie: Yeah, I know. It is the favorite of the family so adobo is what I prepared
today.
Criselda: I can’t wait to taste it!
Aling Terie’s response to Criselda’s statement proves that she decodes the intended
meaning of the idea passed on to her. That is what we call feedback.
See, feedback makes a difference. If the mother did not respond to the statement of her
daughter, the latter would not know whether her mother understands what she said. The
exchange of ideas or information verifies that both parties understand the message.

Schramm (1954) visualized the process of communication as an exchange of thoughts

and ideas. Feedback was added to the Shannon-Weaver Model. The recipient of the
message decodes it and creates a feedback based on his understanding of the information
sent and vice versa. The figure identifies the six elements of communication which are
the sender, the message sent, the receiver and the feedback provided by the receiver and
sent back as a response to the sender and the processes of encoding and decoding.
Remember, information may become useless if it is not conveyed properly to others.
Thus, the processes of encoding and decoding are the key
components of this model, including feedback. Encoding is when an idea or information
is translated into words and expressed to others. Decoding is when this idea or
information is understood and interpreted by the receiver. Hence, the receiver must be
able to send feedback to the sender in order to complete the process. Otherwise, the
communication transaction fails. Schramm’s model, which is a two-way communication
model, revolves around these principles. The process goes on starting from the sender
(source) who encodes the message transmitted to the receiver which he interprets;
decodes a message (feedback) to be sent back to the source who in turn, decodes and
interprets the information sent.
C. Transactional Model
Communication is dynamic. It has a complex nature. It takes place
among individuals at any given time with any given subject. However, there are
tendencies that barriers would interfere which may create a sudden impact and change in
the processing of information. In a classroom setting, for example, you are being grouped
into five or six members for an activity. Your task is to give an opinion or reaction to the
closure of the biggest television network in the Philippines. Each of you expresses your
thoughts regarding the matter. While having that activity, you also heard the JHS graders
having their dance practice for the upcoming event. That noise did not interrupt your
discussion as you give your own views. This situation is an example of a transactional
approach.
the communicator (source) encodes the message and transmits it through a channel. The
message transmitted may be affected by the noise (barrier). The receiver (recipient of the
message) decodes, processes, and filters the message for understanding and is now ready
to give his own feedback to the sender.
The transactional model shows a circular process of interaction between he persons
involved in the communication, with each one actively participating and sharing ideas
with one another. They are the communicators actively exchanging information and
reaction.
Feedback is given freely and deliberately to one another or to all members participating
in the communication transaction. The sender and the receiver may simultaneously
exchange roles as communicators. Since communication is deemed dynamic and
progressive, the topic may also change from time to time. In this concept, the noise or
barrier to communication is also taken into consideration for it may directly or indirectly
affect the smooth flow of communication. In the event that the message was not clearly
conveyed due to the barrier, the communication continues in order to clarify the intended
meaning of the sender. When the transmission is cut along the way due to the barrier, the
communicators work collaboratively to understand each other. Now, the sender becomes
a receiver of feedback (the response from the receiver) and the receiver also acts as
sender providing information in response to the message conveyed to him. In this way,
the communication is made more effective and complete.

Oral Communication in Context Quarter 1

–Module 3:
Strategies to Avoid 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. 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.

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.
Barriers to Communication
Physical Barriers are the natural or environmental condition that act as a barrier in
communication in sending the message from sender to receiver.
Examples:
1. People talking too loud.
2. Noise from a construction site
3. Loud sound of a karaoke
4. Blaring of jeepney horns
Psychological Barriers are called as mental barriers. These refer to social and personal
issues of a speaker towards communicating with others
. Examples:
1. trauma
2. shyness, lack of confidence
3. depression
4. fear, stage fright
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
Examples:
1. different beliefs
2. traditions, and customs
3. manners of dressing
4. speaking
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:
1. difference in language
2. accent and dialect
3. use of jargon and slang
4. 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
External Noises are the “sight, sound and other stimuli that draw people’s attention away
from intended meaning.”
Examples:
1. noise from vehicles
2. singing at the neighborhood
3. visual aids in front of the classroom
4. the dog barking 5. the sound of airplane
Internal noises are the “thoughts and feelings that interfere with meaning.”
Examples:
1. confrontation with a friend
2. fear of speaking in front of the class.
3. racial prejudice
 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.
Examples:
1. incorrect grammar
2. using excessive technical jargon
3. using idiomatic expressions
Oral Communication in Context
Quarter 1 – Module 4:
Types of Speech Context
Every day in our lives, we talk to ourselves and the people around us. Knowing the
context in every speech is important for effective communication and it is one way to
understand each other better, thus creating a more harmonious relationship with them.
The situations you have encountered in the previous activity are called types of speech
context.
Type of Speech Context
1. Intrapersonal – This type of communication refers to the communicator’s internal use
of language or thought. It is the communication with oneself where the communicator is
both the sender and the receiver of the message. The channel is your brain, which
processes what you are thinking and feeling. Talking to yourself is the feedback in this
situation (Hybels & Weaver, 2012, p 16).
Examples:
A student thought of strategies on how he should do his report in class and spent time
thinking what his teacher would say after the report.
Jungkook was practicing in front of a mirror what to say to Lisa for his marriage
proposal. He was asking what Lisa would probably say after such proposal.
2. Interpersonal – This type of communication occurs between two or more people
who exchange information, feelings, and meanings using of verbal and non-verbal
messages. Solomon and Theiss (2013) states that the word ”inter” emphasizes how
people connect while the word “personal” refers to the unique qualities as a person
has during such communication.

Dyad Communication – communication that occurs between two people

Example:
You comforted your friend who was just heartbroken.
A husband and wife talked about their child’s achievement.

Small Group – This type of communication has at least three, but not more than
twelve people involve in a face-to-face conversation. The participants in this
communication are open to ideas and discussions to achieve their goals.
Example:
You are participating in a group meeting on how the assigned task be done
successfully.
You are having a meeting with your fan club on how to give gifts to your
idols.
3. Public – This type of communication happens when the person is engaged in a
dialogue before or in front of the audience. The speaker’s voice is louder and the
gestures are more expansive because the audience is bigger. Additional visual
channels like slides or a Power Point presentation may also be used for the
audience to better understand the speech.” (Hybels & Weaver, 2012, p 19)
Example:
You are participating in a group meeting on how the assigned task be done successfully.
You are having a meeting with your fan club on how to give gifts to your idols.

3. Public – This type of communication happens when the person is engaged in a

dialogue before or in front of the audience. The speaker’s voice is louder and the gestures
are more expansive because the audience is bigger. Additional visual
channels like slides or a Power Point presentation may also be used for the
audience to better understand the speech.” (Hybels & Weaver, 2012, p 19).
Example:
A valedictorian delivered her speech during their graduation day.
Lisa participated in a declamation contest watched by several people.

5. Mass Communication – This type of communication uses mass media to large

segments of the population through television, radio, newspapers, magazines,
books, billboards, internet, and other types of media
Example:
A politician is interviewed live on television about his stand on Anti-Terrorism Law.
A student’s post on Facebook looking for her biological mother went viral.

Oral Communication
Quarter 1 – Module 5
Oral Communication Activities
Great communication skills are your ticket to success in the academic, business world
and even in personal life. But have you ever been overcome by fear or anxiety prior to
speaking in front of an audience? Knowing when to choose oral communication and
polishing your speaking skills can help you at every stage of your wellbeing. Get to know
about the story of Frederick Douglas and be inspired!
Frederick Douglas

On August 11, 1841, Frederick Douglass stood in an audience of

strangers, all abolitionists. They called on him to speak. An escaped slave,
Douglass had a lot at stake. He was intimidated to be giving his first formal
speech in front of such a large crowd.

Yet he sensed this was an opportunity to give voice to the injustices

he witnessed. He began articulating the experiences he and others had as
slaves. This was a life-changing experience for him because, from that day
forward, he dedicated his life to speaking out about ending slavery.
• Frederick Douglas
• On August 11, 1841, Frederick Douglass stood in an audience of strangers, all
abolitionists. They called on him to speak. An escaped slave, Douglass had a lot at stake.
He was intimidated to be giving his first formal speech in front of such a large crowd. Yet
he sensed this was an opportunity to give voice to the injustices he witnessed. He began
articulating the experiences he and others had as slaves. This was a life-changing
experience for him because, from that day
forward, he dedicated his life to speaking out about ending slavery.

What is Oral Communication?

It is the process of expressing information or ideas by word of mouth. It is a way of
verbally transmitting information and ideas from one individual or group to another. It
can either be formal or informal depending on the purpose of communication.
Examples of informal oral communication include:
· Face-to-face conversations
· Telephone conversations
· Discussions that take place at business meetings

More formal types of oral communication include:

· Presentations at business meetings
· Classroom lectures
· Commencement speeches given at a graduation ceremony With advances in technology,
new forms of oral communication continue to develop. Video phones and video
conferences combine audio and video so that workers in distant locations can both see
and speak with each other. Other modern forms of oral communication include podcasts
(audio clips that you can access on the Internet)

Benefits of Oral Communication

· It saves time
· It is more effective as emotions are well portrayed
· The feedback loop is faster
· Verbal communication is economical
· The tone is easy to read.

Understanding Oral Presentation

· An oral presentation is a short talk on a set of topic given to a tutorial or seminar group
· The 3Ps are important – Plan, Prepare and Practice
· One must focus on the needs of the audience
· Keep it simple

Communication during Meetings

· Business meetings can maximize communication by taking different steps
· Prepare by choosing participants with care, providing advance notice and planning
clearly articulated agenda
· Recap the meeting’s accomplishments and provide or recap actionable steps before
concluding
 Face to Face Conversations
· When one person discusses his views, opinion to another persona and exchange their
views in the presence of both then it is called face to face conversation
· It is a discussion through spoken language and words on a particular issue among the
people to exchange their views freely and fairly with each other
Benefits of Face to Face Conversations
· Immediate response
· Feelings expressed easily
· Suitable for discussion
Conclusion
· There is high level of understanding and transparency in oral communication as it is
interpersonal
· It is best in case of problem resolution
· The conflicts, disputed and many issues/differences can be put to an end by talking
them over
· Oral communication can be best used to transfer private and confidential
information/matter

Communication in Context
Quarter 1 – Module 6:

Types of Speeches
Normally, communication involves a speaker and an audience. A speaker delivers a message to either a
single audience or more. Each context has different strategies that a speaker can apply. The larger the
audience; the higher the level of formality. In the same way, the smaller the number of an audience; the
closer the intimacy and familiarity will occur
In the first set of pictures, it shows that there are three purposes of the speaker to his /her audience,
such as to inform, to persuade and to entertain. They are called the types of speeches, according to
purpose. In the second set of pictures, it shows different social relationships. As you have noticed, the
manner of speaking and in the use of language forms as seen in the conversation varies depending on
the kind of persons involved in the scenario. In other words, the purpose of a speaker depends on the
situation that he/she is in.
Before communication takes place, you, as a speaker has an aim in mind; a purpose.
The moment you talk, whether in an ordinary conversation or in a formal occasion, you always have a
reason. This happens when you intend to open a topic to someone or some group of people as your
audience. There are three types of speech according to purpose. These are the following:
1. Informative speech . This is also known as expository speech. When you speak to inform, your
aim is to provide the audience with information about a topic, or to expand their knowledge
about a topic with which they are already familiar. In this type of speech, you can explain,
demonstrate or instruct the audience or listeners about your topic. In some formal gatherings,
for instance, presenting an accomplishment report or informing the audience on procedure on
how to do something, usually, there is a visual presentation to support the speaker’s
statements.
2. Persuasive Speech. When you speak to persuade, you aim to influence the audience to accept
the speaker’s position or stand on an issue, and to urge the audience to take a particular action.
As a speaker, you need to know the reason why you persuade your audience. This speech style
is used in debates, political campaigns, or appeals for donations.
3. Entertainment Speech . When speaking to entertain, you aim to amuse the audience and put
them in a pleasant or interesting diversion. This is done by using a light, funny, or witty
anecdote. Usually, it is delivered at social gatherings, like, dinner parties and events. While you
set the audience to relax, still, you should have to focus

Communication in Context
Quarter 1 – Module 7:
Types of Speech Act

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you master the
Types of Speech Act focusing on how to respond appropriately and effectively to a
speech act. 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.
Making a statement may be the primary use of language, but there are other things we
can do with words. We can make requests, ask questions, give orders, make promises,
give thanks or offer apologies. Moreover, almost any speech act is really the performance
of several acts at once, distinguished by different aspects of the speaker's intention: there
is the act of saying something, what one does in saying it, such as requesting or
promising, and how one is trying to affect one's audience. Words are the smallest forms
of utterances. When combined with others, we can make statements, express commands
and requests, ask questions, make promises and so on. Indeed, words are powerful
instruments to attain each of our desired purposes. We all know that speech context and
speech styles are just two parts of a communicative strategy. The third prerequisite is the
Speech Act. We know that we perform all sorts of 'speech acts' besides making
statements. These serve as vehicle for all sorts of social activity. By this time, we will be
focusing on the types of speech act.

What is a Speech Act?

Speech acts are speakers’ utterances which convey meaning and make listeners do
specific things.
There are three types of Speech Act:
1. Locutionary Act refers to the actual utterance of the speaker.
Example: When you ask someone, “Can you pass the
salt?” – The literal meaning concerns the hearer’s ability to pass the salt.
Two types of Locutionary Act
a. utterance acts – where something is said (or a sound is made) and which may not have
any meaning.
b. propositional acts – where a particular reference is made.
Note: Acts are sometimes also called utterances – thus, a perlocutionary act is the
same as perlocutionary utterance.
2. Illocutionary Act refers to the intended utterance by the speaker (performance).
example: “Can you pass the salt?” - In illocution, it is being interpreted by the receiver
that the speaker requested him to pass the salt.
Illocutionary acts are classified into five distinct categories:
 a. Assertive – It is an act in which the speaker expresses belief about the truth of a
proposition. Some examples are suggesting, swearing, boasting, concluding and putting
forward.
Example: No one makes better sandwich than I do.
b. Directive – It is an act in which the speaker tries to make the addressee
perform an action. Some examples are asking, ordering,
requesting, inviting, advising and begging.
Example: I promise to come at eight and cook a
nice dinner for you.
b. Directive – It is an act in which the speaker tries to make the addressee perform an
action. Some examples are asking, ordering, requesting, inviting, advising and begging.
Example: Would you make me a cup of tea? c. Commissive – It is an act which commits
the speaker to doing something in the future. Some examples are promising, planning,
vowing, betting.
Example: I promise to come at eight and cook a nice dinner for you.
d. Expressive – It is an act in which the speaker expresses his/her feelings or emotional
reactions. Some examples are thanking, apologizing, welcoming, deploring.
Example: Thank you for your kind offer.
e. Declaration – It is an act which brings a change in the external situation. Some
examples of declarations are blessing, firing, baptizing, bidding, passing a sentence and
excommunicating.
Example: I bequeath all my property to my beloved fiancée.
3. Perlocutionary Act refers to the actions that result from the locution or what we bring
about or achieve by saying something such as convincing, persuading, deterring or
surprising.
example: “Can you pass the salt?” - if illocutions cause listeners to do something, they
are perlocutions .

• Locutionary Act:What we say.

• Illocutionary Act:What we mean we say it.
• Perlocutionary Act: What we accomplish by saying it.
Remember: A speaker can use different locution acts to achieve the same illocutionary
force or use one locution for many different purposes. For instance, when you ask
someone, “Could you water the plants?” The literal meaning concerns the hearer’s ability
to water the plants whereas its illocution is to request the hearer to water the plants for the
speaker. If illocutions cause the listeners to do something, they are perlocutions; in this
case, the hearer is watering the plants.

Oral Communication
Quarter 1 – Module 8
Types of Speech Style
• Types of Speech Style
The context dictates and affects the way people communicate, which results in various
speech styles. According to Joos (1968), there are five speech styles. These are (1)
intimate, (2) casual, (3) consultative (4) formal and (5) frozen.
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.
2. Casual- This style is common among peers and friends. Jargon, slang or the vernacular
are used.
3. Consultative- This style is the standard one. Professional or mutually acceptable
language is a must in this style.
Examples of situations are communication between teachers and students,
employers and employees, doctors and patients, judge and lawyer, or President
and his constituents.
4. Formal- This style is used in formal settings. Unlike the consultative style, this is one-
way. Examples are sermons by priests and ministers, SONA of the President, formal
speeches and pronouncement by the judges.
5. Frozen- This style is “frozen” in time and remains unchanged. It mostly
occurs in ceremonies.
Common examples are the Preamble to the Constitution,
Lord’s Prayer and Allegiance to country or flag.