Note of Communication

8/4/2019 Note of Communication

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Definition of Communication

Communication is a systemic process in which people interact with each other using

symbols to create and interpret meanings.

Types of Communication

1. Oral communication;2. Written Communication; and

3. Non-verbal Communication.

Main Purposes of Communication

Models of Communication


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Forms of Oral Communication

1. Intrapersonal communication - Self talk with our self.

2. Interpersonal communication - Communicate with other people.3. Small group communication -Communication, between five to 10.

4. Public Communication or Public Speaking -The speaker speaks to a big

audience.5. Mass Communication -A form of communication to many people all around the

world.

6. Corporate Communication -Takes place in organisations.7. Intercultural Communication -Communication between people from different

culture and different ethnicities.

Topic 2 Oral Communication: Some Basic Principles

Characteristics of Good Listening Skills

1. Pay attention to what people say;

2. Understand the message;3. Remember what you have listened;

4. Evaluate what you listen; and5. Respond to the speaker by giving feedback

Good Speaking Skills

1. Be able to interpret meaning according to context;

2. Know the regulative rules of speaking;3. Know the constitutive rules;

4. Use the proper volume;

5. Use the proper pitch; and6. Use proper intonation

Importance of Oral CommunicationTwo importance of oral communication are:

1. Oral communication is important if we want to build friendships.

2. Good oral communication skills also help in knowledge acquisition.


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Responsibilities of Speakers and Listeners in the Communication Process

1. Evaluating;2. Understanding; and

3. Using interpersonal skills.

Four Factors of Interference in Communication

Factors of Interference in Communication

1. Physical Interference - Examples of physical interference are loud noise, soundof a train, loud music etc. All these are beyond our control.

2. Physiological Interference - This refers to the speaker and the listener. The

speaker or listener may be hearing impaired, have articulation problems or havememory loss.

3. Psychological Interference - A listener or speaker who is emotionally disturbed

or pre-occupied may not be a good communicator. Anger and emotions will

distort the message.4. Semantic Interference - Semantic deals with meaning. When we are not familiar

with a certain culture, language and dialect, meaning may not be clear.

Misunderstanding may take place due to semantic interference.


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Topic 3 : Active Listening Skills

Benefits of Active Listening

1. It enables people to listen attentively to others;

2. It prevents misunderstandings; and

3. It encourages the speaker to explain more because the speaker feels that thelistener is attentive and want to listen more.

How to Enhance Active Listening?

1. Focus on the message;

2. Try to anticipate what the speaker wants to say;

3. Learn how to identify main points and supporting points;

4. Make inferences;5. Look out for gestures and body language; and

6. Minimise distractions from the surroundings.

Implicit ListeningImplicit listening means identifying the intended meaning of the speaker. As a listener we

must predict what the speaker will say next

Describing Emotions and Persuasive Language

Good speakers often use emotive words and persuasive language to capture the audience.

Bias and Stereotype in Message

Identifying bias and stereotype in messages is another important skill in oral

communication

Summary

We have discussed:

Active listening is listening attentively and responding to another person sothat mutual understanding can take place.

In order to enhance active listening:

a) The listener must focus on the message and learn how to identify main

points and supporting points.

b) Minimising distractions from the surroundings such as noise,

temperature and even day dreaming.

Summary

Implicit listening means identifying the intended meaning of the speaker. As a

listener we must predict what the speaker will say next. Good speakers often use emotive words and persuasive language to capture the

audience.

Identifying bias and stereotype in messages is another important skill in oral

communication


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Topic 4 : Listening in Formal / Academic Contexts

The Different Purposes of Listening in An Academic Setting

1. To decode or recognise what the speaker says;

2. Listen to comprehend for example to understand the main points said and the

supporting points; and3. To take down notes quickly for future reference.

How to Listen for Sequence in Ideas?

Recognise the cues for sequencing:

For example: First, First of all, Firstly, Next, After that, Then, Finally and Therefore.

Describing Specific Language Cues to Understand Facts and Opinions

1. Facts are always something that can not be disputed and can be verified.

2. Opinions are not always true. They can be disputed

Identifying Meaning from Intonation

1. Intonation is the use of melody and the rise and fall of the voice when we speak.2. Intonations expresses emotions, attitudes and reactions.

3. Basically, there are two intonation patterns in speech:

a) The falling intonation; and

b) The rising intonation.

Falling and Rising Intonation

1. Falling intonation is used in positive statements and declarative sentences. Forexample:

a. Why?

b. Where? c. Where is it?

2. Rising intonation, usually accompanies statement expressing doubt or yes/noquestions. The rising tone denotes uncertainty and sometimes politeness. For

example:

a. Is the train on time?

b. Is the phone working? c. Ten minutes late?

d. What did he say?

Comprehension from Complete Discourse Rather than from Isolated Words

Academic discourse may be long. You need to understand from the whole not only from

isolated words.


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Summary

We have discussed:

1. The different purposes of listening in an academic setting:

a) To decode or recognise what the speaker says; and

b) Listen to comprehend and to take down notes quickly for future

reference.2. How to listen for sequence in ideas using logical connectors or sequencing

connectors.

3. Describing specific language cues to understand facts and opinions.

Summary

1. We must also know how to identify meaning from intonation.2. Intonations expresses emotions, attitudes and reactions.

3. Falling intonation is used in positive statements and declarative sentences.

4. Rising intonation usually accompanies statement expressing doubt or yes/no

questions.

Topic 5 : Speaking: Speech Training & Topic 6 : Speaking in A Social Context

English Phonetics Transcriptions

In order to pronounce words properly you need to familiarise your self with the English

phonetics transcriptions. You can do this by looking at a good pronunciation dictionary

English Phonetics Transcriptions


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Enunciation

Enunciation means saying each and every syllable correctly. It is very important to saythe initial and final consonants of English.

Examples of wrong enunciation: I went to the finan company. (Finance)

There were sikchildren absent today. (Six)

Using Correct Stress, Intonation and Rhythm

In the English language, they are important markers of meaning, attitude and grammar.

Example of word stress in English:

Refuse - garbage ; reFUse - do not want to

CAN you come here now! - Ordering or firm request.

Can YOU come here now! - Stressing the person and not anyone else. Can you come here NOW! - Stressing on the time. Now and not later.

Speaking in a Social Context

There are four type of social talk, which are:

1. Small talk;2. Ask for and give information;

3. Make suggestions and recommendations; and

4. Make requests and offers and also extend invitations.

Speaking in Cross-Cultural Situations

The world has become borderless! Thus we can communicate with people from all overthe world. Two main factors in speaking in cross-cultural situations are:

1. Be aware of cultural differences so that we do not offend people.2. When speak, do not use jargons or bombastic words. Be specific and accurate in

what you say. Avoid slangs and do not use abbreviations in speech.

Summary

We have discussed:

In order to pronounce words properly you need to familiarise yourself with the

English phonetics transcriptions. The best way to improve your pronunciation are:

a) Listen to good speakers speak; and

b) By watching a lot of English programmes. Enunciation means saying each and every syllable correctly.


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Summary

Stress, intonation and rhythm can impede meaning. They are important markers

of meaning, attitude and grammar. Types of social talks are:

a) Small talk;

b) Asking for and giving information;c) Make suggestions and recommendations; and

d) Make requests and offers and also extend invitations.

Be aware of cultural differences when speaking in cross-cultural situations so thatwe do not offend people.

Topic 7 : Group Interaction Skills

Types of Questions

Examples of Questions

1. Wh questions:a. Why are there many failures in the exam?b. How can we improve their performance?

2. Yes/No questions:a. Are they poor?

b. Was the amount given correct?

3. Polite forms:

a. Could you please.

b. May I know..


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Expressing Opinions, Agreeing and Disagreeing

In group interaction, expressing opinions, agreeing and disagreeing should be done

politely and be supported by facts.

Negotiation Skills

In a group interaction, negotiation is very important. If we lack negotiation skills, we mayend up in arguments.

Conceding in an Argument

Arguments are natural in any communication but you must be able to concede finally so

that relationships are not strained.

Turn-Taking

Turn-taking is the art of speakers taking turns so that no one person dominates the

discussion. The important skills in turn-taking are:

1. Ability to recognise the appropriate moment to get a turn;2. Signalling your wish to speak by raising your hand and using discourse markers

such as By the way.., Well, anyway;3. Holding the floor while it is your turn;

4. Recognising when others are signalling to speak;

5. Yielding the turn; and

6. Signalling the fact that you are listening.

Explanations and Justifications

In group interactions, you must be able to give explanations and justifications based onfacts.

Summary

We have discussed:

The types of questions you may ask are Whquestions, Yes/No questions and

polite forms. We must give valid reasons while giving opinions or while expressing agreement

or disagreement.

In a group interaction, negotiation is very important. If we lack negotiation skills,

we may end up in arguments.

Summary

Arguments are natural in any communication. But you must be able to concede

finally so that relationships are not strained.

Turn-taking is the art of speakers taking turns so that no one person dominates thediscussion.

Finally, in group interactions, you must be able to give explanations and

justifications based on facts.


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Topic 8 : Public Speaking

Three Main Importance of Public Speaking

Public SpeakingPublic speaking is important because it helps you to:

1. Improve your social skills - How to present yourself in front of an audience.How convincing you are. How well you use verbal and non-verbal

communication.

2. Improve your academic and professional skills - Able to convince yourstudents/audience, able to project a positive self-image and able to respond

appropriately to criticisms and arguments.

3. Become a better speaker - Able to convince your audience and reach out to them

Six Confidence Factors in Public Speaking


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Building Confidence in Public Speaking

We can build confidence by the six ways, which are:

1. Change the way we think- Think positively. Do not be negative. Prepare

adequately.

2. Desensitise Remove fears by always having good feelings with communicationsituations.

3. Skill training Learn how to organise ideas, prepare for a speech and how to

deliver a speech4. Prepare and practice your speech Take time to carefully prepare your speech

and rehearse it well.

5. Learn to relax Do deep breathing exercises before the speech.

6. Gain lots of experience Take part in as many public speaking events so thatyou get much experience and can learn from those experience

Tips for Effective Public Speaking

There are three main aspects in public speaking, which are:1. Appearance;

2. Body language; and3. Voice.

Appearance

Dress appropriately for the occasion. Dress in a formal way if it is a formal occasion.Wear a dress that shows you are one of them and not distanced by class. Make your

audience feel comfortable

Body Language

Your body language tell much about your attitude. Be careful with your posture. Do not

stand in a slanting position. Walk confidently onto the stage. Use good gestures and facialexpressions

Voice

Pronounce correctly. Use the correct volume, intonation, stress and rhythm.

Types of Speeches

There are four types of speeches, which are:

1. Informative speech to increase listeners knowledge;

2. Persuasive speech to influence listeners to accept what you say;3. Negotiation speech to resolve a conflict; and

4. Argumentative speech to reach conclusions through logical reasoning based on

facts.


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Summary

We have discussed:

Public speaking can improve your personal and social skills. Furthermore, it

improves academic, professional and public speaking skills too.

There are six ways to build confidence, which are:a. Change the way we think;

b. Desensitise;

c. Skill training;d. Prepare and practice your speech;

e. Learn to relax; and

f. Gain lots of experience.

Summary

There are three tips for effective public speaking:

a) Appearance;

b) Body language; andc) Voice.

There are basically four types of speech:a) Informative speech;

b) Persuasive speech;

c) Negotiation speech; and

d) Argumentative speech.

Topic 9 & 10: Preparing an Making Oral Presentation

Preparing an Oral Presentation

Before delivering a speech, you must scrutinise three factors, which are:


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The Occasion for the Speech

You must first know what occasion you are going to speak for. Whether it is a thanking

speech, a farewell speech, an introductory speech or a political speech

Considering the Audience

This is a very important aspect of an oral presentation. You need to prepare your speechtaking into account factors like gender, age, social, economic and educational

backgrounds, prior knowledge, expectations, likes and dislikes and also personality of

your audience.

Familiarising with the Setting

This is important so that you can be more relaxed and not nervous. Speaking at a venue

which is new for you can be stressful.

Determining the Purpose and Topic of Presentation

The next important element in an oral presentation is determining the purpose and topic

of presentation

Where to Find Materials?

Seven ways to find materials are:

1. Libraries;

2. The Internet;

3. Magazines and journal;4. Books;

5. CDs;

6. News papers; and7. You may also conduct interviews to get information.

Structure the Oral Presentation

Basically, to structure your presentation, you need to:

1. Inform the audience about what they are going to listen about. Mention the topic.2. Present the content systematically.

3. Summarise the main points.

Using Visual Aids to Aid Presentations

1. Using visual aids can be of help but it does not fully guarantee the success of a

presentation.

2. Do not simply use visual aids just for the sake of using.3. Be careful in selecting the appropriate visual aids.

4. Do not use too many and make sure the tools you intend to use the visual aid with

is in working order


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Making an Oral Presentation

Four ways to make an oral presentation are:

1. Prepare adequately. Rehearse.2. Introduce the topic before hand.

3. Present the content in a logical and systematic way.

4. Summarise and conclude your talk effectively.

Points to Remember

When making the actual presentation, remember the following points:1. Stand straight and do not slouch;

2. Maintain eye contact;

3. Greet the audience;

4. Give an overview;5. Do not read from notes;

6. Use notes as cues only;

7. Turn your head from one section of the crowd to the other;

8. Pause between ideas; and9. Summarise what you have said.

Summary

We have discussed:

Before delivering a speech, you must identify:

a) The occasion of the speech;b) The audience;

c) The setting of the speech; and

d) The purpose and topic of presentation. You can source materials from libraries, the Internet, magazines, journal, books

CDs and news papers or from interviews.

Summary

To structure your presentation, you need to:

a) Inform the audience about what they are going to listen about;b) Present the content systematically; and

c) Summarise the main points.

Using visual aids to aid presentations can be of help but it does not fully

guarantee the success of a presentation. Ways to make an oral presentation are:

a) Prepare adequately. Rehearse.

b) Introduce the topic before hand.c) Present the content in a logical and systematic way.

d) Summarise and conclude your talk effectively.

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