Oral Communication Lesson 1

Function and Nature of Communication

• Origin of the word “communication” is from the Latin "communicare," meaning to make common.
• Communication involves sending and receiving information between individuals or groups, influenced by situational needs.
• Definition encompasses sharing messages across various channels, contexts, media, and cultures.

Functions of Communication

• Control/Regulation: Directs behavior, exemplified by doctor prescriptions or parental guidance.
• Social Interaction: Facilitates connections, such as making friends or family interactions.
• Information Dissemination: Educates by providing important knowledge, seen in weather forecasts or educational discussions.
• Motivation: Inspires better performance and personal growth through encouragement and positive reinforcements.
• Emotional Expression: Allows expression of feelings and emotions, contributing to personal connections.

Key Points on Speaking Functions

• Speaking regulates behavior by following orders or instructions.
• Used for social interaction, emphasizing clarity and purpose in conversations.
• Motivates individuals to express feelings, utilizing language that conveys various emotions.

Speech Acts

• Defined as utterances serving specific functions in communication, impacting the world.
• Locution: The act of saying something, e.g., "Hello!"
• Illocution: The intention behind the utterance; for example, greeting someone signifies socialization.
• Perlocution: The effect of the utterance on others, which may differ from the speaker's intentions.

Models of Communication

• Elements of Communication Process:
  • Sender: Initiator of the message.
  • Receiver: The target of the message.
  • Message: The content shared.
  • Channel/Medium: The method of communication (e.g., face-to-face, digital).
  • Feedback: The receiver's response to the message.
  • Encoding: Converting ideas into understandable messages by the sender.
  • Decoding: Interpretative process by which the receiver makes sense of the message.
  • Noise: Anything that disrupts communication; may include physical, psychological, or physiological barriers.

Linear Model of Communication

• Aristotle’s Model: Focuses on public speaking; emphasizes tailoring speeches for different audiences and occasions.
• Shannon-Weaver Model: Developed for telephone communication; originally lacked feedback.
• Norbert Wiener introduced feedback, transforming it from a linear to a cyclical model.

Types of Noise

• Physical Noise: External factors disrupting communication, like loud sounds or distractions.
• Psychological Noise: Intrusive thoughts or mental blocks affecting communication engagement.
• Physiological Noise: Physical conditions impacting understanding, such as fatigue or illness.