Oral Communication in Context PDF

QUARTER II LECTURE ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT TYPES OF COMMUNICATIVE STRATEGY Communicative Strategies are plans/ways/means of sharing information which are adopted to achieve a particular social, political, psychosocial, or linguistic purpose. Since e...

QUARTER II LECTURE ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT TYPES OF COMMUNICATIVE STRATEGY Communicative Strategies are plans/ways/means of sharing information which are adopted to achieve a particular social, political, psychosocial, or linguistic purpose. Since engaging in conversation is also bound by implicit rules, Cohen (1990) states that strategies must be used to start and maintain a conversation. Knowing and applying grammar appropriately is one of the most basic strategies to maintain a conversation. The following are some strategies that people use when communicating. 1. Nomination A speaker carries out nomination to collaboratively and productively establish a topic. Basically, when you employ this strategy, you try to open a topic with the people you are talking to. When beginning a topic in a conversation, especially if it does not arise from a previous topic, you may start off with greetings, news inquiries, and news announcements as they promise extended talk. Most importantly, keep the conversational environment open for opinions until the prior topic shuts down easily and initiates a smooth end. This could efficiently signal the beginning of a new topic in the conversation. Examples: Let’s talk or discuss about…… Have you heard the news about……? 2. Restriction Restriction in communication refers to any limitation you may have as a speaker. When communicating in the classroom, in a meeting, or while hanging out with your friends, you are typically given specific instructions that you must follow. These instructions confine you as a speaker and limit what you can say. For example, in your class, you might be asked by your teacher to brainstorm on peer pressure or deliver a speech on digital natives. In these cases, you cannot decide to talk about something else. On the other hand, conversing with your friends during ordinary days can be far more casual than these examples. Just the same, remember to always be on point and avoid sideswiping from the topic during the conversation to avoid communication breakdown. Examples: Let us focus on …... Limit your talk on …... 3. Turn-Taking Sometimes people are given unequal opportunities to talk because others take much time during the conversation. Turn-taking pertains to the process by which people decide who takes the conversational floor. There is a code of behavior behind establishing and sustaining a productive conversation, but the primary idea is to give all communicators a chance to speak. Remember to keep your words relevant and reasonably short enough to express your views or feelings. Try to be polite even if you are trying to take the floor from another speaker. Do not hog the conversation and talk incessantly without letting the other party air out their own ideas. To acknowledge others, you may employ visual signals like a nod, a look, or a step back, Examples: What do you think?  You wanted to say something? 4. Topic Control Topic control covers how procedural formality or informality affects the development of topic in conversations. For example, in meetings, you may only have a turn to speak after the chairperson directs you to do so. Contrast this with a casual conversation with friends over lunch or coffee where you may take the conversational floor anytime. Remember that regardless of the formality of the context, topic control is achieved cooperatively. This only means that when a topic is initiated, it should be collectively developed by avoiding unnecessary interruptions and topic shifts. You can make yourself actively involved in the conversation without overly dominating it by using minimal responses like “Yes,” “Okay.” Examples: Go on. Continue. I agree with you. 5. Topic Shifting Topic shifting, as the name suggests, involves moving from one topic to another. In other words, it is where one part of a conversation ends and where another begins. When shifting from one topic to another, you have to be very intuitive. Make sure that the previous topic was nurtured enough to generate adequate views. You may also use effective conversational transitions to indicate a shift. Examples: By the way…... Going back to our topic…... 6. Repair Repair refers to how speakers address the problems in speaking, listening, and comprehending that they may encounter in a conversation. Repair is the self-righting mechanism in any social interaction (Schegloff et al, 1977). If there is a problem in understanding the conversation, speakers will always try to address and correct it. Although this is the case, always seek to initiate the repair. Examples: I mean …... What I mean is…… Rather…... Two Common Types of Repair a. Self-initiated Repair – this type of repair is both initiated and carried out by the speaker of the trouble source. Example: I’ll be attending Lorna’s –I mean Lerma’s wedding next week. b. Other initiated Repair – this type of repair is carried out by the speaker of the trouble source but initiated by the recipient.  Example: Speaker A. The retrieval of modules will be next week. Speaker B. What? This week? Speaker A. It will be next week. 7. Termination Termination refers to the conversation participants’ close-initiating expressions that end a topic in a conversation. Most of the time, the topic initiator takes responsibility to signal the end of the discussion as well. Although not all topics may have clear ends, try to signal the end of the topic through concluding cues. You can do this by sharing what you learned from the conversation. Aside from this, soliciting agreement from the other participants usually completes the discussion of the topic meaningfully. Here are some expressions and forms that you can use in closing a conversation. a. Pre-closing Examples: It was nice meeting you, Ms. Wendy. Thanks for taking the time to talk with us. In today’s topic, I learned that…… b. Follow up Examples: I’ll give you a call. I’ll send you an e-mail. c. Closing Examples: See you next week. Goodbye I look forward to seeing you again. Bye.. COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE STRATEGIES IN VARIOUS SPEECH SITUATIONS To express our thoughts, feelings, and ideas effectively in a language, we need to have not only grammatical competence but also communicative competence (Hymes, 1966, as cited in Midoul, 2011). Grammatical competence is the ability to produce and understand grammatically correct sentences while communicative competence is the ability to produce and understand sentences that are acceptable and appropriate to a particular situation from interpersonal (i.e., dyad or group) to public communication, or to mediated communication. Each speech style (or the way Language is used) varies with the Purpose of communication and the speech context (or level of communication engaged in). Intimate and Casual styles are commonly used in Dyadic communication, particularly in conversation and Dialogue, while Consultative style may be for Dyadic communication involving two persons who are not blood related or do not have intimate connection (ex. Doctor and patient / student and guidance counselor ). Formal and, sometimes, Frozen styles are most often associated with Public Communication. As for the three Types of Speech Acts, these are helpful in elaborating the meaning of what is being said. For a Locutionary act to make sense, the same meaning should be shared by both the Speaker and the Listener. While an Illocutionary Act embodies the speaker’s intention, the Perlocutionary Act is meant to elicit a response from the listener. Communicative Strategies are useful in the communication process because they help impart the message using questions and answers, repetition for clarification, topic shifting, and topic control. Nomination begins the interaction while Termination ends it. Speech Context, Speech Style, Speech Act, and Communicative Strategies affect the following: Language form could be formal and informal. Duration is the length of communication, could be shortened or lengthened depending on how the conversation is going on between the sender and the receiver. Relationship of speaker to the receiver of the message could be intimate, frozen, consultative, casual, or formal. Delivery is the mode of communication which could be: o Extemporaneous – speaking with limited preparation; guided by notes or outline o Impromptu – speaking without advanced preparation; unrehearsed speech o Memorized – planned and rehearsed speech o Manuscript – reading aloud a written message Message is the information/idea conveyed by the sender. The message may be views or opinions, feelings, orders, suggestions or questions. Roles and responsibilities of the speaker Look at the sample situations below: A: Mike Enriquez delivers a news report about Mandatory drug testing in schools B: A group of students presenting their final output in front of a panel of teachers  Speech Context: In the diagram above, the two situation of news report and group presentation of students are presented. In situation A, the type of speech context is mass communication which communication is delivered with the use of any form of media. While the other used face-to-face small-group discussion. Speech Style: Although both situations used different context, they are similar in the style of speech, which is both formal. Formal style of speech is one way and allows no interruption. Speech Act: The speech act used in both situations is locutionary. The speech has sense and has the same meaning to both the speaker and the listener. Communicative Strategy: The communicative strategy used differs, on the first situation, the news anchor delivering the news report constrains the response of the audience. On the second situation, however, turn- taking is used, as the group is presenting and each is given a topic to discuss. Duration: On the duration of the communication, situation A is short, as it is a news report, while situation B is lengthy for it is a group presentation. Relationship of Speaker: The relationship of the speaker is different on both, as on situation A, it is mediated and there is no contact between the speaker and listener. The situation B, however, used face-to-face delivery and is in formal situation. Role of Speaker: In situation A, the role of the speaker is to deliver a report, in situation B, it is to present a given topic as a group. The way they present their speech differs as the context is different. Message: The messages delivered differs in presentation, one is in the tone of a news reporting, while the other is a discussion among group. Delivery: The delivery in situation A is through a manuscript as the news anchor is reading his report, while the group presentation may use a prepared outline of their discussion. In the two situations above, although, it is both formal in style, the context is different, which affects the way of communication and the strategies used. PRINCIPLES OF SPEECH WRITING Just like events planning, or any other activities, writing an effective speech follows certain steps or processes. The process for writing is not chronological or linear; rather, it is recursive. That means you have the opportunity to repeat a writing procedure indefinitely, or produce multiple drafts first before you can settle on the right one. Figure 1 shows the schematic diagram. The following are the components of the speech writing process. Audience analysis entails looking into the profile of your target audience. This is done so you can tailor- fit your speech content and delivery to your audience. The profile includes the following information. ✓ demography (age range, male-female ratio, educational background and affiliations or degree program taken, nationality, economic status, academic or corporate designations) ✓ situation (time, venue, occasion, and size) ✓ psychology (values, beliefs, attitudes, preferences, cultural and racial ideologies, and needs) The purpose for writing and delivering the speech can be classified into three—to inform, to entertain, or to persuade. ✓ An informative speech provides the audience with a clear understanding of the concept or idea presented by the speaker. ✓ An entertainment speech provides the audience with amusement. ✓ A persuasive speech provides the audience with well-argued ideas that can influence their own beliefs and decisions. The topic is your focal point of your speech, which can be determined once you have decided on your purpose. If you are free to decide on a topic, choose one that really interests you. There are a variety of strategies used in selecting a topic, such as using your personal experiences, discussing with your family members or friends, free writing, listing, asking questions, or semantic webbing. ✓ Narrowing down a topic means making your main idea more specific and focused. The strategies in selecting a topic can also be used when you narrow down a topic. ✓ Data gathering is the stage where you collect ideas, information, sources, and references relevant or related to your specific topic. This can be done by visiting the library, browsing the web, observing a certain phenomenon or event related to your topic, or conducting an interview or survey. The data that you will gather will be very useful in making your speech informative, entertaining, or persuasive. ✓ Writing patterns, in general, are structures that will help you organize the ideas related to your topic. Examples are biographical, categorical/topical, causal, chronological, comparison/contrast, problem-solution, and spatial. ✓ An outline is a hierarchical list that shows the relationship of your ideas. Experts in public speaking state that once your outline is ready, two-thirds of your speech writing is finished. A good outline helps you see that all the ideas are in line with your main idea or message. The elements of an outline include introduction, body, and conclusion. Write your outline based on how you want your ideas to develop. The introduction is the foundation of your speech. Here, your primary goal is to get the attention of your audience and present the subject or main idea of your speech. Your first few words should do so. The following are some strategies to get the attention of your audience. ✓ A startling Statement ✓ An amazing fact / a well-proven statistics  ✓ A thought-provoking rhetorical question ✓ A Famous proverb or maxim ✓ An interesting anecdote or story ✓ A definition of an expert in the field ✓ A controversial statement ✓ An example ✓ A statement by a well-known person ✓ A Humor Example Introduction using a particular strategy: A fact Sweat doesn’t smell bad. A stinky “body odor” is caused when the skin bacteria feed on sweat. Their waste products are what smell bad! A statistic One billion people across the world use YouTube every month! YouTube is an amazing space and generates amazing facts…...Reelso.com A statement by a well-known person “In the twenty-first century, knowledge and know-how are the keys to success. As basketball coach Pat Riley said, “If you are not getting better, you are getting worse.”” (Brian Tracy) A question How often do you check your phone? In today’s hyper-connected world, meditation and relaxation- focused resource Calm gives you a much-needed mental break during the day, and can help you quiet the spinning wheels in your head when its time to sleep at night. Now the company is rolling out a second application called Checky, designed more to make you aware of how often you’re using your smartphone. The body of the speech provides explanations, examples, or any details that can help you deliver your purpose and explain the main idea of your speech. One major consideration in developing the body of your speech is the focus or central idea. The body of your speech should only have one central idea. The following are some strategies to highlight your main idea. ✓ Present real-life or practical examples ✓ Show statistics ✓ Present comparisons ✓ Share ideas from the experts or practitioners The conclusion restates the main idea of your speech. Furthermore, it provides a summary, emphasizes the message, and calls for action. While the primary goal of the introduction is to get the attention of your audience, the conclusion aims to leave the audience with a memorable statement. The following are some strategies. ✓ Begin your conclusion with a restatement of your message.  ✓ Use positive examples, encouraging words, or memorable lines from songs or stories familiar to your audience. ✓ Ask a question or series of questions that can make your audience reflect or ponder. “ If you begin your introduction with a bang, end your conclusion with a slam dunk” Below is an example of Basic Speech Outline BASIC SPEECH OUTLINE Introduction of Speech I. Attention Device Opener – Question, Statistic, Example, Story – to grab audience’s attention II. Central Idea – The main idea of your speech that is integrated into your introduction. III. Specific Purpose – To explain (inform, persuade, show, etc.) your topic with three main points that will become the body of speech. Body of Speech I. First Main Point – Write a sentence explaining what your first point is. A. Story, statistic, research, reference, etc. about first main point. B. Story, statistic, research, reference, etc. about first main point. C. Story, statistic, research, reference, etc. about first main point. (Transition Statement: Use your last point to transitions to the Second Main Point) II. Second Main Point – Write a sentence explaining what your second point is. A. Story, statistic, research, reference, etc. about second main point. B. Story, statistic, research, reference, etc. about second main point. C. Story, statistic, research, reference, etc. about second main point. (Transition Statement: Use your last point to transitions to the Third Main Point) III. Third Main Point – Write a sentence explaining what your third point is. A. Story, statistic, research, reference, etc. about third main point. B. Story, statistic, research, reference, etc. about third main point. C. Story, statistic, research, reference, etc. about third main point. (Transition Statement: Now make a transition to the conclusion) Conclusion of Speech I. Review the Main Points – Recap your speech in a concise but creative format. II. Final Thought – This should be a meaningful statement that will stick with your audience and give closure Editing/Revising your written speech involves correcting errors in mechanics, such as grammar, punctuation, capitalization, unity, coherence, and others. Andrew Dlugan (2013), an award-winning public speaker, lists six power principles for speech editing. ✓ Edit for focus. Ensure that everything you have written, from introduction to conclusion, is related to your central message. ✓ Edit for clarity Make all ideas in your speech clear by arranging them in logical order (e.g., main idea first then supporting details, or supporting details first then main idea). ✓ Edit for concision Keep your speech short, simple, and clear by eliminating unrelated stories and sentences and by using simple words. ✓ Edit for continuity. Keep the flow of your presentation smooth by adding transition words and phrases. ✓ Edit for variety. Add spice to your speech by shifting tone and style from formal to conversational and vice-versa, moving around the stage, or adding humor. ✓ Edit for impact and beauty. Make your speech memorable by using these strategies: surprise the audience, use vivid descriptive images, write well-crafted and memorable lines, and use figures of speech. Rehearsing gives you an opportunity to identify what works and what does not work for you and for your target audience. Some strategies include reading your speech aloud, recording for your own analysis or for your peers or coaches to give feedback on your delivery. The best thing to remember at this stage is: “Constant practice makes perfect.” PRINCIPLES OF SPEECH DELIVERY The more you rehearse your speech, the more confident you will become when the time comes to deliver it. To successfully deliver your speech consider the following principles of speech delivery. ARTICULATION Articulation focuses on making individual sounds clear and intelligible. In articulation you change the sounds coming from your vocal folds by moving the teeth, tongue, jaws, lips and other speech organs in recognizable and distinguishable patterns. If you cannot actually produce the sound, then the tips below may help you with the articulation. 1. Make sure you are not substituting or omitting sounds. 2. Pay particular attention to common sound substitution such as t for th. 3. Practice reading and recording passages with the sounds you are having a problem with. 4. Speak slowly so that words and sounds do not end up running together. 5. Speak in a consistent tone. 6. Practice the sounds that you find them hard to produce. MODULATION Modulation in speaking means change in volume, timing, or pitch. It makes your speech interesting to listen to and it is what makes the words and phrases stand out. It can thus be used to enhance emphasis in words, with rising and lowering tones adding subtle meaning. By modulating your voice, it facilitates the understanding of your speech. It is important therefore that the public speaker masters the art and the skill of modulation. Components of Modulation 1. Pace or Speech Speed - employ the speed that your listeners can easily and properly understand your speech. 2. Pitch of Depth of Voice – refers to how high and low you speak when delivering a speech. 3. Pause - the intervals applied when there is punctuation, comma etc. 4. Power - the intensity that you use in your voice. 5. Volume - the sound level of your speaking voice. 6. Emphasis - the stress or focus on the key words or syllables to bring out the desired meaning. 7. Inflection - the ups and downs of words. STAGE PRESENCE Stage presence refers to the charisma and charm that a speaker possesses that draws in an audience and commands their full attention. Stage presence, above all, expressed confidence. Ways to improve Stage Presence 1. Relax – being comfortable on stage makes your movements, expressions and speech more natural. 2. Practice – the comfort level that only comes with the feeling of confidence can be attained through practice. 3. Study – find someone who excels in the field and study how they act on stage. FACIAL EXPRESSIONS, GESTURES AND MOVEMENTS Facial Expressions - Appropriate facial expressions can help you connect with your audience and reinforce the content of your speech. For instance, you can show your friendly intentions through a smile at the beginning of your speech. Facial expressions, like all nonverbal cues, can bring a speech to life, do not forget to be natural and authentic. Gestures – Similar to facial expressions, you can use gestures to establish contact with the audience and provide visual support for your message. Here are some of the do’s and don’ts. 1. Don’t put your hands in your pockets. 2. Don’t clasp your notes or hold on to the lectern. 3. Don’t fold your arms. 4. Hand gestures appear more open and honest to the audience. 5. Don’t use too few or too many gestures. 6. Repetitive use of gestures distracts the audience. 7. Avoid mannerisms. 8. Consider which gestures to use before your speech.  Body Posture and Movement – A powerful speaker shows confidence through body posture and movement. There are some occasions like during a business meeting where a speaker may sit while delivering a speech, however, standing will be more effective. Remember that you can use your body to communicate positively and effectively with the audience. Here are some examples of how your body movements may naturally support your delivery. 1. Upper body toward the audience – lean into the audience to bridge the space of separation. 2. Feet and legs – move purposefully from one side to the other. 3. Arms and Chest – crossing your arms may be interpreted as confrontational. 4. Standing still without movement – indicate interest and concern. RAPPORT WITH THE AUDIENCE Rapport means establishing friendly relationship with someone else but in speech it refers to the process of building an understanding and harmonious relationship or bond between the speaker and the target audience. 10 Tips to Build Rapport and Engage your Audience (According. Dorothea Stuart) 1. Put your audience first. 2. Find opportunities for humor. 3. Allow for flexibility in your contest. 4. First impressions count 5. Have strong opening 6. Manage the middle. 7. Use stories for emotional connection 8. Use your voice with variety 9. Give the audience time. 10. Have a strong ending VERONICA H. MADRIGAL Subject Teacher