KOD KURSUS /​COURSE CODE : OUMH1303

TAJUK KURSUS​ /COURSE TITLE : ENGLISH FOR ORAL COMMUNICATION

SEMESTER​ /SEMESTER : MEI/MAY 2011 (SMP KHAS)

COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY IN SPOKEN

ENGLISH IN SELECTED SOCIAL CONTEXT

BY:
NAME : ZAIRIL AZHAR
MATRICULATION NUMBER : 750417065663001
ID NUMBER : 750417-06-5663
PHONE NUMBER : 013-9963115
E-MEL : zairilazhar@ymail.com
STUDIES CENTRE : MELAKA LEARNING CENTRE

Table of contents
List of tables

1 Introduction
2 ​How oral communication works

3 ​Interpersonal communication

4. ​Small group communication

5. ​Public communication (or ‘public speaking’)

6.​ Conclusion

1.0 INTRODUCTION

English can be fun too. For instance, the music of such stars as Elvis Presley, The
Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Michael Jackson and Madonna has encouraged fans to speak the
language of their idols, whilst others have enrolled in English classes to improve their
understanding of the dialogue in films and TV shows. Or perhaps they have embraced
English to enjoy the writing of Stephen King, George Orwell or J.K. Rowling. They may
even have an interest in speaking English just to converse with travellers from other
countries, who communicate by using the English global Interlingua while travelling abroad.

2.0 THE ORAL COMMUNICATION

Communication is everywhere and encompasses everything. Effective communication
is an essential skill that is used daily and is related to success in all facets of life.
Understanding the communication process is crucial to improve communication skills and
build effective communication habits. Communication is the primary means by which people
obtain and exchange information. Communication can best be summarized as the
transmission of a message from a sender to a receiver in an understandable manner.
The communication process is the guide toward realizing effective communication. It
is through the communication process that the sharing of a common meaning between the
sender and the receiver takes place. The communication process is made up of four key
components. Those components include encoding, medium of transmission, decoding, and
feedback. There are also two other factors in the process, and those two factors are present in
the form of the sender and the receiver.
The communication process begins with the sender and ends with the receiver. The
sender is an individual, group, or organization who initiates the communication. This source
is initially responsible for the success of the message. The sender's experiences, attitudes,
knowledge, skill, perceptions, and culture influence the message.
All communication begins with the sender. The first step the sender is faced with
involves the encoding process. In order to convey meaning, the sender must begin encoding,
which means translating information into a message in the form of symbols that represent
ideas or concepts. This process translates the ideas or concepts into the coded message that
will be communicated. The symbols can take on numerous forms such as, languages, words,
or gestures. These symbols are used to encode ideas into messages that others can understand.
When encoding a message, the sender has to begin by deciding what he/she wants to
transmit.
This decision by the sender is based on what he/she believes about the receiver’s
knowledge and assumptions, along with what additional information he/she wants the
receiver to have. It is important for the sender to use symbols that are familiar to the intended
receiver. To begin transmitting the message, the sender uses some kind of channel (also
called a medium).
The channel is the means used to convey the message. Most channels are either oral
or written, but currently visual channels are becoming more common as technology expands.
Common channels include the telephone and a variety of written forms such as memos,
letters, and reports. The effectiveness of the various channels fluctuates depending on the
characteristics of the communication. For example, when immediate feedback is necessary,
oral communication channels are more effective because any uncertainties can be cleared up
on the spot.
The sender's decision to utilize either an oral or a written channel for communicating
a message is influenced by several factors. The sender should ask him or herself different
questions, so that they can select the appropriate channel. After the appropriate channel or
channels are selected, the message enters the decoding stage of the communication process.
Decoding is conducted by the receiver. Once the message is received and examined, the
stimulus is sent to the brain for interpreting, in order to assign some type of meaning to it. It
is this processing stage that constitutes decoding. The receiver begins to interpret the symbols
sent by the sender, translating the message to their own set of experiences in order to make
the symbols meaningful.
The receiver is the individual or individuals to whom the message is directed. The
extent to which this person comprehends the message will depend on a number of factors,
which include the following: how much the individual or individuals know about the topic,
their receptivity to the message, and the relationship and trust that exists between sender and
receiver.
Feedback is the final link in the chain of the communication process. After receiving a
message, the receiver responds in some way and signals that response to the sender. The
signal may take the form of a spoken comment, a long sigh, a written message, a smile, or
some other action. Without feedback, the sender cannot confirm that the receiver has
interpreted the message correctly.
Successful and effective communication within an organization stems from the
implementation of the communication process. All members within an organization will
improve their communication skills if they follow the communication process, and stay away
from the different barriers. It has been proven that individuals that understand the
communication process will blossom into more effective communicators, and effective
communicators have a greater opportunity for becoming a success.
3.0 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
There are four Principles of Interpersonal Communication. These principles underlie
the workings in real life of interpersonal communication. They are basic to communication.
We can't ignore them
3.1 Interpersonal communication is inescapable
The very attempt not to communicate communicates something. Through not only
words, but through tone of voice and through gesture, posture, facial expression, etc.,
we constantly communicate to those around us. Through these channels, we
constantly receive communication from others.
3.2 Interpersonal communication is irreversible
We can't really take back something once it has been said. The effect must inevitably
remain. Despite the instructions from a judge to a jury to "disregard that last statement
the witness made," the lawyer knows that it can't help but make an impression on the
jury. A Russian proverb says, ​"Once a word goes out of your mouth, you can never
swallow it again."
3.3 Interpersonal communication is complicated
No form of communication is simple. Because of the number of variables involved,
even simple requests are extremely complex.
We don't actually swap ideas; we swap symbols that stand for ideas. Words (symbols) do
not have inherent meaning; we simply use them in certain ways, and no two people use
the same word exactly alike.
● If communication can fail, it will.
● If a message can be understood in different ways, it will be understood in just that
way which does the most harm.
● There is always somebody who knows better than you what you meant by your
message.
● The more communication there is, the more difficult it is for communication to
succeed.
3.4 Interpersonal communication is contextual
 In other words, communication does not happen in isolation. There is:
● Psychological context, which is who you are and what you bring to the
interaction. Your needs, desires, values, personality, etc., all form the
psychological context.
● Relational context, which concerns your reactions to the other person--the "mix."
● Situational context deals with the psycho-social "where" you are communicating.
An interaction that takes place in a classroom will be very different from one that
takes place in a bar.
● Environmental context deals with the physical "where" you are communicating.
Furniture, location, noise level, temperature, season, time of day, all is examples
of factors in the environmental context.
● Cultural context includes all the learned behaviours and rules that affect the
interaction.
4.0 SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATIONS
Small group communication is carried out within a small group. A small group is
generally defined as a group that consists of at least three members and at the maximum
around twelve to fifteen members. A group that has just two members or more than fifteen
members would not come in the category of a small group.
4.1 Understanding Communication:
Communication is about expressing and conveying your thoughts, feelings, opinions
and ideas to another person or persons. People are more likely to listen to you,
whatever you have to say, if you can express yourself well, and this is particularly
useful in influencing and negotiating important personal, social or business matters.
Some people are born with effective communication skills; others need to develop
them. Developing effective communication skills requires repeated practice, which
you can do by putting yourself frequently in situations where you have to interact with
a variety of people. Consider joining social clubs or public speaking and debate clubs
to polish up your skills.
4.2 The Importance of Team Communication:
Let us consider team communication with regard to the workplace. Most companies
and organizations have people working in small teams. When you have three or four
more people working on an issue, you have the advantage of having access to more
 ideas and solutions for the project, of having more checking safeguards against any
flaws in the plan, and of being able to establish more network connections. A group is
also more likely to take on and complete large-scale, complex projects. However, for
the team to operate smoothly there must be open and efficient communication
between the members of the team.
4.3 Fostering effective team communication in your small group:
You can foster effective team communication in your small group by a mix of
old-fashioned good manners, good attention and open-mindedness. Here are a few
tips -
● Ask if everyone understands what the team goals are.
● Ask input and feedback from all members.
● Listen carefully to what the other person is saying.
● Don't interrupt until someone has finished talking.
● Give feedback on what they've said.
● Speak slowly and clearly.
● Make your points in a clear, logical manner.
● Include facts and details, and make sure they are all accurate.
● Don't ramble on. Be concise. Stick to the matter at hand.
● Make sure every member of the group gets the chance to speak.
● Be open minded. If you've come to the meeting with your mind already made
up, there's little point in having a discussion.
● When responding to someone's question or statement, repeat it to make sure
you have heard and understood correctly.
● If you are taking a certain stand, take full responsibility for it.
● Do not disparage anyone for their views and don't refute any point by taking
personal shots at the speaker. Address the issue.
● Watch your body language. It is more effective than what you say. So if you
are angry and look angry, that is going to convey itself to the other members in
your small group.
● Don't make rash decisions or issue any statements when you are angry. Give
yourself time to cool down.
● If there are any misunderstandings, clear them up in a calm manner.
 ● If you don't understand any point, speak up and ask questions. Get it clarified
before you all move on.
● When considering the pros and cons of any issue, consider the exact pros and
cons, not opinion of the majority.
● If you have an opinion, express it as such, with the reasons behind it, not as an
iron-clad fact.
● Be polite at all times.
5.0 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION
Public communication are focused on developing the professional communication
skills and strategies required for a career in public relations or advertising, fields which are
converging into a new, broader and more challenging future. Another way to improve
communication skills would be to get other people interested in your conversation as well.
This will help them to open up and you can have a great time talking about various topics.
Ask questions that would urge others to speak as well.
Communication enables us to improve our skills at interacting with people. People
who are good communicators tend to do better in their careers. We communicate everyday
with different people, at different times, in different ways. We communicate with ourselves in
our thoughts. We also communicate with our family, friends, people at work, and people we
meet, socially or professionally. At times we may even need to communicate with a larger
audience such as members of the public. English has become an important language in
Malaysia as the society starts realizing the importance of the use of English in this new
millennium.
Communication is a process whereby meaning is defined and shared between living
organisms. Communication requires a sender, a message, and an intended recipient, although
the receiver need not present or aware of the sender’s intent to communicate at the time of
communication. The communication process is complete once the receiver has understood
the sender.
5.1 Ways to Improve Communication Skills:
● Listen and observe. If you have really poor communication skills and can’t seem
to get any word across, be it at your work place or even with regards to your
personal relationships, you must always remember you need to observe those
people who communicate effectively. Look and observe those people around you
 who make easy and effective conversations. This should give you an insight and
an understanding that should open up new ways for effective communication
skills.
● Communication is not just about speaking effectively and in an impressive
manner. If you are looking out for ways to improve your communication skills
then remember you also need to be a good listener. This is one factor that is so
often overlooked.
● Whenever you listen to the person opposite you, remember you need to take time
to think before you pass any judgment on what is being said. Always remember to
take a few moments before you respond to anything.
● Think about your positive points when you are about to start off on a great
conversation. This will help you overcome the initial hiccups especially if you are
going to give a speech before a very large audience.
● Having a sense of humour helps to make any conservation light and fun to be in!
Develop your sense of humour and use it as an effective way to improve your
communication skills. Do note one important thing in such cases. Always
remember you must not hurt the sentiments of others in any possible way.
● If you wish for ways to improve communication skills, develop a love for reading;
it could be books or even the newspapers. A well-read person can have loads of
intelligent things to talk about.
● Avoid thinking that what you say is always right. This may create a certain barrier
beforehand in any conversation. Listen to the other viewpoints before you judge
anything. This will help you to assess the situation better.
● Rethink about the ways you are framing your sentences. Ways to improve
communication skills would also need you to frame your sentence in a better
manner to avoid offending the person. Sometimes you may reply in such a way
that it may seem to make the other person feel aggravated towards the way you
speak.
● Sporting the right kind of body language can also help you to improve your
communication skills. Having a good conversation can turn to be more effective
when you combine it with the right posture. Maintain eye contact when you speak.
● A polite manner of conversing can help you improve your communication skill
 and also earn the respect of others. The manner in which you convey any message
across can help you to impress people more effectively if done in a polite way.
6.0 CONCLUSION
It has been shown that a number of the traditional approaches, such as free talk and
general discussion, do not offer the kind of support that many non-fluent learners need to
produce long turns of informative speech on a range of cognitively demanding topics. It is
believe that a more structured approach organised around realistic tasks that lead to
specific outcomes has many advantages in eliciting extended talk. These activities require
the learners to participate actively because their attention is on performing a lifelike task.
The task orientation gives the Malaysian a purpose for talking and, in this way, provides
the speaker with interest in and motivation for speaking.
Finally, if you are studying English at school, college or university, remember that
getting an ‘A’ grade in English is almost worthless, in terms of communication, if you
cannot speak the language. Spoken English is used in the best careers, the best
universities, and is increasingly being used at job interviews. So like it or not, English is a
very important language to learn how to speak.

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