Unit
I

Understanding the Communication Process

As a future professional, you will engage in both formal and informal interactions with different kinds of people. In each of these interactions, you will have to use skills that will enable you to build rapport and connections with them.

Moreover, you are expected to not only be skilled in your chosen field but also to be competent as a communicator. You should be able to express yourself clearly and effectively and to interact appropriately with different people and in different situations. You can then use your various skills to foster personal and professional growth as well as individual and communal progress.

There is more to a language than being able to speak it. It is important that you know when, where, and with whom to use specific language efficiently and appropriately. Furthermore, it is not enough that you have the confidence to speak your mind. It is important that, when you speak, you command respect both for yourself and for the institution you represent. You have to always show sensitivity, respect, and consideration for other communicator(s).

This unit focuses on the communication situations that you might see yourself in. It also introduces you to knowledge and skills that you can use in various communication situations that you may engage in today and in the future.

The modules in this unit follow the order of content prescribed in the K to 12 curriculum guide for oral communication. The first modules define communication and describe its various elements, as well as the processes involved in it. They also discuss the many barriers to effective communication. In addition, they tackle the various functions of communication so that you may understand better the different ways that communication figures in your daily life. There is a special module that deals with communication apprehension, an all-too-common experience of communicators that is not given much attention. Aside from contexts, speech styles and speech acts are discussed so that you can be familiar with them. Familiarity with these important communication concepts will help you enhance your communication skills.

Learning Outcomes for the Unit

■ Demonstrate an understanding of the nature and elements of oral communication.
■ Design and perform effective controlled and uncontrolled communication activities based on context.
■ Infer the functions of oral communication.
■ Write a 250-word evaluation of the various speakers that you will watch or listen to.
■ Define communication apprehension.
■ Differentiate comprehension apprehension from stage fright.
■ Compute one’s score for the Personal Report on Communication Apprehension (PRCA-24) and interpret it.
■ Discuss ways to lessen comprehension apprehension.
■ Recognize that communicative competence requires an understanding of speech contexts, speech styles, speech acts, and communication strategies.
■ Demonstrate effective use of different communicative strategies in a variety of speeches.