Four Functions of Communication

ControlMotivationEmotional expressionInformation

Using Language to Communicate

Language is defined by the Merriam Webster Dictionary as “the words, their pronunciation, and

the methods of combining them used and understood by a community”.

INTRODUCTION

Nature of Language

Bulan describes words in her book, Comm. 3: Practical Speech Fundamentals as symbols which represent and substitute for objects, concepts, feelings emotions, experiences and event around us. People conceive words as being the objects, ideas or facts instead of what they stand for.

Words are Symbols

Triangle of Meaning

Thought (Reference)

Word (Symbol) Referent (Thing Itself)

A different usage of a certain word will have a different symbol or meaning to the one who is perceiving it. It would seem that the changing of words have altered the reality.

Garbage Collector = Sanitation EngineerRat Killer = Rodent ExterminatorCriminal Child = Juvenile DelinquentPoor = Underprivileged

In Filipino terms:Yaya/Katulong = KasambahayKriminal = Masamang loob

Words can only stir up meanings in the minds of your listeners. Your perception of what you just said may be entirely different with their interpretation. This is because every person has had different experiences in connection with a given word (White, 65), and various interpretations and meanings may be attached to it.

Words Cannot Transmit (or Transfer) Meaning: They Can Only

Stir Up Meanings.

-Words are also static while meanings are dynamic. Words that represent objects are still the same, but the object they represent is constantly changing. Language is a function of time.

-The meaning of words may vary from generation to generation.

Language is Dynamic

Words have usually five general types of meanings: denotation, connotation, structural meaning, contextual meaning and sound meaning

Words Have Many Types of Meanings

The effective use of language is essential to getting your thoughts and expressions across clearly and avoiding misunderstandings and misconceptions. Here are the following attributes that make up

effective oral language.

How to Use Language Effectively

-An attribute of the clarity of language is correctness. Having correct

grammar helps the listener to comprehend you more and understand the

thought you are trying to get across.

-Accuracy deals with the language not being imprecise. “Everyone thinks he

is wonderful.” Is different from “Several of my friends would comment that

he is courteous.” (White, 71) Imprecision results from exaggeration and

failure to have a clear concept of the idea you wish to symbolize.

-Too much flowery words in a speech would take off the real meaning of your

words from your audience. In conversing with other people, make sure that

you are using no more words necessary to express what you need to say.

-Avoid using words that you know aren’t in the vocabulary of the one you are

conversing.

Effective Oral Language is Clear

There is a difference between language to be read and language to be heard. Similar to the skit we presented, being conversational and direct is effective for speaking. These ties up with the clarity of your message, and you can ensure that your thought is interpreted correctly. Language meant to be read are more commonly used in reports and essays and other formal works.

Effective Oral Language is Direct and Conversational

When speaking to other people, one must always put into consideration the listeners’ age, education, breeding, occupation, sex and many other factors such as the occasion and relationship of speaker and listener. Speaking inappropriately would most likely result in an entirely different interpretation to your listener, and may cause disastrous consequences.

Effective Oral Language is Appropriate.

Conversation with other people has to be direct and straight to the point, but it doesn’t mean it should be dull. Correct usage of imagery and vividness will get your thoughts across much more clearly than just using words that don’t give accuracy to what you are visualizing on your own.

Effective Oral Language is Vivid and Impressive

Your voice can reveal as much about your personal history as your appearance. 

Voice

Accents.Finding your voice.The effect of breath on voice and

speech.Vocal production.

Aspects of Effective Speaking

Communication not only involves the explicit meaning of words, the information or message conveyed, but also refers to implicit messages, whether intentional or not, which are expressed through non-verbal behaviours.

Non-verbal Communication

Body Language or Body Movements (Kinesics)

PostureEye ContactPara-languageCloseness and Personal Space

(Proxemics)

Types of Non-Verbal Communication

Intimate Distance (touching to 45cm)Personal Distance (45cm to 1.2m)Social Distance (1.2m to 3.6m)Public Distance (3.7m to 4.5m)

The Four Main Categories of Proxemics