Oral Communication

Origin The word “Communication” Comes from Latin words “Communicare” “Communia”
and “Communis” these words mean to share, to exchange, to hold in common.

Meaning Oral communication implies communication through mouth. It includes individuals

conversing with each other, be it direct conversation or telephonic conversation. Speeches,
presentations, discussions are all forms of oral communication. Oral communication is generally
recommended when the communication matter is of temporary kind or where a direct interaction
is required. Face to face communication (meetings, lectures, conferences, interviews, etc.) is
significant so as to build a rapport and trust.

Definitions: There are some definitions of communication are given below.

According to McFarland communication is, “a process of meaningful interaction among

human beings. More specifically, it is the process by which meanings are perceived and
understandings are reached among human beings.”

Newman and summer defined communication as “an exchange of facts, ideas, opinions or
emotions by two or more persons.”

So, communication we have seen, language is essentially for communication. But animal don’t
have a language, neither spoken nor written. Don’t they communicate? Definitely yes. They
accomplish it through their movements and cries. Animal communicate by means of cry. Birds
warn the young ones about the approach of danger. So, human language is specific. They can
talk about past action or futurity of action. Human language has the quality of productivity while
animal language have fix symbols.

Advantages of Oral Communication

 There is high level of understanding and transparency in oral communication as it is

interpersonal.
 There is no element of rigidity in oral communication. There is flexibility for allowing
changes in the decisions previously taken.
 The feedback is spontaneous in case of oral communication. Thus, decisions can be made
quickly without any delay.
 Oral communication is not only time saving, but it also saves upon money and efforts.
 Oral communication is best in case of problem resolution. The conflicts, disputes and
many issues/differences can be put to an end by talking them over.
 Oral communication promotes a receptive and encouraging morale among organizational
employees. Oral communication is an essential for teamwork and group energy.
 Oral communication can be best used to transfer private and confidential
information/matter.

Written and Composed by Hazrat Bilal English Lecturer in Gandhara University Peshawar.
Disadvantages/Limitations of Oral Communication

 Oral communications are not easy to maintain and thus they are unsteady.
 Oral communication is time-saving as far as daily interactions are concerned, but in case
of meetings, long speeches consume lot of time and are unproductive at times.
 Oral communication is less authentic than written communication as they are informal
and not as organized as written communication.
 Relying only on oral communication may not be sufficient as business communication is
formal and very organized.
 Oral communication (such as speeches) is not frequently used as legal records except in
investigation work.
 It requires attentiveness and great receptivity on part of the receivers/audience.
 There may be misunderstandings as the information is not complete and may lack
essentials.

Oral Communication (unit-2)

Oral Communication includes-

 Face to Face Conversation.

 Telephonic Conversation
 Conference
 Interview
 Social gatherings
 Group discussion
 Speech Lectures & Meeting

MERITS

 Facial expressions and gestures make communication effective

 The best medium for discussions as negotiation, interview, counseling etc.
 Communicator can get known the reaction of message on receiver through his gestures
& expressions & tone.
 It is of any doubt in his mind.
 It saves time and efforts.
 It provides immediate feedback
 Listener can get immediate clarification of any doubt in his mind.

LIMITATION-

 It is less effective if communicator has no convict on himself

 It cannot retain for longer time as permanent record.
 It is ineffective when listener is not attentive and different perceptions

Written and Composed by Hazrat Bilal English Lecturer in Gandhara University Peshawar.
  It is not possible while dealing a large group.

Merits of Telephonic Conversation-

 Expensive and less effective

 Long discussions are not possible
 We can get immediate / quick feedback. At a time we can talk one person effectively
 It eliminates the barriers between physically disposed persons.
 Interact freely on Phone.

LIMITATION-

 Ring tone disturb others anytime any where even is classroom, meetings, silence zone,
conferences etc
 In case of mobile phone signal problem become barrier to communication
 Technical problem distract telephone network if device is not working well

Principles of Successful Oral Communication:

 Clarity of expression
 Make communication a two-way process
 Overcoming barriers (time, distance and noise
 Avoid communication overload, easy flow
 Be precise, avoid hackneyed (clichéd)
 Develop trust by creating listeners interest
 Timely Feedback
 Communication & Listening Skills
 Correct choice of medium
 Strong conviction
 Identify barriers try to rectify the problem
 Economical, Accurate, Empathetic
 Sequence, coherence and consistency in contents
 Go for appropriate body language

IMPORTANCE OF FEEDBACK

INPUTS

SENDER FEEDBACK RECEIVER

Factors Affecting Factors Affecting:

Sender / Transmitter ( Sx ) Receiver ( Rx )

Personality and Attitude Personality and Attitude

Written and Composed by Hazrat Bilal English Lecturer in Gandhara University Peshawar.
Cultural effect Cultural effect

Mental setup & Psychology Mental setup & Psychology

Experience & background Experience & background

Communication Skills Communication Skills

Knowledge & Qualification Knowledge & Qualification

Conversation Control

The ability to control a conversation ensures that you can steer a conversation in a positive
direction that meets your needs. Whether you are using your conversation control to lead a
business discussion or a personal talk, employing control techniques will prevent the
conversation from heading into areas you don’t wish to discuss and help you to leave a positive
impression.

Conversation Control Techniques:

 Eye Contact
 Pauses
 Compliments
 Questioning

Nonverbal/ pictorial Communication

 Gestures
 Slides
 Film clips
 Banners
 Posters
 Pictures

MERITS-

 It is effective when emotions take place

 It eliminates differential perceptions
 It is very effective in use in silent zone
 Nonverbal/ pictorial Communication

Nonverbal/ pictorial Communication LIMITATION-

 It cannot be use for lengthy conversation

 It is not possible in each and every situation
 It is ineffective particular for illiterate persons

Written and Composed by Hazrat Bilal English Lecturer in Gandhara University Peshawar.
Non Verbal Communication

 It covers all external stimuli other than spoken or written words and including
characteristics of appearance, voice and use of space and time.
 Kinesics- It is study of the role of body movements such as winking and shrugging in
communication.
 Proxemics -It is also called space language which subjects the deals with the way people
use physical space to communicate.
 Chronemics or Distance language-The subject that deals with the way people use time
dimension or time languageNon Verbal Communication.
 Paralanguage- The non verbal factors like tone of voice, the speed of delivery, the
degree of loudness or softness, and the pitch of voice which affect the spoken words
called paralanguage.

Written and Composed by Hazrat Bilal English Lecturer in Gandhara University Peshawar.