Oral Communication

• Language register in linguistics is used to indicate degrees of formality in language use.
• Language register or the speech style is the level of formality of which one speaks.
• Different situations and people call for different registers.
• Casual language is the informal language used by peers and friends, including slang, vulgarities, and colloquialisms.
• Intimate language is shared between couples, twins, very close friends, and is reserved for close family members or intimate people.
• Frozen language, also called static register, is a style of communication that rarely or never changes and is "frozen" in time and content.
• Formal language is used in formal settings and is one-way in nature, usually following a commonly accepted format.
• Consultative language is a standard form of communication where users engage in a mutually accepted structure of communication.
• Study and preparation involve considering the attitude, feelings, emotion, or temperament of the person who wrote the selection, as these give meaning to the words and point to the style of reading aloud, which you will use in your interpretation.
• Research the life of the author and the circumstances that led to the writing of the poem or story as this background may help you understand the selection.
• Make the piece your own when you interpret it by identifying words and ideas that need emphasis.
• Recall your own experiences to help you in understanding the author’s mood.
• Use your vocal skills (proper quality, pitch, intensity, rate, including phrasing) to recreate the writer’s meaning.
• Use verbal and nonverbal cues to allow sincere, spontaneous bodily actions that naturally come to convey ideas and emotions.
• Use voice, tone, and modulation in stating words to help the audience/listeners identify what you are trying to emphasize in your presentation.
• John Langshaw “J.L.” Austin (March 26, 1911 – February 8, 1960) was a British philosopher of language, remembered primarily as the developer of the theory of speech acts.
• In linguistics and the philosophy of language, a speech act is an utterance that has a performative function in language and communication, and cannot be complete until someone receives and interprets the utterance.
• Locution is the mere utterance of a string of words with a certain meaning.
• Illocution is the act of speaking to interact with the receiver.
• Perlocution is the act of uttering words to affect the behavior or manner of the receiver, and is also the act of trying to bring about a certain change in the addressee.
• When asked to facilitate or lead a group discussion, planning is important so that it becomes animated but focused.
• Time is wasted if the discussion goes into detours that have no bearing on what the discussion hopes to accomplish.
• To achieve a well-planned discussion, think about the cognitive, social/emotional, and physical factors that come into play in an informal group discussion.
• Identify and articulate objectives to ensure that the purpose of the discussion is clear to all participants, and then form your plan accordingly.
• Create an inclusive environment by treating group mates with respect and consideration, and do not play favorites by letting only a few dominate the discussion.
• Do not use (or allow others to use) disrespectful language, whether verbal or nonverbal.
• Encourage alternative views or counter arguments as these make for a good discussion.
• Be humble enough to admit your own ignorance or confusion.
• Plan by asking the right questions to stimulate, direct, analyze, or summarize, depending on your purpose for doing so.
• Provide direction and maintain focus by summarizing key issues occasionally and refocusing attention if the discussion seems to be getting off track.
• Bring closure by synthesizing the discussion, linking the discussion to the original objectives.
• Know the strengths and weaknesses of your group mates and assign roles according to what they can do best.
• Develop a sense of fun in the group without losing sight of your purpose.
• Make sure everyone is engaged and is able to speak up, especially if you have a group mate who likes to monopolize the discussion and one who hardly says anything.
• Be sensitive to group chemistry and what each member feels.
• Choose a place and seating arrangement where the discussion can take place without distraction if you can.
• It is best to have no more than eight (8) members in a group.
• Sit in a circle, or at least have everyone see and hear each other.
• Make sure that the ventilation, noise level, and room temperature are right as these can prevent or distract you from holding a successful group interaction.
• Participants in a healthy group discussion need to play an active role by taking on leadership tasks.