ORAL

COMMUNICATION
Module 3-4
Grade 11 (All Tracks)
Lesson
Various Strategies to Avoid
2 Communication Breakdown

Pre-test

Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answers on a separate sheet of
paper.

1. It takes place when the shared information is mutually understood.

A. barriers to communication C. effective communication
B. communication D. strategies to effective
communication

2. It refers to the use of appropriate speaking volume, rate, acceptable

pronunciation, and proper stressing.
A. keep focused C. minimize distractions
B. listen with your ears and eyes D. speak intelligently

3. It helps to pay attention to the verbal message as well as the nonverbal

message.
A. keep focused C. minimize distractions
B. listen with your ears and eyes D. speak intelligently

4. It uses concise and simple words to deliver the message.

A. be specific C. minimize distractions
B. do not jump to conclusions D. speak intelligently

5. It is important for a receiver to analyze first the message of the sender before
he/she accepts or reject them.
A. barriers to communication C. do not jump to conclusions
B. be specific D. effective communication

Fill each blank with the correct word, phrase, or clause to complete the statement.
Choose the letter of the correct answer and write it on a separate sheet of paper.

6. Complete communication is ___________to the quality of the communication

process in general.
A. essential C. part
 B. needed D. reliable

7. ___________ is making the message direct and straight to the point.

___________ information should be eliminated from the communication that
will be sent to the recipient.
A. Clarity…significant C. Concreteness…insignificant
B. Conciseness…insignificant D. Courtesy…significant

8. In order to be an effective speaker, you should always ___________ significant

information about your receiver’s mood, race, background, preferences,
education, and others.
A. consider C. rate
B. hold D. think

9. Concrete message is supported by facts, figures, and real life examples. This
will make the receiver to ___________________________. A. develop rapport to
the speaker.
B. realize the importance of communication process.
C. respond quickly to the message.
D. understand the message better.

10. As a speaker, you want to deliver a clear message to the audience or

receiver.
Therefore, you will __________________ . A.
know their background information
B. include everything in your message
C. respect their culture, values, and beliefs
D. use of simple and specific words to express ideas

Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answers on a separate sheet of
paper.

11. Which of the following shows positive feedback or remark?

A. You cooperate consistently with your team members.
B. You display concerned about the other’s job so often but not yours.
C. You show dishonesty in working among with your colleagues.
D. You urge to distract everyone in the office.

12. Which of the following display the best question and show politeness in
asking for repetition?
A. Could you be more specific?
B. I don’t understand what you said. Could you say it again?
C. Will you please repeat the instruction?
D. Both A and B
 13. Which of the following does NOT show polite expression? A. May I borrow
your pen for a moment?
B. Order me a coffee.
C. Perhaps I’m not making myself clear.
D. Tell me, when you are available.

14. Which is NOT a time-gaining expression?

A. “Anyway”
B. “Sounds good”
C. “Tell me more.”
D. “Uh-huh”

15. Which is the BEST expression for asking for a repetition? A. I’m sorry, would
you mind saying that again.
B. Sorry, I didn’t get your point.
C. Sorry, let me explain.
D. What do you mean by that?

Looking back to your lesson

In Lesson 1, you have learned the concept of communication breakdown and its
causes. In this lesson, you will find out how this breakdown of communication can
be avoided.

Directions: List down two (2) to three (3) situations based on your What I Can Do
Activity in Lesson 1 in which communication breakdowns were experienced at
home, school, and community. Then, suggest one best strategy to avoid that
communication breakdown.
Example:
Breakdown: The DOST scholar uses technical words in explaining his research to
the barangay officials which resulted to confusion among them.
Strategy: The DOST scholar should uses simple and specific words about his
research to the barangay officials so they would easily understand his message.

Scenarios where Communication Strategies to Avoid Communication

Breakdown occurred Breakdown
 Brief Introduction

Communication breakdown may at times be inevitable but as a sensible speaker or

sender of the message, we could avoid this. Understanding the concept of
communication breakdown and its causes, will help us realize that failure in
communication may be avoided through certain strategies that we could adapt.

Here is an article entitled 5 Ways to Avoid Communication Breakdown by Ronnie

Peterson.
 5 Ways to Avoid Communication Breakdown by
Ronnie Peterson
Communication breakdown can cause issues or problems at home, school, and
community. There are so many barriers to communication like, physiological,
psychological, cultural, and linguistics.
Sometimes some communication barriers are too difficult to solve and this will
lead to slowing the progress and efficiency.
Here are the possible strategies to avoid communication breakdown:

1. Have Clarity of thought before speaking

Arrange your thoughts before verbalizing them this can help you
communicate much more clearly and succinctly. It's a better idea to say
something like, "I've got a few ideas here. Let me go through them one at
a time. We can treat each one on its own merit."

2. Learn to Listen
As simple as it sounds, you’ll be surprised how many people out there
don’t know how to listen well.

Not understanding those who you are trying to communicate with will
lead to a conversation fraught with misunderstandings. Don’t be afraid
to ask them to repeat or explain further in polite manner once you don’t
understand the point.

3. Take Care of your Body Language and Tone

Keep your emotions in check, try to maintain eye contact, and adopt a
relaxed tone when conversing with others.

4. Build up your confidence by asking for feedback and observing

others Focus on improving your skills by practicing in front of those who
you may feel more comfortable with. You can also ask those whose advice
you value to give you feedback and critique your communication style
after a discussion.

5. Communicate Face to Face on the important issues

Having that face to face dialogue means you can convey your point more
clearly, with your body language as well as your tone of voice.

It can also help to clear up any misunderstandings or distortion of the

message that could occur through other mediums.
Remember, becoming an effective communicator takes time and practice. Over
time, using these strategies can lead to better communication in your personal
relationships, and more productive workplace environments as well.

Answer the following questions based on the article above.

 1. What are the barriers to communication mentioned in the article?

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

2. How can communication breakdown be avoided?

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

3. In your opinion, which strategy is the easiest to do? Which one is the most
difficult to do? Why?

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

Lesson
A smooth and successful communication transaction may result if
we follow the strategies to avoid communication breakdown. Communication
becomes successful if and only if our communication goal is achieved, that is, an
understanding is reached and a relationship is built or maintained.

Here are some strategies to avoid communication breakdown (Quipper n.d.).

Keep Focused
One way of being focused is to put in mind the purpose communication. As a
speaker identify your purpose for speaking and as a listener find the speaker’s
purpose thru his/her verbal and non-verbal cues.

Speak Intelligibly
Speaking intelligibly or clearly means using the appropriate speaking volume,
pitch rate, proper enunciation, stress, and acceptable pronunciation. We speak
in order to be understood.

Listen with your Ears and Eyes

Pay attention to verbal and non-verbal message. Effective communication

depends on what people say and how they say it.

 Minimize Distractions
Look for a place where you can minimize distractions or noise like closed area,
empty room, or quiet places. Lessening the cause for confusion means giving

more room to focus and concentrate.

Be Specific
Use simple and concise words as much as possible in delivering a message. Being
specific means being particular and direct to the point.

Do not Jump to Conclusions

Before you give your comments and judgement, be sure that you have listened
attentively to the speaker. Conclusions should be drawn after a thorough
analysis of point given or information received.

Tips on How to Avoid Communication Breakdown

Broom, Cutlip and Center (2012) listed the 7Cs of Effective Communication in
their book Effective Public Relations. These are Completeness, Conciseness,
Consideration, Concreteness, Courtesy, Clearness, and Correctness.
Completeness

It is important to whole communication process. The speaker should

include everything that the receiver needs to hear, respond, react, or

evaluate properly. S/he should be able to convey all pertinent details so
listener or audience will be able to grasp the intended message.

Conciseness

The message should be direct or straight to the point and should be

expressed in the least possible number of words. Irrelevant information

should not be included.

Consideration
In order to be effective, the speaker should give high regard and courtesy to
audience’s background information such as his/her culture, education, religion,
status, mood, feelings, and needs. This will result in building rapport or
connection with the audience.
Concreteness
Effective communication is backed up by facts, figures, and real-life
examples or situations. This will make the receiver to understand the
message better.
Courtesy

The speaker can show respect to his/her receivers through

understanding their culture, values, and beliefs. The speaker can show respect
to the listeners by demonstrating an understanding of them
beliefs, values, and culture. This implies good choice of words and
language and a consideration of the audience’s perspectives and feelings
on the part of the sender. Showing courtesy helps create a positive vibe

with the audience. This implies good choice of words and language on the
part of the sender and consideration of audience’s perspectives.

Clearness
It implies the use of simple and specific words to express ideas. When
the speaker focuses on specific ideas, it will not confuse the audience.

Correctness
Avoiding mistakes in grammar helps to boost the credibility and effectiveness of
the message, and at the same time it eliminates negative impact on the audience.

Breakdowns in communication may arise because of several factors. But these

factors may be avoided if we follow strategies put forward by experts in the field.
Communication is a transaction that we do every day. By following the 7 Cs of
communication espoused by Broom, Cutlip and Center (2012), we may achieve
understanding in communicating with others and avoid confusion and
misinterpretations.

Avoiding communication breakdown helps you to be an effective speaker. Below are

some strategies which you can use to avoid breakdown communication. (Quipper
n.d.)

Helpful Expressions to Avoid Communication Breakdown

Strategies to Avoid Communication Helpful Expressions

Breakdown
Use helpful expressions to gain time to “Really”
think “Uhmm”
“Uh-huh”
“Anyway”
“Tell me more…”
Give positive remarks or comments “”Sounds good”
“I see what you mean”
Ask for repetition “Can you please what you said?”
“What did you say again?”
“What did you mean, when you say
that…”
Check for understanding “So, are you saying that…”
“So, what is your understanding of
this?”

Activities and Assessment

Activity 1

Directions: Match column A with the best answer in column B. Write your answer
on the separate sheet of paper.
Column A Column B
_____ 1. It refers to the use of simple and precise A. Keep Focused
words.
_____ 2. The speaker should identify his/herB. Be Specific
purpose for speaking.
_____ 3. He/she must pays attention to the verbalC. Do not Jump to
and non-verbal cues. Conclusions
_____ 4. He/she must find closed areas or quiet D. Speak
plays to avoid communication Intelligibly
breakdown.
_____ 5. He/she must have an appropriate E. Listen with
speaking volume, speech rate, and your ears and eyes
acceptable enunciation.
F. Minimize
Distractions
 What I Can Do
Conduct an interview either online or offline with five (5) SHS
students who have experienced communication breakdowns. Summarize their
experiences and decide the most appropriate strategy to avoid each communication
breakdown. Explain your reason for each strategy.

Assessment

Strategy to Avoid
Respondent Experiences Communication Breakdown

Directions: Read each statement carefully. Write TRUE if the statement is correct
and FALSE if otherwise. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

__________________ 1. Concreteness in communication creates positive

impact to the audience.
__________________ 2. Clearness helps in eliminating confusions among the
audience.
__________________ 3. Grammar mistakes eliminate negative impacts
among the receivers.
__________________ 4. Rapport is created when considering the background
of the receivers.
__________________ 5. Communication becomes effective when it is
supported by facts, figures, and examples.
__________________ 6. As a speaker, you have to use technical words in
order to impress the audience.
__________________ 7. Complete message is important to the process of
communication particularly with the receivers.
__________________ 8. Giving positive remarks shows interest in a
conversation.
__________________ 9. The expression “So, are you saying that…” asks for
repetition.
__________________ 10. Use polite expressions when asking for clarifications.
__________________ 11. You must use appropriate speaking volume, pitch
rate, proper enunciation, stress, and acceptable
pronunciation.
__________________ 12. Accept the ideas of the sender even without full
understanding of the message.
__________________ 13. The speaker should know his purpose before he
speaks.
__________________ 14. You must pay attention only in verbal cues.
__________________ 15. To limit distractions, stay beside the basketball
court.