Mastering Oral Communication: A Comprehensive Guide

Oral Communication

Definition

In oral communication, the spoken word is the primary channel. It involves interlocutors: a sender and a receiver.

Types of Oral Communication

Oral communication can be:

• Face-to-face
• Distance communication

Requirements for Effective Oral Communication

• Analyze the situation
• Prevent communication barriers

Features of Oral Communication

1. Sender

The sender transmits credibility and capability, using a rich vocabulary and resources.

2. Receiver

The receiver listens attentively and provides feedback.

3. Message

The message should be clear, concise, accurate, objective, and relevant.

4. Context

The message must be adapted to the receiver and the context.

Advantages of Oral Communication

• Speed
• Supported by non-verbal elements
• Provides immediate feedback

Disadvantages of Oral Communication

• Message must be understood immediately
• Requires more attention from the interlocutor

Developing an Oral Message: Stages

1. Planning

• Situation analysis
• Prepare the topic
• Make a draft
• Prepare any support material

2. Structuring

• Introduction
• Exposition
• Conclusion or summary

3. Transmission

• Speak accurately and clearly
• Present the topic in a dialogue mode
• Interact with the receiver
• Pay attention to non-verbal aspects

4. Receive Feedback

(No feedback, no communication)

Accuracy and Clarity in Oral Communication

• Use explanations, examples, descriptions, quotes, and facts.
• Try to summarize.
• Relate ideas of the message to the general idea.
• One idea = one sentence or more.
• Avoid ambiguities, vagueness, exaggerations, fillers, and demagogy.

Forms of Oral Communication

Dialogue

An exchange of information between two or more people.

Debate

A dialogue in which there is a moderator.

Report

An exposition of data on an issue or situation. Types:

1. Expositive report: Transmits information only.
2. Analytical report: Assesses the information presented.
3. Persuasive report: Intends to prove certain facts.

Conference

An organized explanation of ideas or knowledge on a topic. Includes speeches and colloquiums.

Interview

Someone asks a series of questions to an interviewee to obtain information or opinions.

Phone Calls

Techniques for effective telephone communication include voice use, listening ability, smiling, speaking slowly and confidently, showing interest, choosing words carefully, etc.

Listen to Communicate Better

1. Active Listening

The ability to demonstrate to the speaker that you are paying attention. This requires eliminating barriers like judgments, hurry, and distractions.

Techniques for Active Listening

• Listening attitude
• Paraphrasing and summarizing
• Using reinforcing words or compliments
• Choosing the right place and time
• Keeping eye contact

2. Show Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

How to Show Empathy

• Through verbal communication: "I understand…", "I know why…"
• Through non-verbal communication: hugs, nodding…

3. Knowing How to Ask Questions

Benefits of Asking Questions

• The interlocutor feels valued.
• We obtain new information.
• We find out the interlocutor's feelings and thoughts.
• It can guide the conversation.

Types of Questions

• Open
• Closed
• Confirmation
• Rhetorical

4. Assertive Communication Techniques

Being assertive means communicating with respect, honesty, and directness.

Assertive Communication Techniques

• Broken record
• Fogging
• Assertive postponement
• Assertive agreement
• Assertive questioning

Becoming a Good Communicator

• Attention and active listening
• Showing empathy
• The art of questioning
• Improving feedback
• Attracting the attention of the interlocutor
• Assertive communication techniques