Oral Communication in

Context
Quarter 1 – Module 3:
Strategies to Avoid
Communication
Breakdown
 Lesson
Communication
1 Breakdown
In Module 2, you have learned about the models of communication. You have
realized how the different elements of communication work together to achieve a
successful communication transaction. Now, let us find out if you can still
remember your previous lesson by answering the activity below.

What’s In

Directions: Put the phrases or statements in the correct column. Write the letter
of your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

Linear Model Interactive Transactional Model

A. Schramm Model of Communication

B. Shannon Weaver Model of Communication
C. a two-way communication process where feedback is given after
a message is sent.
D. shows circular process between the sender and receiver.
E. barriers affect the smooth flow of communication
F. a one-way communication process.
G. having a job interview
H. reciting a poem in front of the class
I. presiding an important meeting
J. focusing on the message sent.

2
 What’s New

Communication is a process of exchanging thoughts, ideas, and opinions in order

to connect with other people. It’s goal is to achieve a clear and effective
understanding resulting to good relationships in the community. However, there
are times when this goal is not reached due to certain factors. When this happens,
there is communication breakdown.

Directions: Identify the reasons for the communication breakdown in each

picture. Write your answer in a separate sheet of paper similar to the box below.
 What is It

The elements involved in communication are important in the success or failure

of this process. These very same elements (sender, message, receiver, feedback,
etc) can pose a threat to the efficiency or effectiveness of the process.
Communication breakdown may occur when problems in any of the elements
involved arise. They become barriers to communication.

Simply put, communication breakdown results when the intended message of the
sender is not understood exactly by the receiver. Barriers to communication are
present.

Recognizing the barriers or obstacles to effective communication is important in

order to avoid communication breakdown. Here are some of the barriers that
may cause communication failure.

Barriers to Communication

Physical Barriers are the natural or environmental condition that act as a

barrier in communication in sending the message from sender to receiver.
Examples:
1. People talking too loud.
2. Noise from a construction site
3. Loud sound of a karaoke
4. Blaring of jeepney horns

Psychological Barriers are called as mental barriers. These refer to social and
personal issues of a speaker towards communicating with others.
Examples:
1. trauma
2. shyness, lack of confidence
3. depression
4. fear, stage fright

Cultural Barriers pertain to communication problems encountered by people

regarding their intrinsic values, beliefs, and traditions in conflict with others.
People’s culture affect the way they communicate and relate to others
Examples:
1. different beliefs
2. traditions, and customs
3. manners of dressing
4. speaking
 Linguistic Barriers pertain conflicts with regard to language and word
meanings. Because words carry denotative and connotative meanings, they
can sometimes cause confusion and misunderstanding. Meaning of words and
symbols also vary depending on culture.
Examples:
1. difference in language
2. accent and dialect
3. use of jargon and slang
4. speech defects or language impairments

Verderber (1991) gives a similar idea of barrier when he classifies noise into
three kinds: External, Internal and Semantic noise.

External Noises are the “sight, sound and other stimuli that draw people’s attention away from intended meaning.”

Examples:
noise from vehicles
singing at the neighborhood
visual aids in front of the classroom
the dog barking
the sound of airplane

Internal noises are the “thoughts and feelings that interfere with meaning.”

Examples:
confrontation with a friend
fear of speaking in front of the class.
racial prejudice

ker’s symbols.” This idea means that a word may have another meaning in the minds of the students. This is affected by the language
 What’s More

Activity 1
Directions: Identify the kind of communication barrier exemplified by each
description. Tell whether it is Physiological, Psychological, Cultural, or Linguistic
Barrier. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. lack of confidence
2. connotative and denotative meaning
3. loud party
4. different races
5. poor lighting
6. lack of interest and attention
7. different views and opinions
8. using idiomatic expressions
9. information overload
10. feel frustrated

Activity 2
Directions: Explain why there is communication breakdown on the given
situations. Again, write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Jay and Michelle started talking about their plans for Christmas Vacation
when their classmate, Moy, interrupted them.

2. “Mama, I will buy this cake for you. I am very sure that you will like its
taste. It’s from our favorite cake store!”

3. You spent the night thinking and analyzing why a student from another
class talked to you on your way home.

4. Livy encounters a participant who is very eager to share with others her
views and opinions. She does this without asking permission.

5. In some Asian countries, direct eye contact is considered disrespectful and

rude. In others, it is a must.
 What I Have Learned

Directions: Answer the following questions. Write your answer on the separate sheet
of paper.

1. What is communication breakdown?

2. What are the barriers to communication?

3. Why does breakdown of communication occur?

What I Can Do

Interview three (3) people and ask them about a past communication breakdown
they have experienced and what were the causes.
1.1. Complete the table by answering the following questions:
a. Who were the persons involved?
b. What was the situation?
c. When did the communication breakdown happen?
d. What were the barriers to communication?
e. What happened due to the communication breakdown?

1.2 Identify the cause of the communication breakdown.

An example is provided for you:

Persons Situation Time of Barrier/s to Result
Involved Communication Communication
Aling Aling Celia When Reysa was Physiological Aling Celia was
Celia and asked Reysa watching her Barrier upset because
Reysa to wash the favorite anime Reysa did not
(Mother & dishes. series do as told.
Daughter)
What was the cause of communication breakdown?
Reysa’s lack of attention caused the communication breakdown.

Now, do the following on your own. Interview someone in your home, school and
community. Copy the table on a separate sheet of paper and supply the needed
information.

Persons Situation Time of Barrier/s to Result

Involved Communication Communication

What was the cause of the communication breakdown?

Assessment

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

1. What influence the interpretation of conversation to effective

communication?
A. environment C. noise
B. language D. technological gadgets

2. When is the communication process complete?

A. when the message enters the channel of communication
B. when the receiver understands the message and feedback
C. when the sender transmits message to the receiver
D. when the sender transmits the message successfully

3. Which of the following must be avoided in communication breakdown?

A. Ambiguity C. personal interpretation
B. focused attention D. Both A and B
 4. Which barrier includes the mental conditions of the listener?
A. cultural barrier C. physical barrier
B. linguistic barrier D. psychological barrier

5. Which barrier includes the hearing or sight problem of the listener?

A. cultural barrier C. physical barrier
B. linguistic barrier D. Both A and C

6. In which barrier can semantic noise be classified?

A. cultural barrier C. physical barrier
B. linguistic barrier D. Both A and C

7. Which of the following must the listener do to avoid mental noise?

A. Be ready for the communication activity.
B. Be attentive and respond to the speaker.
C. Just remain quiet and daydream
D. Must not think of any problem during class hours

8. In which barrier does gender be classified in communication?

A. cultural barrier C. Physical barrier
B. linguistic barrier D. Both B and C

9. Which is the best option in order to avoid misinterpretation that causes

communication barrier?
A. Be familiar with the topic of the speaker.
B. Disconnect with your emotional baggage.
C. Do not be conscious of gender or status.
D. Inquire the meaning.

10. What is the barrier to which you classify withdrawal of listener?

A. cultural barrier C. physical barrier
B. linguistic barrier D. psychological barrier

For numbers 11-15, write T if the statement is TRUE and write F if it is FALSE.

1. Inability to understand a message causes failure in

communication.
2. The actual message is lost in transmission.
3. Emotional problems can sometimes color one’s understanding of
a message.
4. Culture may affect the interpretation of meaning in
communication.
 5. Pictures, gadgets, and other paraphernalia in front of the stage
engage the audience in listening to the speaker.

Additional Activities

Choose between offline activity or online activity.

For Offline Activity

Write a letter to your teacher about your personal learning on communication

breakdown. Include in your letter, how this lesson can be useful in your daily life
particularly at home, in school, and in the community.

Rubric for Writing a Letter

Excellent Poor (2 Needs

Criteria (5 points) Very Good points) Improvement
Good (3 points) (1 point)
(4 points)
Content Show very Shows Enumerates Lacks No details
meaningful meaningful significant evidence provided
content, content points that
explanation complete related to connect to
and relation with the topic the
to real-world explanation provided
context topic
Mechanics Sentence Insignificant A few errors Some errors Sentence
structures errors in in sentence in sentence structure is
are well - sentence structure, structure, incorrect,
defined, structure, grammar, grammar, grammar is
accurate, and grammar, spelling and spelling and poor, and
clear with no spelling and punctuation punctuation errors in
spelling, punctuation are noted. are present. spelling and
punctuation are noted. punctuation
and grammar abound
errors.
Organization Ideas are very Ideas are Ideas are Ideas are No evidence of
well focused and slightly loosely organization of
organized, directed. organized organized. ideas.
coherence
and cohesion
are very
evident.
Score
Total Score / 15 points
 What I Know
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?
 Lesson
Various Strategies to Avoid
2 Communication Breakdown

What’s In

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
 What’s New

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?

What is It

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.).

in mind the purpose communication. As a speaker identify your purpose for speaking and as a listener find the speaker’s purpose thru

early means using the appropriate speaking volume, pitch rate, proper enunciation, stress, and acceptable pronunciation. We speak in
 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 spe

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 everyday. 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 “Really”
to 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?”
 What’s More

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/her B. Be Specific
purpose for speaking.
3. He/she must pays attention to the C. Do not Jump to
verbal 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
acceptable enunciation. eyes
F. Minimize
Distractions

Activity 2

Directions: Identify what 7Cs to Effective Communication is being described.

Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

1. It helps to increase the credibility of the speaker and

reduce negative impact to the audience.
2. It conveys all pertinent details so listener or audience
will be able to grasp the intended message.
3. It is expressed in the least possible number of words
and straight to the point.
4. It implies good choice of words and language and a
consideration of the audience’s perspectives and
feelings on the part of the sender.
5. It is backed up by facts, figures, and real-life examples
or situations.
 Activity 3

Directions: Think of another helpful expression for each of the following

expressions below to avoid communication breakdown. Put your answer in each
box.

Time-gaining Expression

Give Positive Remark or Comment

Ask for a Repetition

Check for Understanding

What I Have Learned

Directions: Complete the diagram on how to avoid communication breakdown.

Strategies on how to Avoid Communication Breakdown

Strategies on How to Avoid Communication Breakdown 7 Cs of Effective Helpful Expressions to Avoid Communication Breakdown
Communication
 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.
28