ORAL COM
1. Communicative Strategies
Definition:
Communicative strategies are methods or techniques used by speakers to express their ideas effectively,
maintain understanding, and overcome communication barriers during interaction. These strategies
help ensure that conversations continue smoothly even when there are problems in understanding or
expressing thoughts.
Types of Communicative Strategies:
1. Nomination – Starting or introducing a topic in a conversation.
2. Restriction – Limiting or controlling what can be said (e.g., debates or classroom settings).
3. Turn-taking – Knowing when to speak or listen to avoid interruptions.
4. Topic Control – Keeping the discussion focused and on track.
5. Topic Shifting – Moving smoothly from one topic to another.
6. Repair – Correcting communication breakdowns or misunderstandings.
7. Termination – Properly ending a conversation.
2. Effective Speech Writing
Definition:
Effective speech writing is the process of crafting a well-organized and engaging speech that clearly
communicates a message to an audience. It combines structure, content, and delivery techniques to
inform, persuade, or entertain listeners.
Parts of an Effective Speech:
1. Introduction – The opening part that captures attention and sets the tone.
o Attention Getter – Draws audience interest (quote, question, story).
o Credibility – Establishes the speaker’s authority or experience.
o Audience Relevance – Shows why the topic matters to listeners.
o Thesis Statement – States the main idea or purpose.
o Preview of Points – Gives an overview of the main arguments.
2. Body – Contains the main points, explanations, and supporting evidence (facts, examples,
statistics).
3. Conclusion – Summarizes key ideas and leaves a lasting impression through a powerful ending
or call to action.
3. Types of Speech (According to Content and Delivery)
A. Types of Speech According to Content or Purpose
1. Informative Speech – Aims to provide knowledge or explain a topic to the audience.
o Focuses on facts, data, and clarity.
o Example: Lecture or report presentation.
2. Demonstrative Speech – Explains how to do something step-by-step.
o Often uses visual aids or props.
o Example: Cooking or “how-to” presentations.
3. Persuasive Speech – Seeks to convince the audience to accept an idea, opinion, or course of
action.
o Uses logic, evidence, and emotional appeal.
o Example: Campaign speeches or debates.
4. Entertaining Speech – Aims to amuse or engage the audience.
o Uses humor, storytelling, and creativity.
o Example: Toasts, monologues, or comedy routines.
B. Types of Speech According to Delivery
1. Manuscript Speech – Read word-for-word from a written text. Used for formal occasions.
2. Memorized Speech – Fully memorized and delivered without notes. Requires practice and
confidence.
3. Extemporaneous Speech – Prepared in advance but delivered naturally using an outline. Most
common and effective type.
4. Impromptu Speech – Delivered without preparation, often in response to unexpected questions
or situations.
4. Nonverbal Codes
Definition:
Nonverbal codes are forms of communication that do not involve words but use body movements, facial
expressions, gestures, posture, tone, and appearance to convey meaning.
Types of Nonverbal Codes:
1. Kinesics – Body movement, facial expressions, and gestures.
2. Proxemics – Use of physical space and distance to show relationships.
3. Haptics – Communication through touch (e.g., handshake, pat).
4. Paralanguage – Tone, pitch, volume, and speaking rate that affect meaning.
5. Chronemics – The use of time (e.g., punctuality or delays).
6. Appearance – Clothing, hairstyle, and personal presentation that influence perception.
5. Speech Act – Illocutionary Act
Definition:
A speech act refers to an utterance that performs an action rather than just conveying information. The
illocutionary act is the intended function or purpose of what the speaker says—such as promising,
commanding, requesting, or apologizing.
Explanation:
According to philosopher J.L. Austin, every time we speak, we perform three levels of acts:
1. Locutionary Act – The actual words spoken.
o Example: “It’s cold here.” (Literal statement)
2. Illocutionary Act – The intended meaning behind those words.
o Example: The speaker is requesting someone to close the window.
3. Perlocutionary Act – The effect on the listener.
o Example: The listener actually closes the window.
Types of Illocutionary Acts (According to John Searle)
John Searle classified illocutionary acts into five main types:
1. Assertives (Representatives) – Statements that express beliefs or describe the world as the speaker
sees it.
Example: “The Earth revolves around the sun.”
→ The speaker is asserting or claiming something to be true.
[Link] – Utterances that try to make the listener do something.
Example: “Can you lend me your notes?”
→ The speaker is requesting or asking the listener to act.
[Link] – Statements that commit the speaker to a future action.
Example: “I promise I’ll study harder.”
→ The speaker is committing to doing something.
4. Expressives – Words that show the speaker’s feelings or attitudes.
Example: “I’m really sorry for what happened.”
→ The speaker is expressing emotion or sentiment.
5. Declarations – Utterances that bring about a change in reality just by being spoken.
Example: “You are now officially married.”
→ The speaker (e.g., a priest or judge) changes a situation through words.