4-1 Oral Communication

Key Concepts

• Listening Skills
• Speaking Skills
• Non-Verbal Communication
• Effective Communication Strategies

Listening Skills

Listening skills are essential for understanding and responding to what others are saying. Good listeners pay attention, ask questions, and show they are engaged through body language and verbal cues.

Example:

• When your friend tells you about their day, nod and say, "That sounds fun!"

Speaking Skills

Speaking skills involve the ability to express thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively. Good speakers use appropriate volume, tone, and pace, and they organize their thoughts before speaking.

Example:

• When you introduce yourself to a new class, speak clearly and confidently.

Non-Verbal Communication

Non-verbal communication includes body language, facial expressions, and gestures. These elements can convey emotions and attitudes even when words are not spoken.

Example:

• Smiling when you greet someone shows friendliness, even if you don't say anything.

Effective Communication Strategies

Effective communication strategies involve using both verbal and non-verbal cues to ensure that your message is understood. This includes being polite, using clear language, and being aware of your audience.

Example:

• When asking for help, say "Please" and "Thank you" to show respect and gratitude.

Examples and Analogies

Think of listening skills as being like a sponge that absorbs information. The better your listening skills, the more information you can absorb and understand.

Speaking skills are like building blocks. Each word you say is a block, and the clearer and more organized your words, the stronger the structure of your message.

Non-verbal communication is like a silent language. Just as you can understand someone's mood by their facial expressions, you can communicate your own feelings without saying a word.

Effective communication strategies are like following a recipe. Each ingredient (word, gesture, tone) must be used correctly to create a successful outcome (a clear and understood message).