Oral Communication in

Context
Quarter 1 – Module 3:
Strategies to Avoid
Communication Breakdown
 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you
identify various strategies that could be used in order to avoid communication
breakdown. It will lead you to understanding how communication works among
people to foster mutual understanding and good relationship. The scope of this
module permits it to be used in many different learning situations. The language
used recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged
to follow the standard sequence of the course. But the order in which you read
them can be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using.

This module is divided into two lessons, namely:

• Lesson 1: Communication Breakdown
• Lesson 2: Various Strategies to Avoid Communication Breakdown

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. define the concept of communication breakdown;
2. identify the different kinds of barriers to effective communication;
3. explain the causes of communication breakdown; and
4. use appropriate strategies to avoid communication breakdown and achieve
the goals of relationship and community building.

What I Know

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

1. It happens when the sender fails to communicate his/her message properly or

when the intended message is not clearly understood by the receiver.
A. communication
B. communication barrier
C. strategies to avoid communication barriers
D. process of communication

2. It refers to the natural or environmental conditions that hinder a successful

communication transaction.
A. cultural barrier
B. external noise
C. physical barrier
D. psychological barrier

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3. These are issues like trauma, lack of confidence, fear, anger, frustration, and
depression that may affect the communication process.
A. external Noise
B. linguistic barrier
C. psychological barrier
D. semantic Noise

4. It refers to the way a person responds in a communication situation affected by

personal norms and traditions.
A. cultural barrier
B. linguistic barrier
C. physical barrier
D. psychological barrier

5. This is an example when linguistic barrier to communication becomes evident.

A. A professor explains his lessons eloquently in class.
B. Elena is afraid to deliver her opening remarks.
C. People do not understand each other’s language.
D. The transmitter disrupted the speech of Ms. Speaker.

6. This is one of the reasons why cultural diversity can make communication inefficient.
A. Cultural diversity allows people to be unique and original.
B. Different culture interpret words, gestures, and symbols differently.
C. Traditions propagate through the preservation of norms and values.
D. Values of people reflect

7. It is the main cause of semantic noise.

A. jeepneys beeping
B. constructing building
C. using excessive technical jargon
D. people talking too loud

8. Which best defines NOISE in the context of communication?

A. It is the sound of karaoke from your neighbor.
B. It is any sound that occurs during the communication process.
C. It is a sound that blocks or interferes communication situations.
D. It is anything that interferes with the communication.

9. Which of the following is an example of psychological barrier?

A. ability to read minds
B. dissatisfaction to customer service
C. inattentiveness to detail
D. poor listening skills

10. Which factors are considered cultural barriers to communication?

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 A. economic status, age, and gender
B. ethics, standards, and grammar
C. politics, administration and government
D. religion, World Meanings, and Philosophy

11. Why does communication breakdown occur?

A. because the information is overloading.
B. because of lack of attention among the audiences or receivers.
C. because the listener or receiver has a very short attention span.
D. All of the above

12. Which does NOT belong to the group?

A. external noise
B. internal noise
C. semantic noise
D. verbal noise

13. “Mrs. Erlinda was invited as a speaker during the National Women’s Month.
She talked about Gender Equality. She delivered her speech for almost 1
hour with more than 50 slides. The audience appeared uneasy and seemed
uninterested after 20 minutes.”
What barrier of communication is evident in this situation?
A. cultural barrier
B. linguistic barrier
C. physiological Barrier
D. psychological Barrier

14. Which communication situation displays physiological barrier?

A. The General Parents and Teachers Association (GPTA) president felt
nervous when he started to speak in front of all the parents and
guardians.
B. The Municipal Agriculture officer is discussing certain agricultural
crops management procedure in a community that is not very
familiar with the topic.
C. The newly designated general manager of the restaurant was a bit
hesitant to talk with the guests.
D. The research teacher discusses with his students about the problem
when a song was played loudly from the other classroom.

15. Which situation BEST exemplifies communication breakdown?

A. adjusting your language depending on the people you are talking to
B. incorrect labeling of handouts to be used in product distribution
C. listening to your friend’s heartaches and unsuccessful love stories
D. looking for the positive characteristics or strengths of a speaker

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 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.

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 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.

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 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

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 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:
1. noise from vehicles
2. singing at the neighborhood
3. visual aids in front of the classroom
4. the dog barking
5. the sound of airplane

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

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

Semantic noises are the “alternate meanings aroused by a speaker’s

symbols.” This idea means that a word may have another meaning in
the minds of the students. This is affected by the language in which
they grew and the culture in which they are exposed.

Examples:
1. incorrect grammar
2. using excessive technical jargon
3. using idiomatic expressions

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 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.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

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 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)

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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

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 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.

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_______5. Pictures, gadgets, and other paraphernalia in front of the stage
engage the audience in listening to the speaker.

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 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

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 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.

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 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.).

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.

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 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.

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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 their
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 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 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?”

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 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.

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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 7 Cs of Effective Helpful Expressions to

Avoid Communication Communication Avoid Communication
Breakdown Breakdown

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 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

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 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.

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