COMMUNICATIVE LANGUAGE SKILLS

ESL 1
ENGLISH: THE LINGUA FRANCA
REASONS WHY ENGLISH IS THE LINGUA FRANCA

• Historical reasons: spread through trade and colonization,

wars, and cultural dissemination.

• Educational reasons: English is much more developed than

other languages.
• Political reasons: Language of super power and
language of political institution

• Intellectual reasons: scientific, technological, and

academic info available in English
• Economic reasons: working language

• Practical reasons: international air traffic, emergency services

• Entertainment reasons: language of popular music, cultures,

broadcasting
 VARIETIES OF ENGLISH
World English:
• the concept of the English language as a global means of
communication in numerous dialects
• the movement towards an international standard for the
language

.
• World Englishes:

Any language variety of English including those developed by

communities in which English was not indigenous in modern
history.

Ex: Singapore English; Philippine English

 DIFFERENCES BETWEE BRE
AND AME

Differences in use of Pronunciation:

Americans pronounce "schedule" as "skedjuel," but the

British say "shedjuel."
 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN
BRE AND AME
Differences in Spelling:

AmE BrE AmE BrE

color colour dialog dialogue

aging ageing analyze analyse

program programme center centre

ax axe license licence

flavor flavour aluminum aluminium

plow plough check (n.) cheque

Differences in Vocabulary:

AmE BrE

cellular phone mobile

cookie biscuit

elevator lift

wallet billfold

apartment (apartment buildings flat (blocks of flats)

grades marks

gas/gasoline petrol

football soccer
"Tuition" - In BrE it is the educational content transferred from teacher to
student at a university.

In AmE it is the money (the fees) paid to receive that education.

 BRE, AME,
AND PHIL. ENGLISH
BrE AmE Philippine English
film movie movie
crisps potato chips chips
dustbin trash can/garbage can trashcan/garbage can
ice box refrigirator/fridge ref
public toilet (loo sl.) restroom (john sl.) comfort room (CR),
toilet
taxi cab taxi
Undergarments Pants Panties, bra, boxers ,etc
Differences in Time Telling:

BrE AmE
10:15 quarter past ten quarter after;
quarter after 10
30 minutes half past half past
6:00 (written) 6.00 6:00
 PHILIPPINE ENGLISH

Philippine English follows American English orthography and grammar, except when
it comes to punctuation as well as date notations.

For example, a comma almost never precedes the final item in an enumeration.

example: I love apples, oranges, and papayas.

I love apples, oranges and papayas.

Dates are also read with a cardinal number instead of an ordinal number (e.g. "January
one" instead of the "January first") even if the written form is the same.
Phonology

• Filipinos substitute [p] for [f] when they pronounce English words containing [f].

• Some even pronounce English words that normally do begin with [p] with an [f] .

• the [v] sound is also virtually non-existent in most major native languages of the
Philippines
Victor = [bikˈtor] Family = [ˈpɐmili] or [ˈpamili]
Varnish = [ˈbarnis] Fun = [ˈpɐn] or [ˈpan]
Vehicle = [ˈbɛhikel] or [ˈbɛhikol] Lover = [ˈlɐber]
Find = [ˈpɐjnd] Official = [oˈpisʲɐl]
Very = [ˈbɛri] or [ˈbejri] Hamburger = [ˈhɐmburdzʲɛr]
High-tech = [ˈhajtɛts] Hubcap = [ˈhabkab]
Margarine = [mɐrɡɐˈrin]
".. will be the one ...", and "... will be the one who will ..." instead of "... will ..." –

e.g., "I will be the one who will go ...", rather than "I will go ...".

"To open/kill/close an appliance/device" instead of "to turn on/off an

appliance/device".

The reason for this is because the Filipino words "buksan" (to open), "patayin" (to
kill) and "isara" (to close), in the manner used in the sentence, have no direct
translation to the English word "to turn on/off".
… for a while

instead use:

• One moment, please

• Just a minute/second
• Would you hold for a second? (if on the phone)
• Hold on (informal)
DIFFERENT FORMS OF PHILIPPINE
ENGLISH
 COÑO ENGLISH

English description words are often replaced with Tagalog action words.

The language also has many Spanish words or Spanish words like baño
("bathroom"), tostado ("toasted") and jamón ("ham").
 English Tagalog Coño English
They're so competent! Magaling sila! They're so galing!
Where's the bathroom? Nasaan ang palikuran? Where's the baño?
Itago mo lang ang hamon ko sa
Keep my ham on the grill. Make tago my jamón on the grill.
ihawan.
I want my ham toasted. Gusto kong tostado ang hamon ko. I want my jamón tostado.
Due to the feminine sound of Coño English, male speakers sometimes overuse the
Tagalog word pare (which means "pal" or "buddy"), in order to make it sound more
masculine.

Sometimes tsong (whose meaning is the same) is used instead of pare or with it.

English Tagalog Coño English

Dude, he's so unreliable. Pare, ang labo niya. Pare, he's so malabo, pare.
Pare tsong, he's so malabo,
Dude, he's so unreliable. Pare tsong, ang labo niya.
tsong.
 SWARDSPEAK
Swardspeak (also known as Bekimon or Bekinese and "gay lingo") is
an argot or cant slang derived from Englog (Tagalog-English code-switching)
and used by a number of homosexuals in the Philippines

Swardspeak uses elements from Tagalog, English, Spanish, and some from Japanese, as

well as celebrities' names and trademark brands, giving them new meanings in different
contexts.

Gay people who speak the language almost exclusively are humorously
called Bekimons (a contraction of Baklang Jejemon, 'Gay Jejemons').
 Replacing the first letter/syllable of words with the letter "J"/"Sh" or
the syllables "Jo-"/"Sho-" or "Ju-"/"Shu-".

Swardspeak Original word Language of origin

Jowa (variant diminutive: Asawa (husband, boyfriend) Tagalog

Jowabelle)

Junta Puntá (to go [to a place]) Tagalog

Shupatíd (further Kapatíd (sibling) Tagalog

corrupted to Jupiter)

Shunga Tangá (idiot) Tagalog

Julalay Alalay (assistant) Tagalog
 Replacing the first letter/syllable of words with the diphthongs "Ky-" or "Ny-".

Swardspeak Original word Language of origin

Kyota Batà (child) Tagalog

Nyorts Shorts English

Nyormville FarmVille English

Kyoho Mabahò (stinking) Tagalog

 Replacing the end syllable of words with "-ash", "-is", "-iz", "-ish", "-itch", "-ech", "-ush", or "-oosh"

Swardspeak Original word Language of origin

Jubis (very fat) obese English

Taroosh (very bitchy) Taray (bitchy) Tagalog

Itech (this) Itó (this) Tagalog

Anech? (what, usually

Anó? (what) Tagalog
exclamatory)
 Replacing "a", "o", or "u" sounds with "or", "er", or "ur",
especially directly before or after the consonant "l".

Swardspeak Original word Language of origin

Haller/Heller Hello English

Churchill Sosyál (high society) Tagalog (from Spanish social)

Kaloka (insanely [entertaining],

Kalurkey Tagalog (from Spanish loca)
maddening, crazy)

Gander Gandá (beautiful) Tagalog

Walley Walâ (nothing) Tagalog

 Word play, puns, malapropisms, code-switching, onomatopoeic words that resemble preexisting words,
and deliberately incorrect Anglicization of words.

Swardspeak Original word(s) Language of origin

Crayola (to cry, to be sad) Cry English
Tagalog
Antibiotic (obnoxious, unpleasant) Antipátika (obnoxious, unpleasant)
(from Spanish antipática)
Fillet O'Fish (to be attracted to
Feel (to sympathize) English
someone)
'Wake up and smell the coffee.' (a
Kapé / Capuccino / Coffee mate (to be
humorous corruption of 'Wake up Philippine English
realistic)
and smell the roses')

Thundercats (old, or the elderly,

Matandà (old) Tagalog
particularly old gay men)
Pocahontas (prostitute) Pokpok (slang for 'prostitute') Tagalog
Mudra (mother, also used to refer to
Madre (mother) Spanish
female friends with children)
Beauty, word play of
Biyuti/Beyooti (beautiful, pretty) English, Cebuano
Cebuano bayot ('gay')
Boyband (fat kid) A pun on Tagalog baboy ('pig') Tagalog, English
References to popular culture, usually celebrities or TV shows.

Swardspeak Original word or concept Derived from

Gelli de Belén (jealous) Jealous Gelli de Belen
X-Men (formerly appearing to be 'Ex-man' X-Men
heterosexual,coming-out,effeminate)
Barbra Streisand (to be rejected Bará (Tagalog, 'to block', including verbally) Barbra Streisand
bluntly, blocked)
Murriah Carrey (cheap) Mura (Tagalog, 'cheap') Mariah Carey
Lupita Kashiwahara (cruel) Lupít (Tagalog, 'cruel') Lupita Aquino-Kashiwahara
(
Rita Gómez (irritating, annoying) Nakaka-iritá (Tagalog, 'irritating') Rita Gómez
Mahalia Jackson (expensive) Mahál (Tagalog 'expensive', 'precious', 'dear') Mahalia Jackson
Anaconda (traitor, to betray) Ahas (Tagalog slang, 'to betray', literally 'snake') Anaconda (film)
Badinger Z (homosexual) Badíng (Tagalog derogatory slang 'homosexual') Mazinger Z
Oprah Winfrey (promise) Promise Oprah Winfrey
Sharon Cuneta (yes, sure) Sure Sharon Cuneta
Jesus Christ Superstar/Optimus Prime Jesus Christ
(Fashion makeover, to change into Resurrection, Transformation Superstar, Optimus Prime
[more fashionable] clothing)
 Original version Translation into Swardspeak
Bahay kubò, kahit muntî Valer kuberch, kahit jutey

Ang halaman doón, Ang julamantrax denchi,

Ay sari-sarì Ay anek-anek.
Singkamás, at talóng, Nyongkamas at nutring,
Sigarilyas at manî Nyogarilyas at kipay.
Sitaw, bataw, patani Nyipay, nyotaw, jutani.
Kundól, patola, upo’t kalabasa Kundol, fyotola, kyupot jolabastrax
At saka meron pa At mega join-join pa
Labanós, mustasa Jobanos, nyustasa,
Sibuyas, kamatis, bawang at luya Nyubuyak, nyomatis, nyowang at luyax
Sa paligid-ligid And around the keme
Ay puno ng lingá Ay fulnes ng linga.
END OF LESSON 1
SOCIAL LANGUAGE
 GREETINGS AND
FAREWELLS

There are many ways to greet people in English.

Greetings vary according to the situation--from casual or very friendly to very formal.
 GREETINGS:
COMMON PHRASES

Casual / Very Friendly Greetings

Hi! Hi, _____ (name)

Hey!* Hey, _____ (name)!
Howdy!* Howdy, _____ (name). 
Special Notes:

People often use "Hey" as a way to get the attention of another person, but "Hey" is
also used as a casual, very friendly greeting.

"Howdy" (a very casual "abbreviation" of "How do you do?") is common in some

dialects in the U.S., but it is considered uneducated and unsophisticated in others.
 Polite / Friendly Greetings
 
Hello.
Hello, (name).
Hello there.
Good _____ (morning / afternoon / evening)*.
Good _____ (morning, etc.), _____ (name).
 Polite / Friendly Greetings
 
Hello.
Hello, (name).
Hello there.
Good _____ (morning / afternoon / evening)*.
Good _____ (morning, etc.), _____ (name).
 Very Polite Greetings
 
How do you do?
How do you do, _____ (title).
How do you do, _____ _____ (title + name)?

Good (morning, etc.), _____ (title).

Good (morning, etc.), _____ (title + name). 
Special Notes:

The response to "How do you do?" is usually the same: "How do you do."

In the U.S., people generally do not respond with "Well, thank you" or "Very well,
thank you."
 "CONDITION" QUESTIONS

Both casual and polite greetings are often followed by

(or combined with) questions which ask about someone's
general condition.

The particular greetings and questions that are used vary according to the situation.
 Casual / Very Friendly Greetings

How's it going? How's everything?

How're things? How're you doing?

How've you been?

How's the world (been) treating you?

 Polite / Friendly Greetings

How are you?

How are you, ___ (name)?

How are you ___ ? (today / this afternoon /

this evening, etc.)

How are you ___ (today, etc.), ___ (name)?

 CHANGES IN SOUNDS:
"How's it going?“ "How're you doing?"

"How's the world (been) treating you?"

The "-ing" sound above changes to a sound that's something like

"un":

How's it goin'?

How're you doin'?

How's the world (been) treatin' you?

 TYPICAL “CONDITION"
QUESTIONS

In casual greetings, people frequently say "How's things?" (even though this is
actually not good grammar).
     
"How's the world been treating you?"
"How's the world treating you?"

Both mean exactly the same as "How are you?"

 ANSWERING
"HOW ARE YOU?" QUESTIONS

• Both casual and polite greetings are often followed by

(or combined with) questions which ask about someone's general condition.

• Responses to these questions differ according to the formality of the situation.

 ANSWERING
“HOW DO YOU DO?”
Typical question in formal situations:
"How do you do?"

In American English, the response is generally the same:

"How do you do?"

It's a kind of "ritualized“ response: no truthful answer is expected.

This response is normally said with falling intonation and is not really intended as an
answer to the question.
If an answer is given, however, what's expected is:

"Very well, thank you.“

(Because the speakers in a formal situation normally don't have a friendly relationship,
any other answer—especially a negative one--would make the person who asked the
"condition" question uncomfortable.)
 Answering “How Are You?” in
Polite Situations

In polite (but not formal) situations, "condition" questions

are generally some variation on "How are you?"

"How are you, [name]?" / "How are you, [title]?" / etc.

The expected answer is some variation on "Fine, thank you"

"Very well, thank you" / "Fine, thanks" / "Well, thanks" / etc.

If the persons asking and answering the questions know each other well, a neutral or
even a negative answer is possible.

A: How are you today?

     
B:  So-so. / Not bad. / I've been worse. / etc.
Not very well. / Not so well. /
Not well. / I've been better. / etc.
In such a situation, the person asking the question will
probably say:

"I'm sorry" or "I'm sorry to hear that"

"That's too bad"

and expect some comment on a neutral or negative response, but a long description of
why the other person is not "fine" is not expected.
Here’s a typical conversation:

A: How are you today?

     
B:  I don’t feel well.
A: I’m sorry to hear that. I hope you’ll feel better.
B: Thank you.
 ANSWERING “HOW ARE YOU?” IN
CASUAL/FRIENDLY SITUATIONS

In casual or friendly situations, "condition" questions may

be answered positively, neutrally, or negatively.

Normally, the question is answered without adding "thank you" or "thanks" to the
answer:
A:   How's it going? / How're you doing? /
How's everything?
     
B:   Great! / Terrific! / Wonderful! / Fantastic!
So-so. / Not bad. / I can't complain.
Terrible! / Awful! / Really bad!
In friendly or casual situations (since the two speakers know each other well), it's
appropriate to discuss why the person spoken to feels the way she / he does--whether
positive, neutral, or negative.

A:   How's it going?      

B:   Terrible!

A: Oh! What happened?

A:   How‘re you?      

B:   I’m on top of the world!

A: Really! What happened?

 INFORMAL RESPONSES TO
"HOW ARE YOU?" QUESTIONS

Here are some more common responses to "How are you?“ (and variations on this
question) in informal situations:
 
Positive Responses

A: How are you? / How's it going? / How've you been?      

B:  Great! / Fantastic! / Wonderful! / Terrific! /
Super! / I couldn't be better!

Note: Sometimes a positive response is shown by using a gesture, not words: the person
being spoken to makes a fist with the thumb extended up vertically.
Neutral Responses

A:   How are you? / How's it going? /

How've you been? (etc.)
     
B:   So-so. / OK. / I could be worse. /
I can't really complain. / OK, I guess.

Note: Sometimes a neutral response is shown by using a gesture, not words: one
hand is extended, palm down, and slowly "tipped“ from side to side in a
horizontal manner.
Negative Responses

A:   How are you? / How's it going? /

How've you been? (etc.)
     
B:   Terrible! / Awful! / I could be better. /
Really bad! / I couldn't be worse!

Note: Sometimes a negative response is shown by using a gesture, not words: the
person being spoken to makes a fist with the thumb extended down vertically.
 INFORMAL VARIATIONS
OF "YES"

In conversational American English, several variations on

"Yes" are commonly heard:
 
Yeah

This casual equivalent of "Yes" is usually pronounced

with the same vowel as in "how" and "cow.“

It is sometimes pronounced "yaeh" or "yeh"

Uh-huh

Note: The "h" at the beginning of the second syllable

is very important. Without it, people would understand
"No" instead of "Yes."
Special Notes:
 
1.The variations on "Yes" are appropriate and commonly heard in casual, very friendly
conversation but are not normally written (except in very informal letters, comics,
etc.)
     
2."Yeah" and "Yep" are particularly casual. It's fine to use these variations in very
relaxed conversations with friends, but they should not be used when polite language is
appropriate.

In polite situations, "Yeah" and "Yep" would seem too casual and even disrespectful.
     
 INFORMAL VARIATIONS
OF "NO"
Huh-uh, Uh-uh

These variations are also difficult to show with normal

writing. They're made with the mouth slightly open.
 
Nope

This variation is very casual.

Nah
This variation is even more casual.
 INTRODUCTIONS

Introductions are the first phrases we say when we meet someone new.

When you meet someone the first time, it is common to greet the
person with "How do you do?"

the correct response is "How do you do."

Here is a short introductory conversation:

Ben: Dan, I'd like you to meet Nancy.

Dan: How do you do?
Nancy: How do you do.
Ben: Nancy is a student at ...
A variation is also "It's a pleasure to meet you." or
"Pleased to meet you."

Ben: Dan, I'd like you to meet Nancy.

Dan: How do you do?
Nancy: Pleased to meet you.
Ben: Nancy is a student at ...
In informal situations, especially in North America, introductions are also
made simply saying:

"This is (name)."

It is also common to just say "Hi" or "Hello" as a response in this

informal setting.
It is also quite common to shake hands when you are introduced. After the initial
introduction, hand shaking generally takes place in more formal, business
situations.

Otherwise, people just say "Hi."

THE ART OF SHAKING HANDS
ADDRESSES AND TITLES
The title Miss can also be used for older girls and for unmarried women.

"Young unmarried woman" is, however, difficult to define

exactly--and this is a problem.

If a woman is young, but old enough to be married, she might not

want to call attention to her unmarried status.

This is even more true if a woman isn't really young, but is not
married.

In this situation, Miss isn't the best choice.

Pronounce Ms. as [ m I z ]. It has the same sound as is.
     
In general American English speech, Ms. is used only with surnames (family names).

In some dialects, Ms. is also used with given ("first") names, but this is not "standard
practice.“

Standard practice:

Say "Ms. Santos," not "Ms. Mary."

Say "Ms. Vargas," not "Ms. María."
Ms. can also be used when you are making formal introductions:

It's my honor to introduce Ms. Judith Garcia.

Ladies and gentleman, please welcome Ms. Amanda Cruz.
     
Ms. is generally not used without a name:

*Thank you, Ms.

*May I help you, Ms.?
     
You can use Ms. for both married and unmarried women, but do not use it for
young girls. (Use "Miss" instead.)
If the person you’re talking to is your age or younger than you, Miss is probably
acceptable.

If she is older than you, Miss is probably not acceptable: use ma'am instead.

Use it without a name:

I beg your pardon, ma'am.

Could you help me, ma'am?
I appreciate your help, ma'am.

NOTE: Notice that ma'am does not have a capital M, but both Miss and Ms. do. 
You should also use ma'am:
• when you are speaking to a woman who is older than you
• to a woman who has a position of authority
• when you don't know the woman's name or exactly what title to use with her name:

I'm very pleased to meet you, ma'am.

Thank you for agreeing to see me, ma'am.
I have an appointment for 3:00 PM, ma'am.
Yes, ma'am. I understand.
In general, Mrs. is used for married women.

If a man introduces his wife to you, if the woman is younger than you, and if the man tells
you his wife's name, only the name is usually acceptable:

A: This is my wife, Lucy.

B: It's a pleasure to meet you, Lucy.

 
If a man introduces his wife to you and if the woman is older than you, use Mrs. and the
husband's surname (family name):

Mr. Kim: This is my wife, Lucy.

you:   It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Kim.
 
     
If a woman uses her husband's name and she's a widow there are several possibilities:

1. Use Mrs. + the woman's given name + the woman's married name:

Mrs. Mary Santos

Mrs. Anna Garcia
     
2. Use Mrs. + the woman's married name only:

Mrs. Santos
Mrs. Garcia
In very formal situation:

Use Mrs. + her husband's given name + her husband's surname:

Mrs. John Santos

Mrs. Daniel Garcia
In general American English speech, Mr. is used only with surnames (family names).

In some dialects, Mr. is also used with given ("first") names, but this is not "standard
practice.“

Standard practice:

Say "Mr. Santos," not "Mr. John."

Say "Mr. Garcia," not "Mr. Dan."
Mr. can also be used with full names when you are making formal introductions:

It's my honor to introduce Mr. John Santos.

Ladies and gentleman, please welcome Mr. Danilo Garcia.
 
   
You can use Mr. for both married and unmarried men, but do not use it for young
boys. (Use "Master" instead.)
 
Sir is often used to respond politely to something a man says.

Use sir without a name:

Yes, sir.
No, sir.
I really don't know, sir.
Do not use "mister" (Mr.) instead of sir. It sounds abrupt and impolite to native
speakers of English.

Don't say

*May I help you, mister?

*Excuse me, mister. Could you help me?
*Could you please repeat that, mister?

Instead, say

May I help you, sir?

Excuse me, sir. Could you help me?
Could you please repeat that, sir?
 Personal Titles for
Children

If you are speaking directly to a young boy and want to be very polite, use young man in
place of a name:

How are you, young man?

What's your name, young man?
How old are you, young man?
You will sometimes also hear young fellow instead of young man.

These two titles have the same meaning, but young fellow (often pronounced
"fella") is friendlier:

How are you, young fellow?

What's your name, young fellow?
How old are you, young fellow?
If letters, cards, and so on are written to a young boy, the title Master is often
used:

Master Jimmy De Vera

Master Thomas Gonzales

This use of Master is very polite: it's intended to make a young boy feel important.

If you know a young boy very well, you can write his name without a title.
If you are speaking directly to a young girl and want to be very polite, use young lady
in place of a name:

How are you, young lady?

What's your name, young lady?
How old are you, young lady?
Special Notes

1. Do not use young man, young fellow, or young lady with people who are older
than you.
     
2. In most English-speaking countries, do not ask the question "How old are you?"
except with young children.
 MAKING SMALL TALK

Small talk is pleasant conversation about common interests. making small talk means
talking about almost anything - and that means having a wide vocabulary that can cover
most topics.
Difficulties in making small talk:

• ‘blocking’ - lack of appropriate vocabulary in specific areas

• shyness
• lack of self-confidence
Common Topics in Small Talk

• Sports - current matches or games, favorite teams, etc.

• Hobbies
• Weather - boring, but can get the ball rolling!
• Family - general questions, not questions about private matters
• Media - films, books, magazines, etc.
• Home town - where do you come from, how is it different/similar to this
town
• School - once again, general questions not too specific
• Latest fashion and trends
• Celebrities - any gossip you may have!
EFFECTIVE SPEAKING
Your voice can reveal as much about your personal history as
your appearance. 

The sound of a voice and the content of speech can

provide clues to an individual's emotional state and a
dialect can indicate their geographic roots. 
The voice is unique to the person to whom it belongs. 

For instance, if self-esteem is low, it may be reflected by hesitancy in the voice, a shy
person may have a quiet voice,

but someone who is confident in themselves will be more likely to have command of
their voice and clarity of speech.
Aspects of Effective Speaking
Effective speaking has nothing to do with the outdated concept of 'elocution' where
everyone was encouraged to speak in the same 'correct' manner. 

Rather, effective speaking concerns being able to speak in a public context with
confidence and clarity, whilst at the same time reflecting on your own personality.
The Three Levels of Communications

• 7% of what we communicate is based on vocabulary;

• 38% of what we communicate is based on voice inflections; and

• 55% of what we communicate is based on

nonverbal behaviors.
Voice inflections are how you say things.

The very same word or words said another way with different
voice inflections could take on an entirely different meaning.
Aspects of Effective Speaking
•Accents.

•Finding your voice.

•The effect of breath on voice and speech.

•Vocal production.
Accents
Regional and ethnic accents are positive; they are part of individual personality.  

It is important to get used to the sound of your own voice. 

Most people are more relaxed in a private situation, particularly at home, where
there are no pressures to conform to any other social rules and expectations. 

This is not the case in public situations when there are all sorts of influences
exerted upon the way people speak.
Try recording your own voice in an informal setting, like at home. 

Listen carefully to how you sound in order to become accustomed to your own
voice. 

You might also note any aspects of your speech which reduce the overall
effectiveness of your message.
Often people don’t like the sound of their own recorded voice - in the same way
that some people don't like photographs of themselves - they can feel
embarrassed.
The Effect of Breath on Voice and Speech
The voice is responsive to emotions and sometimes gets 'blocked', which can prevent
or hinder the expression of a range of feelings. 

However, it is possible to use physical exercise to help produce a more flexible voice,
in the same way that people who use vocal sounds professionally take lessons, to
ensure that their voices are kept in a versatile condition and ready to vocalize a range
of sounds.
When under stress an individual's breathing pattern
will change. 

When your muscles are tense you cannot use your

lungs to their full capacity, when a person is frightened
or nervous, a common symptom is tension in the neck
and shoulders. 
Good breathing is essential for two reasons:

•By using full lung capacity the breath will support the voice and the voice will
become richer, fuller and stronger. 

•This will benefit individuals who have a small voice and who worry that they
cannot be heard when speaking to a group of people. 

•Volume is controlled in the abdomen not in the throat, so breathing to full strength
will allow for greater control of the voice.
Breathing deeply and rhythmically has a calming and therapeutic effect as it
releases tension and promotes relaxation. 

Individuals who are relaxed are more balanced, receptive and confident. 

Several religions use rhythmic breathing techniques such as meditation, yoga and
silent contemplation, and vocal release in the form of chants, mantras or hymn
singing as aids to their devotions. 
Breathing Exercise
Vocal Production
The following three core elements of vocal production need to be
understood for anyone wishing to become an effective speaker:

•Volume  -  to be heard.

•Clarity  -  to be understood.

•Variety  -  to add interest.

Volume
Some people have naturally soft voices and physically cannot bellow. 

Additionally, if the voice is raised too much, tonal quality is lost. 

Instead of raising the voice it should be 'projected out'. 

Support the voice with lots of breath - the further you want to project the voice out,
the more breath you need.

By developing a strong voice, as opposed to a loud voice, you will be seen as

someone positive.
Clarity

Some people tend to speak through clenched teeth and with little movement of
their lips. 

It is this inability to open mouths and failure to make speech sounds with precision
that is the root cause of inaudibility. 

To have good articulation it is important to unclench the jaw, open the mouth and
give full benefit to each sound you make, paying particular attention to the ends of
words. 
Variety

To make speech effective and interesting, certain techniques can be applied. 

However, it is important not to sound false or as if you are giving a performance. 

Whilst words convey meaning, how they are said reflects feelings and emotions. 
Vocal variety can be achieved by variations in:
• Pace: 

  This is the speed at which you talk.  If speech is too fast then the listeners will
not have time to assimilate what is being said. 
• Pitch - Inflection – Emphasis:

 When speaking in public, try to convey the information with as much vocal
energy and enthusiasm as possible. 

 Emphasize certain words and phrases within the talk to convey their
importance and help to add variety.
• Pause:  

 Pauses are powerful.  They can be used for effect to highlight the preceding
statement or to gain attention before an important message. 
 Pauses mean silence for a few seconds. 
 Listeners interpret meaning during pauses so have the courage to stay
silent for up to five seconds – dramatic pauses like this convey authority and
confidence.
HOW NOW BROWN COW
END OF PART I
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
DESCRIBE YOURSELF BY ANY ONE OF THESE SHAPES

z
Research has shown that:

• those who marked their cards with a Z are the MOST intelligent in the group;

• those who marked their cards with a triangle are the LEAST intelligent in the group;

• those who marked their cards with a square are the most ambitious in the group and
will make it to the top;

• those who marked their cards with a circle are the “party animals” in the group!
COMMUNICATION
Being able to communicate effectively is the most important of all life skills.
Communication is simply the act of transferring information from one
place to another:

• vocally (using voice),

• written (using printed or digital media such as books, magazines,
websites or emails),
• visually (using logos, maps, charts or graphs),
• non-verbally (using body language, gestures and the tone and
pitch of voice). 
Communication skills are ranked first among a job
candidate’s 'must have' skills and qualities.

The ability to:

• speak appropriately with a wide variety of people whilst maintaining good eye
contact,
• demonstrate a varied vocabulary and tailor your language to your audience,
• listen effectively,
• present your ideas appropriately,
• write clearly and concisely and
• work well in a group all require good communication skills.
Statistics show that: 70% of your total waking time is spent
communicating in some manner.

Of this time you spend communicating, you spend approximately

16% reading,

9% writing,

30% talking, and

45% listening.
Communications styles:
• Outspoken/Direct,

• Quiet/Reserved,

• Thoughtful/ Analytical, and

• Friendly/Unassuming.
The Context of Communication
“I know that you believe you understand what you

think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what

you heard is not what I meant!”

Quote from a U.S. government official

All communication has a context; communication happens for a reason. 

Communication can fail because one or more of the participants overlook the context. 

It is important that participants are on the same ‘wavelength’ so that they

understand why the communication is occurring. 
Knowing why communication is occurring is an important
first step - there are however problems that affect the
context of the communication:

Timing

Timing is fundamental to successful communication. as well as considering a

suitable time to hold a conversation you should make sure that there is enough time
to cover all that is needed, including time to clarify and negotiate. 
Location

It should be fairly obvious that communication is going to be less effective if it is

conducted in a noisy, uncomfortable or busy place. 

Such places have many distractions and often a lack of privacy.

Misconceptions

The context of communication is also governed by our own feelings about it. 

We stereotype people and therefore can develop inaccurate misconceptions and

false assumptions. 

When communicating we may assume that:

 all parties know what we are talking about;

 we know the other person’s views and opinions of the situation;
 we should not show any emotion; we are right, they are wrong. 
HOW TO COMMUNICATE
EFFECTIVELY
Do not say the first thing that comes into your head but instead take a moment and
pay close attention to what you say and how you say it.

Focus on the meaning of what you want to communicate. 

Aim to increase understanding by considering how your message might be

received by the other person.  
Be aware of the messages you are sending via non-verbal channels: make eye
contact and avoid defensive body language. 

Present information in a way that its meaning can be clearly understood. 

Pay particular attention to differences in culture, past experiences, attitudes

and abilities before conveying your message. 
Avoid jargon and over-complicated language; explain things as simply as possible. 

Request clarification if unclear about a message. 

Always avoid racist and sexist terms or any language that may cause offense.
Interpersonal Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills are the skills we use when engaged in face-to-face
communication with one or more other people.

We actually communicate more information using non-verbal signals, gestures,

facial expression, body language even our appearance
Interpersonal Communication is not Optional

We may, at times, try not to communicate; but not communicating is not

an option.  In fact the harder we try not to communicate, the more we do!  

By not communicating we are communicating something: perhaps that we

are shy, perhaps that we are angry or sulking, perhaps that we are too
busy.
Ignoring somebody is communicating with them, we may not tell them we
are ignoring them but through non-verbal communication we hope to
make that apparent. 

Our body posture and position, eye-contact (or lack of it), the smallest and most
subtle of mannerisms are all ways of communicating with others.  

Furthermore we are constantly being communicated to, we pick up signals from

others and interpret them in certain ways and whether or not we understand is
based on how skilled we are at interpreting interpersonal communication.
Once it’s Out, it’s Out.

The process of Interpersonal Communication is irreversible, you can wish you

hadn’t said something and you can apologize for something you said and later
regret - but you can’t take it back. 
 
DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE INTERPERSONAL
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Communication is a two way process so improving communication involves
both how we send and receive messages.
Listening Questionnaire

When listening to another Always Usually Often Rarely Never

person, I… (1 pt.) (2 pts.) (3 pts.) (4 pts.) (5 pts.)
         
 Get distracted
         

 Listen only to facts

 Interrupt
 Assume the other person
already knows
 Prejudge
 Tune out

 Ignore nonverbal clues

Listening Questionnaire Scoring

31–35 points = Effective Listener

21–30 points = Good Listener

14–20 points = Not-so-good Listener

13 points or less = Huh?

 Learn to Listen

Listening is a vital interpersonal communication skill.

Most people take listening for granted but it is not the same as hearing and should
be thought of as a skill.
Listening is not the same as hearing; learn to listen not only to the words being
spoken but how they are being spoken and the non-verbal messages sent with
them. 

 Try not to think about what to say next whilst listening; instead clear your mind
and focus on the message being received. 
Listening Dilemma

The average person speaks at about a rate of 150 words per minute (wpm).

The problem is that we can hear at about a rate of 1,000 wpm.

This obviously gives us a lot of extra time.

Listening Bad Habits

• I interrupt often or try to finish the other person’s sentences.

• I jump to conclusions.
• I am often overly parental and answer with advice, even when not requested.
• I make up my mind before I have all the information.
• I am a compulsive note taker.
• I don’t give any response afterward, even if I say I will.
• I am impatient.
• I lose my temper when hearing things I don’t agree with.
• I try to change the subject to something that relates to my own experiences.
• I think more about my reply while the other person is speaking than what he or she is
saying.
OVERCOMING LISTENING BAD HABITS

• Concentrate on what the speaker is saying, both with his or her words as
well as with voice inflections, rate of speech, body language, etc.

• There are many things that can influence these communications, and paying
attention to as many as you possibly can will help keep you focused.
• Try not to think about how you are going to respond to the other person
while he or she is speaking to you.

• This will cause you to lose your concentration on what the other person
is saying.
Interact nonverbally with the other person with small gestures or
verbal affirmations, such as nodding your head or saying very brief
comments such as “I see” or other words that would not interrupt
the other person.

This tells the other person that you are fully engaged in listening
and also keeps you involved in the process.

Do not yawn when someone is speaking to you.

Do not interrupt or finish the other person’s sentences.

This takes your concentration completely away from what the other
person is saying and focuses your attention on your own words.
Be Aware of Other Peoples Emotions

Be sympathetic to other people's misfortunes and congratulate their positive

landmarks.  To do this you need to be aware of what is going on in other people’s
lives.  

Make and maintain eye contact and use first names where appropriate.

Do not be afraid to ask others for their opinions as this will help to make them feel
valued.
 Empathise
Empathy is trying to see things from the point-of-view of others.

When communicating with others, try not to be judgmental or biased by

preconceived ideas or beliefs - instead view situations and responses from
the other person’s perspective.  

Stay in tune with your own emotions to help enable you to understand the
emotions of others. 

If appropriate, offer your personal viewpoint clearly and honestly to avoid

confusion. 

Bear in mind that some subjects might be taboo or too emotionally stressful
for others to discuss.
Encourage

Offer words and actions of encouragement, as well as praise, to others.

Make other people feel welcome, wanted, valued and appreciated in your
communications.

If you let others know that they are valued, they are much more likely to give
you their best.  

Try to ensure that everyone involved in an interaction or communication is

included through effective body language and the use of open questions.
Use Humor

Laughing releases endorphins that can help relieve stress and anxiety; most people
like to laugh and will feel drawn to somebody who can make them laugh. 

Don’t be afraid to be funny or clever, but do ensure your humor is appropriate to the
situation.

 Use your sense of humor to break the ice, to lower barriers and gain the affection of
others.
Treat People Equally

Always aim to communicate on an equal basis and avoid patronizing people. 

Do not talk about others behind their backs and try not to develop favorites.

Check that people understand what you have said to avoid confusion and negative
feelings. 

Encourage open and honest feedback from the receiver to ensure your message is
understood and to avoid the receiver instead feeding back what they think you
want to hear. 

If confidentiality is an issue, make sure its boundaries are known and ensure its
maintenance.
Attempt to Resolve Conflict

Learn to troubleshoot and resolve problems and conflicts as they arise.  

Learn how to be an effective mediator and negotiator.

Use your listening skills to hear and understand both sides of any argument -
encourage and facilitate people to talk to each other. 

ry not to be biased or judgmental but instead ease the way for conflict resolution.
Maintain a Positive Attitude and Smile

Few people want to be around someone who is frequently miserable.  

Do your best to be friendly, upbeat and positive with other people.

Maintain a positive, cheerful attitude to life: when things do not go to plan, stay
optimistic and learn from your mistakes.

If you smile often and stay cheerful, people are more likely to respond positively
to you.
Only Complain when Absolutely Necessary

People will not be drawn to you if you are constantly complaining or whining.  

If something makes you angry or upset, wait for a few hours and calm down
before taking action. 

If you do complain, do so calmly, try to find some positive aspects to the situation
and avoid giving unnecessary criticism.
BODY LANGUAGE AND GESTURES
 ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS

While your voice transmits a verbal message, a vast amount of

information is being visually conveyed by your appearance, your
manner, and your physical behavior.
 Gesture: Brisk, erect walk
Meaning: Confidence

 Gesture: Standing with hands on hips

Meaning: Readiness, aggression

 Gesture: Sitting with legs crossed, foot kicking

slightly
Meaning: Boredom

 Gesture: Sitting, legs apart

Meaning: Open, relaxed

 Gesture: Arms crossed on chest

Meaning: Defensiveness
 Gesture: Walking with hands in pockets, shoulders hunched
Meaning: Dejection

 Gesture: Hand to cheek

Meaning: Evaluation, thinking

 Gesture: Touching, slightly rubbing nose

Meaning: Rejection, doubt, lying

 Gesture: Rubbing the eye

Meaning: Doubt, disbelief

 Gesture: Hands clasped behind back

Meaning: Anger, frustration, apprehension
•Gesture: Locked ankles
Meaning: Apprehension

•Gesture: Head resting in hand, eyes downcast

Meaning: Boredom

•Gesture: Rubbing hands

Meaning: Anticipation

•Gesture: Sitting with hands clasped behind head, legs crossed

Meaning: Confidence, superiority

•Gesture: Open palm

Meaning: Sincerity, openness, innocence
•Gesture: Pinching bridge of nose, eyes closed
Meaning: Negative evaluation

•Gesture: Tapping or drumming fingers

Meaning: Impatience

•Gesture: Steepling fingers

Meaning: Authoritative

•Gesture: Patting/fondling hair

Meaning: Lack of self-confidence; insecurity

•Gesture: Quickly tilted head

Meaning: Interest
•Gesture: Stroking chin
Meaning: Trying to make a decision

•Gesture: Looking down, face turned away

Meaning: Disbelief

•Gesture: Biting nails

Meaning: Insecurity, nervousness

•Gesture: Pulling or tugging at ear

Meaning: Indecision

•Gesture: Prolonged tilted head

Meaning: Boredom
THE ART OF SITTING
COMMON BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE
COMMUNICATION
There are many reasons why interpersonal communications may
fail.

In many communications, the message (what is said) may not be

received exactly the way the sender intended.

Barriers may lead to your message becoming distorted and you

therefore risk wasting both time and/or money by causing
confusion and misunderstanding. 
 The use of jargon. Over-complicated, unfamiliar and/or technical terms.

 Emotional barriers and taboos. Some people may find it difficult to

express their emotions and some topics may be completely 'off-limits' or
taboo.

Lack of attention, interest, distractions, or irrelevance to the receiver. 

 Differences in perception and viewpoint.

 Physical disabilities such as hearing problems or speech

difficulties.

 Physical barriers to non-verbal communication. 

Not being able to see the non-verbal cues, gestures, posture

and general body language can make communication less
effective.
 Expectations and prejudices which may lead to false assumptions or
stereotyping. 

People often hear what they expect to hear rather than what is actually said
and jump to incorrect conclusions.

• Cultural differences.  The norms of social interaction vary greatly in different

cultures, as do the way in which emotions are expressed.

For example, the concept of personal space varies between cultures and
between different social settings.
 Language differences and the difficulty in
understanding unfamiliar accents.
END OF PART II