A Closer look at Verbal Communication

A CLOSER LOOK AT VERBAL COMMUNICATION

As we saw earlier, there are two main ways in which human beings communicate verbally, that is, through speech and writing. Reading, writing, speaking and listening are the four ways in which we use this verbal communication. Each of these is a skill, and effective use of each is necessary for communication to take place.

This handbook is presented in a written format. However until it is read and interpreted by an audience (you, the student) no communication has taken place. Further to this, the entire process is incomplete unless some feedback, in the form of the weekly worksheets, is provided. Thus, the process of communication in this instance may look something like this:

Essentially, for communication to take place, both writing and reading skills must be employed. Similarly, speech communication does not end with speaking. For communication to effectively take place, the receiver/audience must employ listening skills.

It is important, then, for us to be able to not only write and speak effectively, but also to read and listen effectively.


REQUIRED READING

Zeuschner, Raymond. Communicating Today, Chapters 3, 5 & 6, Pearson Education, Inc., 2003.

Simmons-McDonald, Hazel et al. Writing in English: A Course Book For Caribbean Students, Section 1, Ian Randle Publishers, 1997.

For completion of Worksheet 3