Communication is an action that consists of the exchange of information between two or more participants. It is part of the daily activities that human beings carry out since their origins, it is considered to be an essential part for their survival. In addition, it is essential to know how to use the different means of communication available, so that the establishment of relationships between people is facilitated.

Because humans are social beings, they depend on learning multiple methodologies that allow for personal connections . The foundations of society as we know it are strongly rooted in the use of communication in its various varieties.

Oral communication is one of these types, which is learned to handle from an early age. Since one learns to pronounce the first words, each individual continually evolves progressively; until developing a broad command of a complete language . Thus, oral communication represents being one of the most important types of communication , partly due to its practicality and precision.

What is oral communication? 

Oral communication is defined as the action of sharing information through the use of an audible code. In other words, this exchange of data is possible through the use of a common language among the participants. Thus each person will understand the same meaning equally of each of the words used, and these when heard can be replicated.

Like other types of communication, by this means an exchange of a varied type of information can be made. People usually choose this resource to talk about ideas, opinions, emotions , feelings, and attitudes.

For the use of oral communication to be possible, it is essential that people have knowledge and practice in reproducing sounds. Through the mouth, together with the complex system with which it is connected, different sounds can be emitted that constitute associations with words. Thus, messages can be formulated that contain information that is transmitted to the interlocutor.

This results in conversations, whose participants are at least two people. These individuals fulfill the roles of being the sender and the receiver alternately. In this way, each of them is continually in charge of sending and receiving information , one formulates the content of the message and the other interprets it.

Elements of oral communication 

The elements are each of the components of which the communication consists. Without them it would not be possible to carry out this action, the development of the interaction depends on how they are used. In addition, the exposure between the people involved could be a face-to-face or remote contact . What these elements are are described below:

  • The message is where all the information that you want to share is contained.
  • The sender is the point of origin from which the message starts. Whoever fulfills this role will be in charge of formulating a coherent and understandable message for the receiver.
  • The receiver is the destination point where the message is going. The person or entity in charge then proceeds to analyze and interpret it.
  • The code is defined as the technical channel used to formulate the message. This adapts to the type of language and the context used by people seeking to exchange data.
  • The channel is the support used to guarantee that the message can be sent. In the case of oral communication, it could be air because sounds travel through this medium, creating audible vibrations.
  • The feedback refers to the connection between the transmitter and receiver. It is essential during the communication process, because it ensures that both parties are understanding each other. This must be positive for communication to be effective , which means that it will be free of failures or errors.
  • The coding is the process that makes the sender, to understand and convey the message. As a result, you have an understandable pattern of information, therefore you have knowledge about the meanings of sounds, words or symbols.
  • The decoding is the next step of coding. This is characterized by the translation of the information received, through an ordinary interpretation.
  • The situation is the context in which the communication process occurs. According to what is happening, and the intervention of some other external elements, it can influence the way in which a communication is being generated.

Features and examples 

Oral communication presents a series of unique characteristics, which make it easily identifiable with respect to other types of communication. The first relevant factor is that it is an action that totally depends on the natural physical capacity of people.

To be able to emit messages by sounds, the vocal cords and also the lungs intervene. Also worth mentioning are the muscles and joints that make up the tongue and teeth. Finally, the organs of hearing are responsible for helping to intercept sounds.

Like other types of communication, it requires the participation of a  sender or encoder ; as well as the receiver or decoder . These roles are constantly interleaved according to how this connection is being generated. Other important features are mentioned below:

  • It is a communication of a leaky nature , it occurs during a temporary period.
  • Usually it is required to occupy the same physical space , but thanks to the advancement of communications it is now possible to contact other people at a distance.
  • The conversations take place in an informal context, since in most cases there is no record or record of these events.
  • Errors can occur in the performance of one or more interlocutors. It is characterized by the use of unfinished sentences and fillers . Linguistic inconsistencies are very common.
  • It can be rectified and also add additional explanations . In this way, it can be guaranteed that there will be a correct understanding of the information.
  • It is a type of communication that is diverse, because different languages ​​can be used. In addition, people have particular ways of speaking, linguistic diversity is expressed by style, accent and idioms .
  • Communication can be reinforced through bodily support . Gesture and proximity are some aspects that help to have a better understanding of the message.

There are several examples of how oral communication can be used in different situations. Each of them shows unique characteristics, since it is a process that can occur in different ways . It is done on a daily basis and therefore it is considered essential for humans, these are some examples:

  • The conversations are based on talking about any topic, the important thing is that the interlocutors have knowledge and interest about it.
  • The lectures and conferences usually have for reporting purpose or disclose data that is important. They are used in the academic sector for educational purposes for example.
  • The speeches are characterized by the participation of an active individual and others who are limited to listening. In this way, the person in charge of directing this event selects the topic and expands on it, keeping the attention of those who listen.
  • The interviews show an exchange of information, based mainly on the formulation of questions. The function of this format is to clarify doubts, and also to make formal presentations of people.
  • The purpose of the debates is to have discussions where everyone has the opportunity to participate . Each argument is valid, it seeks to reach agreements.

Each of these situations allows the participation of a varied group of people, however it will be limited by following a series of instructions to maintain order. These social norms are quite common, it is considered that using them helps in the effectiveness and fluency of communication.

Importance of oral communication 

The importance of oral communication lies in the fact that it is perhaps the best way to establish relationships between people. Its ease of use, practicality efficiency and immediacy ; are some aspects that make it the most used. So each individual can express their ideas comfortably, it also adapts to any context.

Since the beginning of human civilization, oral communication has been used in order to obtain information and satisfy the basic needs of each individual. At present, it continues to play an important role in daily activities, due to the advancement of technologies, the means that allow this connection to be established have been expanded.

There has been considerable advancement in the sciences, also in other issues of historical and educational importance. This means that the spoken language has expanded and there is greater diversity. In order to achieve these innovations, the use of oral communication has been essential. Thus, over the years, people have been able to express their opinions in a way that everyone can understand.

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Alexa Clark specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She has experience in listening and welcoming in Individual Therapy and Couples Therapy. It meets demands such as generalized anxiety, professional, love and family conflicts, stress, depression, sexual dysfunction, grief, and adolescents from 15 years of age. Over the years, She felt the need to conduct the psychotherapy sessions with subtlety since She understands that the psychologist acts as a facilitator of self-understanding and self-acceptance, valuing each person's respect, uniqueness, and acceptance.

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