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of language. both the technical and communication skills
f Incomplete utterances impact the are necessary. Our strength as a communicator
ability of a listener to follow an lies in our ability to speak a language fluently
argument. and confidently. Speaking requires a different
f Hesitation and pauses in between approach from writing. A good listener can
the sentences can also impact the easily be a speaker as well.
quality of listening.
f Listener’s ability to overcome the A message is clearly passed on only if the
distraction determines the amount speaker is fully aware of the purpose and func-
of time that he/she can actively tion of the communication, and also uses the
listen. correct expression. When speaker effectively
f Speed of the speech should be communicates his/he purpose to listener, then
moderate. It should not lag or else the communication is successful.
the listener may get distracted. Let us ask an important question once again.
f Avoid jargon and unfamiliar col- Why do we communicate? We communicate to
loquial expressions that are not share information based on our perception, our
known by the listener. past and future plans, present our opinion, give
f Non-verbal communication instructions, convince people, sell products,
should be minimised in formal ask doubts, give permission, express thanks,
communication. congratulate someone and so on. Based on this,
f Assuming the listener’s prior we can identify the functions of communica-
knowledge and omitting certain tion.
things in the conversation may
sometimes lead to miscommuni- We can classify the functions of commu-
cation. nication into four main categories. They are
f The difference between the ca- informative, instructive, persuasive and inte-
pacity of speaking and listening grative.
can also impact the quality of ef- The classification is presented in the table
fective listening. below:
1�3�2 Speaking
English is considered a global communi-
cative language. To speak English fluently,
INFORMATIVE INSTRUCTIVE
o Introducing oneself o Giving instructions
o Conveying personal information o Giving directions
o Reporting events and expressing o Explaining
comments o Describing things
o Opinion and information about places, o Commands and orders
an organisation, or daily routine
SGOU - FYUGP - SLM - English for Communication 23
