Lesson Plan
Course Title:
Professional Communication
Session Title: Communication Process and Oral Language
Lesson Duration: Approximately one to two 90-minute class periods
[Lesson length is subjective and will vary from instructor to instructor]
Performance Objective:
Upon completion of this assignment, the student will apply the communication process to a
writing assignment and understand how effective communication may improve future outcomes.
Specific Objectives:
1. Define terms associated with the lesson.
2. Identify the five principles of communication.
3. Identify the components of the communication process.
4. Identify the functions of oral language.
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
§130.99 (c)
(1) The student applies English language arts in professional communications projects. The
student is expected to:
(A) demonstrate use of content, technical concepts, and vocabulary.
(10) The student develops an understanding of professional communications through
exploration of the career cluster. The student is expected to:
(B) demonstrate knowledge of various communication processes in professional
contexts by:
(ii) identifying the components and functions of the communication process;
(iv) identifying the characteristics of oral language;
(v) analyzing standards for using informal, standard, and technical language
appropriately; and
(x) recognizing the importance of using accurate and complete information as a
basis for making communication decisions.
Instructor/Trainer
References:
McGraw-Hill. (2000). Communication applications. (Teacher’s Wraparound Ed.). Columbus,
OH: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.
Instructional Aids:
1. Communication Process and Oral Language slide presentation
2. Communication Process and Oral Language Key Terms Handout
3. Communication Process and Oral Language Crossword Puzzle
4. Communication Process and Oral Language Crossword Puzzle Key
AAVTC: Professional Communications: Communication Process and Oral Language
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
1
Materials Needed:
1. One pen/pencil per student
2. Objects to identify (see Guided Practice activity)
3. Blindfold
Equipment Needed:
1. Computer with projection equipment and appropriate software to display slide presentation.
Learner
None.
Introduction
MI
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
DO:
Have students play the telephone game.
Start with telling a story or anything of three to four lines (see “Sample
Scripts” below) to the first person who whispers it to the next one and it
continues until the last person. The last person narrates the story aloud and
then the original story is read again to find out the differences. Through this
activity the deconstruction of information caused by ineffective
communication is demonstrated.
SAY: As you can see, communication is very important. Imagine if you were an
employee and communication from your supervisor flowed to you in this
format and you completed your job as interpreted following this example.
Would you be employed for long?
SAY: Communication allows us to :
 Express feelings
 Respond to feelings
 Give and seek information
 Control and persuade
 Participate in social rituals
 Create and imagine
When we communicate with someone, there is a process that takes place. It
is important to understand that process as well as the components of oral
language. In this lesson we will look at the communication process and its
components. We will also identify the characteristics of oral language.
Option: If you have a large class, you can divide the class into groups for the
telephone game. Give each group the same script and see which group transfers the
information most accurately through the group.
Sample Scripts:
“More than 2,300 years ago, Aristotle said that people’s ethos – their character, their
credibility, their principles and morality – was critical to their success as persuaders.
People’s ethos in the workplace – that is, their brand names – is a function of
whether others perceive them as competent, trustworthy, passionate, and tenacious
about their ideas.” – John A. Daly, p. 73
Source:
AAVTC: Professional Communications: Communication Process and Oral Language
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
2
Daly, J.A. (2011) Advocacy: Championing ideas and influencing others. Yale
University Press: London.
“I make the same demands of an architectural work as I do of my fellow man namely that it be honest and true to itself. The rest I wish to see combined with as
much grace and charm as can possibly be imagined.” – Frank Lloyd Wright
Source:
Unknown
Outline
MI
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
Instructor Notes:
I. Define terms associated with the lesson.
A. Communication – Process of creating and
exchanging meaning through symbolic
interaction.
B. Communication Process– Uses the mental and
physical energy of people who speak, listen, use
nonverbal behaviors, and interpret the verbal and
nonverbal behaviors.
C. Noise – Interferes with or disrupts
communication.
D. Barrier – Blocks communication.
E. Oral Language – Language that is spoken and
heard.
F. Vocabulary – All the word symbols that make up
a particular code or language.
G. Structure – The way the different parts of a
language are arranged.
H. Grammar – The basic understandings and rules
that regulate the use of language.
I. Sound – The observable characteristics of oral
language.
J. Diction – The degree of clarity and distinctness in
a person's speech.
K. Pronunciation – The standard set for the overall
sound of a word.
L. Articulation – The act of clearly and distinctly
uttering the consonant sounds of a word.
M. Enunciation – The act of clearly and distinctly
uttering the vowel sounds of a word.
N. Dialect – A unique combination of speech sounds
that identify speech with a particular group of
people.
O. Standard Language – Language used by the
majority of knowledgeable communicators within
in a specific language.
P. Formal Language – Language associated with a
particular profession, activity, or field of study.
Q. Jargon – Another name for technical language.
Use the slide
presentation (slides 1-19)
to introduce and discuss
each of the key terms.
Have students create an
electronic notes
document to record notes
and key terms as you go
through the presentation.
AAVTC: Professional Communications: Communication Process and Oral Language
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
3
R. Informal Language – Language most often used
in casual situations and close interpersonal
relationships.
S. Colloquialisms – A term associated with a
specific regional culture.
T. Slang – A second type of informal language.
II. Identify the five principles of communication.
A. Learned – We learn to become better
communicators over time through practice and
experiences.
B. Unavoidable – It is impossible to not
communicate. Even a refusal to communicate is
a type of communication.
C. Continuous – Once you interact with an
individual, future communication with that person
is impacted by your initial communication.
D. Complex – Communication consists of a number
of components and a series of interrelated
processes.
E. Transactional – Communicators exchange
messages, sending and receiving them at the
same time.
Use the slide
presentation (slides 2025) to introduce and
discuss each of the key
concepts.
III. Identify the components of the communication
process.
A. Context – Provides the people, the occasion, and
the task.
B. Physical Environment – Influences the quality of
interaction within the physical space.
C. Climate – Influences the quality of interaction
within the physical space.
D. Communicator – Creates meaning, sends and
receives messages, and exchanges meaning.
E. Message – Conveys meaning, feeling, and
various kinds of energy from sender–receiver to
receiver–sender.
F. Channel – Provides the space through which the
message must pass; determines the method
used to send the message.
G. Noise – Interferes with or disrupts
communication.
H. Barrier – Blocks communication.
I. Feedback – One person’s observable response
to another’s message.
Use the slide
presentation (slides 2631) to introduce and
discuss each of the key
concepts.
IV. Identify the functions of oral language.
A. Expressing feelings
B. Responding to feelings
C. Giving and seeking information
Use the slide
presentation (slide 32) to
introduce and discuss
each of the key concepts.
AAVTC: Professional Communications: Communication Process and Oral Language
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
4
D. Controlling and persuading
E. Participating in social rituals
F. Creating and imagining
Application
MI
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
For this activity, you need to have a group of at least five to seven players. The
purpose is to try to get the blindfolded student to guess the identity of a specific
object within a certain amount of time based on clues provided by his/her peers.
Blindfold one of the group members and make him/her stand at the corner of the
room. Identify and select an object in the classroom that requires an elaborate
description to understand and to identify like a lamp, a computer, a table fan, a
toaster, etc.
Have the rest of the students start describing the features of the object one by one to
the blind folded student. The blind folded student will attempt to guess the identity of
the object within a certain period of time; s/he may also ask questions.
Once the student has accurately guessed the identity of the object or time has
expired, facilitate a class discussion about the importance of communication and the
value of various types of communication.
Option: Divide the class into teams and have them compete to guess a variety of
objects. Create a point structure that rewards groups for communicating faster. The
team with the most points wins.
MI
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Have students write in journals about an experience in which improved
communication would have been beneficial to all persons involved. This can be a
work-related experience or a personal experience.
Ask students to also write about how they could apply the communication process to
future situations to improve outcomes.
Summary
MI
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
Q & A Session
Q: Why is it important to understand the communication process?
A: So that we can be better communicators.
Q: What are the Five Principles of Communication?
A: Transactional, Complex, Unavoidable, Continuous, and Learned
Q: Give some examples where formal language is used?
A: On the job, in an interview, when speaking to an authority figure.
Q: Give some examples where informal language is used?
A: Phone conversation between friends, family gathering, in the home.
AAVTC: Professional Communications: Communication Process and Oral Language
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
5
Q: What are the functions of oral language?
A: Expressing feelings, responding to feelings, giving and seeking information,
controlling and persuading, participating in social rituals, and creating and imagining.
Evaluation
MI
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
Teacher will circulate through lab as students work on journal entries independently
to redirect/re-teach as necessary.
MI
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
Use the crossword puzzle to assess student understanding of key terms. Use the
key to evaluate performance on the puzzle.
Ask students to share 1 point from their journal entries. Discuss ways to apply the
communication process to future situations.
Extension
MI
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):


Students will apply key concepts based on the Communication Process & Oral
Language on future assignments/projects.
Students can research jargon used in their field of interest and compile a novice
dictionary.
AAVTC: Professional Communications: Communication Process and Oral Language
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
6
Communication Process and Oral Language
Key Terms
1. Communication – Process of creating and exchanging meaning through symbolic
interaction.
2. Communication Process – Uses the mental and physical energy of people who speak, listen,
use nonverbal behaviors, and interpret the verbal and nonverbal behaviors.
3. Oral Language – Language that is spoken and heard.
4. Standard Language – Language used by the majority of knowledgeable communicators
within in a specific language.
5. Formal Language – Language associated with a particular profession, activity, or field of
study.
6. Informal Language – Language most often used in casual situations and close interpersonal
relationships.
7. Articulation – The act of clearly and distinctly uttering the consonant sounds of a word.
8. Colloquialisms – A term associated with a specific regional culture.
9. Grammar – The basic understandings and rules that regulate the use of language.
10. Diction – The degree of clarity and distinctness in a person's speech.
11. Pronunciation – The standard set for the overall sound of a word.
12. Structure – The way the different parts of a language are arranged.
13. Vocabulary – All the word symbols that make up a particular code or language.
14. Noise – Interferes with or disrupts communication.
15. Sound – The observable characteristics of oral language.
16. Slang – A second type of informal language.
17. Barrier – Blocks communication.
18. Dialect – A unique combination of speech sounds that identify speech with a particular
group of people.
19. Jargon – Another name for technical language.
20. Enunciation – The act of clearly and distinctly uttering the vowel sounds of a word.
AAVTC: Professional Communications: Communication Process and Oral Language
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
7
Name: ________________________________
Communication Process and Oral Language
Crossword Puzzle
Please complete the crossword puzzle below. Include the blank spaces.
19
17
18
12
15
2
16
13
1
10
6
4
3
7
14
5
8
11
9
Communication
Sound
Language
Noise
Diction
Barrier
Pronunciation
Formal Language
Oral language
Vocabulary
Structure
Articulation
Enunciation
Dialect
Jargon
Informal Language
Grammar
Standard
Colloquialisms
Communication Process
AAVTC: Professional Communications: Communication Process and Oral Language
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
8
Slang
Across:
Down:
1. Language used by the majority of
knowledgeable communicators within in a
specific language.
3. The act of clearly and distinctly uttering
the consonant sounds of a word.
5. A term associated with a specific regional
culture.
6. Process of creating and exchanging
meaning through symbolic interaction.
9. The basic understandings and rules that
regulate the use of language.
11. The degree of clarity and distinctness in a
person's speech.
15. Language most often used in casual
situations and close interpersonal
relationships.
18. Language associated with a particular
profession, activity, or field of study.
19. Uses the mental and physical energy of
people who speak, listen, use nonverbal
behaviors, and interpret the verbal and
nonverbal behaviors.
1. The way the different parts of a language
are arranged.
2. The standard set for the overall sound of a
word.
4. All the word symbols that make up a
particular code or language.
7. Interferes with or disrupts
communication.
8. The observable characteristics of oral
language.
10. A second type of informal language.
12. Blocks communication.
13. A unique combination of speech sounds
that identify speech with a particular group
of people.
14. Another name for technical language.
16. The act of clearly and distinctly uttering
the vowel sounds of a word.
17. Language that is spoken and heard.
AAVTC: Professional Communications: Communication Process and Oral Language
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
9
Name: ________________________________
Communication Process and Oral Language
Crossword Puzzle Key
Please complete the crossword puzzle below. Include the blank spaces.
19C
O M M U N I
C
A T I
17O
N
P
R
O C
E
S S
R
A
L
18F
15I
N F
M A L
L
L
12B
L
A N G U A G E
A
A N G U A G E
2P
N
16E
R
R
G
N
13D
I
O
U
U
I
E
N
A
N
A
1S
L
E
A N G U A G E
C
T
N
I
R
C
C
A T I
D
L
O N
3A
R
C
7N
O L
T A N D A R
O M M U N I
T
T
L
O Q U I
14J
A L
I
8S
I
R
R
O
S
E
G
U
O
N
N
D
E
M A L
R
6C
5C
O R
O R
M S
11D
I
C
T I
T I
E
10S
C
U L
A
A T I
4V
O N
A
A
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C
T
N
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A
I
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9G
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A M M A R
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Y
AAVTC: Professional Communications: Communication Process and Oral Language
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
10
Across:
Down:
1. Language used by the majority of
knowledgeable communicators within in a
specific language. (STANDARD LANGUAGE)
3. The act of clearly and distinctly uttering
the consonant sounds of a word.
(ARTICULATION)
5. A term associated with a specific regional
culture. (COLLOQUIALISMS)
6. Process of creating and exchanging
meaning through symbolic interaction.
(COMMUNICATION)
9. The basic understandings and rules that
regulate the use of language. (GRAMMAR)
11. The degree of clarity and distinctness in a
person's speech. (DICTION)
15. Language most often used in casual
situations and close interpersonal
relationships. (INFORMAL LANGUAGE)
18. Language associated with a particular
profession, activity, or field of study.
(FORMAL LANGUAGE)
19. Uses the mental and physical energy of
people who speak, listen, use nonverbal
behaviors, and interpret the verbal and
nonverbal behaviors.(COMMUNICATION
PROCESS)
1. The way the different parts of a language
are arranged. (STRUCTURE)
2. The standard set for the overall sound of a
word. (PRONUNCIATION)
4. All the word symbols that make up a
particular code or language. (VOCABULARY)
7. Interferes with or disrupts
communication. (NOISE)
8. The observable characteristics of oral
language. (SOUND)
10. A second type of informal language.
(SLANG)
12. Blocks communication. (BARRIER)
13. A unique combination of speech sounds
that identify speech with a particular group
of people. (DIALECT)
14. Another name for technical language.
(JARGON)
16. The act of clearly and distinctly uttering
the vowel sounds of a word. (ENUNCIATION)
17. Language that is spoken and heard.
(ORAL LANGUAGE)
AAVTC: Professional Communications: Communication Process and Oral Language
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
11