Department of Education

Batasan Hills National High School

IBP Road, Batasan Hills, Quezon City

ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT

VERBAL AND NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
Name ______________________________________ Section ______________________

Verbal communication refers to an interaction in which words are used to relay a

message. For effective and successful verbal communication, use words to express
ideas which can be easily understood by the person you are talking to. Consider
appropriateness, brevity, clarity, ethics, and vividness when engaging in this type of
communication.

Nonverbal communication refers to an interaction where behavior is used to convey

and represent meanings. All kinds of human responses that are not expressed in words
are classified as nonverbal communication. Examples of nonverbal communication are
stares, smiles, tone of voice, movements, manners of walking, standing and sitting,
appearance, style of attire, attitude towards time and space, personality, gestures, and
others.

Starter:

Choose an answer to the following questions.

1. Which of the following best defines verbal communication?

a. The words and sounds used to convey a message
b. The words used to share an idea.
c. Facial expressions and gestures
d. Eye contact and body positions.
2. Which of the following is a common non-verbal communication?
a. crossed arms b. eye contact c. thumbs up d. all of these are correct
3. The physical gestures and body positions that a person uses are referred to as which of the
following?
a. body language b. micro expressions
c. micro expressions d. none of these are correct
4. Which one of these is a form of verbal communication?
a. shaking hand b. talking professionally c. nodding head
5. What is the purpose of verbal communication?
a. Verbal communication is that when you are communicating, you have to talk
verbally and professionally
b. communicating face to face
c. talking over the telephone

Reinforcer:

Match the headings below to the paragraphs:

a. Your body language

b. The first meeting
c. What type of person are you?
d. What to do with your hands
e. Pay attention to time!
1. ___________________________

Your body language can show what kind of person you are. It can show if you are a busy or a
quiet type and it helps give an impression of whether you are speaking truthfully or not. It can
show how enthusiastic you are and if you are a nice person, someone who will take his or her
work seriously, but also someone who has a sense of humour. Through becoming more aware of
your body language, you can definitely increase your chances of getting a job.
2. _____________________________
An interview for a job is seen as a very important appointment, and arriving even a little late for
your job interview is therefore absolutely unacceptable. Missing the bus or getting stuck in a traffic
jam are poor excuses. It’s much better to arrive much too early than even a little too late!

3. ______________________________

When you arrive, give your name at reception and you will probably be asked to take a seat.
After a while someone will come to lead you to the interview area. Do not jump up immediately
and offer this person a handshake. It is better to let the other person take the lead. Shake hands
firmly, but not too powerfully and look straight at the other person. After this you will be
introduced to the (other) members of the application committee. With each greeting look directly
at the other person, and say your name.
4. ______________________________

Try to show that you are relaxed. You can do this by sitting up straight with your back against
the back of the chair. If you slouch, it might give the impression that you are not interested in the
job. Sitting on the edge of your chair can come across as being a little tense and you might come
across as looking uncomfortable.
5. _______________________________

During a job interview, don’t fold your arms. If you do this, you might look defensive. It is better
to let your hands lie loosely in your lap or place them on the armrests of the chair.
Challenger:

Read the selection below to answer the questions that follow.

When Samuela Tex walked into the office, the office secretary Nisha looked up, met
Samuela’s eyes with a blank look and continued with typing for another two minutes. Then
she looked at Samuela and said, ‘Yes?’ Before Samuela could answer, she held out her palm
to indicate ‘wait’. She then picked up her singing mobile phone to answer a personal call.

1. Mention two non-verbal cues from Nisha which indicate poor customer service.

2. Saying ‘Yes’ in a question tone when serving a customer or client is not appropriate. Why
not? What is the appropriate tone to use?

3. What advice would you give Nisha to improve her customer service?

4. If you were Samuela, what would you do to be served and not be kept waiting?

5. What is the thing that speakers can do to boost their confidence in a presentation?

Prepared by:

TjayG.SalienteJr.