What is speech and oral communication?

Answer 1

Oral communication - One definition of oral communication is 'to communicate by talking', since this implies a two way interaction t hat emphasises the communication aspect rather than the simple act of articulation.

Speaking and listening are by far the most widespread forms of communication. In most jobs, people spend much more time speaking, listening and discussing than reading or writing. Talk is an important medium for getting things done, but equally important is the ability to listen carefully and to both act and reflect on what is heard. Oral skills - both speaking and listening - are at the very foundation of literacy. Oral communication is effective when it is clear, relevant, appropriate to the intended audience in phraseology and tone, concise, and informative.

Speech - refers to the processes associated with the production and perception of sounds used in spoken language. Many skills are required for speech and language to develop effectively and there are many ways in which speech development can go wrong. Some people may have difficulty in moving the muscles that control speech, while others can't understand how a conversation works or the meaning of a sentence. Some people can't understand or use language whatsoever.

Speech and language are terms that are sometimes used interchangeably. Speech involves articulation (how sounds are made), voice (the use of the vocal folds and breathing to produce sound) and fluency (the rhythm of speech). Language is the set of rules shared by the individuals who are communicating with each other that allows them to exchange thoughts, ideas, or emotions. Each language (spoken, written or signed) includes its own set of rules for phonology (phonemes or speech sounds or, in the case of signed language , hand shapes), morphology (word formation), syntax (sentence formation), semantics (word and sentence meaning), prosody (intonation and rhythm of speech) and pragmatics (effective use of language).

Limited speech may cause difficulties with the following:

• effective communication;
• establishing rapport with people to develop discussions and argument;
• listening and understanding;
• understanding how someone feels and/or what they want to achieve;
• working collaboratively.