Oral Communication

Oral Communication -- Expressing ideas effectively in individual and group situations (including nonverbal communication); adjusting language or terminology to the characteristics and needs of the audience.

Many jobs require people who can speak effectively. The focus is on the form of the communication, not the content.

Oral Communication focuses more on informal day-to-day expression of thoughts, ideas, and information. Oral Presentation is more appropriate for jobs that require frequent formal and/or planned presentations.

Key Behaviors:

• Presents ideas in a clear, concise, organized, and persuasive manner.
• Speaks at the appropriate speed, volume, tone, and pitch.
• Uses words and phrases correctly.
• Maintains eye contact with audience.
• Effectively uses nonverbal communication (i.e., gestures, posture, facial set, and mannerisms).
• Listens attentively to others.
• Has a good vocabulary.
• Easily explains laws or regulations to citizens.
• Notes issues needing follow-up.

Key Words -- communication, verbal response

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