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ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT
ISSN: 2395-0595
Volume 1, Issue 2. 1-18(2015)
Cite this article as: Kotak, A & Ami, U. (2015). Effective Oral Communication Skills for
Engineers in Global Arena. ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT. 1(2), 1-18
1
Effective Oral Communication Skills for Engineers in Global Arena
Ms. Arti Kotak
Assistant Professor in English (CS)
Marwadi Education Foundation Group of Institutes, Rajkot, Gujarat (India)
Prof. Ami Upadhyay
Director, School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat (India)
Abstract
This research canvasses the need of effective oral communication skills for
engineering students as globalization and competitiveness has become the
benchmark of any workplace, it becomes obviously important for employees to be
equipped with effective communication skills. To compete with this hi-tech
globalized market, engineering graduates require to make themselves competent and
excellent communicators to express their ideas and thoughts spontaneously as well as
effectively. As tomorrow‟s engineer is being shaped in the classroom of today, they
must be taught effective oral communication skills to make them „Industry Ready‟.
These research pane ploys the clear clue of the concept „Effective Oral
Communication Skills‟ and the dimensions that can be helpful to make oral
communication skills effective. The content of the research paper will assist any
teacher of English language and Communication Skills to gain „to the point
knowledge‟ regarding effective oral communication skills. The content is like
readymade material which can be carried out in the classroom directly especially to
evaluate the effective oral communication skills of students.
Key Words: Need and Concept of CS, Dimensions for effective oral CS and
analytical rubric for assessment of oral skills.
ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT
ISSN: 2395-0595
Volume 1, Issue 2. 1-18(2015)
Cite this article as: Kotak, A & Ami, U. (2015). Effective Oral Communication Skills for
Engineers in Global Arena. ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT. 1(2), 1-18
2
Introduction
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did,
but people will never forget how you made them feel”
Maya Angelou
The statement by Maya Angelou (an American poet, memoirist, actress and an
important figure in the American Civil Rights Movement) is the declaration of a
person‟s skills in this global world. Today everyone has his own thoughts and
perceptions which make one fall in a challenging task of convincing people around
on his conceptions by his communication. Achievement of good communicative
skills is not a piece of cake. Technology has been breezed in by all the fields of
education which concedes everyone to acquire any kind of content very easily and
here the global world creates challenges for all the competitors because to have
content is considered to be an ordinary matter but expression of the same content
requires magnificent communication skills. It has been mentioned that the number of
engineers coming from outside the United States has risen significantly in recent
years. 2008 data shows that the number of engineers graduating from university in
China and India has risen by 9.9 and 10.4 percent, respectively. Today‟s engineer
wears the cap carrying the status of „Global Engineer‟, from any institute of world
he/she might have passed out. Being global engineers, they must have excellent
oral communication skills to cop up with any demand of this global workplace.
The present study is based on the objective observation and experience of the
researchers conducting the lectures of Communication Skills in classes of
engineering students in Saurashtra region in Gujarat. The researchers observed that
students are doing very well in their technical subjects and are really good at
technical skills. It was also observed that most of the students were able to write in
English and could score quite good marks in their exams. But when the activities like
presentation, group discussion, debates, interviews, role play etc. were performed or
conducted, though interested, students were found performing either average or
pathetically below average due to lack of confidence and practice. This made the
ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT
ISSN: 2395-0595
Volume 1, Issue 2. 1-18(2015)
Cite this article as: Kotak, A & Ami, U. (2015). Effective Oral Communication Skills for
Engineers in Global Arena. ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT. 1(2), 1-18
3
researchers come to the right end of the stick that students were not able to
communicate effectively. They were trying to speak but their oral communication
was found to be more formulaic rather than spontaneous. When the researcher
inquired the students about the problem they might be facing while communicating
orally, it was reported that other engineering subjects were their core subjects so
require more focus and attention while oral communication skills might not. Such
reply which was in against of the wind led the researchers towards the search of the
requirement of oral communication skills for engineering students. So this paper will
cover the areas for the need of oral communication skills for engineering students,
criteria that need to be improved or worked upon for the efficiency and effectiveness
in in oral communication. The paper also discusses the evaluation method for the
effectiveness of oral communication.
Need of Effective Oral Communication Skills for Engineers
As the research should not be subjective, it should not take place on the basis of the
experience of an individual. The researchers mention here the need of oral
communication skills for engineering students.
It is mentioned in the research Perspectives on Oral Communication Skills for
Engineers in Engineering Profession of Pakistan by Inayatullah Kakepoto that states
“Engineering graduates should understand that globalization is not a bubble that will
burst within days but it is a phenomenon that will stay longer in coming days and
will demand more skilled workforce equipped with technical and non technical skills
to increase workplace productivity of organizations.” (Kakepoto P-177) Engineering
graduates are required to communicate orally in a spontaneous way with people at
workplace such as workers, customers, managers, employers and other stakeholders
of any country within and outside organizations because of globalization. Going
further, the resolution passed by the Faculty Council at the University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill strongly depicts the need of effective Oral Communication
Skills for technical students. Despite English is their mother tongue, the resolution
declares that “all first-year students entering UNC-Chapel Hill…must pass with a
ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT
ISSN: 2395-0595
Volume 1, Issue 2. 1-18(2015)
Cite this article as: Kotak, A & Ami, U. (2015). Effective Oral Communication Skills for
Engineers in Global Arena. ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT. 1(2), 1-18
4
letter grade a course…entitled Oral Communication” and that “each academic
degree- granting major will develop plans to assist students to develop oral
communication skills.” The goal of this second portion of the requirement is to help
students become articulate communicators in the area of study they have chosen”
(Stanford University Newsletter p-1) It has been mentioned in the research work
“ORAL COMMUNICATION ABILITY IN ENGLISH: AN ESSENTIAL SKILL
FOR ENGINEERING GRADUATES” by Hairuzila Idrus that to acquire any skills,
students require self-efficacy and self-confidence. He indicates “strong sense of self-
efficacy enhances one's accomplishments and personal well-being in many ways
(Bandura, 1986)”( p-1) . Further he indicates, “Studies suggest that 75% of long term
job success depends on soft skills and only 25% on technical knowledge”
(Prabhakar, 2004)” (p-2) Engineers need to have high self efficacy to have good post
in their professional field. “Low confidence level and inability to speak well in
English can hinder one's chances of being hired as an employee in a company”
(Zeigler, 2007)” (p-2) In today‟s globalized world, engineering students will be
hired not only on the basis of their technical skills but also on soft skills they are
good at. Seetha remarks, “Dean of Engineering at Duke University stated that:
engineers who are adept at communications have a considerable advantage over
those who are not.”(p-3). The statement determines the importance of effective oral
communication skills for engineering students along with their technical skills. M.
Mojibur Rahman has four years of experience at Indian School of Mines. He has
been teaching oral communication skills courses since 2005. He says, At ISM
(Indian School of Mines University, Dhanbad) students come from all over India
through Joint Entrance Examination conducted by Indian Institute of Technology. He
mentions , the Oral Communication Skills Course was offered as an elective course
in the third semester B. Tech. (Mining Engineering, Mineral Engineering, Petroleum
Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, and Electronics Engineering) at the
Indian School of Mines University (ISMU), Dhanbad (India). which demonstrates
the importance of oral communication skills for engineering students. Patil &
Karekatti state, According to Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology
(ABET) and Indian Accreditation Council (IAC), engineering graduates must be
ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT
ISSN: 2395-0595
Volume 1, Issue 2. 1-18(2015)
Cite this article as: Kotak, A & Ami, U. (2015). Effective Oral Communication Skills for
Engineers in Global Arena. ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT. 1(2), 1-18
5
competent in both written and spoken communication skills. Another research by
Sageev and Romanowski (2001) state that, “Technical ideas and results are not
useful until and unless they are communicated and discussed”. The statement clearly
suggests that to earn recognition for technical knowledge also one needs to have
command over oral communication skills. One more research carried by Lee (2003)
in major engineering firms in Malaysia also supports the previous findings. (P-2)
Dwivedi, Pawan mentions in his study, according to Nasscom‟s Perspective 2020
study, industry is already facing shortage of employable talent. An average company
invests 16 weeks to train one employee in areas such as technical skills, soft skills,
and company orientation. (Dwivedi P- 12). Here again communication skills is one
of the most important employable talents. ALBERT P‟RAYAN mentions in his
research, Narayanan, vice chairman of Cognizant Technology Solutions and
chairman of the NASSCOM, in an interview (Warrier 2007) answered a question
regarding the talent demand and supply gap and the role of the NASSCOM to help
the industry bridge the gap: --The answer of him directly pointed out students‟
communication skills, soft skills, speaking skills and effectiveness in oral
communication skills especially at the workplace. He answered: “The current
situation is that, in terms of availability of talent, the numbers are good. The problem
lies in the suitability of people. The industry has moved forward rapidly and
technology also has changed but the educational institutions and the curriculum have
not changed that rapidly. So, we have to bridge the gap by providing additional
training to the people who are coming out of colleges so that they are industry-
ready.” (ALBERT P‟RAYAN P-22) While the demand for talented engineers is high
in multi-national corporations (MNCs), there is a huge skills shortage in the country.
Employers complain about fresh recruits from engineering colleges not being
„industry ready‟.
With the objective of increasing the employability of students and thus to bridge the
gap between corporate expectations/needs and institutional offerings, in 2004 the IT
company Infosys launched a programme called Campus Connect.This clearly points
out the corporate world‟s dissatisfaction with the way engineering students are
ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT
ISSN: 2395-0595
Volume 1, Issue 2. 1-18(2015)
Cite this article as: Kotak, A & Ami, U. (2015). Effective Oral Communication Skills for
Engineers in Global Arena. ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT. 1(2), 1-18
6
prepared and trained for the workplace. Many deemed universities of Tamilnadu are
the best examples of this. Even in Gujarat state, introduction and implementation of
SCOPE (Society for the Creation of Opportunities through Proficiency in English)
by Shri Narendra Modiji in 2007 affirms the awareness about the importance of oral
communication skills. Going further, GTU (Gujarat Technical University) has
announced the Skills Development Program in all the affiliated colleges across
Gujarat on 30th June, 2014. That has been brought through GTT in association with
NSDC and NASSCOM. This program is to train engineering students for holistic
skills and communication skills. It is apparent that Today‟s engineer must be good in
language skills, especially in English as it being a global language. Even in
Saurashtra region, many engineering institutes have started introducing various
courses to bring effective language competency and oral communication skills in
their students. For instance, Marwadi Education Foundation Group of Institute, a
self-finance institute of Engineering and Management, has initiated a course named
„PE –(PROFECIANCY IN ENGLISH )‟ which is based on European Framework
for the students of all semesters of Engineering.
The above researches determine the importance of Oral Communication Skills for
Engineering Students in India as well as in other countries. After getting the exact
clue of the need of effective oral communication skills for engineering students, the
researcher has given her rash efforts to explore more in the area of oral
communication skills.
General Concept of Effective Oral Communication Skills
Generally communication is perplexed with language and oral communication with
speaking so before exploring further in this area, the phrases like „Oral
Communication Skills‟ and „Effective Oral Communication Skills‟ demand the clear
clue of them.
The word „Oral‟ has been derived from the Latin word Os or Mouth, this word was
used as Oralis in Late Latin and then that word became Oral in the 17th century.
ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT
ISSN: 2395-0595
Volume 1, Issue 2. 1-18(2015)
Cite this article as: Kotak, A & Ami, U. (2015). Effective Oral Communication Skills for
Engineers in Global Arena. ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT. 1(2), 1-18
7
According to Oxford Dictionaries, “Oral means spoken rather than written”,
“Relating to the transmission of information or literature by word of mouth”, “Oral is
related to the mouth”. Sometimes the word „Oral‟ is confused with the word „Aural‟
but they sing a different tune. Aural refers to the ear or hearing while Oral refers to
the mouth or speaking. The root of the word Aural has been derived from the Latin
word „Auris‟ which means „pertaining to the ear‟ and „Oral‟ which means „pertaining
to the mouth‟. Although there is a variation in both the terms, they are inter-
connected. Going further for the explanation of communication which is generally
messed up with language, although both the areas have their own role to play,
According to Wikipedia, “A language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols by
means of which a social group cooperates.” With the help of vocal symbols, one can
speak with each other or can fall in conversation with any group but there cannot be
any assurance that there will be the communication. The word „Communication‟ has
been derived from Latin word „Communcare‟ meaning „to impart or to share‟
(Meenakshi Raman and Sangeeta Sharma p-2), which makes a point that
Communication doesn‟t include only speaking but that includes sharing of
information, ideas, feelings and thoughts. Fred G. Meyer says, “Communication is
the intercourse by words, letters or messages” Basically communication means how
you make others understand what you actually want to say. One can use verbal or
non-verbal communication for sending or receiving any message. Language, emails,
telephones, emoticons, letters all are the sources for communication. In a nutshell,
language is a link for communication not communication itself. There are various
views on Oral Communication Skills. According to University of Wyoming
University Studies Program, “Oral Communication skills are the ability to compose,
critically analyze, present, and deliver information through verbal
interactions”.According to Mherzog, "Oral communication refers to the speaking and
listening skills needed to participate verbally in discussions, exchange thoughts and
information, make clear and convincing presentations, and interact with a variety of
audiences” Ricky W. Griffin says,“Oral communication takes place in face-to-face
conversations, group discussions, telephone calls and other circumstances in which
spoken word is used to express meaning.” Bovee and others say, “Oral
ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT
ISSN: 2395-0595
Volume 1, Issue 2. 1-18(2015)
Cite this article as: Kotak, A & Ami, U. (2015). Effective Oral Communication Skills for
Engineers in Global Arena. ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT. 1(2), 1-18
8
communication expresses ideas through the spoken word.” According to S. K.
Kapur, “Oral communication takes place when spoken words are used to transfer
information and understanding form one person to another.” As per the views of
various authors, Oral Communication pertains to verbal communication and it is a
process of communication which is sent by the sender through the words and sound
of the mouth. Oral communication includes face to face conversation, conversation
over telephone, radio broadcasts, interviews, group discussion, meeting, conference,
seminars, speeches etc. From the above definitions, one would observe that the
authors have focused mostly on verbal skills of speaking for oral communication but
in fact oral communication cannot always be limited to only spoken words, the non-
verbal accompanying verbal play very vital, sometimes even louder than the spoken
words. Thus the fragrance of non-verbal cannot be ignored while discussing oral
communication. The paralanguage also is integral part of communication. For
instance, in the talk show - „Coffee with Karan‟ which is hosted by a film producer
and director Karan Johar on Star World India and also telecast on other channels of
the same network like Star Plus and Star One. In this show Bollywood Celebrities
are cordially invited by Karan Johar to enjoy coffee with him and they talk on some
particular topics where celebrities are asked questions regarding their professional -
personal lives and their childhood. They add the flavour of effectiveness in their oral
communication.. Effective Oral Communication Skills consist the qualities like
correctness, clarity, conciseness, completeness, consideration, correctness and
courtesy which should be expressed while communicating orally and that can be
done effectively by using both, verbal as well as non-verbal the skills. After the
clarification of Effective Oral Communication Skills, it is necessity to mention that
„Oral Communication‟ is also misunderstood with the „Speaking‟ but there is a thin
line between only speaking and oral communication. According to English Collins
Dictionary, “Speaking means to convey a person‟s voice from one room, area,
building to another.” Speaking means to sit in group in front of any person and to
express oneself fearlessly and freely. Speaking is free which has not any rules and
regulations while oral communication skills include not only speaking but also
systematic and organized speech. For instance, when a student is asked to give a
ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT
ISSN: 2395-0595
Volume 1, Issue 2. 1-18(2015)
Cite this article as: Kotak, A & Ami, U. (2015). Effective Oral Communication Skills for
Engineers in Global Arena. ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT. 1(2), 1-18
9
presentation on any topic and the student is just reading the slides while giving
presentation, it gives a message that he is speaking but not communicating orally.
The following conversation affirms the difference between only speaking and
effective oral communication.
Jill: Hello Vinay, I want to smoke.
Vinay: You cannot do it now because we are around the temple and prayer is just
about to begin.
Jill: Should I go to the priest for the permission?
Vinay: Yes. Try it.
Jill: Excuse me, May I smoke while praying?
The priest: No. Not at all. It will be disrespect to God.
Vinay: Let me try. Good Morning, May I pray while smoking?
The priest: Oh! That is very nice, dear. You can pray at any time.
Achievement of Effective Oral Communication skills in this modern world adds new
star to one‟s personality. That has been proven that more than 55% of the executives
are good at this skill and use of effective communication gives them extra mileage in
their business. Formal oral Communication as well as informal oral communication
has their distinguished set of advantages. There are many advantages for oral
communication skills like; it saves time a lot because in rush hours in any field, one
might not get time for writing the stuff, in that situation oral communication plays a
vital role. Oral Communication is also cost saving because in any industry if
communication is orally, it saves, pen, paper or stamp and computer. It is also more
powerful and effective than written communication skills because it includes
varieties of aspects like, intensity of voice, intonation, pitch, articulation,
pronunciation etc.
Dimensions to be improved for Effectiveness in Oral Communication
Skills.
The world of tomorrow is being shaped in our classrooms today. Are our students
gaining the knowledge and skills they need? . (Grady Reese)
ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT
ISSN: 2395-0595
Volume 1, Issue 2. 1-18(2015)
Cite this article as: Kotak, A & Ami, U. (2015). Effective Oral Communication Skills for
Engineers in Global Arena. ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT. 1(2), 1-18
10
The concern of teaching effective oral communication skills to the students has
always remained a challenging task for almost all the linguistics and teachers of
English Language. Various researches have also taken place regarding the
development of oral communication skills in English. Keeping the concern in mind,
the researchers have drawn up some important dimensions that must be worked upon
to bring effectiveness in oral communication skills.
Dimensions
Choice of words (vocabulary)
Use of idiomatic language
Use of correct basic grammatical structure
Effective body language
Paralinguistics
Active listening
Critical thinking (Independent thought process, Developing personal
insights into self-interest, Developing intellectual curiosity, daring,
boldness, integrity, trust and self confidence in one‟s ability to reason.)
Logical thinking (making decisions, giving instructions, solving
problems, presenting ideas, creating plans, asking questions, explaining
situations.)
Negotiation skills
Team work
Emotional intelligence
Each dimension mentioned above is itself a vast area to learn and to teach as well.
Various strategies can be implemented in the classroom or out of classroom to
develop each dimension. If each of the listed components is taught in an authentic
result oriented way, oral communication skills will definitely touch top of its
effectiveness. Various technologies and an authentic package of activities can lend a
hand to learners to make their oral communication skills effective.
ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT
ISSN: 2395-0595
Volume 1, Issue 2. 1-18(2015)
Cite this article as: Kotak, A & Ami, U. (2015). Effective Oral Communication Skills for
Engineers in Global Arena. ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT. 1(2), 1-18
11
Analytical Rubric for Effective Oral Communication Skills
“A Truthful Evaluation of Yourself Gives Feedback for Growth and Success”
Brenda Johnson Padgitt
Final assessment is last and the most crucial step of any learned skill or ability. In
this research, to assess the effectiveness in students‟ oral communication skills, this
analytical rubric makes the teacher come to the right end of a stick. This analytical
rubric and the example of assessment will help to know how much improvement
students have achieved in above criteria‟s
Nature of
Communicator
Lexical
Resources
Grammatical
accuracy
Body
Language
Para linguistics Fluency and
Coherence
Clarity of
Ideas
-Uses
vocabulary
with full
flexibility
and
precision
in all
topics
- Uses
idiomatic
language
naturally
and
accurately
- Uses
paraphras
e
effectively
as
required
-Uses a full
range of
structures
naturally and
appropriately
-Produces error-
free sentences
- Produces
consistently
accurate
structures with
flexibility
-Effective
personal
appearance
with
appropriate
cloths, hair,
jewellery,
cosmetics etc.
according to
the situation
-Looks relaxed
and confident
with
appropriate
posture and
gestures while
walking,
sitting and
standing
- Expresses
- Excellent at
producing volume
according to the
situation and
maintaining
appropriate rate
by producing
around 120 to
150 words per
minute
-Demonstrates
excellent
intonation to
express emotion
by rising and
falling pitch of
the voice
-Demonstrates
excellent
articulation by
-Speaks
fluently with
only rare
repetition and
any hesitation
is content-
related rather
than to find
words or
grammar
-Speaks
coherently
with fully
appropriate
cohesive
features
-Develops
topics fully
and
appropriately
- Expresses
thoughts and
ideas
independently
, intellectually
and with full
of confidence
- Able to make
decisions and
solve
problems with
flexibility
-Explains the
situation and
asks the
question very
accurately
ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT
ISSN: 2395-0595
Volume 1, Issue 2. 1-18(2015)
Cite this article as: Kotak, A & Ami, U. (2015). Effective Oral Communication Skills for
Engineers in Global Arena. ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT. 1(2), 1-18
12
Excellent and
Effective
feelings and
emotions very
effectively by
using facial
expressions
-Uses
appropriate
eye-contacts,
proxemics and
chronemics
with everyone
in group or
mass
producing the
sounds in a crisp
and lucid manner
without causing
any obfuscation
- Uses full range
of pronunciation
features with
precision and
subtlety
- Uses voice
modulation with
full flexibility
- Uses all required
pauses according
to the situation
with full
flexibility
- Excellent
self-
evaluation of
strength and
adequate
awareness of
prior factors
shaping
conflicts and
excellent
ability to deal
with it by
remaining
calm or
adding sense
of humour or
by any other
behavior
-Manages
to talk
about
familiar
and
unfamiliar
topics but
uses
vocabulary
with
-Uses a range of
complex
structures with
some flexibility
-Frequently
produces error-
free sentences,
though some
-Demonstrate
personal
appearance in
every
situation with
less flexibility
-Limited
capabilities to
- Limited abilities
to produce
appropriate
volume according
to the situation
and able to
maintain rate
with less
flexibility
-May
demonstrate
language
related
hesitation at
times, or some
repetition
-Uses a range
- Expresses
thoughts and
ideas
independently
, intellectually
and with less
confidence
-Able to make
ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT
ISSN: 2395-0595
Volume 1, Issue 2. 1-18(2015)
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Engineers in Global Arena. ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT. 1(2), 1-18
13
Competent
limited
flexibility
- Uses
some less
common
and
idiomatic
vocabulary
-Generally
paraphras
e
successfull
y
grammatical
mistakes persist
engage
audience for a
long time with
appropriate
facial
expressions,
eye-contacts,
Proxemics,
Chronemics,
postures and
gestures
- Demonstrates
intonation and
articulation with
less flexibility
-uses a range of
pronunciation
with mixed
control
-Uses voice
modulation and
required pauses
with less
flexibility.
of connectives
and discourse
makers may
not always be
appropriately.
-More
complex
communicatio
n causes
fluency
problems.
decisions and
solve
problems with
less flexibility
-Fumbles
sometimes
while
explaining the
situation and
asking the
question
-Lack of self
confidence
and less
awareness to
deal with
conflicts by
remaining
calm or
adding sense
of humour or
by any other
behavior
-Uses
simple
vocabulary
to convey
personal
informatio
-Produces basic
sentence forms
and some
correct simple
sentences but
subordinate
- Lack the
qualities of
appropriate
personal
appearance
- Lack knowledge
of producing
volume ,
maintaining rate
and using
appropriate
-Speaks
slowly and
with long
pauses
- Expresses
thoughts and
ideas
independently
with less
confidence
ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT
ISSN: 2395-0595
Volume 1, Issue 2. 1-18(2015)
Cite this article as: Kotak, A & Ami, U. (2015). Effective Oral Communication Skills for
Engineers in Global Arena. ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT. 1(2), 1-18
14
Average
n
-Has
insufficien
t
vocabulary
for less
familiar
topics
-Rarely
attempts
paraphras
e
structures are
rare
-Errors are
frequent and
may lead to
misunderstandi
ng
-Able to manage
with basic
sentences
flexibly only in
memorized
expressions
- Lack the
capabilities to
engage the
audience with
appropriate
postures,
gestures, eye-
contacts, facial
expressions,
proxemics and
chronemics.
intonation and
articulation
-Uses limited
range of
pronunciation
features
- Less knowledge
of voice
modulation and
required pauses
-Has limited
ability to link
sentences
-Speaks with
frequent
repetition and
self-correction
and not
connected
intellectually
-Get nervous
easily while
making
decisions and
solving
problems
-Very low self
confidence
and
awareness to
deal with
conflicts and
asked
questions
Poor
-Only
produces
isolated
words or
memorize
d
utterances
-Cannot produce
even basic
sentence forms
- Not having
sense of
appropriate
personal
appearance,
facial
expressions,
postures,
gestures, eye-
contacts,
proxemics and
chronemics
-No knowledge of
using appropriate
volume, rate,
intonation,
articulation,
pronunciation ,
voice modulation
and pauses
-Gives only
simple
responses and
is frequently
unable to
convey basic
message
-Pauses
lengthily
before most
words
- No
knowledge of
expressing
oneself by
using
independent
and
intellectual
thoughts
ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT
ISSN: 2395-0595
Volume 1, Issue 2. 1-18(2015)
Cite this article as: Kotak, A & Ami, U. (2015). Effective Oral Communication Skills for
Engineers in Global Arena. ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT. 1(2), 1-18
15
.
Evaluation of Student’s Effective Oral Communication Skills on the Basis of
Analytical Rubri
Example
Conclusion
Development of any individual and society depends on the interaction among their
people. This interaction makes people transmit and interchange their ideas, facts,
feelings and courses of action. Many researchers and the teachers of English
language and Communication Skills claim about the same problem faced by them
Grade Required marks to achieve particular grade
Poor 0 – 6
Average 7 -12
Competent 13 – 20
Excellent/
Effective
21 – 30
Name Lexical
Resources
(Out of 5)
Grammatical
Accuracy
(Out of 5)
Body Language
(Out of 5)
Paralinguistics
(Out of 5)
Fluency and coherence
(Out of 5)
Clarity of ideas
(Out of 5)
TOTAL
(out of 30)
GRADE
Xyz 2 2 3 1 3 1 12 Average
Xyz 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 Poor
Xyz 3 3 3 2 3 3 14 Compete
nt
Xyz 4 5 5 4 4 4 26 Excellent
ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT
ISSN: 2395-0595
Volume 1, Issue 2. 1-18(2015)
Cite this article as: Kotak, A & Ami, U. (2015). Effective Oral Communication Skills for
Engineers in Global Arena. ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT. 1(2), 1-18
16
inside or outside the classroom that the students somehow make themselves
comfortable for writing and reading the content but as far as their speaking or oral
communication is concerned, they find themselves on a barrel. As effective oral
communication skills is one of the most important skills for engineering students in
their professional and personal life, it should be taken and treated sincerely with due
expected outcomes. Oral communication skills have not been attained by the
students of certain prominent regions of our country mainly because of their
vernacular medium of instruction at school level. With some of those from English
medium, they might possess oral communication skill, but lack the effectiveness in
the same which is the stipulation of any apt professional stage. Engineering students
must spend more time to make their oral communication skills effective as due to
development in technology; the world has become a global village where English is
preferred to be the language of Communication and Correspondence. To keep this
note in mind, the researcher encompassed the clarification of effective oral
communication skill along with its dimensions and also created the analytical rubric
which will prove to be a pretty easy source to evaluate the students‟ oral skills.
References & Webliography
1) kakepoto, I.(2012).Perspectives on Oral Communication Skills for Engineers in
Engineering Profession of Pakistan. International Journal of applied Linguistics and
English Language.
2) . Hairuzila, I. (2011).Oral Communication Ability in English: An essential skill for
Engineering Graduation.Asia Pacific of Educators and Education. Vol.1
3) Shikha,S.(2012) .Communication Skills for Engineers in Global Arena .
International Journal on Arts,Management and Humanities .Vol.3.
4) Hairuzila, I. (2011).Oral Communication Ability in English: An essential skill for
Engineering Graduation.Asia Pacific of Educators and Education. Vol.2
5) Mojibur, R.(2010) Teaching Oral Communication Skills - A Task Based Approach.
ESP World. Vol.1.
6) Patil S, Karekattiand & Dr. Tripti. Correlation between Level of Communication
ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT
ISSN: 2395-0595
Volume 1, Issue 2. 1-18(2015)
Cite this article as: Kotak, A & Ami, U. (2015). Effective Oral Communication Skills for
Engineers in Global Arena. ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT. 1(2), 1-18
17
7) Apprehension and Development of Communication Skills in Engineering Students
.English for Specific Purposes World, ISSN 1682-3257.
8) Dwivedi, P. (1 November, 2011). “"An Assessment and Formation of Model
Syllabus in English Language and Communication Skills in Select Engineering and
Technology Colleges of Gujarat and Mahashtra"`”,. Saurashtra University Rajkot :
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9) P'Rayan,A.(2011). Engineering English : A critical Evaluation . Annamalai
University,Annamalainagar:22
10) Mojibur, R.(2010) Teaching Oral Communication Skills - A Task Based Approach.
ESP World. Vol.7.
11) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Engineering_Education)
12) http://asiasociety.org/globalcompetence
13) http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/evaluation
14) http://www.indianetzone.com/39/education_ancient_india.htm
15) http://latasinha.wordpress.com/2010/06/20/ancient-and-modern-education-system-
in-india/
16) http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/~haroldfs/540/handouts/indiapol/node5.html
17) http://creative.sulekha.com/the-history-of-introduction-of-english-in-
india_139363_blog
18) http://creative.sulekha.com/the-history-of-introduction-of-english-in-
india_139363_blog
ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT
ISSN: 2395-0595
Volume 1, Issue 2. 1-18(2015)
Cite this article as: Kotak, A & Ami, U. (2015). Effective Oral Communication Skills for
Engineers in Global Arena. ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT. 1(2), 1-18
18
Authors Bio-note
Ms. Arti Kotak holds MA in English Literature and pursuing PHD in ELT. She has
five years of teaching experience in English Language in variety of institutions and
curriculum and three years of teaching experience in Communication Skills, CPD
(Contributor Personality Development) and Life Skills. Her area of interest includes
writing short stories, articles, social dramas and using innovative multimedia
activities to teach English Language and Communication Skills. At present she is the
part of the Department of Communication Skills, Marwadi Education Foundation‟s
Group of Institution, Rajkot, Gujarat – India.
Dr. Ami Upadhyay is a Professor in English and Director, School of Humanities and
Social Sciences at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, Ahmedabad. She is a
young dynamic teacher of English Literature, Language and Communication Skills
since 1998. She is an M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D. in English. She has presented papers and
participated in more than 50 International, National and State Level Conferences and
seminars. She has written 6 books and contributed around 25 research papers to
various journals and critical books. Her area of interest is Feminism, Comparative
Literature, translation studies, Cultural Studies, Indian Writing in English, ELT,
Communication Skills and Various Teaching Methodologies with special reference
to English Language Teaching. She is also an adept classical dancer and
Choreographer, who has trained more than 1000 students performing across the
nation.