Topic Control as a Communicative Strategy

A lesson in Oral Communication

1. Topic Control

2. What situations best show topic control in communication?

3. There will be one “Simon” in class who will perform the role for three minutes. After that person’s turn, another student will be assigned as the “Simon.” As the “Simon,” talk about any topic you want to discuss in class. You may direct the conversation and ask questions.

4. After the activity, answer the following questions: How does it feel to be the “Simon” in class? What are the advantages of being in control of communication? What are its disadvantages?

5. A topic refers to the main point of a text or speech. 1 Review Communication refers to the giving and getting of meaning through a certain medium. 2

6. In a discussion, the main speaker introduces the topic , or the main message, whereas other participants contribute ideas in the discussion.

7. Two Types of Topics Sentence topic sometimes called sentential topic refers to the main idea or focus of a sentence specific Discourse topic refers to the topic of the conversation as a whole general

8. Topic control occurs when the main or assigned speaker manipulates the discussion in order to maintain its flow without moving away from or changing the topic. Participants should be mindful of verbal cues as the main speaker uses statements such as “Let’s focus on . . .” or “Let’s discuss . . .” to set the topic of the conversation, or “As I was saying . . .” or “Going back to . . .” to sustain or return to the original topic.

9. Topic control is a communication strategy that helps the speaker keep the conversation focused on one central idea. This is also beneficial for the receiver of the speaker’s message since he/she is more guided in what and how to respond, as the topic is controlled.

10. Identify whether each of the following situations shows topic control or not. Write TC if it shows topic control and NTC if it does not. During a heated class discussion, the teacher says, “Those are all valid points of view, but let’s focus on the issue.” While talking to her friends, Janine noticed that their topics freely flowed from one to another, and they didn’t stay on topic for long. While talking about the latest superhero movie, Marie’s friend suddenly said, “Hey, have you started on our project in science?”

11. 4. John listened to his friend, who was talking about failing the exam they just had. John then said, “Yeah, I barely passed. Would you like to go over the items you missed? Maybe we could help each other understand the topic more.” 5. After hearing the student ask a question about a different topic that is not related to their current lesson, the teacher immediately answered the student’s question. 6. As the person planning the itinerary for their upcoming camping trip, Rachel addressed her friends, “Guys, let’s talk about the camping trip. Any suggestions on where to go and what to do?”

12. 7. While waiting for the bus, Carla said, “I wonder whether traffic is horrible on the way here, and it’s the reason why our bus is late.” Her friend then replied, “Well, I can’t wait to get home and watch TV.” 8. During a discussion, Mark says, “To add to what Kevin has said, I would also like to mention that . . .” 9. While having a discussion on global warming, Denise asked, “Is there anything we can do to slow down the rate of the Earth’s warming?” 10. Wendy’s friend changed the topic, so Wendy said, “Hey, can we focus on the project first?”

13. Answer each of the following prompts. In which situations is topic control usually used? State at least three and explain. Create a dialogue for one of the following situations: A meeting among colleagues regarding their work A discussion between friends about a photo exhibit they are planning A discussion in class about waste management, with the teacher facilitating the conversation

14. Based on the dialogue you created, answer the following questions: What is the discourse topic in the dialogue? What is the sentence topic in the dialogue? How is topic control demonstrated in the dialogue?

15. Form six groups. Once decided on your side for debate, choose a topic for your group: Effectiveness of K-12 Programs Home School or Regular School Integrating Korean Language in the High School Curriculum Exclusion of Filipino Subjects in College After the activity, answer the following: What is the main topic of your speech? How were you able to elaborate on your topic? How did the use of topic control help you in presenting your claims?

16. Assignment Based on your practice and observations in the previous activities, what have you observed about situations involving topic control? On a piece of bond paper, create a short outline of your own guidelines in topic control for the speaker and listener.