16.2 Spoken Communication (AFH-1 Section 15E)
Key Takeaways
- On the 15 February 2025 ADTC, Section 15E Spoken Communication is B for both SSgt and TSgt.
- The three delivery formats are impromptu, prepared, and manuscript; AFH 1 says a superb impromptu speaker has achieved the highest level in verbal communications.
- The types of speaking used in the USAF are the briefing, the teaching lecture, and the formal speech; brevity distinguishes the briefing, and every good briefing has accuracy, brevity, and clarity.
- Communication experts believe over half of the meaning of any message may be communicated nonverbally; people can listen four to five times faster than the normal spoken rate of 120 words a minute.
- The three types of listening are informative, critical, and empathic; empathic listening is somewhat of a prerequisite to informational or critical listening.
16.2 Spoken Communication (AFH-1 Section 15E)
Quick Answer: Section 15E is B for SSgt and B for TSgt (15 February 2025 ADTC). Delivery formats: impromptu, prepared, manuscript. Types of speaking: briefing, teaching lecture, formal speech. Briefings inform, direct, or advocate; brevity distinguishes them. Listen informative, critical, or empathic.
Speaking platforms and delivery formats (15.24–15.25)
Verbal communication includes coworkers, the chain of command, and audiences. Delivery depends on time to prepare and the nature of the message. AFH 1 names three common formats.
| Format | What it is | What AFH 1 emphasizes |
|---|---|---|
| Impromptu | Meeting or conference remarks without warning or with only a few moments' notice | Self-confidence, mastery of the subject, thinking on your feet. A superb impromptu speaker has achieved the highest level in verbal communications. |
| Prepared | Ample opportunity to prepare | Not a memorized script. Needs a thorough outline, planning, and practice. Words at delivery stay spontaneous and natural. |
| Manuscript | Every word must be absolutely perfect | Speakers often lack spontaneity, lack eye contact, and stand behind the lectern with their script, which can lose the audience. |
The trap is treating manuscript as the most advanced format. AFH 1 gives the superlative to impromptu.
Briefing types and other speaking AFH 1 names (15.26)
Typically, the types of speaking used in the USAF are the briefing, the teaching lecture, and the formal speech. AFH 1 names three jobs a briefing can do; those are the briefing types for this section.
| Briefing type (what AFH 1 says the briefing does) | Purpose | How to recognize it |
|---|---|---|
| Inform | Inform listeners about a mission, operation, or concept | Major purpose AFH 1 states first |
| Direct / enable | Direct or enable listeners to perform a procedure or carry out instructions | The audience must be able to do something afterward |
| Advocate / persuade | Advocate, persuade, or support a certain solution and lead the audience to accept the briefing | The briefing is trying to move the audience, not only inform it |
Every good briefing has accuracy, brevity, and clarity. Accuracy and clarity belong to all good speaking; brevity distinguishes the briefing. Anticipate questions. If a briefer cannot answer, do not guess off-the-cuff — research and follow up later.
The other two speaking types in the same paragraph: the teaching lecture teaches a given subject and is the method of instruction most often used in the USAF — formal lectures are one-way; informal lectures allow verbal interaction with smaller audiences. A formal speech informs, persuades, or entertains. An informative speech narrates without a sustained effort to teach (orientation, commander's call). A persuasive speech moves people to believe or act (recruiting). An entertaining speech uses humor and wit (dining-out). A lecture teaches; an informative speech does not carry that teaching load.
Basic communication tips (15.27)
Begin with these 15 February 2025 tips: Rank can be a real or perceived barrier — be candid, direct, and respectful with everyone. Jargon is fine when appropriate, but the speaker must make the communication understandable. Tone is how you say it; writers lack gestures and voice, so emojis do not have a place in written formal communication. Courtesy starts with being polite; if needed, push back, breathe, count to 10, then review. Make it Personal with we, us, and our; use I, me, and my sparingly. Stay formal at events (Good morning, Sir, not Hey). Be Positive and give praise where due.
Communication delivery (15.28)
An effective voice drives home ideas, but communication experts believe over half of the meaning of any message may be communicated nonverbally.
- Rate: People can listen four to five times faster than the normal spoken rate of 120 words a minute. Faster for excitement; slower for a serious message.
- Volume: A softer level is often the more effective way to achieve emphasis. Use a microphone in large rooms.
- Pitch: Downward inflection gives certainty; upward inflection gives uncertainty.
- Pause: Short pauses inside sentences; longer pauses between main points.
- Articulation and pronunciation: Distinct words versus correct words — mispronunciation may be treated as a reflection of the message.
- Length: Keep it short and sweet.
- Eye contact: Interest, feedback, credibility.
- Gestures: Natural, free, yet deliberate, not distracting.
Overcoming anxiety (15.29) and common nonverbal quirks
Public speaking is often a self-induced workplace fear. A wingman in the audience can help; looking too relaxed can signal a lack of commitment. Prepare by knowing the material, analyzing the audience, envisioning success, practicing, presenting a professional image, smiling, and taking a short walk. At delivery, focus on the purpose of the event, not on yourself.
Named quirks: Life Raft (clinging to the podium — acceptable with a stationary microphone, script, or notes, but venture away when possible); Awkward Hands (speaker's feeling — hands hanging naturally look normal); Caged Tiger (pacing without stopping); Rocker (still rocking or swaying); Too Cool (looking unengaged or disinterested).
Effective listening (15.31)
Hearing is sound reaching the ears. Listening is hearing plus paying attention and making sense of the message. Effective listening builds trust; leaders who listen well often make better decisions.
- Informative listening: Understand the message exactly as the sender intended. Keep an open mind; listen as if you had to teach it; take notes; ask clarifying questions; mentally repeat the message.
- Critical listening: Informative listening plus critical thinking — analyze and evaluate. Use when seeking input to a decision, evaluating work, or researching. Listen as if you had to grade it. Understand first, then evaluate.
- Empathic listening: Use when communication is emotional or the relationship is just as important as the message (mentoring, counseling, family). It is somewhat of a prerequisite to informational or critical listening.
Informative = teach it. Critical = grade it. Empathic comes first when emotion is high. That is 15E at B for SSgt and TSgt.
Which quality does AFH 1 say distinguishes a briefing from other types of speaking?
According to AFH 1, which delivery format represents the highest level in verbal communications when it is done well?
According to AFH 1, how fast can people listen relative to the normal spoken rate, and what is that spoken rate?