Communication Breakdown, Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to communication breakdown, verbal and non-verbal communication, and associated barriers.

Communication Breakdown

A failure in communication caused by barriers related to the sender, message, channel, or receiver.

Barrier (to Communication)

Any factor that impedes the effective exchange of information, leading to misunderstanding or breakdown.

Verbal Communication

The use of spoken or written words to share information.

Non-Verbal Communication

The transfer of meaning without words, using facial expressions, gestures, tone, space, etc.

Face (as Communicator)

The human face, which conveys emotion and intention and is a key non-verbal signal.

Fear of Public Speaking

Anxiety that can hinder effective communication and potentially create breakdowns.

Sender

The originator of a message in the communication process.

Receiver

The person or group for whom a message is intended.

Channel (of Communication)

The medium through which a message travels from sender to receiver.

Miscommunication

A misunderstanding that occurs when a message is interpreted differently from what was intended.

People-Related Barrier

Obstacles arising from the participants themselves, such as poor hearing, eyesight, or speech disorders.

Opinions and Beliefs Barrier

Differences in culture, values, gender norms, or religion that affect message delivery and reception.

Topic Barrier

Problems caused by a vague, complex, emotionally charged, or hidden-agenda topic.

Communicative Situation Barrier

Physical noise or conflicting motives in the setting that hinder understanding.

Language Choice Barrier

Misunderstandings stemming from word meanings, jargon, or linguistic differences.

Gestures

Movements of the hands or body that accompany speech to add meaning.

Emblems

Specific gestures with a direct verbal translation (e.g., thumbs-up for approval).

Emphasizing Gestures

Movements used to highlight or stress a verbal point (e.g., finger wagging).

Illustrating Gestures

Gestures that visually represent size, shape, or quantity (e.g., framing with hands).

Regulating Gestures

Signals that control interaction flow, such as nodding or a ‘come here’ wave.

Facial Expression

Movements of facial muscles that reveal emotions like joy, anger, or surprise.

Language of Colors

Using colors symbolically; meanings vary by culture and gender (e.g., black for mourning).

Language of Flowers (Floriography)

Conveying messages with flowers; meanings depend on color, type, and culture.

Proxemics (Language of Space)

The study of how space and distance communicate status and intimacy.

Chronemics (Language of Time)

The use of time to signal power, importance, or respect (e.g., making others wait).

Haptics (Language of Touch)

Communication through physical contact, conveying comfort, encouragement, or aggression.

Posture and Body Orientation

The way one stands or sits, signaling self-perception, attitude toward listeners, and message stance.

Paralanguage

The vocal aspects of speech—tone, pitch, volume, rhythm—that modify word meaning.

Emotional Pull

The degree to which a topic evokes strong feelings, potentially hindering clear communication.

Cultural Mores

Shared customs, values, and behaviors that influence communication expectations.