Communication Basics and Debate - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the video notes on communication basics, speech structure, delivery, evidence, visual aids, interpretation, debate terms, and logical fallacies.

Sender

The person who initiates a message.

Message

The information or idea being communicated.

Channel

The medium through which a message is sent (e.g., spoken word, text, video).

Receiver

The person who receives and interprets the message.

Feedback

The response from the receiver back to the sender.

Noise

Anything that interferes with the message (e.g., distractions, misunderstandings).

Intrapersonal Communication

Communication within yourself (e.g., self-talk).

Interpersonal Communication

One-on-one or small group conversations.

Group Communication

Communication within a small group aiming for a goal.

Public Communication

Speaking to a large audience (e.g., speeches).

Mass Communication

Messages sent to large audiences via media (TV, radio).

Digital Communication

Communication through digital platforms (email, social media).

Physical Barriers

External obstacles (noise, distance).

Psychological Barriers

Mental/emotional interference (stress, bias).

Semantic Barriers

Misunderstood language or jargon.

Organizational Barriers

Hierarchical issues within a group or company.

Pitch

The highness or lowness of your voice.

Rate

How fast or slow you speak.

Volume

How loud or soft you speak.

Articulation

Clarity in how you form words.

Pronunciation

Correct way to say words.

Gesture

Movement of hands/arms to emphasize speech.

Posture

The way you sit or stand.

Eye Contact

Looking at your audience to build connection.

Facial Expression

Using your face to show emotion.

Informational Listening

Listening to learn or understand.

Critical Listening

Evaluating a message for accuracy, credibility, logic.

Empathetic Listening

Listening to understand another person’s feelings.

Appreciative Listening

Listening for enjoyment (music, performance).

Attention Getter

An opening to grab the audience’s interest.

Thesis Statement

A one-sentence summary of your main idea.

Preview

Briefly outlining your speech’s structure.

Transition

Words or phrases that connect ideas smoothly.

Call to Action

Telling the audience what to do after the speech.

Manuscript

Reading word-for-word.

Memorized

Fully memorized and recited.

Impromptu

Speaking with no preparation.

Extemporaneous

Prepared but delivered conversationally, often with notes.

Statistics

Numerical data.

Testimony

Quoting an expert or witness.

Examples

Specific cases or stories to support points.

Props

Physical objects used to illustrate a point.

Slides

Visual displays (e.g., PowerPoint).

Charts

Graphs or diagrams for data.

Prose

Fiction or nonfiction written in standard paragraph form.

Poetry

Writing with rhythm, meter, and often rhyme.

Drama

Literature meant for performance.

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

One-on-one debate focused on values.

Policy Debate

Team debate proposing solutions to real-world problems.

Public Forum Debate

Team debate on current events, accessible to the public.

Claim

The point being argued.

Evidence

Support for a claim.

Warrant

Explanation of why the evidence supports the claim.

Impact

The significance of the argument in the real world.

Refutation

Arguing against the opposing side’s points.

Cross-examination

Asking the opposing side questions.

Straw Man

Misrepresenting someone's argument to make it easier to attack.

Ad Hominem

Attacking the person, not their argument.

Slippery Slope

Arguing one step will lead to a chain of negative events.

Red Herring

Distracting from the real issue with unrelated information.