Communication Theory Terms Chart

Speech

Message

Carries information that defines your place in the world.

Sender/Source

Information you wish others to understand is a message you send.

Receiver

People who receive/get the message

Channel

A person's message arrives through the senses.

Noise

Anything that hinders a message.

Feedback

Response, comment, or reaction to the message.

Verbal symbols in communication

are the spoken or written words used to convey a message.

Nonverbal symbols in communication

Gestures, body language, facial expressions that convey meaning without words.

communication

Sharing meaning by transmitting messages.

Interpersonal communication

the exchange of information, feelings, or thoughts between two or more people, typically in a face-to-face setting.

Intrapersonal communication

Communication with oneself, involving thoughts and reflections.

Group communication

interaction among three or more individuals to achieve a common goal.

Public communication

the process of addressing an audience in a structured manner, often through speeches or presentations, to inform, persuade, or entertain. (ORAL REPORT)

Mass communication

the process of transmitting information to a large audience through various media channels, including television, radio, newspapers, and the internet.

context (as included in sidebar, Elements of Communication)

Context changes the way you communicate.

Family context

refers to the background and circumstances that shape interactions within familial relationships, influencing communication styles and topics.

Friendship and Peer Group Context

the influences and dynamics of relationships with friends and peers on communication, including shared norms and expectations.

School and Work Context

involves the influence of educational or professional settings on communication patterns, including formal and informal interactions. Someone is having authority over you.

Community Context

Networks of people living and near each other.

Generational Context

People born within a 25 year age generation. EX: Gen Z, Millennials

Multicultural Context

involves diverse cultural backgrounds influencing communication styles and interactions.