EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

A vocabulary set covering key terms and concepts from the lecture notes on effective communication, including types, models, barriers, purpose, audience, context, non-verbal strategies, and writing.

Communication

A two-way process of connecting with living and non-living things to share messages, information, ideas, and feelings for mutual understanding.

Effective communication

The ability to listen, understand, and take action on what others say.

Verbal communication

The use of words to share information with others.

Non-verbal communication

Gestures, tone of voice, facial expressions, body posture, and other cues used to send a message.

Written communication

The exchange of information, ideas, or messages through written language.

Visual communication

Storytelling across visual mediums to convey information and create experiences.

Sender

The source of communication who encodes and transmits the message.

Message

A verbal, written, or recorded communication sent to the receiver.

Channel

The transmission medium (physical) or a logical connection used to convey the message.

Receiver

The person who decodes or interprets the message and responds based on their interpretation.

Feedback

The response or information provided by the recipient to the sender.

Noise

Any barrier that disrupts or distorts the transmission of a message.

Linear model

A one-directional model of communication where the message flows in one direction.

Interactive model

A model emphasizing ongoing communication with feedback between participants.

Transactional model

A dynamic view of communication where participants create social realities within contexts.

Physical barrier

Environmental or natural conditions that hinder message transmission.

Psychological barrier

Social and personal issues that affect communication.

Language barrier

When speakers of different languages cannot understand each other.

Cultural barrier

Conflicts arising from differing values, beliefs, or traditions.

Semantic barrier

Misunderstandings due to different meanings of words or symbols.

Personal communication

Private exchange of information between individuals, not intended for public access.

Interpersonal communication

Exchange of information, feelings, and meanings between individuals using verbal and non-verbal methods.

Inform

To share knowledge, facts, and details about a subject.

Express

To convey thoughts and feelings.

Persuade

To influence attitudes, encourage action, or inspire others.

Build relationships

To establish and maintain connections with others.

Audience demographic profile

Factors such as age, gender, education, and cultural background that affect how a message is received.

Knowledge and experience

The audience's knowledge and experience influence how a message is understood.

Audience expectations

What the audience expects (formal vs casual) guiding how the message is delivered.

Physical environment (context)

The physical setting that influences how a message should be delivered.

Social and cultural context

Cultural norms and shared values that influence interpretation.

Parts of a message: Opening, Body, Closing

Opening: attention statement and introduction; Body: detailed content; Closing: conclusion and closure.

Non-verbal strategies

Use of body language, facial expressions, gestures, and posture to support meaning.

Tone of voice

The mood or attitude conveyed through vocal quality.

Eye contact

A sign of interest; builds trust and engagement.

Proxemics

The study of physical space in interpersonal relations; coined by Edward Hall.

Intimate space

Distance allowing body contact, e.g., hugging or holding hands.

Personal space

Distance used with friends and acquaintances; less physical contact.

Social space

Distance in formal or work-related interactions.

Public space

Distance when addressing a public figure or audience.

Interpreting nonverbal cues

Observing demeanor and considering context to understand meaning.

Mixed signals

When words, actions, tone, or body language contradict each other.

Letters

Direct private flow of information between people, usually not for general circulation.

Messages and conversations

Forms of private, personal communication.