Modes, Forms, and Models of Communication Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering modes, forms, models, theories, key theorists, and social media dynamics from Chapter 1 notes.

Monological Communication

One person communicating at an individual or group (e.g., theatre, emergency alerts, advertising); a neutral form of communication that can provide the illusion of participation.

Dialogical Communication

Back and forth communication where participants listen, respond, and repeat (e.g., conversations, texts, TV).

Verbal Communication

The use of language, whether audible or not (such as ASL), which is constantly changing through slang and new technological advancements.

Nonverbal Communication

The use of gestures, eye contact, body language, distance, and tone to convey a point; often context-based (e.g., emojis, gifs, response time).

Written Communication

Visible markings (such as books, texts, and emails) used to preserve language and ideas as a permanent and durable form of communication.

Audio Communication

Communicating through soundwaves (speech, music, silence, radio), where tone carries over well and provides additional context.

Audiovisual Communication

The combination of moving images and sound (films, videogames, livestreams), also referred to as multimodal.

Listening

A practice—not a mode of communication—that requires providing attention and processing information, which is just as important as talking in a dialogue.

Intrapersonal Communication

Communicating with oneself through internal monologue, imagination, or reflection; the developmentally first form of communication available to humans.

Interpersonal Communication

Communication involving two people capable of seeing each other as individuals (e.g., small talk, compliments, arguments).

Mediated Interpersonal Communication

A subcategory of interpersonal communication (such as sending texts) where communication is mediated, allowing important information to be concealed.

Group Communication

Communication happening between multiple people all at once for a greater purpose (e.g., family, classes, strangers in close proximity), where members are not all equal.

Organizational Communication

How institutions converse and share ideas with one another (e.g., between universities, corporations, and governments), representing an efficient compile of many voices.

Public Communication

A person or group communicating to an audience that consists of more than a select group (e.g., lectures, livestreams, speeches).

Mass Mediated Communication

Organizationally produced messages for large and specific groups that are more edited and polished than public communication (e.g., nationwide films, World Cup broadcasts).

Networked Communication

Users from a specific platform conveying messages to one another (e.g., DMs, chatrooms), where the significance of contribution depends on popularity or following.

Platform Communication

Communication between platforms and their users involving three parties (communicators, audiences, and the company) with very little dialogue (e.g., algorithms, feedback, metrics).

Human-Machine Communication

Communication between AI and humans, where participation is usually human dominant (e.g., asking questions, administering commands).

Transmission Model

The oldest and most useful model of communication, defined as the movement of messages or information from one location to another.

Linear Model

A model formulated by Harold Laswell in 1948 based on four questions: Who says what? To whom? In what channel? To what effect?

Harold Laswell

Formulated the linear model formula in 1948 to categorize communication, revolving mostly around public messages.

Claude Shannon Model

A communication model presented by Warren Weaver in 1949 consisting of an information source, transmitter, channel, receiver, and destination.

Noise

Interference within the transmission process in the Claude Shannon Model.

Encoding/Decoding Model

A model created by Stuart Hall in 1980 stating that messages are encoded by producers through genres, images, and stories, and decoded by consumers based on identity.

Stuart Hall

The theorist who created the Encoding/Decoding model of communication in 1980.

Dominant-hegemonic reading

A decoding category where viewers understand and accept the preferred meaning intended by the producer.

Negotiated reading

A decoding category where viewers accept parts of the overall accepted meaning of a message.

Oppositional reading

A decoding category where viewers understand but disagree with the preferred meaning due to their own viewpoint.

Ritual Model

A model created by James Carey in 1975 and refined in 1989, asserting that communication is about forming a community between people rather than just receiving a transmission.

James Carey

The theorist who created the Ritual Model of communication in 1975 and refined it in 1989.

Data Profiles

An online record of a user's likes and dislikes, combining algorithms and digital footprints based on shared, scrolled, and repeated content.

Subscription distribution

A content distribution method that delivers posts from accounts you follow.

Network distribution

A content distribution method that displays posts through sharing.

Algorithmic distribution

A content distribution method that displays content you have liked in the past.

Visibility

How much attention a post receives or does not receive on social media, influenced by moderation and algorithms.