Effective Communication Flashcards

Vocabulary practice flashcards based on the lecture notes on Effective Communication, covering Content vs. Intent, Tone Markers, the APC Framework, Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication, Communicative Markers, Strategies for Interpersonal Interactions, Cultural Dimensions, Message Structures, and Digital Responsibility.

Communicative Competence

The ability to convey meaning appropriately and effectively across a variety of social contexts (Hymes, 1972).

Grammatical Competence

The ability to construct understandable and coherent messages during communication.

Sociolinguistic Competence

The ability to adjust language depending on whom one is speaking with (e.g., classmates versus teachers).

Discourse Competence

The ability to organize thoughts logically during discussions.

Strategic Competence

The ability to clarify misunderstandings, ask follow-up questions, or rephrase messages when communication breaks down.

Content

The literal message, actual words, statements, or explicitly expressed information in communication that answers the question, 'What is the message about?'

Intent

The underlying purpose, meaning, or goal behind a message that answers the question, 'Why was the message communicated?'

Tone Markers

Textual paralanguage consisting of shorthand symbols, tags, or abbreviations (such as /s or /srs) used in written communication to clarify intended emotion, attitude, or tone.

Letter Stretching

A digital communication strategy in which a writer intentionally repeats one or more letters in a word to convey emotion, emphasis, or tone.

Audience-Purpose-Context (APC) Framework

A systematic lens used to analyze communication by evaluating speaker relationships (Audience), underlying goals (Purpose), and surrounding environment or platform (Context).

Verbal Communication

The use of spoken or written language to express ideas, thoughts, emotions, and information.

Non-Verbal Communication

The transmission of messages without using words, through facial expressions, gestures, posture, eye contact, tone of voice, and physical behaviors.

Oculesics

The use of eye contact in non-verbal communication to show attentiveness, indicate confidence, or demonstrate interest.

Proxemics

The non-verbal communication element referring to personal space or the physical distance maintained during interaction.

Haptics

Communication conveyed through physical contact, such as handshakes, a pat on the back, or high-fives.

Paralanguage

The non-verbal vocal elements accompanying speech, including tone, pitch, and volume.

Communicative Markers

Words, phrases, or expressions that organize ideas, maintain conversation flow, indicate relationships between thoughts, and express attitudes.

Nomination

A communicative strategy for introducing a topic or inviting someone to participate in a conversation.

Restriction

A communicative strategy referring to the limitations or rules that guide how participants communicate in a particular situation.

Turn-taking

The process by which participants alternate speaking during a conversation.

Back-channeling

A communicative strategy showing the speaker that you are listening and understanding without taking over the conversation.

Topic Control

Refers to keeping the discussion focused on the main subject to keep it organized and relevant.

Topic Shifting

A communicative strategy that occurs when speakers move smoothly from one topic to another.

Repair

A communicative strategy used to correct misunderstandings, clarify ideas, or restate information during communication.

Termination

Refers to ending a conversation politely and appropriately, leaving a positive impression.

Personal Communication

Also known as intrapersonal communication; refers to communication that takes place within an individual, including thinking, reflecting, interpreting experiences, and managing emotions.

Interpersonal Communication

The exchange of messages between people to build relationships, share information, express feelings, solve problems, or achieve mutual understanding.

Social Communication

Communication taking place within groups, organizations, or communities to support cooperation, participation, and shared goals.

Intercultural Communication

Communication between individuals from different cultural backgrounds involving differences in language, beliefs, customs, values, or communication styles.

Semantic Noise

A form of noise caused by unfamiliar vocabulary, slang, jargon, or language differences that interferes with message interpretation.

Ethnocentrism

The belief that one's own culture or way of life is better, more correct, or more important than others.

Stereotyping

Making broad, oversimplified, and inaccurate assumptions or generalizations about a group of people.

Prejudice

A negative attitude toward someone simply because they belong to a particular group, based on preconceived opinions rather than actual experience.

Individualism vs. Collectivism

A cultural dimension comparing societies where people focus on personal goals and independence against societies that value group harmony, loyalty, and group goals.

Power Distance

A cultural dimension referring to how much a culture accepts and expects unequal distribution of power, status, and wealth.

Uncertainty Avoidance

A cultural dimension referring to how comfortable a culture is with ambiguity, risk, and the unknown.

Monochronic vs. Polychronic Time Orientations

Monochronic cultures value punctuality, order, and doing one task at a time; polychronic cultures are flexible with time, handle multiple tasks, and prioritize relationships over schedules.

Observation Report

A communication structure that presents factual information based on direct observation using the senses, focusing on facts rather than personal judgments.

Narrative

A communication structure used to tell a story or describe a sequence of events, typically following an orientation, complication, and resolution structure.

Opinion

A communication structure expressing a person's beliefs, judgments, or viewpoints on an issue, consisting of a claim, reasons, evidence, and conclusion.

Digital Privacy

The protection of personal information that is shared, stored, or transmitted through digital technologies.

Ethical Communication

The practice of communicating honestly, fairly, respectfully, and responsibly, acknowledging sources, avoiding misinformation, and considering message consequences.

Inclusive Communication

The use of language and communication practices that respect diversity and encourage participation from all individuals regardless of background.