speech

Communication

The process of generating meaning by sending and receiving verbal and nonverbal symbols and signs influenced by multiple contexts.

Rhetoric

The art of speaking well and persuasively, originally theorized by ancient Greek philosophers like Aristotle.

Invention

The use of evidence and arguments to think about things in new ways; the most studied of the five canons of rhetoric.

Arrangement

The organization of speech in the context of rhetoric.

Style

The use of language in communication.

Delivery

The vocal and physical characteristics of a speaker in communication.

Memory

The techniques employed by speakers to retain and repeat large amounts of information; the least studied of the five canons of rhetoric.

Intrapersonal Communication

Communication with oneself using internal vocalization or reflective thinking.

Interpersonal Communication

Communication between people whose lives mutually influence one another, essential for building and maintaining relationships.

Group Communication

Communication among three or more people interacting to achieve a shared goal.

Public Communication

A sender-focused form of communication where one person conveys information to an audience.

Mass Communication

Public communication transmitted to many people through print or electronic media.

Encoding

The process of turning thoughts into communication.

Decoding

The process of turning communication into thoughts.

Noise

Anything that interferes with a message being sent between participants in a communication encounter.

Environmental Noise

Physical noise present in a communication encounter that can interfere with message transmission.

Semantic Noise

Noise that occurs in the encoding and decoding process when participants do not understand a symbol.

Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC)

Any type of communication that takes place using electronic devices.

Interaction Model of Communication

Describes communication as a process where participants alternate positions as sender and receiver.

Feedback

Messages sent in response to other messages in a communication encounter.

Physical Context

Environmental factors in a communication encounter that influence communication.

Psychological Context

Mental and emotional factors in a communication encounter that can affect communication.

Transaction Model of Communication

Describes communication as a process where communicators generate social realities within various contexts.

Social Context

Stated rules or unstated norms that guide communication.

Relational Context

The previous interpersonal history and type of relationship with a person.

Cultural Context

Various aspects of identities such as race, gender, nationality, and class that influence communication.

Integrative Learning

Encourages students to reflect on how their learning connects to other classes, professional goals, and civic responsibilities.

Physical Needs

Needs that keep our bodies and minds functioning, connected to communication.

Instrumental Needs

Needs that help achieve short- and long-term goals in daily life.

Compliance Gaining

Strategies used to seek compliance from others, differing from coercion.

Phatic Communion

Scripted verbal interactions intended to establish social bonds rather than exchange meaning.

Communication Ethics

The process of negotiating and reflecting on actions and communication regarding right and wrong.

Communication Competence

The knowledge and ability to use effective communication patterns in various contexts.

Four Stages of Competence

Unconscious incompetence, conscious incompetence, conscious competence, and unconscious competence.

Mindful Communicator

A communicator who actively processes information and adapts to various communication contexts.

Communication Apprehension (CA)

Fear or anxiety experienced due to actual or imagined communication with others.

Public Speaking Anxiety

A type of CA that produces reactions when faced with a real or imagined presentation.

Systematic Desensitization

A method to address public speaking anxiety.

Cognitive Restructuring

A technique to change negative thought patterns related to communication anxiety.

Skills Training

A method to improve communication skills and reduce anxiety.