Tone, Language, and Communication Strategies

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to tone, language use, intrapersonal and interpersonal communication, conversation strategies, and nonverbal elements.

Communication

The exchange of information through speaking, writing, or another medium to share ideas, emotions, solve problems, or persuade.

Sender

The originator of a message in the communication process.

Message

The information, idea, or feeling being communicated, either verbal or nonverbal.

Medium / Channel

The method or pathway used to transmit a message (e.g., face-to-face, text, email).

Receiver

The person or group who interprets and responds to a message.

Feedback

The receiver’s response that shows whether a message was understood.

Language (in communication)

The actual words and sentence structures chosen to convey a message.

Tone (in communication)

The speaker’s attitude or emotional quality expressed through voice, word choice, or punctuation.

Personal Language

Informal, first-person language used to express one’s own thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Interpersonal Language

Language used for social interaction with others, ranging from formal to informal depending on context.

Personal Context

Communication focused on an individual’s thoughts, emotions, or experiences, typically informal and subjective.

Interpersonal Context

Structured communication in social or professional settings that balances clarity with emotional sensitivity.

Intrapersonal Communication

Internal self-talk involving thoughts, reflections, and decisions where the sender and receiver are the same person.

Reflective Journal

A journal for self-reflection on events to deepen understanding and personal growth.

Gratitude Journal

A journal where one regularly records things they are thankful for.

Dream Journal

A record of dreams written down immediately after waking.

Art Journal

A creative journal combining visual art and writing to explore ideas and emotions.

Travel Journal

A personal record documenting experiences and observations during trips.

Food Journal

A log that tracks daily food and drink intake along with related details like mood or symptoms.

Online Safety

Practices that protect oneself and others while using the internet.

Data Privacy

The principle that individuals control how their personal data is collected, stored, and used.

Online Presence

How visible and accessible a person or brand is across digital platforms and search results.

Conversation Strategy

A technique used to manage, maintain, and negotiate effective interactions during communication.

Turn-taking

Knowing when to speak and when to let others speak so everyone has a chance to contribute.

Active Listening

Paying full attention through eye contact, nodding, and interpreting emotions and intentions.

Feedback-giving

Offering verbal or nonverbal responses (e.g., “I agree,” thumbs-up) to refine ideas and show understanding.

Asking for Clarification

Requesting explanation to ensure understanding (e.g., “Could you explain what you mean?”).

Asking for Repetition

Politely requesting that something be said again (e.g., “Would you mind repeating the last part?”).

Interrupting Politely

Using expressions such as “Excuse me” to add a point without disrespecting the speaker.

Showing Agreement

Verbal or nonverbal cues (smiling, nodding) indicating concurrence (e.g., “I agree.”).

Disagreeing Politely

Expressing a different opinion with respect (e.g., “I see your point, but I have another idea.”).

Summarizing

Restating someone’s message in a shorter form to confirm understanding (e.g., “So what you’re saying is…”).

Politeness Marker

Words or phrases that soften requests and show respect (e.g., “Could you…,” “Pardon me”).

Personal Topics

Subjects centered on self-awareness, values, goals, identity, mental health, and self-care.

Interpersonal Topics

Subjects involving interaction with others, such as communication, conflict resolution, empathy, teamwork, and leadership.

Speaker (Communication Element)

The individual who delivers the message, whose background and credibility shape interpretation.

Purpose (Communication Element)

The reason for communicating—informing, persuading, entertaining, expressing feelings, or solving a problem.

Audience

The intended receiver(s) of a message whose characteristics influence language and tone choice.

Context

The cultural, social, and physical environment in which communication occurs, affecting meaning.

Gesture

Hand or body movements that emphasize or replace words in nonverbal communication.

Eye Contact

A nonverbal cue showing attention, confidence, or emotion; lack of it may signal discomfort.

Proxemics (Physical Distance)

How close or far people stand, reflecting relationship and cultural norms.

Facial Expressions

Movements of facial muscles that directly convey emotions like happiness, anger, or surprise.

Posture

How one sits or stands, communicating openness, interest, or defensiveness.

Appearance

Dress and grooming choices that influence first impressions and message delivery.

Touch (Nonverbal)

Physical contact—such as a handshake—conveying support, friendliness, or power.

Paralanguage

Vocal qualities—tone, pitch, volume, speed—that affect how spoken words are interpreted.

Conflict Resolution through Respectful Dialogue

Handling disagreements by using courteous, empathetic communication and nonverbal cues to ease tension.