Lecture Notes: Nature & Process of Communications, Models, Barriers, Styles, Acts

60 vocabulary flashcards covering the basics of communication processes, models, barriers, functions, contexts, styles, and speech acts.

Source

The originator of the message or information.

Message

The information, ideas, or thoughts conveyed by the speaker.

Encoding

The process of converting the message into words, actions, or other forms.

Channel

The medium through which a message is conveyed (personal/non-personal; verbal/nonverbal).

Decoding

The process of interpreting the encoded message by the receiver.

Receiver

The recipient who decodes the message.

Feedback

Reactions or responses provided by the receiver.

Context

The environment or setting in which communication occurs.

Barrier

Factors that hinder or block the flow of communication.

Shannon-Weaver Model

A linear, one-way model with Source, Transmitter, Channel, Receiver, Destination; lacks feedback.

Transmitter

The device or person that encodes and sends the message.

Destination

The final recipient of the message.

Transaction Model

A two-way, interactive model that includes feedback.

Schramm Model

emphasizes encoding and decoding; feedback makes communication complete.

Physical Barrier

Environmental conditions that prevent hearing or understanding.

Physiological Barrier

Limitations of the human body or mind affecting communication.

Attitudinal Barrier

Differences in perceptions or behaviors that hinder shared meaning.

Emotional Barrier

Emotions that affect understanding or being understood.

Language Barrier

Inability to converse in a familiar language.

Cultural Barrier

Cultural differences that hinder communication.

Completeness

Providing all necessary information for the receiver to respond or evaluate.

Conciseness

Directness; eliminating insignificant or redundant information.

Consideration

Taking into account the receiver’s mood, background, needs to build rapport.

Concreteness

Supported by facts, figures, and real-life examples.

Courtesy

Respect for the receiver’s culture, values, and beliefs.

Clearness

Use of simple, specific words; clear, single objective.

Correctness

Accurate grammar and language to enhance credibility.

Regulation / Control

Function of communication to regulate or control behavior.

Social Interaction

Function enabling people to interact with one another.

Motivation

Function that motivates, encourages, and provides progress feedback.

Emotional Expression

Function to express feelings or satisfaction/frustration.

Information

Function to share or obtain information.

Intrapersonal

Communication that occurs within one’s own mind (thinking, planning).

Interpersonal

Communication between two or more people.

Dyadic

Communication between two persons.

Small Group

Communication among 3–12 people.

Public Communication

Delivery of a message to a crowd; feedback not required.

Mass Communication

Communication via media (TV, radio, newspapers, internet) to large audiences.

Frozen Style

Most formal style; fixed form; little to no audience feedback.

Formal Style

Academic/professional language; usually one-way; preplanned.

Consultative Style

Semi-formal, two-way; speaker and receiver share ideas; unplanned.

Casual Style

Informal, everyday language used in personal conversations.

Intimate Style

Close, personal conversations between familiar individuals.

Locutionary Act

The utterance or what is said by the speaker.

Illocutionary Act

The intended meaning or purpose of the utterance.

Perlocutionary Act

The effect or action resulting from the utterance.

Assertive

Expresses belief about the truth of a proposition (e.g., suggesting, concluding).

Directive

Attempts to get the receiver to perform an action (e.g., asking, commanding).

Commissive

Brings about a change in a situation (e.g., blessing, firing).

Expressive

Expresses feelings or emotional reactions (e.g., thanking, apologizing).

Declarative

Brings about a change in a situation (e.g., blessing, baptizing).

Verbal Channel

Channel that uses words; spoken or written.

Nonverbal Channel

Channel that uses body language, tone, gestures, etc.

Personal Channel

Direct, face-to-face or personal contact between sender and receiver.

Non-personal Channel

Impersonal channels such as mass media.

Linear Model

Another name for the one-way Shannon-Weaver model.

One-way Process

Communication flow without feedback.

Seven Cs of Effective Communication

A framework of completeness, conciseness, consideration, concreteness, courtesy, clearness, and correctness.

Two-way Process

A communication process that includes feedback and is interactive.

Mass Media

Print, broadcast, and online channels used to reach large audiences.