Oral Communication - Week 1 Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key concepts from the lecture notes on verbal and non-verbal communication, the process of communication, and its core elements.

Communication

From the Latin word communicare meaning 'to share'; the act of passing information from one location, person, or group to another; can be verbal or non-verbal.

Verbal communication

Communication through language; the act of sharing meaning using spoken or written words.

Non-verbal communication

Communication of meaning through body language, gestures, constructed space, and other non-linguistic means.

Oral communication

A method of exchanging language from one person to another; examples include job interviews, debates, giving speeches, storytelling.

Sender

The source of information initiating the communication; the first party in the process.

Receiver

The person who gets messages, understands them, and responds by taking appropriate action.

Channel

The route or medium used to deliver the encoded message from sender to recipient.

Message

The subject material the sender wants to communicate; may include facts, opinions, ideas, requests, or suggestions.

Encoding

The process of giving form and meaning to the message using words, symbols, gestures, drawings, or other means.

Decoding

The process by which the recipient converts the message into meaningful words or understanding.

Noise

Any element that interferes with communication; may or may not appear.

Feedback

Information that indicates whether the message was understood and whether the recipient acts as intended.

Approach

Timing, medium, and strategies for starting and conducting a conversation; informed by knowledge of the audience.

Development

A communication characteristic that should always be present; includes citations, references, or a basis for information shared.

Clarity

The quality that enables the recipient to understand the message; prevents misunderstanding and confusion.

Tone

The way something is said; affects how the message is perceived and how likely listeners are to engage.

Correctness

Precision of ideas, language, and grammar; using right words and syntax for effective communication.

Audience

The people the speaker aims to reach; awareness of the audience informs how to approach and present information.