Purposive Communication and Nonverbal Codes

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions of communication, its characteristics, barriers, organizational structures, models of communication, and nonverbal codes based on the lecture notes.

Communication (Madrino, 2016)

The exchange of thoughts, ideas, concepts, and views between and among or more people.

Communication (O’hair & Wiemann, 2014)

The process by which individuals use symbols, signs, and behaviors to exchange information; much more complex than “common sense.”

Language

A human communication method or the system through which people interact.

Affiliation

A function of communication focused on expressing feelings for others.

Symbols

Arbitrary constructions (usually in the form of language or behaviors) that refer to people, things, and concepts.

Code

A set of symbols that are joined to create a meaningful message.

Culture

The shared beliefs, values, and practices of a group of people.

Channel

The method through which communication occurs.

Transactional Process

A process that emphasizes the ongoing, reciprocal nature of communication, highlighting the importance of feedback, context, and mutual understanding.

Purposive Communication

Intentional, goal-oriented communication aimed at achieving a specific purpose or objective, involving conveying messages effectively to inform, persuade, entertain, build relationships, or express emotions.

Prejudice

Having preconceived notions or biases about certain people or groups that lead to misunderstandings and filter information through those biases.

Closed-mindedness

A lack of willingness to listen to others’ perspectives or ideas, creating a communication barrier that shuts down meaningful exchange.

Stereotyping

Assuming that certain characteristics are true for all members of a group, leading to oversimplified and inaccurate communication.

Physiological Barriers

Barriers arising from physical conditions such as hearing impairment, speech disorders, visual impairment, chronic pain, fatigue, and neurological conditions.

Professional Jargon

Specific terminology used by experienced colleagues that can lead to confusion for those new to a field.

Ambiguity

Occurs when a message can be interpreted in multiple ways, leading to confusion or misunderstanding.

Information Overload

Occurs when someone is overwhelmed by the amount of information they need to process, such as email overload or social media feeds.

Jumping to Conclusions

A cognitive bias where people make judgments or decisions without having all the necessary information, such as misinterpreting body language or assuming intent.

Silo Mentality

A structural barrier where departments or teams operate in isolation and do not communicate effectively with each other.

Linear Model

A one-way model or "pipeline model" of communication where information flows in a single direction.

Shannon and Weaver’s Mathematical Model

A model that introduced a technical element known as "noise" that interrupts or distorts the signal before it reaches the receiver.

Aristotle’s Model of Communication

A model that emphasizes the speaker/sender as the primary component and focuses on persuasion.

Newcomb’s Model

A model involving an object of orientation or topic, represented by "X", and the social equilibrium between participants.

Osgood and Schramm’s Model

A model where communication involves the roles of encoder, interpreter, and decoder.

Westley and MacLean’s Model

A model that illustrates communication between reporters, editors, and readers, introducing the concept of gatekeeping.

Competent Communication Model

An interactive model that incorporates context, such as culture, physical, social, and historical environments, to shape meaning.

Lasswell’s Model

A model that asks: "Who says what in which channel to whom with what effect?"

Kinesics

The study of body movements and gestures.

Emblems

Gestures with direct verbal meanings that can replace spoken words (e.g., raising a hand in class).

Illustrators

Gestures that accompany and reinforce speech.

Regulators

Nonverbal cues used to control the flow of conversation, such as phone checking during a talk.

Adaptors

Unconscious nonverbal behaviors like pen clicking that usually release tension.

Paralanguage

Vocal cues including voice tone, pitch, and volume.

Proxemics

The study of space and territoriality in communication.

Haptics

The study of touch as a form of nonverbal communication.

Chronemics

The study of how time is used and perceived in communication.

Oculistics

The study of eye behavior and facial expressions.

Artifacts

Physical appearance and objects, like clothing or jewelry, used to communicate status or power.

Immediacy

A function of nonverbal communication created by eye contact and openness to foster closeness.

Contradicting

A function of nonverbal behavior where cues conflict with verbal messages, such as clenching fists while denying anger.