Speech terminology Ch. 01

communication

An exchange of information that occurs anytime someone else sees and/or hears you

decoding

The act of someone listening and then interpreting your words into ideas they create in their own minds

encoding

The act of someone putting words together in phrases and sentences to represent feelings and ideas

factors that affect communication

volume, speed, pitch (how low/high voice is), clothes, hair, personal hygiene

best way to be clear in speaking

Using accurate and specific words rather than general words (i.e. "He was 6'3" tall and weighed 250 pounds" vs. "He was a big man.")

messages

Thoughts and feelings people express through codes (ex. sign language), language, and behaviors (ex. body language)

noise

Anything --either physical (ex. phone ringing) or physiological (ex. hot room; low voice)--which can distract a listener from what you are saying

field of experience

One's knowledge and attitudes about certain topics. Should keep this factor in mind about your audience when preparing a speech.

context

The wide range of factors around any given communication (i.e. location, recent events, seasons) that could affect how the message is received.

informal communication

Most common type of communication; spontaneous (ex. talking on phone, answering a question, chatting)

formal communication

Structured type of communication; takes preparation (ex. job interview, speech, debate)

nonverbal communication

Unspoken behaviors that convey communication (ex. facial expressions, hand/eye/head movements, posture, smiling/frowning). People tend to believe these behaviors the most.

verbal communication

Spoken behaviors that convey communication (ex. words, phrases, language)

partial decoders

People who choose to only listen to PART of what you say because they may have ideas that conflict with what you are saying (ex. gun control).