Effective Communication – 1st Quarterly Exam Review

Communication

A systematic, ever-changing process of exchanging information, ideas, thoughts, or feelings through verbal and non-verbal symbols to create shared meaning.

Communis

Latin root meaning common, shared, mutual – basis of the word communication.

Communicare

Latin root meaning to make common or to share – origin of the term communication.

Verbal Communication

The use of spoken or written words to convey a message.

Non-verbal Communication

The transmission of meaning through tone, facial expressions, gestures, posture, eye contact, and other unspoken cues.

Clarity

Principle of making a message easy to understand.

Coherence

Logical and consistent organization of a message.

Courtesy

Polite and respectful attitude in communication.

Feedback

Information given in response to a message, helping the sender understand the effectiveness of their communication.

Multimodal Communication

A text or message that employs more than one mode (linguistic, visual, aural, gestural, spatial) to convey meaning.

Linguistic / Alphabetic Mode

Use of written or spoken words, including word choice, grammar, tone, and style.

Visual Mode

Anything the audience can see, such as images, color, layout, or video.

Gestural Mode

Body movement, facial expression, and other physical gestures that reinforce spoken language.

Writer / Speaker (Theoretical Anchor)

Originator of the message who considers purpose and audience.

Audience (Theoretical Anchor)

Intended receiver; their needs, background, and expectations shape the message.

Message (Theoretical Anchor)

Actual content communicated; must be clear, organized, and meaningful.

Context (Theoretical Anchor)

Situation or setting—including social, cultural, physical, technological factors—in which communication occurs.

Purpose (Theoretical Anchor)

Reason for communicating: to inform, persuade, entertain, or express.

To Inform

Purpose focused on giving facts, explanations, or instructions.

To Persuade

Purpose aimed at convincing the audience to agree or act.

To Entertain

Purpose of providing enjoyment or emotional engagement.

To Express

Purpose of sharing personal feelings or thoughts.

Sender

Person who originates and encodes the message in the communication process.

Encoding

Process of converting ideas into words, symbols, gestures, or other communicative forms.

Channel / Medium

Path through which an encoded message travels from sender to receiver.

Decoding

Receiver’s translation of symbols or signals into meaningful ideas.

Receiver

Person or group who gets and interprets the message.

Noise

Any barrier or hindrance that distorts or interrupts the communication process.

Feedback (Process Element)

Response sent from receiver back to sender confirming understanding.

Transactional Model

Two-way, simultaneous exchange where communicators send and receive messages constantly.

Dunn and Goodnight’s Model

Interdependent communication process emphasizing differences; includes people, message, encoding, decoding, channel, feedback, context, noise.

Barnlund’s Model

Transactional model highlighting noise, feedback, and creation of shared meaning.

Wood’s Model

View of communication as continually changing, simultaneous, and shaped by past interactions and contexts.

Hamilton’s Model

Business-focused transactional model featuring stimulation, motivation, codes, frame of reference, environment, and noise.

Frame of Reference

Communicator’s background and experiences influencing encoding and decoding.

Frame of Experience

Shared overlap of backgrounds needed for accurate message interpretation.

Code (Language)

Verbal symbols—spoken or written words—used to convey meaning.

Paralanguage

Vocal code comprising tone, pitch, rate, volume, and emphasis.

Non-verbal Cues (Visual Code)

Intentional or unintentional visual symbols such as facial expression, eye contact, posture.

Communication Breakdown

Failure in transmitting or interpreting a message accurately, often due to noise.

Physical Noise

External environmental stimuli (e.g., loud sounds, technical issues) that distract from a message.

Psychological Noise

Internal emotional or mental barriers like attitudes, values, or anxiety disrupting communication.

Physiological Noise

Bodily conditions (e.g., illness, fatigue) that hinder sending or receiving messages.

Cultural Noise

Misinterpretations arising from differing customs, beliefs, or non-verbal norms between cultures.

Semantic Noise

Confusion over word meanings, jargon, or language differences that distort messages.

Speech Context

Environment and conditions—participants, purpose, setting, formality—surrounding a communication event.

Intrapersonal Communication

Communication with oneself through thoughts, self-talk, or writing.

Internal Discourse

Intrapersonal thinking processes such as daydreaming, prayer, or meditation.

Solo Vocal Discourse

Talking aloud to oneself to clear thoughts or practice.

Solo Written Discourse

Writing for oneself, such as diary entries, not meant for others.

Interpersonal Communication

Communication between and among people that establishes personal relationships.

Dyadic Communication

Direct interaction between exactly two people.

Conversation

Informal, face-to-face exchange often for social or therapeutic purposes.

Dialogue

Intentional, reflective exchange aimed at mutual understanding.

Interview

Formal, purposive consultation to obtain specific information.

Small Group Communication

Interpersonal exchange within 3–20 individuals.

Knowledge-gaining Group

Small group formed to learn or improve skills collectively.

Personal-growth Group

Support group focusing on members’ well-being and personal challenges.

Social Group

Group gathered for informal interaction and relationship maintenance.

Problem-solving Group

Task-oriented group assembled to provide solutions or make decisions.

Public Communication

Communication between a speaker and an audience with the aim to inform or persuade.

Mass Communication

Dissemination of messages to large audiences via media such as TV, radio, newspapers, or the Internet.