Communication, Culture & Professional Skills – Lecture Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from communication processes, culture, ethics, interpersonal and group dynamics, public speaking, and professional skills.

Sender

The originator who initiates and encodes a message in the communication process.

Message

The idea, information, or feeling that is transmitted from sender to receiver.

Receiver

The person for whom a message is intended and who decodes it.

Feedback

The receiver’s response that indicates understanding, confusion, or reaction to the message.

Channel

The medium used to deliver a message (e.g., speech, text, gesture, email).

Noise

Any physical, emotional, or semantic interference that distorts a message.

Physical Dimension (Communication)

The tangible setting where interaction occurs, such as a classroom or meeting room.

Temporal Dimension

The timing and historical context surrounding a communication event.

Social-Psychological Dimension

Roles, relationships, and emotional climate influencing interaction.

Cultural Dimension (Communication)

Shared values, beliefs, and norms that shape how messages are sent and received.

Selective Perception

The process of filtering and interpreting stimuli based on personal factors, often leading to bias.

Selection (Perception Phase)

Choosing specific stimuli to focus on while ignoring others.

Organization (Perception Phase)

Arranging selected information into patterns or categories.

Interpretation (Perception Phase)

Assigning meaning to organized information.

Negotiation (Perception Phase)

Adjusting meaning by comparing interpretations with others.

Attribution

Explaining the causes of behavior or events.

Internal Attribution

Assuming behavior is due to personal traits or disposition.

External Attribution

Assuming behavior is caused by situational factors.

Cultural Sensitivity

Awareness and respect for differing cultural values, beliefs, and communication styles.

Ethnocentrism

The belief that one’s own culture is inherently superior to others.

Adaptation Without Compromise

Adjusting communication style to fit cultural context while upholding core ethics such as honesty and respect.

Academic Integrity

Commitment to honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility in academic work.

Credit Your Sources

Acknowledging original authors to avoid plagiarism.

Quotation Marks

Punctuation used to show exact words taken from another text.

Paraphrasing Correctly

Restating ideas in your own words while giving proper citation.

Self-Plagiarism

Submitting the same work for multiple assignments without permission.

Intellectual Property

Creative works protected by copyright, patent, or trademark laws.

Relational Communication

Exchange of messages that build, maintain, or alter an interpersonal relationship.

Proximity

Physical closeness that increases opportunities for interaction.

Similarity

Shared interests, values, or backgrounds that foster connection.

Complementarity

Differences that balance partners’ traits or behaviors in a relationship.

Reciprocity

Mutual exchange of self-disclosure, support, or favors.

Physical Attractiveness

Visual appeal that can spark initial relational interest.

Rewards (Relationship)

Benefits gained from a relationship, such as support or companionship.

Individualism

Cultural value emphasizing personal goals and independence.

Collectivism

Cultural value prioritizing group goals and interdependence.

High-Context Communication

Indirect style where meaning relies on context and nonverbal cues.

Low-Context Communication

Direct style where meaning is stated explicitly in words.

Power Distance

Extent to which unequal power distribution is accepted in a culture.

Uncertainty Avoidance

Comfort level with ambiguity and risk within a culture.

Time Orientation

Cultural preference for punctual schedules (monochronic) or flexible timing (polychronic).

Conflict

Disagreement between parties arising from differing opinions, needs, or goals.

Destructive Conflict

Interaction that increases hostility and damages relationships.

Constructive Conflict

Disagreement managed to improve understanding or achieve beneficial outcomes.

Active Listening

Skill of focusing fully, withholding judgment, and providing feedback such as paraphrasing.

Problem-Solving (Conflict)

Collaborating to find solutions acceptable to all parties.

Emotional Regulation

Managing one’s feelings to stay calm and rational during conflict.

Open-Mindedness

Willingness to consider alternative perspectives without bias.

Denotative Meaning

The literal, dictionary definition of a word.

Connotative Meaning

Emotional or cultural associations a word evokes beyond its dictionary meaning.

Primary Group

Small, intimate group with strong emotional ties (e.g., family).

Secondary Group

Larger, goal-oriented group (e.g., work team, club).

Task Group

Group formed specifically to complete a project or task.

Forming Stage

Initial group phase focused on orientation and establishing goals.

Storming Stage

Phase where conflicts emerge as members assert ideas and roles.

Norming Stage

Phase where norms develop and cohesion increases.

Performing Stage

Phase where the group works effectively toward objectives.

Adjourning Stage

Final phase in which the group disbands after task completion.

Initiator

Task role that proposes new ideas or solutions.

Information Seeker

Task role that requests facts and clarifications.

Opinion Seeker

Task role that asks for members’ viewpoints.

Clarifier

Task role that explains or elaborates on ideas for understanding.

Evaluator

Task role that assesses ideas, plans, or decisions.

Recorder

Task role responsible for taking notes or minutes.

Encourager

Social role that offers praise and support to members.

Harmonizer

Social role that mediates disputes and reduces tension.

Gatekeeper

Social role ensuring all members have a chance to participate.

Observer

Social role that monitors and reports on group dynamics.

Introduction (Speech)

Opening section that gains attention, states topic, and previews main points.

Body (Speech)

Central portion presenting main points with evidence and examples.

Conclusion (Speech)

Closing section that summarizes ideas and ends memorably.

Informative Speaking

Public speaking aimed at teaching or explaining facts.

Persuasive Speaking

Public speaking intended to influence beliefs or actions.

Entertaining Speaking

Public speaking designed to amuse or engage an audience.

Visual Learner

Person who learns best through images, charts, and spatial understanding.

Auditory Learner

Person who learns best through listening and vocal variation.

Kinesthetic Learner

Person who learns best through movement and hands-on activities.

Contact Information (Resume)

Section listing name, phone, email, and address.

Objective / Summary (Resume)

Brief statement of career goals or professional profile.

Education (Resume)

Section noting schools attended, degrees, and dates.

Work Experience

Resume section detailing previous employment and responsibilities.

Skills & Certifications

List of relevant abilities, licenses, or qualifications.

Cover Letter Introduction

Opening paragraph stating who you are and job applying for.

Cover Letter Body

Middle section explaining why you fit the position, with examples.

Cover Letter Closing

Final paragraph expressing interest and inviting follow-up.

Professional Appearance

Appropriate dress and grooming that create a positive first impression in interviews.

Audience Analysis

Process of tailoring a message to listeners’ age, culture, interests, and context.

Purpose of Communication

The speaker’s intent—informative, persuasive, or entertaining.

Nonverbal Cues

Body language, facial expressions, and gestures that convey meaning without words.