The Nature of Business Communication Process

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the fundamental elements, audience types, and types of noise involved in the business communication process.

Communication

The process of creating, exchanging, and interpreting messages between individuals or groups through verbal, nonverbal, or written means, with the purpose of sharing information, ideas, or feelings (Pearson & Nelson, 2000).

Internal Audiences

Refers to other people in the organization, such as subordinates, superiors, peers, and potential employees.

External Audiences

Refers to the people outside of the organization, including customers, suppliers, distributors, unions, stockholders, and the general public.

Business Communication

The exchange of information, ideas, and messages that helps in achieving organizational goals.

Sender

The originator or the source of the message who encodes information to an intended listener or reader.

Receiver

The intended recipient of the message who decodes or interprets the message received from the sender.

Message

A transmissible combination of information that serves as a link connecting both the sender and the receiver toward meaningful understanding.

Channel

The avenue, medium, or means by which an encoded message is transmitted or conveyed to the receiver.

Noise

All kinds of disturbances or distractions that present a gap in the communication process, resulting in a loss or distortion of meaning.

Channel / Physical Noise

Any disturbance that interferes with the physical transmission of a message, such as static on a phone line, weak internet, or construction noise.

Psychological Noise

Internal thoughts, biases, or emotions that interfere with communication, such as daydreaming or being angry.

Physiological Noise

Physical conditions that affect communication, such as hearing loss, fatigue, or illness.

Semantic Noise

Disturbance which interferes with the receiver’s interpretation of the meaning of the message, often caused by jargon, cultural misunderstandings, or ambiguous wording.

Semantics

The study of changes in the meaning of words.

Denotative Meaning

The literal meaning of words shared between a sender and a receiver.

Connotative Meaning

The implied or emotional meaning of words, which can lead to semantic noise if participants have different associations with a term.

Situation

The communication setting, including the specific time and place as to when and where the communication took place.

Feedback

The reaction or response of the receiver which is communicated back to the sender.