NACC Module 2 - Communication Terms

A systemic process in which people use symbols to create and interpret meaning.

Example: Two friends talking and understanding each other's ideas.

Something that is continuous and always changing.

Example: A conversation changes as people respond to each other.

A group of connected parts that influence one another.

Example: Family members influence each other's communication.

Anything that represents something else.

Example: Words, gestures, or a wedding ring.

The literal meaning of a message.

Example: "Please close the door."

The feelings or relationship expressed by the message.

Example: A smile while saying "You're impossible!" shows affection.

How people see themselves through communication with others.

Example: Parents telling a child they are kind and responsible.

Anything that interferes with communication.

Example: Loud music, stress, or distractions.

A response to a message.

Example: Nodding while someone is speaking.

A one-way communication model from sender to receiver.

Example: Watching a television broadcast.

A communication model that includes feedback between sender and receiver.

Example: A classroom discussion.

A communication model where both people send and receive messages simultaneously.

Example: Two friends having a conversation.

Communication between people to build and maintain relationships.

Example: Talking with a close friend.

Communication among several people working toward a common goal.

Example: A committee planning an event.

Communication within workplaces or organizations.

Example: A manager giving instructions to employees.

Communication related to health care and patient care.

Example: A doctor explaining treatment to a patient.

Speaking to an audience.

Example: Giving a classroom presentation.

Communication between people from different cultures.

Example: Students from different countries working together.

The active process of selecting, organizing, and interpreting information to create meaning.

Example: Two students hear the same teacher but understand the lesson differently.

The process of choosing which information to pay attention to.
Example: You notice your phone vibrating even in a noisy room.

Focusing on certain information while ignoring other information.

Example: A hungry person notices restaurants while walking downtown.

Grouping information into meaningful patterns.

Example: You recognize a group of objects as classroom supplies.

A mental framework based on previous knowledge and experiences.

Example: You expect a library to be quiet because of past experiences.

Giving meaning to the information we notice.

Example: A friend who doesn't reply may be interpreted as busy or upset.

An explanation for why someone behaves a certain way.

Example: Assuming someone is late because they are careless.

Explaining behaviour based on a person's personality or character.

Example: Saying someone failed because they were lazy.

Explaining behaviour based on outside circumstances.

Example: Believing someone was late because of heavy traffic.

Expecting something to happen and behaving in ways that make it happen.
Example: A student who believes they will fail stops studying and then fails.

A generalized belief about members of a group.
Example: Assuming all teenagers are irresponsible.

Technology used to communicate and share information online.

Example: Social media influencing how people see beauty or success.

Selecting certain details while leaving out others when describing something.

Example: Saying "The movie was great" without explaining why.

The way our body's senses affect perception.

Example: Someone with excellent hearing notices sounds others miss.

Shared beliefs, values, customs, and traditions that influence perception.

Example: Eye contact may be considered respectful in one culture but rude in another.

The ongoing process of developing and understanding who we are through communication.

Example: A person's identity changes as they gain new life experiences.

A person's understanding of who they are, including their beliefs, values, and roles.

Example: Someone may identify as a student, parent, athlete, and friend.

Messages from others that directly describe or label who we are.

Example: A teacher says, "You are a great leader."

Rules or expectations learned from family or society about how we should behave.

Example: A family teaches that education should always come first.

The pattern of relationships formed through early interactions with caregivers.
Example: A child with supportive parents often develops secure relationships.

An attachment style based on consistent love, support, and trust.

Example: A child feels comfortable asking parents for help.

An attachment style where a person wants close relationships but fears rejection.

Example: Someone avoids friendships because they expect to be hurt.

An attachment style where people avoid emotional closeness and value independence.

Example: A person believes they do not need close relationships.

An attachment style caused by inconsistent caregiving, leading to uncertainty in
relationships.

Example: Someone constantly worries their friends will stop liking them.

Comparing ourselves with others to judge our own abilities or qualities.

Example: Comparing your grades with classmates.

A belief about yourself that influences your behavior until it becomes true.

Example: Believing you will fail an exam, studying less, and then failing.

Seeing yourself based on how you think others see you.

Example: Feeling confident because your coach believes in your abilities.

The idea that other people act like mirrors that shape our self-image.

Example: Positive feedback from friends increases your confidence.

The values, rules, and expectations of society that influence our identity.

Example: Society's expectations about careers influence future goals.

The understanding that you are a separate individual from others.

Example: A young child begins recognizing that their thoughts and feelings are their own.

An active process of paying attention, understanding, responding, and remembering
messages.

Example: Carefully listening while a teacher explains a lesson.

The physical process of detecting sound.

Example: Hearing a fire alarm ring.

Giving your full attention to the present moment and the speaker.

Example: Putting away your phone while someone is talking.

Receiving messages through hearing, sign language, lip reading, or feeling sound
vibrations.

Example: A person reading lips during a conversation.

Giving meaning to another person's message.

Example: Understanding that a friend's quiet voice means they are upset.

Showing the speaker you are listening through verbal or nonverbal feedback.

Example: Nodding and saying, "I understand."

Retaining important information after listening.

Example: Remembering instructions your teacher gave before a test.

Receiving more information than you can process.

Example: Trying to listen while reading emails and texting at the same time.

Outside factors that interfere with listening.

Example: Loud music making it difficult to hear a conversation.

Being distracted by your own thoughts or worries.
Example: Thinking about tomorrow's exam instead of listening in class.

Pretending to listen while your mind is somewhere else.

Example: Looking at the speaker while secretly checking social media.

Paying attention to only certain parts of a message.

Example: Only listening when the teacher says, "This will be on the exam."

Interpreting harmless comments as personal criticism.

Example: Thinking a simple question is meant as an insult.

Listening only to argue or criticize.

Example: Waiting for someone to finish speaking so you can prove them wrong.

Listening to understand and support another person's feelings.

Example: Comforting a friend who is upset by listening without judging.

A word, object, or action that represents something else.
Example: The word tree represents a real tree.

A symbol has no natural connection to what it represents.
Example: Different languages use different words for "water."

A word can have more than one meaning.
Example: The word "cool" may mean cold or fashionable.

A word represents an idea instead of something concrete.
Example: Freedom cannot be touched but can be understood.

Shared expectations about how people should communicate.
Example: Waiting your turn before speaking during class.

Rules that explain when, where, how, and with whom communication is appropriate.
Example: Raising your hand before speaking in class.

Rules that explain what different communication behaviors mean.
Example: A handshake usually means greeting or respect.

How people define the beginning and ending of interactions.
Example: Two people disagree about who started an argument.

A communication cycle where one person pushes while the other avoids discussion.
Example: One partner wants to talk about a problem while the other refuses to discuss it.

Defining a person by only one characteristic.
Example: Calling someone only "a jock" and ignoring the rest of their personality.

Words that strongly influence people's opinions or emotions.
Example: Calling a policy "dangerous" instead of "controversial."

Making broad assumptions about an entire group of people.
Example: Assuming all teenagers are irresponsible.

Thinking about situations that are not happening right now.
Example: Planning what you would do if you won the lottery.

Thinking about your own thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
Example: Reviewing how you handled an argument after it ended.

Understanding both your own viewpoint and another person's viewpoint. Example: Understanding why a coworker disagrees with you before responding.

Expressing your own feelings without blaming others.
Example: "I feel disappointed when meetings start late."

Blaming another person for your feelings.
Example: "You always make me angry."

Managing the image you present to other people.
Example: Speaking professionally during a job interview.

Communication through actions, behaviors, appearance, and other cues instead of words. Example: Smiling at a friend instead of saying "I'm happy to see you."

Communication through body movement. Example: Waving goodbye.

Movements of the face that communicate emotions. Example: Smiling when you receive good news.

Looking at another person's eyes during communication. Example: Looking at your teacher while listening.

Movements of the hands or body that communicate meaning. Example: Giving a thumbs-up to show approval.

Communication through touch. Example: Shaking hands after an interview.

The way a person looks, including clothing and grooming. Example: Wearing professional clothing to a job interview.

Objects people use that communicate information about them. Example: A doctor's stethoscope or a police officer's badge.

The use of personal space during communication. Example: Standing farther away from a stranger than from a close friend.

Communication through the use of time. Example: Arriving early for an important meeting.

The vocal qualities that affect meaning, such as tone, pitch, volume, and speed. Example: Saying "Great job!" enthusiastically versus sarcastically.

The intentional absence of speech that communicates meaning. Example: Remaining silent to show respect during a ceremony.

The nonverbal messages that communicate the nature of a relationship. Example: A warm hug communicates closeness.

The physical surroundings that influence communication. Example: A quiet office makes conversation easier than a noisy cafeteria.

Shared beliefs that influence nonverbal communication. Example: The amount of eye contact considered respectful differs across cultures.

A close relationship between unique people based on commitment and communication. Example: A best friend or romantic partner.

The decision to remain in a relationship over time. Example: Supporting your partner during difficult times.

Strong emotional and physical attraction toward another person. Example: Feeling excited at the beginning of a new relationship.

The time, effort, trust, and emotions put into a relationship. Example: Spending years building trust with a close friend.

Shared expectations about how partners should communicate and behave. Example: Agreeing to be honest with each other.

Natural tensions that exist in every close relationship. Example: Wanting personal space while also wanting closeness.

The balance between independence and closeness. Example: Spending time alone while maintaining a strong friendship.

The balance between excitement and routine. Example: Trying a new restaurant instead of always eating at the same place.

The balance between sharing information and keeping some things private. Example: Discussing personal goals but keeping certain family matters private.

Finding a compromise between two opposing relationship needs. Example: Spending some weekends together and some apart.

Viewing two opposite needs as working together instead of competing. Example: Realizing that personal independence can strengthen a relationship.

The unique routines, meanings, and communication patterns shared by partners. Example: Having inside jokes that only the two of you understand.

Refusing to discuss problems or communicate during conflict. Example: Ignoring your partner whenever they try to solve a disagreement.

Different ways people experience love. Examples: Eros - passionate love; Storge - friendship love; Ludus - playful love; Mania - possessive love; Agape - selfless love; Pragma - practical love.

The feeling that both partners contribute fairly to the relationship. Example: Sharing household responsibilities equally.

Three or more people who work together toward a common goal. Example: Four students completing a class project.

A special type of group whose members have different skills and work closely together. Example: A hospital surgical team.

Members rely on one another to achieve a shared goal. Example: Each teammate completes a different part of the project.

When group members put in less effort because they are working with others. Example: One student lets the rest of the group complete the assignment.

When group members working together produce better results than individuals working alone. Example: A brainstorming session creates more ideas than one person could generate.

The feeling of unity and closeness among group members. Example: A sports team that supports and encourages one another.

When members avoid disagreement and stop thinking critically to maintain harmony. Example: Everyone agrees with the leader even though the idea has obvious problems.

The ability to influence other people. Example: A team leader assigning tasks.

Using authority to direct or control others. Example: A supervisor assigning extra work.

Helping others achieve their goals. Example: A leader mentoring a new employee.

Shared expectations about how group members should behave. Example: Everyone arrives on time for meetings.

Most communication passes through one or two members. Example: Employees report everything through a manager.

Communication is shared equally among members. Example: Everyone contributes ideas during a team meeting.

Communication that focuses on completing the group's work. Example: Discussing solutions to a project problem.

Communication that builds positive relationships within the group. Example: Thanking a teammate for their hard work.

A group of people working together to achieve shared goals. Example: A school, hospital, or business.

The system of roles, procedures, and reporting relationships that organizes work. Example: Employees reporting to supervisors according to an organizational chart.

The formal and informal connections through which information flows. Example: Official emails and conversations between coworkers.

The shared values, beliefs, and ways of working within an organization. Example: A company that values teamwork and open communication.

A system where authority is organized into different levels. Example: Employees report to supervisors, who report to managers.

Stories about an organization's history, values, and important events. Example: Employees sharing how the company's founder started the business.

Stories employees tell about themselves to shape how others see them. Example: A manager describing how they solved a difficult workplace problem.

Stories about coworkers that help others understand personalities and expectations. Example: A new employee learning which coworker is always willing to help.

Important planned events that celebrate or recognize organizational milestones. Example: Retirement celebrations or employee award ceremonies.

Regular activities that become part of everyday organizational life. Example: Weekly staff meetings every Monday morning.

The responsibilities expected of someone because of their position. Example: A manager supervising employees.

Official rules that guide employee behavior and organizational practices. Example: A workplace policy about vacation requests.

Official channels used to communicate within an organization. Example: A supervisor giving instructions to employees.

Unofficial communication that spreads information through personal conversations. Example: Employees discussing upcoming organizational changes during lunch.

Technology used to communicate and complete work. Example: Email, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack, or LinkedIn.

A shared way of life that includes beliefs, values, traditions, and communication practices. Example: Greeting with a handshake in one culture and a bow in another.

The idea that all parts of a culture are connected and influence one another. Example: New technology changes how people work, communicate, and socialize.

A cultural value that emphasizes personal independence and individual achievement. Example: Encouraging people to make their own life decisions.

A cultural value that emphasizes family, community, and group goals. Example: Making decisions based on what benefits the family.

The degree to which people prefer clear rules and predictable situations. Example: A workplace with detailed procedures for every task.

The extent to which people accept unequal distributions of power. Example: Employees rarely questioning their manager's decisions.

A cultural dimension that compares competition and achievement with cooperation and caring. Example: One culture rewards competition while another values teamwork.

Whether a culture focuses on future goals or immediate results. Example: Saving money for future generations instead of spending it immediately.

The idea that cultures continuously change over time. Example: Social media changing communication habits.

The spread of ideas, customs, or practices from one culture to another. Example: Sushi becoming popular in many countries.

Groups within a larger culture that have their own shared experiences and communication patterns. Example: Religious communities or ethnic communities within Canada.

Communication that relies on indirect messages and shared understanding. Example: Hinting at a request instead of saying it directly.

Communication that is direct, clear, and detailed. Example: Giving specific written instructions.

The ability to understand and adapt when interacting with people from different cultures. Example: Learning local customs before working in another country.

Assuming all members of a group are the same. Example: Believing every person from a certain culture communicates identically.

Communication channels that send messages to large audiences. Example: Television news broadcasts.

Digital platforms where people create, share, and interact with content. Example: Instagram or Facebook.

Converting information into digital form so it can be stored, edited, and shared electronically. Example: Editing a photo using a smartphone app.

The combination of different forms of media into one digital platform. Example: Watching videos, listening to music, and texting on one smartphone.

The idea that people choose media to satisfy personal needs and interests. Example: Watching a comedy movie to relax after a stressful day.

The idea that media influence what people believe is important by deciding what receives attention. Example: News stations covering one major event all day.

A person or organization that decides which information reaches the public. Example: A newspaper editor deciding which stories appear on the front page.

The idea that heavy television viewing gradually shapes people's beliefs about reality. Example: Believing crime is extremely common because television frequently shows violent crime.

The process by which repeated media messages create similar beliefs among viewers. Example: Constantly seeing the same stereotypes in television programs.

When media messages match a person's real-life experiences, making the message seem more believable. Example: Someone who has experienced crime believing television accurately represents society.

Being connected to digital communication almost all the time. Example: Constantly checking messages throughout the day.

Trying to perform several tasks at the same time. Example: Texting while studying.

The ability to understand, analyze, evaluate, and respond critically to media. Example: Checking multiple news sources before believing a story.

The gap between people who have access to digital technology and those who do not. Example: Some rural communities having limited internet access.

The way media reinforce certain beliefs, values, or viewpoints. Example: Television consistently portraying one social group more positively than another.

Speaking to a group of people to inform, persuade, or entertain. Example: Giving a presentation in class.

The idea that public speaking uses the same communication skills as everyday conversation, but with a larger audience. Example: Explaining an idea to a class the same way you would explain it to a friend, but in a more organized way.

The subject of a speech. Example: Climate change.

A visual diagram used to organize ideas and narrow a broad topic into a specific one. Example: Creating a brainstorming chart about healthy living before choosing to speak about exercise.

The overall goal of a speech. Example: To inform people about healthy eating.

A clear statement describing exactly what the speaker wants the audience to know, believe, or do. Example: Convince listeners to recycle more often.

A speech that teaches or explains information to an audience. Example: Explaining how CPR works.

A speech that tries to change the audience's beliefs, attitudes, or actions. Example: Encouraging people to volunteer in their community.

A speech designed to amuse, interest, or celebrate with an audience. Example: A wedding toast.

The main idea of the entire speech expressed in one clear sentence. Example: "Regular exercise improves both physical and mental health."

Studying the audience's general characteristics, such as age, education, culture, occupation, and religion. Example: Using simpler language when speaking to children than to university students.

Studying the audience's knowledge, interest, attitudes, and the speaking situation before preparing a speech. Example: Knowing your audience already understands the topic, so you skip basic explanations.

Changing your speech to match the needs, interests, and knowledge of your audience. Example: Using sports examples when speaking to athletes.

Finding information using internet sources to support a speech. Example: Using a government website to find current health statistics.

Checking whether information is accurate, current, unbiased, and written by a credible author. Example: Using a university website instead of an anonymous blog for research.

The process of gathering reliable information to support a speech. Example: Finding facts from books and trusted websites before giving a presentation.

Finding information using websites and search engines. Example: Using Statistics Canada to find current population data.

Using books, journals, and academic databases to gather reliable information. Example: Finding research articles in a university library database.

A conversation with someone who has knowledge or experience about a topic. Example: Interviewing a police officer about road safety.

Research that collects opinions or information from a group of people. Example: Asking students how often they use social media.

Information used to support the speaker's ideas or claims. Example: Using research findings to support an argument.

Numbers that summarize information or show relationships. Example: "One in four people experience..."

Specific instances used to explain or support an idea. Example: Describing one student's experience to explain exam stress.

A made-up but realistic example used to explain an idea. Example: Imagining how a family might benefit from a new law.

Showing similarities between two things to help explain an idea. Example: Comparing the brain to a computer.

A direct comparison using the words like or as. Example: "Learning is like climbing a mountain."

A comparison that describes one thing as another without using like or as. Example: "Knowledge is power."

The exact words spoken or written by another person. Example: Quoting a doctor's statement about healthy eating.

Using another person's words or ideas without giving credit. Example: Copying information from a website without citing it.

Charts, graphs, pictures, videos, or objects used to support a speech. Example: Showing a pie chart to explain survey results.

A rough draft used to organize ideas while planning a speech. Example: Writing down your main ideas before creating the final speech.

A complete outline that includes the introduction, body, conclusion, evidence, transitions, and references. Example: The outline submitted to an instructor before giving a speech.

A short outline containing only key words that remind the speaker what to say. Example: Speaking from note cards with only a few important words.

Organizing ideas in the order they happen over time. Example: Explaining the steps of baking a cake.

Organizing ideas based on physical location or arrangement. Example: Describing different parts of a school campus.

Organizing a speech into categories or major topics. Example: Discussing the economic, environmental, and social effects of recycling.

An organizational pattern where the order and emphasis of points change depending on the audience. Example: A politician changing the order of campaign topics for different audiences.

Comparing two or more ideas, people, places, or events. Example: Comparing online learning with classroom learning.

Presenting a problem first and then explaining a solution. Example: Discussing plastic pollution and ways to reduce it.

Showing how one event or action causes another. Example: Explaining how smoking affects lung health.

The opening of a speech that gains attention, introduces the topic, and prepares the audience. Example: Beginning with a surprising statistic.

A clear sentence that states the main message of the speech. Example: "Regular exercise improves both physical and mental health."

The audience's belief that the speaker is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and qualified. Example: Mentioning years of experience working as a nurse before discussing healthcare.

A brief overview of the main points that will be covered in the speech. Example: "Today I'll discuss the causes, effects, and solutions to climate change."

The ending of a speech that summarizes the main ideas and leaves a final impression. Example: Ending with a memorable quote or call to action.

A speech that teaches, explains, or describes information to increase listeners' knowledge. Example: Explaining how CPR works.

A speech designed to change listeners' attitudes, beliefs, or actions. Example: Convincing people to recycle.

A clear sentence explaining the main purpose of the speech. Example: "Today I will explain how to prepare for a job interview."

The audience's belief that the speaker is knowledgeable and trustworthy. Example: A nurse explaining first aid procedures.

Facts, examples, statistics, stories, and evidence that support the speaker's ideas. Example: Using government statistics during a speech.

The ability of listeners to remember information after the speech. Example: Remembering the three steps of CPR after a presentation.

A question asked to make listeners think instead of expecting an answer. Example: "What would you do in an emergency?"

A picture, chart, graph, model, or object that helps explain information. Example: Showing a diagram of the human heart.

Getting the audience actively involved during the presentation. Example: Asking volunteers to demonstrate a skill.

A quick survey of audience opinions or experiences. Example: "Raise your hand if you've ever taken a first aid course."

Using correct and truthful information. Example: Presenting statistics from a reliable source.

Using information directly related to the speech topic. Example: Including examples about healthy eating in a nutrition speech.

Using current or appropriate information. Example: Sharing the latest health recommendations.

Presenting information fairly without personal bias. Example: Explaining both advantages and disadvantages of online learning.

A speech that tries to change people's attitudes, beliefs, or actions. Example: Convincing people to wear seat belts.

The speaker's credibility, character, and trustworthiness. Example: A doctor explaining the benefits of vaccination.

An appeal to the audience's emotions. Example: Sharing a story about a family affected by homelessness.

Using logic, facts, evidence, and reasoning to persuade. Example: Presenting statistics showing smoking increases health risks.

The audience's belief that the speaker is knowledgeable and trustworthy. Example: A firefighter discussing fire safety.

The audience's opinion of the speaker before the speech begins. Example: A well-known scientist giving a presentation.

Credibility earned during the speech through good speaking and evidence. Example: A student gains trust by presenting clear research.

The audience's final opinion of the speaker after the speech ends. Example: Listeners trust the speaker more after hearing the presentation.

Starting with specific examples and reaching a general conclusion. Example: Several studies show exercise improves health, so regular exercise is beneficial.

Starting with a general statement and applying it to a specific situation. Example: All mammals breathe air. Dolphins are mammals. Therefore, dolphins breathe air.

The main point or argument the speaker wants the audience to accept. Example: "School uniforms improve student focus."

Evidence that supports a claim. Example: Research studies and statistics.

The explanation connecting the evidence to the claim. Example: Explaining why the research proves the argument.

A word that limits a claim so it is more accurate. Example: "Most," "usually," or "in general."

Answering opposing viewpoints before the audience raises them. Example: Explaining why a common objection is incorrect.

A five-step persuasive speech pattern: Attention, Need, Satisfaction, Visualization, and Action. Example: A speech encouraging blood donation.