Key Terms:

• Language – a system of symbols, words, and/or gestures used to communicate meaning
• Semantic triangle – This triangle illustrates how the word (which is really nothing more than a combination of four letters) refers to the thought, which then refers to the thing itself

• Preunderstanding – a set of expectations and assumptions from previous experience that we apply to a new problem or situation
• Conventions – The customary forms and configurations (of communication) that members expect
• Selection – This action of sorting competing messages, or choosing stimuli
• Stage – refers to the setting, scene, and context of the communication interaction, and can be equally applied to written or oral communication
• Internal stimuli – those that arise from within one’s self, such as being hungry
• External stimuli – involve stimulation from outside one’s self, such as the image of the attractive classmate or the sound of the instructor’s voice
• Selective exposure – both information we choose to pay attention to and information that we choose to ignore, or that is unavailable to us
• Selective attention – involves focusing on one stimulus, like the image of an attractive classmate, and tuning out a competing stimulus, like the instructor’s voice
• Selective retention –  involves choosing to remember one stimulus over another
• Organization – the process of sorting information into logical categories or series
• Proximity – Organization based on relationship of space to objects
• Continuity – Drawing connections between things that occur in sequence
• Similarity – Grouping things or concepts by properties they share
• Closure – Tendency to use previous knowledge to fill in the gaps in an incomplete idea or picture
• Critical thinking –  can be defined as “self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking”
• Confirmation bias – when you only pay attention to information that reinforces your existing beliefs and ignore or discredit information that contradicts your beliefs
• Egocentrism – defined as the use of self-centered standards to determine what to believe and what to reject
• Sociocentrism – the use of society-centered standards
• Primary messages – the intentional content of a message, both verbal and nonverbal
• Secondary messages – the unintentional content of a message, both verbal and nonverbal
• Auxiliary messages – the intentional and unintentional ways a primary message is communicated
• Attention statement – used to capture the attention of your audience
• Introduction – a clear statement your topic
• Body –  your message in detail, using any of a variety of organizational structures
• Conclusion – summary of the main points and relating them to the overall topic
• Residual message – a message or thought that stays with your audience well after the communication is finished, is an important part of your message
• Syntactic rules – govern the order of words in a sentence. In some languages, such as German, syntax or word order is strictly prescribed
• Semantic rules – govern the meaning of words and how to interpret them
• Contextual rules – govern meaning and word choice according to context and social custom

Study Questions 

SQ1 – What is language and how does it play into verbal communication? 

Language is a system of words used as symbols to convey ideas, and it has rules of syntax, semantics, and context. Words have meaning only when interpreted by the receiver of the message.

SQ2 – How is self-understanding fundamental to communication? What contributes to self-understanding?

You can become a more effective communicator by understanding yourself and how others view you: your attitudes, beliefs, and values; your self-concept; and how the self-fulfilling prophecy may influence your decisions.

SQ3 – What is perception and its concept, factors, principles, and influences? 

Perceptions are influenced by how we select, organize, and interpret words and ideas and are influenced by our individual differences and preconceived notions.

SQ4 – What is an active listener and reader and why is it important to be one?

Part of being an effective communicator is learning to receive messages from others through active listening and reading.

SQ5 – Why is writing preparation important and what are some strategies to overcome fears of business writing? 

There are several reasons why people fear writing, but there are also several strategies to reduce or eliminate those fears.

SQ6 – What are messages and hw does it play into verbal communication? What are some emphasis strategies?

Messages are primary, secondary, and auxiliary. A message can be divided into a five-part structure composed of an attention statement, introduction, body, conclusion, and residual message. Emphasize your message by using visuals, signposts, internal summaries and foreshadowing, and repetition.

SQ7 – What are some ways to reach your audience?

To better understand your audience, learn about their demographic traits, such as age, gender, and employment status, as these help determine their interests, needs, and goals. In addition, become aware of your perceptions and theirs, and practice fairness in your communications.