Chapter 1 What is Communication Flashcards
What can cause miscommunication in communication?
Perceptual filters
What is technical communication?
Non-fiction writing, including business operations and specialized information
What do performance evaluations depend on?
Communication skills
What is a key aspect of technical communication?
Purposeful transaction
What types of documents do technical communicators produce?
Proposals, reports, guides
What kind of literature provides public information about regulations and safety?
Consumer literature
What does active listening involve?
Engaging with the speaker
What should you focus on during active listening?
Full attention on the speaker
How can you take notes effectively?
Paraphrase ideas
What type of listening is encouraged?
Listen without judgment
Why is taking notes important?
Restate key ideas
What should you focus on when taking notes?
Paraphrasing, not verbatim
How does putting ideas into your own words help?
Deepens understanding
What does technical communication encompass?
Any communication on a specialized topic
What is the nature of communicative tasks in technical professions?
Transactional
How is communication defined?
Stimulating meaning in another’s mind
What is required to get your point across in communication?
Context and relational qualities
What is technical communication often associated with?
Reports, manuals, instructions
What is the primary purpose of communication in daily life?
To exchange information, express ideas, or connect with others, addressing practical, emotional, or relational needs.
What is a common reason for misunderstandings in communication?
Communication deficiencies, such as unclear messages or misinterpretation.
What does technical communication encompass?
Scientific reports, manuals, business correspondence, proposals, internal communications, media releases, oral and visual presentations, and more.
What is the transactional nature of technical communication?
It involves a purposeful exchange of information designed to inform, instruct, or persuade a specific audience.
Name three types of technical communication products.
Proposals, user guides, and technical reports.
What are some key attributes of effective technical communication?
Awareness of conventions, understanding of the rhetorical situation (audience, purpose, context), and achieving desired results.
What are perceptual filters, and how do they affect communication?
Personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and emotions that influence how we interpret messages; they can help or hinder understanding.
List three effective listening strategies for the classroom.
Focus full attention on the speaker.
Paraphrase ideas in notes.
Listen without judgment.
Why is paraphrasing important in active listening?
It helps deepen understanding and improve recall of information.
What is the importance of preparing before class?
Completing assigned readings and using effective reading strategies make listening more useful and engaging.
Why are communication skills vital in technical professions?
They often play a larger role in job performance and career advancement than technical skills.
