Communication Flashcards
What is the significance of communication in business?
Communication is crucial for building relationships, sharing ideas, delegating responsibilities, and managing teams. This help you succeed in business and your career.
How can good communication skills impact your career?
They can help you succeed, make you a competitive job candidate, and build your network.
True or False: Communication skills cannot be increased or refined.
False
Fill in the blank: Learning and developing good communication skills can help you _______.
succeed in your career
What are interpersonal skills?
Interpersonal skills are the abilities used to interact and communicate with others.
List three scenarios where communication is necessary.
- Building relationships
- Presenting information
- Managing a team
What is needed to improve communication skills?
Time and practice.
Define communication
Communication is the process of exchanging information, ideas, thoughts, or messages between individuals, or groups through a common system of symbols like the English language.
Name & Explain the 5 step communication process.
- Sender has an idea. (Analyze idea and now it can best be presented).
- Sender encodes message. (Consider receivers background, communication skills, and culture).
- Sender selects channel, transmits message. (Select channel they receiver prefers and has the least noise).
- Receiver decodes message. (Avoid prejudging. Try to understand non-verbal & verbal cues).
- Feedback returns to sender. (Craft a clear message that reveals understanding).
How many and what are the elements of the communication process?
There are 9 elements.
Sender
Message
The code
Encoding
Decoding
Channel of communication
Receiver
Feedback
Noise
Who is the person who wishes to communicate the message?
Sender
The sender initiates the communication process.
What is the information that the sender wishes to convey?
Message
The message can include asking, saying, instructing, commenting, replying, or sharing.
What term describes what the sender uses to convey the message?
Code
This can refer to a specific language or set of symbols.
Referring to the elements of communication. How is the message communicated?
Encoding
Encoding can be verbal, written, or visual.
What is the interpretation of the message performed by the receiver called?
Decoding
Decoding involves understanding the encoded message.
What is the method or transmission used to convey the message?
Medium or channel of communication
Examples include face-to-face, telephone, letter, e-mail, and video.
Who is the person receiving the message?
Receiver or Recipient
The receiver is the target of the communication.
What is the interaction as a result of the message called?
Feedback
Feedback is the response from the receiver to the sender.
What term refers to physical and psychological barriers in communication?
Noise
Noise can disrupt the clarity and effectiveness of the message.
Define the communication process
The communication process refers to a series of actions or steps taken to successfully communicate.
What is Psychological Noise?
Noise that originates from within us, such as stereotypes, biases, beliefs, and assumptions.
Psychological noise can affect how we interpret messages.
What is Physical Noise?
Refers to any type of audio or visual distraction that interferes with effective communication. Examples are loud conversations or music.
What is Environmental Noise?
Noise that comes from the surrounding environment, like passing traffic.
Environmental noise can disrupt focus and understanding.
What is Semantic Noise?
Noise created by the sender, often due to technical or verbose language.
Semantic noise occurs when the sender fails to tailor the message to the receiver’s needs.
Fill in the blank: __________ noise comes from within us and includes stereotypes and biases.
Psychological Noise
Fill in the blank: __________ noise includes distractions like loud colleagues or music.
Physical Noise
True or False: Environmental noise refers to distractions from within the individual.
False
True or False: Semantic noise can occur when the sender uses overly complex language.
True
Define communication channel
It’s the medium used to share information through a shared system of rules, such as the English language between two or more people.
Why is it important to choose the correct channel of communication?
Because an inappropriate channel affects how effective and accurate your message is conveyed. This can lead to miscommunication or a higher potential of noice.
What are the four broad categories of communication?
Verbal, Non-verbal, Written, Visual
These categories encompass various methods through which information can be exchanged.
What does verbal communication include?
Face-to-face, presentations, telephone, television, radio, YouTube, and other media
Verbal communication involves spoken or auditory methods of sharing information.
What are examples of non-verbal communication?
Body language, facial expressions, eye contact, personal appearance, smell
Non-verbal communication conveys messages without the use of words.
What forms does written communication take?
Email, letters, newspapers, magazines, books, the internet, Facebook, WhatsApp
Written communication involves the use of written symbols to convey messages.
What does visual communication include?
Drawings, graphs, charts
Visual communication uses visual aids to express ideas and information.
What are communication channels in an organization?
The way information flows within the organization and with other organizations
Communication channels can flow forward, backward, or sideways.
What role does a manager play in the communication web?
A link through which decisions and directions flow upwards, downwards, or sideways
The position of the manager in the communication web influences the flow of information.
How do reports from lower-level managers typically flow?
Upwards
This ensures that higher management is informed of operational issues and employee performance.
What are two forms of communication that help managers pass on information?
Spoken words and written words
Examples include face-to-face conversations and inter-department memos.
What is an important element of the communication process?
The feedback mechanism
This involves employees informing managers that they understand tasks, and managers providing feedback.
What can a breakdown in the communication channel lead to?
Inefficient flow of information
Employees may become unaware of company expectations and changes.
What are potential consequences of ineffective communication in branch?
Employees become suspicious, department-minded, and less productive
This can harm overall organizational objectives.
What should a good manager communicate to employees?
Expectations, company policies, and upcoming changes
Clear communication is essential for effective management and organizational success.
Name the 9 methods of sharing information.
Verbal
Non-Verbal
Written
Visual
Face-to-face communication
Broadcast media communication
Mobile communications channels
Electronic Communications Channels
Written Methods of communication
What is verbal communication?
The use of language to transfer information through speaking or sign language
It is commonly used in presentations, video conferences, phone calls, meetings, and one-on-one conversations.
Why is verbal communication important?
It is efficient and can be supported by nonverbal and written communication
Effective verbal communication enhances understanding and information transfer.
What is nonverbal communication?
The use of body language, gestures, and facial expressions to convey information
It can occur both intentionally and unintentionally.
How can nonverbal communication be used to understand others?
By observing body language, gestures, and facial expressions
Closed body language may indicate anxiety, anger, or nervousness, while open body language suggests positivity.
What are examples of closed body language?
Crossed arms and hunched shoulders
These signals may indicate negative emotions such as anxiety or anger.
What does open body language generally indicate?
A feeling of positivity and openness to information
Examples include having both feet on the floor and arms relaxed.
What is written communication?
The act of writing, typing, or printing symbols to convey information
It provides a record of information for reference.
What are common forms of written communication in the workplace?
Emails and chats
Other forms include books, pamphlets, blogs, letters, and memos.
What is visual communication?
The act of using photographs, art, drawings, sketches, charts, and graphs to convey information
Visuals aid presentations by providing context alongside written and verbal communication.
Why is visual communication beneficial?
It caters to different learning styles, making it easier for some individuals to consume ideas and information
Visual aids can enhance understanding and retention.
What defines face-to-face or personal communication?
It is one of the richest channels of communication within an organization, involving physical presence, tone of voice, and facial expressions
This channel is ideal for complex or emotionally-charged messages.
What are the advantages of face-to-face communication?
Allows interaction, clarification of ambiguity, and evaluation of message reception
Nonverbal cues can also enhance understanding.
List examples of broadcast media communications.
- TV
- Radio
- Video platforms (e.g., Zoom, MS Teams)
- Loudspeakers
These media are effective for reaching a mass audience.
When should broadcast media communications be used?
When addressing a mass audience or when a message can be enhanced by visual or auditory formats
Examples include product advertisements and global company addresses.
What is the purpose of mobile communication channels?
To relay private or complex messages to individuals or small groups
Allows for interactive exchanges and interpretation of tone.
What are electronic communication channels?
Email, internet, intranet, and social media platforms
These channels can facilitate one-on-one, group, or mass communication.
What is a characteristic of electronic communication channels?
Less personal but more efficient
Care must be taken to craft clear messages.
When should sarcasm and innuendo be used in electronic communications?
Only if the message specifically calls for it
Clarity in messaging is crucial.
When should written methods of communication be used?
When a message does not require interaction
Examples include policies, letters, memos, manuals, notices, and announcements.
What types of messages are effective for written communication?
Policies, letters, memos, manuals, notices, announcements
These are suitable when interaction is not needed.
What can recipients do if they have questions about a written message?
Follow up through an electronic or face-to-face channel
Written communication allows for follow-up inquiries.
What is the richest medium for persuasive, bad-news, and personal messages?
Face-to-face communication
Face-to-face communication allows for non-verbal cues and immediate feedback, making it effective for sensitive messages.
Which communication channel is best for group interaction and consensus building when members are dispersed?
Video Chat
Video chat enables real-time interaction and visual engagement among participants who are not physically together.
What is the best choice of communication when two people cannot meet in person?
Telephone
Telephone communication allows for direct and immediate conversation, making it suitable when in-person meetings are not possible.
Which communication channel is best for routine messages that do not require immediate feedback?
E-mail is effective for non-urgent communications and can be accessed at the recipient’s convenience.
What type of communication is ideal for short online messages that need a quick response?
E-mail can be used for quick inquiries or updates, as it typically allows for rapid exchanges.
What are some key factors to consider when selecting a channel of communication?
- Richness vs. Leanness
- Need for interpretation
- Speed of establishing contact
- Time required for feedback
- Cost
- Amount of information conveyed
These factors help determine the most effective channel based on the communication context.
When should letters be used as a communication channel?
For external messages that require formality, sensitivity, or a written record
Letters provide a permanent record and convey a sense of professionalism.
What is the purpose of a memo in communication?
To distribute interoffice information, especially when e-mail is unavailable
Memos are typically used for internal communications to convey important updates or directives.
What is the primary use of a blog in communication?
To share ideas with a wide Internet audience and encourage responses
Blogs facilitate public discussion and engagement on various topics.
What is the function of a report in communication?
To deliver considerable data internally or externally
Reports are structured documents that provide detailed information and analysis on specific topics.
What is a wiki used for in communication?
To provide a repository for digital information that can be easily changed
Wikis enable collaborative editing and information sharing among users.
What are informal communication channels?
Communication networks that exist outside the formal hierarchical structure.
They help in balancing formal communication and are essential for efficient functioning.
Why do informal communication channels exist in a formal working environment?
To facilitate efficient communication that the strict hierarchical structure cannot manage alone.
They provide a means for employees to share ideas and concerns freely.
Give an example of an informal communication channel.
Lunch time discussions in the cafeteria.
This setting encourages relaxed interactions among employees.
What role do managers play in informal communication channels?
Managers should find a balance between formal and informal communication.
A hands-on approach to handling employee queries is one way to engage informally.
What are quality circles and teamwork considered in the context of communication?
They are examples of informal communication channels.
These activities fall outside the formal chain of command.
What are unofficial communication channels?
This is another form of informal communication within an organisation but involves more sensitive information and speculative information. Often seen as the grapevine as it’s breeds gossip, rumours and unconfirmed news.
What is the grapevine in an organization?
An unofficial communication channel where rumors circulate.
It can lead to friendships but may also spread exaggerated information.
What should a good manager do regarding the grapevine?
Be aware of the information circulating and take measures to prevent false information.
This helps maintain a healthy work environment.
Fill in the blank: An example of an unofficial communication channel is _______.
social gatherings among employees.
These gatherings often lead to informal discussions outside of work.
What are informal communication channels?
Communication networks that exist outside the formal hierarchical structure.
They help in balancing formal communication and are essential for efficient functioning.
Why do informal communication channels exist in a formal working environment?
To facilitate efficient communication that the strict hierarchical structure cannot manage alone.
They provide a means for employees to share ideas and concerns freely.
Give an example of an informal communication channel.
Lunch time discussions in the cafeteria.
This setting encourages relaxed interactions among employees.
What role do managers play in informal communication channels?
Managers should find a balance between formal and informal communication.
A hands-on approach to handling employee queries is one way to engage informally.
What are quality circles and teamwork considered in the context of communication?
They are examples of informal communication channels.
These activities fall outside the formal chain of command.
What are unofficial communication channels?
Channels through which interpersonal communication takes place, often sharing non-work-related topics.
Examples include discussions about sports, politics, and TV shows.
What is the grapevine in an organization?
An unofficial communication channel where rumors circulate.
It can lead to friendships but may also spread exaggerated information.
What should a good manager do regarding the grapevine?
Be aware of the information circulating and take measures to prevent false information.
This helps maintain a healthy work environment.
Fill in the blank: An example of an unofficial communication channel is _______.
social gatherings among employees.
These gatherings often lead to informal discussions outside of work.
What is a formal communication channel?
A channel that transmits information such as goals, policies, and procedures of an organization.
Messages follow a chain of command from managers to subordinates.
What is an example of a formal communication channel?
A company’s newsletter.
It conveys information about goals, vision, memoranda, reports, directions, and meetings.
What are some types of formal communication channels?
- Business plan
- Customer satisfaction survey
- Annual reports
- Employer’s manual
- Review meetings
These serve to communicate official information within an organization.
In how many directions can information flow formally in an organization?
Four directions: downward, upward, horizontally, and diagonally.
The flow depends on the size, nature, and structure of the organization.
In which type of organizations does communication primarily flow vertically?
Established and traditional organizations.
Communication primarily flows downward and upward in these organizations.
What type of communication flow is common in informal firms like tech start-ups?
Horizontal and diagonal flow.
This is due to the flat organizational hierarchy and the need for collaboration.
What is the role of senior management in external communication?
To control communications that relate to the public image or may affect the financial situation.
This often involves specialized departments such as public relations or legal.
Which levels of management generally handle operational business communications?
First-level and middle-level management.
They manage communications related to purchasing, hiring, and marketing.
What are the three most well-known models of communication?
Linear, Interactional, Transactional
According to West & Turner (2007)
What do the models of communication help to simplify?
The basic structure of communication
They provide visual representations of complex interactions.
What is the primary purpose of the communication models?
To identify various elements of communication and show interrelations
They serve as a map for understanding the communication process.
What do communication models provide to help understand interactions?
Pictures or visual representations
These representations simplify complex interactions.
What is the primary characteristic of the Linear Communication model?
One directional communication process without immediate feedback
The model emphasizes a straight-line communication flow from sender to receiver.
What are the main components of the Linear Communication model?
- Sender
- Message
- Channel
- Receiver
- Noise
Noise can interfere with the message being communicated.
True or False: The Linear Communication model incorporates feedback.
False
The model does not account for immediate feedback from the receiver.
Which types of communication typically use the Linear Communication model?
- Television
- Radio
- Newspapers
These forms of communication are characterized by one-way transmission of information.
Name one of the models included in the types of Linear Communication Models.
Lasswell’s Model
Other models include Lasswell’s Model, Shannon-Weaver Model, and Berlo’s S-M-C-R Model.
What is the Interactive Model best for?
Explaining personal two-way communication processes
This model emphasizes the role of feedback in communication.
How does the Interactive Model differ from the Linear Model?
It includes a feedback element, allowing roles to reverse between sender and receiver
In the Linear Model, communication is one-way without feedback.
What is an example of the Interactive Model in practice?
Exchanges of text messages, telephone calls, or email exchanges
These examples illustrate the back-and-forth nature of communication.
In the Interactive Model, what happens after a message is sent?
The roles reverse, and the receiver encodes and sends a response to the original sender
This creates a continuous loop of communication.