Chapter1.txt

The five sensory dimensions (sound, sight, touch, scent, taste) used to transmit information during communication. For example, you may apologize by showing someone a sad facial expression, lightly touching his shoulder, and saying, "I'm so sorry."

The process through which people use messages to generate meanings within and across contexts, cultures, channels, and media.

Communication involving only two people.

A depiction of communication messages that are exchanged back and forth between a sender and a receiver and are influenced by feedback and the fields of experience of both communicators.

A way to perceive a relationship based on embracing fundamental similarities that connect you to others, striving to see things from others' point of view, and communicating in ways that emphasize honesty and kindness.

Enduring emotional, romantic, sexual, or affectionate attraction to others that exists along a continuum ranging from exclusive heterosexuality to exclusive homosexuality and that includes various forms of bisexuality.

A depiction of communication messages that flow in one direction from a starting point to an end point.

The individual for whom a message is intended or to whom it is delivered.

Life experiences, attitudes, values, and beliefs that each communicator brings to an interaction and that shape how messages are sent and received.

The set of beliefs, attitudes, values, and practices shared by a large group of people.

The package of information transported during communication.

A depiction of communication where each participant equally influences the communication behavior of the other participants. For example, a salesperson who watches his customer's facial expression while describing a product is sending and receiving messages at the same time.

A type of perception and communication that occurs when you treat others as though they are objects that are there for your use and exploitation�for example, when you dismiss someone by saying, "I don't have time for your stupid questions. Figure it out yourself."

Verbal and nonverbal messages that a receiver uses to respond to a sender, such as a frown or saying, "I disagree." See also interactive communication model.

The ability to communicate consistently in appropriate, effective, and ethical ways.

The composite of social, psychological, and cultural attributes that characterize us as male or female.

Practical goals you want to achieve or tasks you want to accomplish through a particular interpersonal encounter.

Tools used to exchange messages, including everything from newspapers, blackboards, and photographs to computers, cell phones, and television.

Communication involving only one person, such as talking to yourself.

A series of messages exchanged between people, whether face-to-face or online.

Repeatable behaviors that enable you to improve the quality of your interpersonal encounters and relationships.

Verbal or nonverbal communication about communication�that is, messages that have communication as their central focus.

The principles that guide our behavior toward others. Ethical communication consistently displays respect, kindness, and compassion.

Emotional, intellectual, and/or physical involvements you forge with others through communication.

The situation in which communication occurs. Context includes the physical locations, backgrounds, genders, ages, moods, and relationships of the communicators, as well as the time of day.

Messages that have negligible perceived impact on our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, or relationships, such as commenting about the television schedule or passing someone and saying, "How's it going?" without looking up.