Communication Vocabulary Terms

body language

___ ___ involves sending messages through body movements

sender

the person who transmits or sends the message

self-awareness

the ____-____ circle shows how people can use I-statements to express their points

frown

a facial expression that can show you disagree with what is said

negotiation

people take turns sending and receiving messages to reach a solution to a problem

communication

an exchange of information between two or more people

conflict

when two people disagree on some issue

descriptive

statements that report what you have seen or heard

verbal

using words to send and receive messages

reflecting

repeating messages in your own words

shared

good communication occurs when a ____ meaning is reached

resolution

a term meaning conflict is settled

gestures

arm movements used to send messages

prejudice

biased opinions formed without facts or knowledge

blaming

a pattern in which people accuse others for everything that goes wrong

barriers

a closed mind, a mixed message, and poor listening skills are all examples of ____.

identify

the first step in solving a problem

stroking

a term used to describe positive comments

you-statements

____-____ make others feel put down and inferior

learned

communication skills can be ____

feeling

statements that let others know how you feel

distracting

a pattern in which people ignore unpleasant situations

I-statements

__-____ can be used to speak clearly for yourself

problem ownership

the second step in problem solving is to identify this

thought

statements that describe your interpretations

relaxed

a ____ environment helps promote good communication

checking-out

asking questions to clarify a message

active

a type of listening in which the receiver responds to the sender

compromise

both parties give in somewhat to reach a solution

nonverbal

the part of a message that is not words

receiver

the person who hears and interprets the message

placating

a pattern in which people try to please others

mixed message

using body language that doesn't match with what they are saying

action

statements that let others know what you are doing right now

intension

statements that let others know what you want to do

passive listening

means just taking in a message

superficial communication

making up the majority of our conversation -- talking about weather, name, school, etc.

personal communication

includes opening up and talking about feelings, beliefs, and ideas that mean something to you

validating communication

enforces people's feelings about themselves
(1: accept them and their feelings
2: understand them
3: nurture them)

interrupting

interrupts another person, it is a sign that one's ideas are more important than another's (stops communication and shows disregard)

calling in reinforcements

involves outsiders in your personal relationships

endless fighting

arguments never end, bring up old, unrelated issues

character assassination

name calling, belittling, comments about sensitive subjects, insulting, sarcasm

withdrawal

withdrawing from communication, avoiding conversation

need to be right

not backing down

clarity

meaning what you say and then saying what you mean (problem is interpretation)

timing

select a good time to do your important communicating

asking questions

people seldom say what they really mean the first time

reflective listening

listener mirrors back thoughts and/or feelings the speaker is experiencing (purpose is to clarify)

passive

letting people walk all over you (doormat)

respect and consideration

one sure way of ending good communication is to be critical and judgmental -- respect the other person's point of view

avoiding intense anger

sometimes we become too emotional to communicate effectively

agressive

taking your rights into account and no one else's

assertive

standing up for yourself while also respecting others (best, but used the least)

win-win conflict resolution

communication skill that encourages a better understanding of the other person's view, helping resolve conflicts in a positive way

perspective

looking at something through another person's point of view