Speech Notes
Chapter 1
1. What is Communication?
Communication is the process of sharing information by using symbols to send and receive messages.
Interpersonal communication occurs between two or more people.
2. Identify steps in the Communication Process
1. The SENDER has an idea.
2. SENDER decides how to give the idea to the RECEIVER (talk, noise, body language, etc.- otherwise known as the CHANNEL)
3. SENDER encodes (turns idea into words) of the idea
4. RECEIVER decodes (makes sense) of idea
5. RECEIVER gives FEEDBACK (comments on the idea)
3. What is the difference between verbal and non-verbal communication?
Verbal communication uses words
Non-verbal uses gestures, facial expressions, or noises (laughter, sighing, etc.)
4. What is the difference between formal and informal communication settings?
Informal- unplanned, casual, unstructured thoughts and language (talking with friends and family)
· Used most of the time
Formal- prepare your words
1. interviews
2. group discussions
3. public speaking (speeches)
4. debate/oral interpretation
5. drama/ parliamentary procedure
6. electronic media (speaking on radio or television)
5. What makes a communicator effective?
1. You care about the success of the message.
2. You know your material/topic you speak of.
3. You are organized.
4. You use language well.
5. You control nonverbal signs (shaking, laughing, etc.)
6. You listen effectively to the receiver’s feedback and change the message or encoding as needed.
7. How are communication skills important in your life?
We communicate socially with family and friends.
We need to communicate in order to share problems or needs in our lives.
We also use communicate for decision making purposes- what do I do and how can I share my experience with you?
Other terms you need to know:
Interference: physical noise (cars outside), psychological noise (thinking to yourself, ‘I hope they aren’t laughing at me.’), and semantic noise (the audience is receiving a different message than what the sender wants to give)