Essential Communication & Rhetoric Terms

Core Communication Concepts

Rhetoric

The art of influencing others, often using half-truths and emotionally charged messages.

Empathy

The ability to understand and share the feelings of others, primarily used to resolve conflicts.

Assertiveness

The ability to express one's own feelings, views, and desires directly and respectfully, without seeking to dominate others. It affirms self-worth and encourages others to value one's contributions.

Personality Traits & Behavior

Personality Types

• Type A: Highly competitive, often associated with stress and a higher risk of heart disease.
• Type B: Relaxed, friendly, non-competitive, more sympathetic, and sociable.

Intelligence

The ability to adapt and learn.

Archetypes

• Negative Archetypes: Evil, vengeance.
• Positive Archetypes: Happiness, joy, love, kindness.

Nonverbal Communication & Space

Nonverbal Communication

Includes a wide range of physical movements, even when someone is seemingly immobile, such as posture, gestures, and facial expressions.

Kinesic Nonverbal Language

The study of gestures, posture, and body movements.

Proxemic Nonverbal Language

The study of how messages are expressed and perceived through the use of space. It examines how individuals perceive, structure, and utilize personal and social space, noting that proxemics vary according to social and cultural customs.

Communication Processes & Structure

Comunimetria

The quantification of all communication processes interacting within a system.

Presentation Format

Dissertations or presentations, with or without supporting materials, should include an audiovisual introduction, body, and conclusion.

Talk Training

Involves measuring the level of instruction to effectively teach and assess learning outcomes.

Meeting Objectives

To organize as a group and agree on tasks to prepare for an oral presentation.

Language & Meaning

Denotation

To indicate or signify directly; the literal meaning of a word.

Connotation

Relating to the implied or associated meaning of a word, beyond its literal definition.

Meta-Communication

Refers to abstract, conceptual levels of communication.

Ekenesis

Refers to the essence of a concept.

Rhetorical Principles & Persuasion

Persuasion

Derived from verisimilitude (the appearance of being true or real).

Rhetoric and Its Three Levels

• Invention: The process of discovering arguments or evidence to persuade.
• Disposition: The arrangement and organization of arguments within a speech.
• Elocution: The choice of appropriate words and phrases to express ideas.

Classical Rhetorical Speech Structure

Typically includes: Exordium (introduction), Narration (statement of facts), Argumentation (proof), Refutation (disproving opposing arguments), and Epilogue (conclusion).

Communication Challenges & Well-being

Redundancy

Occurs in communication when noise is present. The redundant part of a message provides no new information but can affect the communication process.

Uncertainty

A concept referring to a lack of clarity or support in communication, which can cause anxiety, stress, or fear.

Laughter Therapy

Defined as a set of techniques used to promote joy. Originally applied in mental-ability groups or for terminally ill patients, it is now also used for people of all ages.

Effective Communication Principles

For example, someone who communicates simply and directly demonstrates clarity.

The more consistent one is in oral communication, the more reliable the speaker appears.