Communication Channel: pathway through which messages are conveyed. (Floyd, G1) The medium through which the message is sent. (Bamford, 11/30/10) 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.” (McCornack, 7)

Communication Competence: communicating in ways that are effective and appropriate for a given situation. (Floyd, G1)  The ability to communicate consistently in appropriate, effective, and ethical ways. (McCornack, 29) The mastering of the four subsystems of language - "phonology,"  "semantics,"  "grammar," and "pragmatics." (Cardwell, 138) Includes the abilities to monitor oneself, to engage in dual perspective, to enact a range of communication skills, and to adapt communication appropriately. (Wood, 333) The wish and ability to verbally exchange ideas, feelings, and concepts with others. This is related to a sense of "trust" in others and of pleasure in engaging with others, including adults. (Goleman2, 194) Also referred to as ‘interpersonal communication competence’ and ‘linguistic competence.’

Communication Models: elements of communications systems are interdependent, each element is tied to all the other elements. (Wood, 30)

Interactive Communication Model: a context for communicating in which participants can see and/or hear each other and react to each other in real time. (Floyd, G3) 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. (McCornack, 10) A model that represents communication as a feedback process, in which listeners and speakers both simultaneously send and receive messages. (Wood, 333)

Linear Communication Model: represents communication as a one-way process that flows in one direction, from sender to receiver. (Wood, 332) A depiction of communication messages that flow in one direction from a starting point to an end point. (McCornack, 9)

Transactional Communication Model: a model of communication as a dynamic process that changes over time and in which participants assume multiple roles. (Wood, 334) 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. (McCornack, 10)

Uncertainty Reduction Theory: a theory suggesting that people are motivated to reduce their uncertainty about others. (Floyd, G6) Explains that the primary compulsion during initial encounters is to reduce uncertainty about our conversational partners by gathering enough information about them so their communication becomes predictable and explainable. (McCornack, 85)

Data: raw facts that describe the characteristics of an event. (Baltzan, 331) Facts, especially numerical facts, collected together for reference or information. The quantities, characters, or symbols on which operations are performed by computers, and which may be stored and transmitted in the form of electrical signals. (Oxford)

Data Graphics: visual display of measured quantities by means of the combined use of points, lines, a coordinate system, numbers, symbols, words, shading, and color. The use of abstract, non-representational pictures to show numbers. At their best, graphics are instruments for reasoning about quantitative information. Often the most effective way to describe, explore, and summarize "data." (Tufte, Introduction) Also referred to as ‘information graphics.’

Defensive Messages incompetent responses to suggestions, criticism, or perceived slights. For instance, when Stacy asks Lena to slow down her driving, Lena snaps back, “I’m not going that fast. If you don’t like the way I drive, ride with someone else.” (McCornack, 274)

Defensiveness: the tendency to deny the validity of criticisms directed at the self. (Floyd, G2) Perceiving personal attacks, criticisms, or hostile undertones in communication when none are intended. (Wood, 332) A workplace atmosphere that is unfriendly, rigid, or non-supportive. (McCornack, 409

Expressive Messages: verbal communication whose purpose is to express emotions and build relationships. (Floyd, G2) Disclosing messages that convey what you think and feel so others know exactly what you think and feel, even when the message would be inappropriate or ineffective—for example, calmly saying, “I’m angry because you’re late again,” or snarling, “You’re late again and I’m fed up with your whiney excuses.” (McCornack, 259)

Information: knowledge or facts communicated about a particular subject or event, etc. (Oxford) Interpersonal communication is systemic. Situation, time, people, culture, and personal histories interact to affect meanings. (Wood, 20) Includes conventional messages (that) communicate to emphasize the achievement of instrumental goals in a situation; that is, focus narrowly on effectiveness—for example, saying, “You’re late again today and were late twice last week. You know the rules about tardiness.” (McCornack, 260)

Interpersonal Communication: communication that occurs between two people within the context of their relationship and that, as it evolves, helps them to negotiate and define their relationship. (Floyd, G4) A dynamic form of communication between two (or more) people in which the messages exchanged significantly influence their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships. (McCornack, 13) Selective, systemic, ongoing processes in which individuals interact to reflect and build personal knowledge and to create meanings, (Wood, 332)

Media: tools used to exchange messages, including everything from newspapers, blackboards, and photographs to computers, cell phones, and television. (McCornack, 7)

Meta-Communication: communication about communication. (Floyd, G4) Verbal or nonverbal communication about communication—that is, messages that have communication as their central focus. (McCornack, 16) When excessive, as in unproductive conflict interaction, meta-communication becomes self-absorbing and diverts partners from the issues causing conflict. (Wood, 334)

Mixed Messages: verbal and nonverbal behaviors that convey contradictory meanings, such as saying, “I’m so happy for you,” in a sarcastic tone of voice. (McCornack, 219)

Online Communication: interaction through communication technology such as social-networking sites, e-mail, text or instant messaging, video conferences, chatrooms, multiuser discussions, list servers and other mailing lists. (McCornack, 26)

Flaming: inappropriately aggressive online messages that wouldn’t be conveyed in person. (McCornack, 264)

Online Disinhibition: a tendency to share more personal information openly and directly during online interactions than in person. (McCornack, 264)

Wedging: when a person deliberately uses online communication—messages, photos, and posts—to try to insert him- or herself between romantic partners because he or she is interested in one of the partners. (McCornack, 350)

Receiver: the party who interprets a message. (Floyd, G5) The individual for whom a message is intended or to whom it is delivered. (McCornack, 9)

Rhetorical Messages: responses intended to successfully blend all three ingredients of competent communication: appropriateness, effectiveness, and ethics. For example—saying, “I’m sorry you’ve been having trouble arriving on time. Let’s figure out what we can do so that this doesn’t happen again.” (McCornack, 260)

Secret(s): a fact, matter, action, etc., which is kept private or is shared only with those concerned; something that cannot be disclosed with a breach of confidence or violation of security. (Oxford) The main thing known about secrets is that keeping them is unhealthy for the brain. (Can be) the result of struggle between competing parties in the brain. One part of the brain wants to reveal something, and another part does not want to. (Eagleman, 145) The main reason not to reveal a secret is aversion to the long-term consequences. A friend might think ill of you, or a lover might be hurt, or a community might ostracize you. People are more likely to tell their secrets to total strangers. With someone they don’t know, the neural conflict can be dissipated with none of the costs. ‘Venting’ a secret is usually done for its own sake, not as an invitation for advice.  (Eagleman, 146)

Dirty Secrets: truthful but destructive messages used deliberately to hurt someone during a conflict. For example, Judith tells her sister, “That boy you like—Craig? I heard him tell Elaine you laugh like a horse.” (McCornack, 300)

Sender: the individual who generates, packages, and delivers a message. (McCornack, 9) The (sender) is the person who sends a communication, and the receiver is the person to whom the message is sent. (Bamford, 11/30/10) Also referred to as ‘source.’

Supportive Messages: sharing messages that express emotional support and that offer personal assistance, such as telling a person of your sympathy or listening to someone without judging. (McCornack, 141) Also referred to as ‘supportive communication.’

Workplace Communication: communication links among an organization’s members, such as the nature, frequency, and ways information is exchanged (McCornack, 406)

Organizational Networks: communication links among an organization’s members, such as the nature, frequency, and ways information is exchanged. For example, you have weekly face-to-face status meetings with your boss or receive daily reminder e-mails from an assistant. (McCornack, 406)

Sexual Harassment: unwelcome sexual advances, physical contact, or requests that render a workplace offensive or intimidating. (McCornack, 430) 

Virtual Networks: groups of coworkers linked solely through e-mail, social-networking sites, or the Internet. (McCornack, 407)

Workplace Abuse: verbal or nonverbal hostility directed at a person at work; it may consist of insults, unreasonable demands, or claims of credit for someone else’s work. (McCornack, 426)

Workplace Cliques: dense networks of coworkers who share common perspectives about life and values in the workplace. (McCornack, 407)