Communication Key Terms

Question 1

Body Language

Answer 1

also known as nonverbal communication, body language relays a message without speaking or writing a single word. Nonverbal communication is less consciously controlled in comparison to verbal behavior and as a result it often tells others more about what someone is feeling than their spoken words.

Question 2

Channel of communication

Answer 2

the medium by which a message is sent (ex. speaking, sight, touch)

Question 3

Chronological organization

Answer 3

when items are presented in a sequence, from the earliest date to the most recent date

Question 4

Clarification

Answer 4

a better understanding of a message

Question 5

Communication

Answer 5

an exchange of information

Question 6

Comparison organization

Answer 6

when two or more pieces of information are compared

Question 7

Feedback

Answer 7

when your response to something is sent back to the sender after clarification is needed (ex. you give a patient instructions about how to care for an incision at home—you’re the sender. The patient then asks a question that shows they have not fully understood your instruction. This feedback from the patient gives you an opportunity to clarify your instructions).

Question 8

Kinesics

Answer 8

body movement that includes facial expressions, gestures, and eye movement. This is one of the most powerful forms of nonverbal communication.

Question 9

Message

Answer 9

comes from the source, it may be spoken words, information obtained during a consultation or telephone conversation, data entered into a patient’s chart, written correspondence, or even a gesture. A message begins the communication process.

Question 10

Non-language sounds

Answer 10

they transmit messages unintentionally. These may include sighs, sobs, laughs, grunts, and more. These sounds can give spoken words a very different meaning.

Question 11

Paraphrasing

Answer 11

using your own words or phrases to repeat what you have heard

Question 12

Problem-oriented organization

Answer 12

a problem is identified and explained, and then instructions are given for correcting the problem

Question 13

Proxemics

Answer 13

personal space, like an invisible bubble that surrounds you. Everyone’s personal space is different and varies based on your relationship with that person.

Question 14

Reflecting

Answer 14

when you use open-ended statements to repeat back what you have heard from a patient or other individual. With this technique you do not complete a sentence but leave it up to the patient to do so.

Question 15

Source

Answer 15

the sender of a message or group that begins the communication process.