CHAPTER1 REVIEW
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CHAPTER RECAP
Communication is the process through which people use messages to generate meanings within and across contexts, cultures, channels, and media.
You can use communication to help you achieve three types of goals: self-
Although the field of communication began with the study of rhetoric in ancient Greece, today it is composed of four main types: mediated, interpersonal, small group, and public communication.
Communication competence determines the quality of your communication and is a combination of appropriateness, effectiveness, and ethics.
There are two key axioms to keep in mind when building your communication skills: the communication choices you make are connected to the outcomes that follow, and different types of communication are connected to each other in fundamental ways.
LaunchPad for Choices & Connections offers unique video scenarios and encourages self-
LearningCurve adaptive quizzes
How to Communicate video scenarios
Video clips that illustrate key concepts
KEY TERMS
Communication, p. 5
Message, p. 6
Interaction, p. 6
Contexts, p. 6
Channel, p. 6
Media, p. 6
Self-presentation goals, p. 6
Instrumental goals, p. 7
Relationship goals, p. 7
Linear communication model, p. 7
Sender, p. 8
Receiver, p. 8
Noise, p. 8
Interactive communication model, p. 9
Feedback, p. 9
Fields of experience, p. 9
Transactional communication model, p. 10
Rhetoric, p. 13
Mediated communication, p. 16
Interpersonal communication, p. 16
Small group communication, p. 16
Public communication, p. 16
Communication competence, p. 19
Appropriateness, p. 19
Self-monitoring, p. 19
Effectiveness, p. 21
Ethics, p. 21
Communication skills, p. 22
ACTIVITIES
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Tracking Your Media Meter
For more activities, visit LaunchPad for Choices & Connections at macmillanhighered.com/
choicesconnections2e.
As a way to compare how you use different communication media, create a log of your communication patterns across various media for just one day. Track how often you text, tweet, e-
Exploring Competent Communication
Call to mind a recent communication encounter that you found difficult or problematic. This could be a conflict, an awkward interaction, or an instance in which you regretted what you said or someone misinterpreted you. With a partner, recall exactly what you said and what happened as a result. Now, revisit the components of competence discussed on pages 19–21. What aspects of your communication were appropriate, effective, or ethical? Which were not? What could you have done to be more competent in the situation? How would that have changed the outcomes you experienced? What does this tell you about the benefits or limits of competent communication?