Page 339 - Essentials of Human Communication

318 Glossary

among elements. In a mindless state, we are unaware of extent that the message received is not the message sent.
this logic and rationality. Increase your mindfulness by Reduce the influence of physical, physiological, psychologi-
creating and recreating categories, being open to new cal, and semantic noise to the extent that you can; use repe-
information and points of view, and avoiding excessive tition and restatement and, when in doubt, ask if you’re
reliance on first impressions. being clear.
mixed message. A message that contradicts itself; a message nominal group. A collection of individuals who record their
that asks for two different (often incompatible) responses. thoughts and opinions, which are then distributed to oth-
Avoid encoding mixed messages by focusing clearly on your ers. Without direct interaction, the thoughts and opinions
purposes when communicating and by increasing conscious are gradually pared down until a manageable list of solu-
control over your verbal and nonverbal behaviors. tions or decisions is produced. When this occurs, the
model. A representation of an object or process. nominal group (a group in name only) may restructure it-
monochronic time orientation. A view of time in which self into a problem-solving group that analyzes the final
things are done sequentially, with one thing being sched- list. Use the nominal group technique to solve problems
uled at a time. Contrast polychronic time orientation. when anonymity in suggesting ideas may be desirable.
monologue. A form of communication in which one person non-allness. An attitude or point of view recognizing that we
speaks and the other listens; there is no real interaction can never know all about anything; that what we know,
among participants. Contrast dialogue. say, or hear is only a part of what there is to know, say, or
motivated sequence. An organizational pattern in which a hear.
speaker arranges the information in a discourse to moti- nondirective language. Language that does not direct or
vate an audience to respond positively to the speaker’s focus our attention on certain aspects of a topic; neutral
purpose. In using the motivated sequence, gain attention, language.
establish a need, satisfy the need, visualize the need satis- nonnegotiation. An unproductive conflict strategy in which
fied, and move to action. an individual refuses to discuss the conflict or to listen to
motivational appeal. Appeals to an audience’s motives and the other person in the encounter.
emotions rather than to their logic. Use motivational ap- nonverbal communication. Communication without words;
peals (i.e., appeals to motives such as fear; power, control, for example, communication by means of space, gestures,
and influence; safety; achievement; or financial gain) as facial expressions, touching, vocal variation, or silence.
appropriate to the speech and audience. nonverbal dominance. Nonverbal behavior through which
one person psychologically dominates another.
norm. See group norm.
name calling. A persuasive technique in which the speaker
gives an idea or a person a derogatory name.
narrative. A long example presented in the form of an anec- object-adaptors. Movements that involve manipulation of
dote, short story, or report, for example, Aesop’s fables. some object, such as punching holes in or drawing on a
negative face. The need and desire to be autonomous, to Styrofoam coffee cup, clicking a ballpoint pen, or chewing
have the right to do as one wishes. on a pencil.
negative feedback. Feedback that serves a corrective func- object language. Language used to communicate about ob-
tion by informing the source that his or her message is jects, events, and relations in the world; the structure of
not being received in the way intended; serves to redirect the object language is described in a metalanguage; the
the source’s behavior. Examples include looks of bore- display of physical objects—for example, flower arranging
dom, shouts of disagreement, letters critical of newspaper and the colors of the clothes we wear.
policy, and a teacher’s instructions on how better to oculesis. A technical term for the study of eye movements.
approach a problem. Contrast positive feedback. olfactics. The study of communication by smell.
netiquette. The rules for polite communication over the olfactory communication. Communication by smell.
Internet. Learn what these are and follow them. onymous messages. Messages that are signed; messages
networking. A broad process of enlisting the aid of other peo- whose author is identified.
ple to help you solve a problem or offer insight that bears openness. A quality of interpersonal effectiveness encom-
on your problem. Establish a network of relationships to passing (1) a willingness to interact openly with others, to
provide insights into issues relevant to your personal and self-disclose as appropriate; (2) a willingness to react hon-
professional life, and be willing to lend your expertise to the estly to incoming stimuli; and (3) a willingness to own
networks of others. your feelings and thoughts.
neutrality. A response pattern lacking in personal involve- operational definition. A type of definition in which the
ment; encourages defensiveness. Contrast empathy. steps to construct the object are identified.
noise. Anything that interferes with a person’s receiving a oral style. The style of spoken discourse that, when compared
message as the source intended the message to be re- with written style, consists of shorter, simpler, and more
ceived. Noise is present in a communication system to the familiar words; more qualification, self-reference terms,