Module 1 — Effective
writing: Strategies
and principles
| Course Guide | Module 1 | Module 2a | Module 2b |
Communication terminology
As an ILO employee, you are more than familiar with the use of jargon or UNese (or ILOese). Jargon is fine as long as everyone knows what the terms mean. This course has some jargon too ordinary words used in specific ways. Spend a minute or two to make sure you are familiar with the way some words will be used in this course. Knowing the jargon will make it easier for you and your tutor to discuss your work and for you to benefit from your tutor's feedback.
Terminology |
Description |
Communicator (sender, source) |
The speaker, writer or some kind of signaller |
Message |
The content of what is to be communicated (thoughts, ideas, information, instructions, etc.) |
Audience (receiver) |
The listener, reader, viewer |
Statement of purpose (desired response, purpose) |
What the communicator wants the audience (reader) to do |
Communication channel (medium) |
The means used to get the message from sender to receiver (fax, email, telephone, etc.) |
Environment |
The setting in which the communication takes place |
Feedback |
The information that is given back about the message |
Communication barriers (noise) |
Whatever causes difficulties during the communication process |
Your first activity for the course will give you an opportunity to make sure you understand this terminology.