CPA Foundation Level
Communication Skills glossary
Every term this guide defines, A to Z, each with the chapter that teaches it. Open it when a word in a question is unfamiliar, and test yourself on it in the last week: cover the definition and say it in one sentence.
13 terms from the free first chapter
C
- Channel
The medium the message travels through (spoken, written, visual).
Taught in Introduction to communication
- Cultural barriers
Differing norms, assumptions and non-verbal cues across cultures.
Taught in Introduction to communication
D
- Decoding
The receiver interpreting the message.
Taught in Introduction to communication
E
- Encoding
Converting the intended meaning into words, symbols or gestures.
Taught in Introduction to communication
F
- Feedback
The receiver's response, confirming (or failing to confirm) understanding.
Taught in Introduction to communication
L
- Language barriers
Jargon, vocabulary mismatch, translation loss.
Taught in Introduction to communication
M
- Message
The information being conveyed.
Taught in Introduction to communication
N
- Noise
Anything that distorts the message between sender and receiver.
Taught in Introduction to communication
O
- Organisational barriers
Rigid hierarchy, information overload, unclear authority.
Taught in Introduction to communication
P
- Physical barriers
Noise, distance, faulty equipment.
Taught in Introduction to communication
- Psychological barriers
Stress, prejudice, poor listening habits.
Taught in Introduction to communication
R
- Receiver
The party the message is intended for.
Taught in Introduction to communication
S
- Sender
The party originating the message.
Taught in Introduction to communication
The full glossary adds every term from the other 10 chapters, A to Z, each with the chapter that teaches it.