G-8 Glossaryintercultural sensitivity: Mindfulness of behaviors
that may offend others.
interdependence: Mutual dependence where the
actions of each partner affect the other(s).
intergroup communication: A branch of the
communication discipline that focuses on how
communication within and between groups affects
relationships.
intergroup contact theory: The argument that in-
teraction between members of different social
groups generates a possibility for more positive
attitudes to emerge.
internal preview: In public speaking, an extended
transition that primes the audience for the con-
tent immediately ahead.
internal summary: An extended transition that allows
the speaker to crystallize the points made in one sec-
tion of a speech before moving to the next section.
interpersonal communication: The exchange of
verbal and nonverbal messages between two peo-
ple who have a relationship and are influenced
by the partner’s messages.
interpersonal relationships: The interconnections
and interdependence between two individuals.
interview: An interaction between two parties that
is deliberate and purposeful for at least one of the
parties involved.
intimacy: Closeness and understanding of a rela-
tional partner.
inverted funnel sequence: A pattern of questioning
that progresses from narrow, closed questions to
more open-ended questions.
jargon: Technical language that is specific to members
of a particular profession, interest group, or hobby.
job interview: A type of selection interview, with
the end goal of filling a position of employment.
key-word outline: The briefest type of outline, con-
sisting of specific “key words” from the sentence
outline to jog the speaker’s memory.
kinesics: The way gestures and body movements
communicate meaning.
laissez-faire leader: The leader who trusts others to
handle their own responsibilities, does not take
part in the group’s discussions or work efforts,
and provides feedback only when asked.
language: The system of symbols (words) that we
use to think about and communicate experiences
and feelings.latitude of acceptance: The range of positions on a
topic that are acceptable to an audience based on
their anchor position.
latitude of noncommitment: A range of positions
on a topic the audience is not sure about.
latitude of rejection: The range of positions on a
topic that are unacceptable to an audience based
on their anchor position.
latitudes: Ranges of acceptable and unacceptable
viewpoints about a topic.
lay testimony: The opinion of a nonexpert who has
personal experience of or has witnessed an event
related to the speaker’s topic.
leadership: The ability to direct or influence others’
behaviors and thoughts toward a productive end.
leading question: A type of directed question that sub-
tly suggests or implies the answer that is expected.
legitimate power: Power that comes from an indi-
vidual’s role or title.
library gateway: A collection of databases and infor-
mation sites arranged by subject, generally reviewed
and recommended by experts (usually librarians).
linear model (of communication): Communica-
tion in which a sender originates a message,
which is carried through a channel—perhaps
interfered with by noise—to the receiver.
linguistic relativity: The belief that speakers of dif-
ferent languages have different views of the world.
listening: The process of recognizing, understanding,
accurately interpreting, and responding effectively
to the messages communicated by others.
listening apprehension: A state of uneasiness, anxi-
ety, fear, or dread associated with a listening
opportunity; also known as receiver apprehension.
listening barrier: A factor that interferes with the
ability to accurately comprehend information
and respond appropriately.
listening fidelity: The degree to which the thoughts
of the listener and the thoughts and intentions
of the message producer match following their
communication.
loaded question: A type of directed question that
boldly suggests the answer that is expected.
logical fallacy: An invalid or deceptive form of
reasoning.
logos: A form of rhetorical proof that appeals to
logic and is directed at the audience’s reasoning
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