COM 230 Midterm: STUDY GUIDE EXAM 1.doc
Document Summary
A human communication system composed of 3 or more individuals that want to achieve a common goal, who influence and are influenced by each other. This is the central element of verbal and non-verbal communication. Relationship is how messages are define or redefine the relationship between group members. The relationship part would be the subtext that each member is fighting for power over the others. Ex: 5 people are trying to schedule a meeting together but conflicts of schedules keep them from all finding a time that they can agree on. The content would be that this group needs to schedule a group meeting. Symbols: are representation to whatever the symbols refers to. Language is a structured system of symbols for sharing meaning. Because symbols aren"t the objects, events or relationships represented symbols have no meaning apart from us. Ex: meaning is in the mind of the beholder. Words are symbols, so meaning is not contained in words.
