Foundations of Communication
What is communication?
The process of exchanging information between two people.
What are the 5 Cs of verbal communication?
Clear, Concise, Consistent, Credible, Courteous.
What are the three components of language?
Form, content, and use.
What is the difference between a communication difference and a disorder?
Difference = expected variation; Disorder = breakdown that impacts functioning.
What degree is required to become an SLP?
A master’s degree (M.A./M.S.)
What two conditions must be met for communication to be considered successful?
The receiver understands the message as intended.
Give two examples of non-speech sounds.
Sighs, sobs, laughs, grunts (any two).
Which language component includes phonology, morphology, and syntax?
Form.
Give an example of a communication difference.
AAE grammar (“He be running”), bilingual code-mixing.
What are the three components of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)?
Clinical expertise, external/internal evidence, client/caregiver perspectives.
What are encoding and decoding?
Encoding = forming the message; Decoding = interpreting the message.
What is paralanguage?
Vocal features like tone, pitch, and loudness that accompany speech.
What are the four components of speech?
Articulation, voice, fluency, sound production.
What are the two ways communication disorders are classified by timing?
Developmental vs. acquired.
What legislation governs Early Intervention services?
IDEA Part C.
Name three components of the basic communication model.
Sender, message, receiver, feedback, channel (any three).
What is proxemics?
The study of personal space and how people use physical distance in communication.
What cognitive skills support communication? Name two.
Attention, memory, executive function (any two).
What are the two ways communication disorders are classified by cause?
Organic vs. functional.
Name three settings where SLPs work
EI, schools, hospitals, SNFs, outpatient clinics, private practice, universities (any three).
What is semiotics, and why is it important in communication?
The study of signs (gestures, symbols, pictures, smells); it explains how meaning is conveyed beyond words.
Why is written communication essential in clinical practice? Name two reasons.
Continuity of care, legal protection, reimbursement, quality improvement, regulatory standards (any two).
Explain how a breakdown in one communication component can affect the others.
They are interdependent; impairment in one (e.g., hearing loss) affects others (e.g., language development).
Why is bilingual code-mixing NOT considered a disorder?
It is a normal part of bilingual language development and reflects linguistic competence.
What are SMART goals in school-based practice?
To create measurable, specific, attainable, relevant, time-based goals for IEPs.