Communication
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Vocabulary for IELTS: Communication
"Communication" is one of the most commonly discussed topics in both IELTS Speaking and Writing tests. Whether it’s about face-to-face conversations, digital communication, or communication in professional settings, a strong vocabulary helps express ideas more accurately and fluently. This vocabulary list will equip you with words and phrases that you can confidently use in the IELTS exam to discuss communication effectively.
Here are some really useful vocabulary items related to communication, each with example sentences designed for IELTS-level usage.
1. Verbal communication: [Meaning: The use of spoken words to share information]
Example 1: Effective verbal communication is essential in team-based work environments.
Example 2: During the interview, I relied on strong verbal communication to present my ideas.
2. Body language: [Meaning: Non-verbal signals expressed through posture, gestures, or facial expressions]
Example 1: Positive body language can make a speaker seem more confident.
Example 2: In face-to-face communication, body language often conveys more than words.
3. Feedback: [Meaning: Information or criticism about someone's performance or message]
Example 1: Constructive feedback helped me improve my speaking skills.
Example 2: Without honest feedback, growth in communication becomes difficult.
4. Tone of voice: [Meaning: The way words are spoken to express emotion or attitude]
Example 1: A calm tone of voice can diffuse tense situations.
Example 2: Teachers should be mindful of their tone of voice to maintain a positive classroom environment.
5. Communication barrier: [Meaning: Any obstacle that prevents clear understanding]
Example 1: Noise and language differences are common communication barriers.
Example 2: Prejudices often act as invisible communication barriers.
6. Linguistic competence: [Meaning: The ability to use a language accurately and appropriately]
Example 1: IELTS assesses your linguistic competence across four skills.
Example 2: High linguistic competence enables individuals to work globally.
7. Miscommunication: [Meaning: Failure to communicate clearly, leading to misunderstanding]
Example 1: The disagreement resulted from a simple miscommunication.
Example 2: In IELTS Writing, you can discuss how miscommunication can affect workplace harmony.
8. Eye contact: [Meaning: The act of looking into someone’s eyes to create a connection or convey meaning]
Example 1: Maintaining eye contact shows attentiveness and confidence.
Example 2: Public speakers are trained to make eye contact with their audience.
9. Active listening: [Meaning: Fully concentrating, understanding, and responding in a conversation]
Example 1: Active listening plays a vital role in conflict resolution.
Example 2: IELTS Speaking requires active listening during the examiner’s instructions.
10. Communication breakdown: [Meaning: A failure in exchanging information effectively]
Example 1: The project failed due to a complete communication breakdown among the teams.
Example 2: Cultural barriers often lead to communication breakdowns.
11. Face-to-face interaction: [Meaning: Communication where people are physically present]
Example 1: Many people still prefer face-to-face interaction despite the rise of digital tools.
Example 2: IELTS candidates often mention the value of face-to-face interaction in maintaining relationships.
12. Assertive communication: [Meaning: Expressing thoughts clearly while respecting others’ rights]
Example 1: Assertive communication helps resolve conflicts without aggression.
Example 2: Leaders often rely on assertive communication to manage teams effectively.
13. Digital communication: [Meaning: Communication through electronic means like email, chat, or video calls]
Example 1: Digital communication has revolutionised how businesses operate globally.
Example 2: My IELTS essay discussed the pros and cons of relying on digital communication.
14. Interpersonal skills: [Meaning: Skills used to interact effectively with others]
Example 1: Employers often prioritise candidates with strong interpersonal skills.
Example 2: I improved my interpersonal skills through part-time customer service work.
15. Non-verbal cues: [Meaning: Communication signals without spoken words, like gestures or tone]
Example 1: Non-verbal cues such as posture and tone influence how messages are perceived.
Example 2: My IELTS Speaking response highlighted the role of non-verbal cues in presentations.
16. Intercultural communication: [Meaning: Communication between people from different cultural backgrounds]
Example 1: Intercultural communication is crucial in multinational companies.
Example 2: Language learners often face challenges in intercultural communication.
17. Communication competency: [Meaning: The ability to effectively communicate across various settings]
Example 1: High communication competency can distinguish great leaders from average ones.
Example 2: In academic discussions, communication competency is valued as much as subject knowledge.
18. Pragmatic failure: [Meaning: When the intended meaning is misunderstood due to social or cultural norms]
Example 1: Pragmatic failure often occurs in second-language speakers unaware of cultural cues.
Example 2: The essay highlighted how pragmatic failure can damage diplomatic communication.
19. Linguistic relativity: [Meaning: The idea that language influences how people think]
Example 1: Some believe linguistic relativity shapes perceptions of time and space.
Example 2: In IELTS Writing Task 2, linguistic relativity was a strong example for discussing language and identity.
20. Discourse analysis: [Meaning: The study of how language is used in communication]
Example 1: Discourse analysis reveals underlying power structures in political communication.
Example 2: I used discourse analysis techniques while preparing academic presentations.
21. Communicative intent: [Meaning: The purpose behind a spoken or written message]
Example 1: Identifying communicative intent helps avoid misunderstandings.
Example 2: Communicative intent plays a vital role in academic writing and IELTS tasks.
22. Socio-pragmatic competence: [Meaning: The ability to use appropriate language based on social norms and context]
Example 1: International students often struggle with socio-pragmatic competence in real conversations.
Example 2: My essay discussed the role of socio-pragmatic competence in intercultural classrooms.
23. Paralinguistic features: [Meaning: Aspects of spoken communication such as pitch, tone, and pace]
Example 1: Mastery of paralinguistic features makes public speaking more effective.
Example 2: I analysed how paralinguistic features vary across different languages.
24. Semantic ambiguity: [Meaning: A situation where a word or phrase has multiple interpretations]
Example 1: Semantic ambiguity in messages can cause confusion in professional settings.
Example 2: Clear writing avoids semantic ambiguity, especially in academic IELTS essays.
25. Semantic precision: [Meaning: Accuracy and clarity in word choice and meaning]
Example 1: Academic writing demands a high degree of semantic precision.
Example 2: Misinterpretation often arises from a lack of semantic precision in speech.
26. Multimodal communication: [Meaning: Communication using multiple channels, such as text, images, and gestures]
Example 1: Multimodal communication is now common in digital education platforms.
Example 2: My presentation was praised for its effective use of multimodal communication.
27. Small talk: [Meaning: Casual conversation about unimportant topics]
Example 1: Small talk helps break the ice when meeting new people.
Example 2: British people often use small talk to avoid awkward silences.
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