What term describes the exchange of ideas and information that conveys an intended meaning?

The term "communication" refers to the process of exchanging ideas, thoughts, or information in a way that conveys an intended meaning. This process involves both the sender and receiver of information and entails various forms such as verbal, non-verbal, written, and visual methods. Effective communication is essential in various contexts, including fire and life safety education, as it helps ensure that important safety messages are understood and retained by the audience.

In contrast, while "debate," "dialogue," and "discussion" all involve forms of conversation, they do not fundamentally encapsulate the broader definition of communication. Debate often focuses on opposing viewpoints and argumentation. Dialogue emphasizes a more open and two-way exchange of views without necessarily aiming for a conclusion. Discussion is typically a more focused exchange about a specific topic or issue, which may or may not result in the conveyance of an intended meaning. Thus, while all these terms relate to the sharing of information, "communication" encompasses the full scope of conveying meaning effectively.