COMMUNICATION CYCLE

One complete piece of communication, from start to finish: someone says something, someone else receives it, and that person answers or acknowledges it. When the answer comes back, the cycle is complete.

From the AOGP Abridged Scientology Dictionary — based on original LRH source materials, updated through 1982.

Usage

Joe says something to Bill; Bill hears it and replies; the cycle is finished. If Bill never replies, the cycle is left hanging, and hanging cycles are what leave people feeling unheard.

Why It Matters

Most trouble between people is a communication cycle that never closed rather than a disagreement about anything. Seeing communication as a cycle makes it obvious which half is missing.

Related Concepts

  • COMMUNICATIONThe interchange of ideas or objects between two people or terminals.
  • CYCLE OF ACTIONThe sequence that an action goes through, wherein the action is started, is continued for as long as is required and then is completed as planned.
  • TWO-WAY COMMUNICATIONCommunication between two people in which each one takes turns, while the other listens attentively, in expressing fully his ideas on a subject.
  • AUDITING COMMUNICATION CYCLEThe communication cycle used in auditing.

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