What aspect of credibility relates to a sender's perceived expertise?

The correct choice focuses on competence, which refers to the perceived expertise, knowledge, and skills of a sender in a particular context. When a communicator demonstrates competence, it signifies to the audience that they possess a strong understanding of the subject matter and can convey information accurately and effectively. This impacts how the audience evaluates the reliability of the message being conveyed.

In terms of credibility, competence is crucial as it helps establish the sender as an authority on the topic, which can significantly influence how the message is received and accepted. An individual who shows a deep understanding or has relevant experience in the subject tends to be viewed as more credible, reinforcing the audience's trust in the information provided.

Other aspects of credibility, such as trustworthiness and goodwill, relate to the audience's perception of the sender's intentions and integrity rather than their expertise. Clarity pertains to how well the message is articulated, which doesn't necessarily reflect the sender’s knowledge or skill in the subject matter. Thus, while these elements are also important in communication, competence specifically addresses the aspect of credibility tied to the sender's expertise.