Forms & Context of Communication

There are TWO (2) major forms of communication verbal and non-verbal communication.
I. Verbal Communication
This form of communication is characterized by the use of oral and written language. In this form
of communication words are used to bring across a certain message. There are two main ways in
which human beings communicate verbally, that is, through speech and writing. Reading,
writing, speaking and listening are the four ways in which we use this verbal communication.
Each of these is a skill, and effective use of each is necessary for communication to take place.
Your notes, for instance, are in a written format. However until it is read and interpreted by an
audience/ receiver (you, the student) no communication has taken place. In addition to this, the
entire process is incomplete unless some feedback, in the form of presentations/periodic
tests/assignments, is provided.
For communication to take place, both writing and reading skills must be employed. Similarly,
speech communication does not end with speaking. For communication to effectively take place, the
receiver/audience must employ listening skills.
It is important, then, for us to be able to not only write and speak effectively, but also to read and
listen effectively.
II. Non-Verbal Communication
This form of communication relies on elements other than speech and writing. Non-verbal
communication is equal in importance to verbal communication. According to Leathers (1992), nonverbal communication is the use of interacting sets of visual, vocal, and invisible communications
systems to convey and interpret meaning.
Non-verbal actions often tell a different story from the one we are telling with words. For example, if
you are making an apology to someone for a wrong done with a smirk on your face, the person may
not believe that you are serious and genuinely apologetic. Some major categories that fall under nonverbal communication are paralanguage/vocalic, Space/proxemics, objects/artifacts, posture &
movement, time and the senses. These basic elements of non-verbal communication may be used to
enhance communicative behaviours and can have a significant impact on your total message.
Vocalics/Paralanguage
The use of volume, tone, rate, pitch, and quality of voice to give dimension and meaning to words.
This is also referred to as paralanguage as the voice surrounds the words. For example you raise
your pitch at the end of a sentence to indicate that you have completed a thought.
Proxemics
This is the use of space to communicate. For example if someone comes to sit next to you in the
library when the whole table is empty it can communicate a range of things about
relations/interests/personality types.
Artifacts
Artifacts are those items, such as jewelry, clothing or a vehicle that may communicate something
about the type of person you are. If a male wears extremely tight pants or shaves his eyebrows, it may
communicate something about him to others.
Movement

This includes posture, gestures, facial expressions and eye contact. Waving, smiling, gazing at
someone, or slumping at your desk, are all instances of movement. Movement communicates
messages.
Time/Chronemics
The way you use time, or chronemics, can communicate attitude or status. For instance, one may
show/communicate respect by being early for an appointment or job interview. Conversely, lack of
respect may be communicated by turning up half-an-hour late for a class.
Senses
Finally, messages can be sent through the five senses taste, touch, smell etcetera.
Functions of non-verbal communication
There are also six (6) functions of non-verbal communication. That is, we use non-verbal
communication for six main reasons:
i. Substituting is where we use non-verbal communication to replace verbal communication.
Waving goodbye instead of saying it out loud is one example of this.
ii. Reinforcement. We also use non-verbal communication to reinforce or complement our verbal
communication. Pounding your hand onto a table when arguing may reinforce whatever point youre
making.
iii. Regulating. The regulating function of non-verbal communication is used mostly in
conversation to control the flow of messages. Raising your hand to answer or ask a question in class
helps to regulate the communication going on in the room.
iv. Contradiction. Sometimes we use non-verbal communication to contradict our verbal
communication. The most common example of this is using vocalic sarcasm when you say one
thing, but your tone of voice says the opposite.
v. Manage Impressions. We often manage impressions through the use of non-verbal
communication. The way we dress, for example, often coincides with the impression we want others
to have of us.
vi. Establish Relationships. Finally, we use non-verbal communication to establish relationships.
The wearing of a wedding band is a non-verbal indication that the person is married.
The Context of Communication
As stated earlier, the context of communication is its environment. Context is particularly
important in choosing the types of verbal and non-verbal communication we use every day. A doctor
does not wear short pants and slippers at the clinic; this would be inappropriate. A lawyer may
choose to speak in simple language to a client while using more complex language to a colleague. A
hip-hop star covers himself in bling and speaks a version of English that is not standard when
addressing his fans. All of these are examples of how communication context influences form of
communication.
When deciding on which form of communication to use, always ask yourself these questions:
* Who am I communicating with?
* What is the attitude of my audience?
* Where is this communication act taking place?
Usually, communication contexts occur along a scale from formal to informal. Formal contexts
require certain types of communication and communicative behaviours; informal contexts require
others. A conversation between employer and employee, for example, is not the same as one between

friends, even if the subject matter under discussion is the same.

Basically, a formal situation is one where behaviour is dictated by social norms and patterns, and an
informal situation is one where there are no constraints on behaviour and communication.
Communication Settings
1.

Intrapersonal

This means communicating within yourself. When you think, daydream and solve problems that
is seen as intrapersonal communication. Hunger, pain and pleasure are said to be physical
feedback mechanisms.
2. Interpersonal

This form of communication refers to the interactions of two or more people. All communication
involving other people and oneself is seen as interpersonal. It is characterized by oneself being in
direct contact with one other person or a few other people. Interviews, conversations and
intimate communication are all examples of this type of communication.
3. Small Group

This form of communication is characterized by leadership, a somewhat equal sharing of ideas,

peer pressure, roles and norms, and focus on a common goal, usually in face-to-face interaction.
The small group is one of the most important communication settings. Examples of small groups
include the family, interview teams, roommates, workgroups, legislative subcommittees and
military and business groups.
4. Public Communication

This occurs where one person talks to several others and is the dominant focus of the
communication in a public setting. It is characterized by having a speaker and an audience. Here,
the speaker is the primary sender of messages, while others function primarily as receivers of
those messages. The number of the audience is not important here.
5. Mass Communication

This occurs where a message needs help to get from point A to point B from its source/sender
to its destination/receiver. Some form of mechanism is needed to connect the sender to the
receivers. These include print (newspapers or magazines), electrical (radio, television or video),
or electronic (computer modems). There is usually some delay in sending and receiving. There
is also some delay in the feedback, if any, that the sender gets from the receiver.

6. Organizational Communication

This is a very specialized area that focuses on interpersonal, small-group, public and mass
communication as they interact in a complex, multi-group setting. It is especially important to
business, government, and educational institutions. It accounts for what happens to messages as
they travel up, down and around a large collection of individuals.
7. Intercultural Communication

Otherwise known as cross-cultural communication, it describes what happens when the sender of
a message is from a different cultural background than the intended receiver. It may be found in
any other context of communication whenever one individual speaks to another individual from
another country. It is important to take into consideration the differences in cultures in order to
ensure successful cross-cultural communication.