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Define the five ways in which communication is contextual.
Elements and Characteristics of Human Communication
Interpersonal communication between humans is delicate, complex, and dynamic and is part of human life. Communication does not happen in a vacuum. This means that it requires interaction. After all, choosing to not communicate still sends a message.
Interpersonal communication is made up of many elements and characteristics. First, the conversation needs both a sender (the person speaking) and a receiver (the person listening). The sender encodes, or produces, a message. Next, the receiver decodes, or interprets, it. Feedback occurs when the receiver responds. The final element is the communication channel, which is how or where the messages are transmitted. A channel could be a face-to-face conversation, a telephone call, an email exchange, or even social media sites.
Communication does not occur by itself; it happens within context. This means that there is some environment or circumstance that requires interaction. There are five areas where interpersonal communication is considered contextual.
Psychological: who you are and what you bring to the interaction
Relational: your interaction with the other person
Situational: your thoughts about the social interactions
Environmental: where you are physically
Cultural: the rules and behaviors learned from society or culture
Because it is complicated, interpersonal communication can involve some barriers. For example, using overcomplicated or unfamiliar words can stand in the way of effective communication. Another barrier is emotions. Some topics are too emotional or “off limits.” Bias is also a potential barrier, which can cause a receiver to jump to conclusions about what the sender is saying. Another obvious barrier is language. If a person is trying to communicate with someone who does not speak the same language, the two people will not communicate easily. Finally, cultural differences can hinder communication. What is normal in some cultures is not necessarily normal in other cultures. A lack of understanding about another culture can be an obstacle to communication.
Interpersonal communication is complex. It happens in a context, not by itself. Because it is complex and contextual, there are many barriers that hinder effective communication. Try to remember these elements of communication in your next interaction!
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