1.6 Identify and explain three communication contexts.

Three classic contexts of unmediated communication that researchers have studied are (1) interpersonal communication, in which two people interact simultaneously and mutually influence each other, usually for the purpose of managing relationships; (2) small group communication, interaction among a small group of people who share a common purpose or goal, who feel a sense of belonging to the group, and who exert influence on the others in the group; and (3) presentational communication, in which a speaker addresses an audience for the purpose of informing, persuading, or entertaining. Communication in organizational and healthcare settings involves all three contexts.

Communication Principles for a Lifetime