University of the People

Business Communications – BUS 1105

Written Assignment Unit 1 – 5 Contexts of Communication

Instructor: Mqondisi Bhebhe

June 23th, 2021

 Introduction

We have all realized the importance of communication in our daily lives. Whether it’s spoken,

written or even just by using our body language, we’re communicating. As we know that each

person has different personalities, way of thinking that usually comes from each of their

surroundings, cultural background, etc. With these differences, by communicating, we can

understand each other’s differences or even similarities.

There are 5 context of communication that where “each context has an influence on the

communication process” (Business Communication for Success, n.d., pg. 23).

1. Intrapersonal Communication

Everyone must have experienced this type of communication. It’s when we’re having our

very own personal moments. Personally, I experienced this a lot, especially when it’s

time to sleep, my minds usally wonders and I often communicate with myself. This also

happens a lot when I’m preparing for something that is important. Unconsciously,

without thinking about it, our minds often encourage us to do something, or even sending

a reminder of what to do or what not to do. This is something that my parents used to say

to me, that is “to think first before doing or saying anything”.

2. Interpersonal Communication

This type of communication is something that we experienced when we are having a one-

on-one conversation with our superior. Whether it’s during a routine check-in or even

discussing something important about the job. It usually involves two persons discussing
 about anything. It could be a simple brief conversation, or it could also be a serious heart

to heart conversation between friends, family members, loved one, etc.

3. Group Communication

Group communication is when there’s more than 2 persons having a conversation with

each other. Whether it’s a group of friends, or even a group of teams working together.

They interact with each other and communicate about certain topics together.

4. Public Communication

We often encounter this type of communication in an office. Whether it’s through an e-

mail, during the meetings or a short department briefing, etc. It’s a communication

between one person as the source, which usually is the group leader and a group of

people as the receiver.

5. Mass Communication

This type of communication is usually a one-way version. Where the message or

information is sent to a large group of people. For example, information sent/received

through television, radio, social media, etc.

Conclusion

Based on the above 5 communication contexts, I have experienced all of the type of

communication context. Each of the context have its advantages and disadvantages depending on

the situation and the necessity at one particular moment. Personally, interpersonal
communication is what I like best. The reason is that I can talk as freely or as serious as I wanted

the communication to be, and able to look the other person’s reaction directly and receive

feedback directly too. As for the least type that I like is obviously the mass communication, due

to I’m unable to interact directly with the other person whom I’m communicating with. With the

mass communication, we’re unable to directly know whether our message or information sent to

the receiver is correctly interpreted or not.

References

Business Communication for Success. (n.d). http://www.saylor.org/books