Is a quiet dinner conversation with someone you care about the same experience as a

discussion in class or giving a speech? Is sending a text message to a friend the same
experience as writing a professional project proposal or a purchase order? Each context has
an influence on the communication process. Contexts can overlap, creating an even more
dynamic process. You have been communicating in many of these contexts across your
lifetime, and you’ll be able to apply what you’ve learned through experience in each context
to business communication.

Types of Communication According to Context

1. Intrapersonal
2. Interpersonal
3. Extended
4. Organization
5. Intercultural

1. Intrapersonal Communication

Have you ever listened to a speech or lecture and

gotten caught up in your thoughts so that, while the
speaker continued, you were no longer listening?
During a phone conversation, have you ever been
thinking about what you are going to say, or what
question you might ask, instead of listening to the other
person? Finally, have you ever told yourself how you
did after you wrote a document or gave a presentation?
As you “talk with yourself” you are engaged in
intrapersonal communication.

Intrapersonal communication involves one person; it is often called “self-talk.”

(Wood, 1997) Donna Vocate’s book on intrapersonal communication explains how, as we
use language to reflect on our own experiences, we talk ourselves through situations. For
example, the voice within you that tells you, “Keep on Going! I can DO IT!” when you are
putting your all into completing a five-mile race; or that says, “This report I’ve written is
pretty good.” Your intrapersonal communication can be positive or negative, and directly
influences how you perceive and react to situations and communication with others.

2. Interpersonal Communication

The second major context within the field of

communication is interpersonal
communication. Interpersonal communication normally
involves two people, and can range from intimate and
very personal to formal and impersonal. You may carry on
a conversation with a loved one, sharing a serious
concern. Later, at work, you may have a brief
conversation about plans for the weekend with the
security guard on your way home. What’s the difference?
The scenarios involve interpersonal communication, but are different in levels of intimacy.
The first example implies a trusting relationship established over time between two caring
individuals. The second example level implies some previous familiarity, and is really more
about acknowledging each other than any actual exchange of information, much like saying
hello or goodbye.
Interpersonal Communication

Situation No. 1
Speaker A: Hello! I am Kaeselle Ramos. And you?

Speaker B: Oh, I am Venice Mendoza. Glad to meet you. How are you related to the
bride?

Speaker A: She is my cousin. Her mom and mine are sisters. How about you?

Speaker B: She was my high school classmate. I never knew anything about her
personal life so we were kind of surprised when she sent us the invitation.
As always, she is very private.

Speaker A: I see. Well, she’s really like that. Ever since we were kids, she had always
been a very quiet person.

Situation No. 2
Speaker A: Excuse me. Would you know how to get to the nearest mall?

Speaker B: Yes. In fact, you may go there on foot or simply take a jeepney. If you
walk, it will take you about 20minutes to get there. You can just take the
exit gate near the hospital then turn left and walk straight ahead. You
won’t miss it because of the big sign. Jeepneys take the same route and it
should not take you more than 10minutes even with the traffic.

Speaker A: Thank you very much. I think I will just take the public transportation as I
am running out of time. You have been really helpful. Thanks again.

3. Extended Communication
-involves the use of electronic media. It includes tele, audio, or
phone conferencing; Video-conferencing; Skype calls; and
other technological means.

4. Organizational Communication
The focus is on the role that communication plays in organizational contexts. For an
organization to be successful, a system of communication should be put in place.
 Two types of organizational structure
1. Formal
2. Informal

Formal - allows communication to take place via designated

channels of message flow between positions in the
organization.

Four approaches

1. Downward – is the type that flows from upper to lower positions, i.e.,
president to a manager or supervisor, a manager to an ordinary staff. The
flow of communication is top-down or from a superior to a subordinate,
usually asking certain individuals to perform a certain task.

2. Upward Communication – message transmission is bottom-up in

which subordinates send communication to their superiors/bosses bearing
their views/feedback on organizational policies, and issues related to their
jobs.

3. Horizontal Communication – is lateral in approach as it take place

among people belonging to the same level but coming from different
departments or units to facilitate performance or tasks through proper
coordination.

4. Crosswise communication – is diagonal in nature as employees from

different units or departments working at various levels communicate with
each other.

Informal- Comes from unofficial channels of message flow. Also

known as “grapevine”, messages coming from the
different levels of the organization are transmitted.
This occurs due to the dissatisfaction of some
employees accompanied by uncertainty, such as
superiors playing regulations.

Organizational culture - dictate the kind of behavior that employees should

possess as well as the extent of commitment expected from them by the
organization. - They share all in the values, practices, vision, and mission of the
organization.

5. Intercultural Communication
 -Intercultural communication refers to the communication between people from two
different cultures. (Chen & Starosta, 1998:28)

-Intercultural communication is a symbolic, interpretive, transactional, contextual

process, in which people from different cultures create shared meanings. (Lustig &
Koester, 2007:46)

-Intercultural communication refers to the effects on communication behavior, when

different cultures interact together. Hence, one way of viewing intercultural
communication is as communication that unfolds in symbolic intercultural spaces.
(Arasaratnam, 2013:48)

Examples on Intercultural communication

 A Christian converses with a Muslim.
 A woman receives an order from a man.
 An American and African share their views.
 A Chinese politician’s discussion with an American leader.

Things to be avoided in Intercultural Communication

i)  Abusing the traditions.
ii)  Slangs, idioms, and other regional sayings.
iii)  Insensitivity and unempathetic to other cultures and habits.
iv)  Not giving due consideration for language barriers.

Types of Communication According to Purpose and Style

• Formal communication
• Informal communication

Formal Communication
• Employs formal language delivered orally or in written form.
• Lectures, public talks/speeches, research and project proposals, reports, and
business letters, among others

Informal Communication
• Does not employ formal language.
• Involves personal and ordinary conversation with friends, family members, or
acquaintances about anything under the sun.
• The mode may be oral as in face-to-face, ordinary or everyday talks and phone calls,
or written as in the case of e-mail messages, personal notes, letters, or text messages.
• The purpose it simply to socialize and enhance relationships

Sources:
Defining intercultural communication (futurelearn.com)
Importance of Intercultural Communication | Examples | FAQs (cuemath.com)
1.3 Communication in Context – Business Communication for Success (umn.edu)