Explaining the

Dimensions of
Communication
LESSON 4
It was previously noted that
communication occurs between two
people, among a group of people, or
between a Speaker and a group of
Listeners. Yet, we see situations
such as someone crying, quarreling,
or feeling hurt of a
misunderstanding with a friend, a
parent, or a stranger.
Communication breakdown or
Miscommunication can lead to
total cessation of interaction. We
see people stop talking to each
other, sometimes until the end of
their lives.
Leaders of some countries that do
not have friendly relations or
have stopped talking to each
other sometimes end up going to
war against each other.
MISCOMMUNICATION

• Brought about by the lack of awareness of the dimensions of communication, especially

those influenced by culture and gender.

• Communication runs along four pairs of dimensions:

1. Verbal and Nonverbal

2. Oral and Written

3. Formal and Informal

4. Intentional and Unintentional

1. Verbal/Nonverbal
Dimensions
• Encompass the use of language, the
words chosen (Verbal Dimension) and
the facial expressions, and the gestures
and bodily movement used (Nonverbal
Dimension).

• Verbal and Nonverbal dimensions must

be used together to clearly impart the
message.

• A misunderstanding may happen when

words contradict actions. He/she may
say “yes” but the facial expression says
“no”.
2. Oral/Written
Dimensions
• Mean spoken communication (Oral
Dimension) and the transcription of
thoughts and ideas (Written Dimension).

• While the Verbal Dimension talks of the

use of language and the choice of words
to convey a written message, the Oral
Dimension imparts the message
following the Principles of Delivery.

• The Written Dimension takes care of

putting down the words while the Oral
Dimension takes care of delivering those
words.
3. Formal/Informal
Dimension
• Speak of the factors that may or may not
highlight traditional and conventional
communication.

• Formal Dimension usually means the

meticulous observation of
appropriateness in dress, language, and
setting.

• Informal Dimension is the opposite. It

uses a more casual approach with no
regard for the formalities.
4. Intentional/Unintentional
Dimension
• Rely on the fact that messages always have
a Purpose.

• There is an intention when people

communicate with others.

• This intention is why we want to

communicate in the first place.

• One wants to say something, but what one

may intend may not be the actual result.

• Sometimes people laugh at something that

was said, even if the Speaker meant it to be
taken seriously.
- END
 ACTIVITY # 3
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 Recall a misunderstanding, a quarrel, or a
fight between you and another person (friend,
sibling, parent, or relative). Analyze why it
happened and what caused it by looking at the
Dimension(s) of Communication that was (were)
not properly understood. Then recall how the
problem was resolved.