Chapter 1: Contexts of Communication
NAME: ____________________________ Partner Name:
Define the following in your own words:
1. message
2. verbal message
3. nonverbal message
4. Communication
5. Speech communication
ACTIVITY:
6. Ask three people in the room what their idea of a “great movie” is. Did they all
say the same movie? Why not? It’s either great, or it isn’t, right??? LIST the
movies your friends mentioned:
ALONE:
7. What does the textbook mean when it says that meaning is in the person not the
word?
8. Think of yourself 10 years ago. What was “delicious” to you then? What is
delicious to you now? How can the same WORD refer to different things?
ACTIVITY:
9. Think of the last time you got that blank “huh???” look from an adult. What were
you saying? Were you talking about twittering? Did you use slang? Refer to a
video game? Give an example. Work with a partner to come up with a few
statements / phrases that would confuse the older generation.
ACTIVITY:
10. On page 5, there’s an example of a discussion that would leave me thinking they
were speaking a foreign language. Make up your own short discussion between
two teens who share an interest, which would leave those who don’t share that
interest mystified.
ALONE:
11. “Know your audience”; give three examples of different audiences that would
require different types of approaches.
ACTIVITY:
12. With a partner, practice the “you need help” phrase. How many meanings can you
give that one phrase? If you’re not laughing by the time you are done, then you
really need help! Please write out a few of the funniest- explain.
DEFINE:
13. five dimensions of context (see page 8)
14. the SIX relationship contexts
ALONE:
15. Of the six, which one poses the most difficulties for you? Explain.
DEFINE:
16. five levels of communication
ACTIVITY:
17. With a partner, give an example from your experience for each level of
communication. I don’t want general examples; a good example would be: An
example of public communication was when I had to present my project in Mr.
Price’s class in 10th grade.
ALONE:
18. What level of communication carries the MOST chance for misunderstanding?
ACTIVITY:
19. With partner, list careers where good communication skills would NOT be
essential.
20. And, list careers where good communication skills are absolutely essential.
ACTIVITY:
21. Write the script for a short conversation with a 3 year old about why you will not
be able to watch TV with him/her as you had promised. Act out the skit with a
partner for the whole class!