The Three Modes of
Communication
The Three Modes:
Modes of Communication recognized by
New York and
national standards:
Interpretive
Interpersonal
Presentational
Interpretive
“one way” reading or listening
Interpretation of authentic language
sources, e.g. texts, movies, radio,
conversation, speeches, etc.
Multiple ways of comprehension
Implies ability to read and listen for
literal and inferential meaning
Interpersonal
“two way” interactive
communication
listening – speaking
listening-writing
reading -speaking
reading - writing
Listening-speaking
Games
Songs, Rhymes and Finger Plays
Props and concrete materials
Dialogues
Role play
Reading/listening-speaking-writing
a. Preview the context/topic by activating background
knowledge and contextual clues
b. Use visuals to present the main ideas/context
c. Help students to anticipate/comprehend new
vocabulary by conducting a Total Physical Response
(TPR) activity to acquire new words
d. Help students to establish a purpose for
listening/reading/viewing
e. Use skimming (get the gist) and scanning (seek
specific information)
Possible Activities:
matching visuals, following a map or diagram,
drawing a sketch to show comprehension
graphic fill-ins: completing a form, diagram, or
other graphic material while exploring the text
matching main ideas to parts of the text
selecting main ideas from a list of possibilities
checking off specific ideas found in a text
from a list of possibilities
matching titles to sections of the text
Presentational
“one to many” communication
Giving presentations, audio broadcasts,
writing for publication, etc
Focus on clear transmission of
message
Using the Modes in Assessment
I. Interpretive Communication
Students listen to or read an authentic
text (e.g., newspaper article, radio
broadcast, etc.) and answer information
as well as interpretive questions to assess
comprehension. Teacher provides
students with feedback on
comprehension/understanding.
III. Presentational Communication
Students engage in presentational
communication by sharing their
research/ideas/opinions. Sample
presentational formats: speeches, drama,
skits, radio broadcasts, posters,
brochures, essays, websites, etc.
II. Interpersonal Communication
After receiving feedback regarding
the Interpretive Phase, students are
engaged in realistic interpersonal oral
communication about a particular topic
for a specific purpose. This phase could
be either audio- or videotaped.
Create an activity that reinforces
interpersonal communication (the ability to
describe) using this image.
Create an interpersonal activity
based on this text
Create an interpersonal activity
using this picture