Chapter 2 -1; What is a Communication Situation

1. Define communication situation.

2. Identify the components of a communication analysis.

Communication is always shaped by the participants and contexts in which it takes place. The communication situation is a term used to describe the components of any situation in which you may want to communicate, whether in written or oral form. To begin to understand a communication situation, ask yourself:  “Who is talking to whom about what, how, and why?”

A communication situation may also be called a rhetorical situation–a term that goes back to the Ancient Greeks. Our modern understanding of strategic communication is built on the Ancient Greek’s understanding of persuasion (called rhetoric).

In order to analyze a communication situation, you should examine six key components. They are:

1. Purpose

2. You and Your Audience

3. Context

4. Channel

5. Messages

6. Evaluation

To remember these elements, you can use the mnemonic PYCCME (pronounced “pick me”).

When you conduct a communication analysis, you are making sure that you thoroughly understand the communication situation. Understanding the communication situation before you communicate will help you to plan your communication strategically and to monitor your success.

In the next section of this chapter, each of the six components of a communication situation will be defined in more depth.

Summary

Communication is influenced by the participants and contexts involved. A communication situation refers to the components of a scenario where communication occurs, whether written or oral. Key questions to consider include: "Who is talking to whom about what, how, and why?" This concept aligns with the rhetorical situation from Ancient Greek rhetoric, which emphasizes persuasion. Analyzing a communication situation involves examining six components: Purpose, You and Your Audience, Context, Channel, Messages, and Evaluation, remembered using the mnemonic PYCCME. Conducting a thorough communication analysis helps in strategic planning and assessing communication effectiveness.