Forms of Communication and Their Division
Communication and Self-experience,
Dental Medicine and General Medicine, 2nd year, autumn 2009

Basic Division of Communication
nVerbal/Non-verbal
n
nInterpersonal/Group/Mass
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nIntentional/Unintentional

Non-verbal Communication
nFunctions of an organism are communication tools
nThe purpose is usually expressing of one‘s emotional condition
n Types
nGestures (Gestic)
nMovements, Postures (kinesics, posturology)
nSpatial positioning (proxemics, 4 basic distance zones)
nTouches (Haptic)
nFacial expressions (mimic)
nEye gazes
nParalanguage expressions: tone of voice, speed of speech, etc.
n
n

Commmunication Barriers
nBodily position as an expression of psychological inhibitions
nOften referred to as "Metacommunication"
nTypical non-verbal defensive postures
nArms folded on chest
nCrossed legs, ankles
nArms folded on chest with clenched fists
nBody turned away, looking away
nFinger intertwining
nHalf barrier posture (L posture)
n
n
n
n

Verbal Communication
nIntermediated through a language sign and meaning connected to it
nDialogue as a communication tool
n
nGeneral theory of signs (semiotics)
nGeneral theory of language(lingvistics)
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Forms of Communication from the Point of View of Authenticity
nCongruent communication
nExpression of authenticity of the participant of communication
nCompliance of verbal and non-verbal expression of the participant of communication
nIncongruent
n communication
nExpression of contradiction between verbal and non-verbal performance of the participant, not
authentic performance of the participant
nIn the form of "double bind „,  factor co-determinig negative psychological development of man
(Palo Alto school)
n

Forms of Communication from the Point of View of Result
nEfficient
nClear, transparent communication
n
nFrom the point of view of the participants of the communication process the defined goal and needs
are fulfilled
nInefficient
nUnclear, confused communication
n
n
nThe goal of the communication process and the needs of participants are not fulfilled

Forms of Communication from the Point of View of Pathology
nSymetric/Asymetric
nCircular communication
nE.g. In families of alcohol addicts
nRivalry communication
nForm of a power struggle and enforcing one‘s own needs regardless of the others
n
n
n
n
n
n

Sources
nVybíral Z. Psychologie komunikace. Praha Portál, 2005.
nWatzlawick, P, Bavelasová, J.B., Jackson D.D. Pragmatika lidské komunikace. Konfrontace, 1999.
nHonzák R. Komunikační pasti v medicíně. Praha, Galén, 1997.