Meaning Context and Meaning High Context Mid-Context Stored Information (Non-verbal and Contextual) High Context Meaning Mid-Context Transmitted Information (Verbal) Low Context

High and Low Context Illustrated Transmitted (Verbal) Information Meaning Stored (Non- verbal and Contextual) Information Stored (Non- verbal and Contextual) Information Meaning Transmitted (Verbal) Information Verbal Skills Self-expression Easily changed Quickly learned Slower to use Detailed, exacting information desired Non-verbal Skills Expression limited Slow to change Long to learn Fast to use once learned Information is in context

Visual Contexting

Some Double-edged Swords Deborah Tannen, Talking from 9 to 5, ch. 7 Questions Complaints Compliments First and Last Names Interruptions Silence Jokes Competition Cooperation