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As the preceding history illustrates, communication is a diverse field with a rich past. Although many specific topics are currently being studied and taught (such as doctor-patient communication, information flow within organizations, and deception), the field as a whole can be divided into four broad types: mediated communication (Chapter 3), interpersonal communication (Chapters 9–10), small group communication (Chapters 11–12), and public communication (Chapters 13–17). Throughout this book, we explore the differences and connections between these types.

Mediated communication is separated (“mediated”) by some type of technological device. You use mediated communication when you make phone calls, tweet, send text messages or e-mails, use FaceTime or Skype, and post messages online. As you’ll see later in this book, mediated communication is best used to meet certain types of goals. For example, text messaging is fine for planning a meeting location for your study group (instrumental goal). However, you probably wouldn’t want to use texting to resolve a disagreement with your romantic partner (relationship goal).

Interpersonal communication is communication between two people in which the messages exchanged have a significant impact on the participants’ thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationship. Through interpersonal communication, you build, maintain, and end bonds with your friends, family members, lovers, and other relationship partners.

Small group communication involves three or more interdependent persons who share a common identity (such as membership on a team) and who communicate to achieve common goals or purposes. For example, a group might come together to complete a class project, organize a fund-raiser, or produce music. Small group communication involves unique challenges, such as the need to coordinate group members’ responsibilities, build group unity, clarify expectations, and accommodate members’ diverse communication styles.

Public communication is the process of preparing and delivering a message to an audience to achieve a specific purpose (also known as public speaking). An example of this would be a speech you will probably have to give for this class. (This may sound scary, but don’t worry—we have advice in Chapter 15 to manage your anxiety.) You might also need to communicate publicly in other situations, such as giving a talk to a youth group or presenting a project idea to your coworkers by videoconference.

These four types of communication differ in terms of their main purpose, the number of people involved, and their nature (linear, interactive, or transactional). Yet they also are connected to one another—in history and in current practice. Specifically, in all four types, people use messages to generate meanings. In addition, all four types are affected by the communicators’ view of themselves, perceptions of others, cultural background and listening skills, and use of verbal and nonverbal communication. (We will explore these areas together in Chapters 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7.) In addition, you can use the four types of communication to pursue self-presentation, instrumental, and relationship goals.

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Perhaps most important, the choices you make when using any type of communication strongly influence the outcomes you experience. When you make good choices, you’re more likely to get positive outcomes. When you make poor choices, negative outcomes often follow. What does it mean to make “good” choices and communicate “well”? We tackle that question in the next section.