The situational context is represented by the middle sphere in the competent communication model and includes the social environment (a loud, boisterous party versus an intimate dinner for two), the physical place (at home in the kitchen versus at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport), specific events and situations (a wedding versus a funeral), and even a specific mediated place (a private message versus a tweet). The situational context also includes where you live and work, your home or office decorations, the time of day or night, and the current events in the particular environment at the time (Mease & Terry, 2012).

For example, Kevin gets home from work and asks Rhiannon what’s for dinner. If she shrieks, Kevin might conclude that she is mad at him, but if he considers the situational context, he might reinterpret her response. He might notice that his wife is still in her suit, meaning she just got home from a long day at work. He might notice that the kitchen sink is clogged, the dog has gotten sick on the living room rug, and the clean laundry is still sitting, unfolded, on the couch. By considering the situation, Kevin may calmly ask Rhiannon about these situational factors rather than get defensive and start an argument.