The four sides of communication Four-sides model

1 4 sides of communication

1.1 matter layer
1.2 self-revealing
1.3 relationship indicator
1.4 appeal

the 4 sides of communication

the matter layer contains statements matter of fact data , facts, part of news.
in self-revealing or self-disclosure speaker - conscious or not intended - tells himself, motives, values, emotions etc.
in relationship-layer expressed resp. received, how sender gets along receiver , thinks of him.
the appeal contains desire, advice, instruction , effects speaker seeking for.

every layer can misunderstood individually. classic example of schulz von thun front-seat passenger tells driver: hey, traffic lights green . driver understand different regarding ear hear , react differently. (on matter layer understand fact traffic lights green , understand come on, drive! . - command , or on relationship hear want or if hear behind it: in hurry reveals part of self-revelatory . ) emphasis on 4 layers can meant differently , understood differently. sender can stress appeal of statement , receiver can receive relationship part of message. 1 of main reasons misunderstandings.

the matter layer

what inform about:

on matter layer sender of news gives data, facts , statements. task of sender send information , understandably.

the receiver proves matter ear, whether matter message fulfills criteria of truth (true/untrue) or relevance (relevant/irrelevant) , completeness (satisfying/something has added).

in long-term team, matter layer clear , needs few words.

the self-revealing

what reveal myself:

in every news there information sender. on layer of self-revealing or self-disclosure sender reveals himself. message consists of conscious intended self-expression unintended self-revealing, not conscious sender (see johari window). thus, every news becomes information personality of sender.

the self-revealing ear of receiver perceives information sender hidden in message.

the relationship indicator

what think (you-statement) , how along (we-statement):

the relationship layer expresses how sender gets along receiver , thinks him. depending on how talks him (way of formulation, body language, intonation ...) expresses esteem, respect, friendliness, disinterest, contempt or else.

depending on message receiver hears relationship ear, feels either depressed, accepted or patronized. communication distinguished communication mutual appreciation.

the appeal

what want make do:

who states something, affect something. appeal-message should make receiver or leave undone. attempt influence can less or more open (advice) or hidden (manipulation).

on appeal ear receiver asks himself: should do, think or feel now?

citation: mothers appeal-influenced children. mum! shoes .... yes! ll right there put them on you.