Modes of Communication
Interpersonal Mode Interpretive Mode Presentational Mode
Two-way communication One-way communication One-way communication
where participants interact and where an individual analyzes, where an individual presents,
negotiate meaning, and, adjust interprets, and seeks explains, informs, facilitates
and clarify meaning and understanding of what the understanding (does not
intention when exchanging author or producer intended for exchange or negotiate) of
spontaneous and unrehearsed the individual to understand in information, concepts, or ideas
information, feelings, ideas, something heard, read, or of another culture and adapts
opinions, and reactions. seen. “Reading between the to the audiences’ language and
lines”. Cultural perspective and culture.
context are kept in mind.
Examples: Examples: Examples:
Speaking and listening with Listening to a speech, song, Speaking or visually
conversations that are face-to- news, radio, monologue, etc. presenting speeches, reports,
face or with use of technology, power point presentations,
etc. Reading an article, book, explanation of a video, telling a
story, etc. story, a skit or drama
Reading and writing by an presentation, etc.
exchange of emails, text Viewing a video, TV, social
messages, social media media, a presentation, a drama Writing compositions, articles,
messages, letters, etc. or skit, paintings, a poster or short stories, reports,
picture, etc. advertisements, flyers and
brochures, scripts, etc.
Adapted from https://www.actfl.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/PerformanceDescriptorsLanguageLearners.pdf , p.7
