 In this video, we'll discuss the different levels of communication and examine where public speaking falls in the context of broader communication studies. For the purposes of our discussion, we'll break down communication into five categories or levels, intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group, public speaking, and mass communication. While we don't have the time to have a comprehensive discussion of each of these levels right now, I will give you a little information on each so that you can have a better understanding of where public speaking fits in the larger spectrum of communication. Put simply, intrapersonal communication is communication with yourself. How many of you talk to yourself, either out loud or just in your head? Do you ever debate a difficult decision or make a mental to-do list, daydream? Of course, we all do. Don't worry, this is all perfectly normal. Put in the context of the communication models that we discussed in a previous video, intrapersonal communication simply means that you're both communicator A and communicator B. Interpersonal communication adds a second person to the equation. Sometimes called dyadic communication, interpersonal communication involves a dyad or two people. Interpersonal communication can be classified as personal, meaning that it takes place in some sort of relational context, think of your family and friends there, or impersonal, which does not involve a relationship. Think here of the cashier at Walmart or random people who strike up a conversation while waiting in line. While not all interpersonal communication takes place in a relationship, interpersonal communication is the foundation of all relationships. Our need for and use of interpersonal communication also changes over time. Small group communication involves a group of at least three people and can include as many as 12 or so. In order to be classified as a true small group, the group must have a shared set of goals and see themselves as a group. In other words, eight people who just happen to be walking on the same sidewalk at the same time are not a small group. They're just an aggregation of people. A small group is working towards some type of goal together and is conscious of doing so. The members of a small group also have some level of interdependence, meaning that the behaviors of one group member affects the other members of that group. Public speaking typically involves one person speaking to many people in a face-to-face environment. The language and style of communication used in public speaking is generally more formal than that of interpersonal and small group communication. Obviously, we'll have much more to say on the nature and practice of public speaking in subsequent videos. The final level of communication is mass communication, in which an individual or organization is communicating to a mass audience comprised, hopefully, of many, many people. There are two additional factors that set mass communication apart from the other types of communication. First, mass communication is mediated communication. That means that the channel always involves some sort of technology. The second difference is that feedback is always delayed in mass communication. Can you provide feedback? Certainly. But the person or organization sending the message won't receive that feedback simultaneously. The message will already be sent before they hear from you. Now, I have a question for you. In what ways do the other levels of communication, particularly intrapersonal, interpersonal, and mass communication, impact speakers and public speaking? Go ahead. I'll wait. If you need more time to answer that question, feel free to pause the video now. Otherwise, let's continue. In this video, we discussed the different levels of communication, intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group, public speaking, and mass communication, and examined where public speaking falls in the context of broader communication studies. Check out some of our other videos for more insight into the public speaking process.