Question

Compare and contrast high-context and low-context communication. Which is best for a multicultural public?

Reference: Public Relations, Engagement, Conversation, Influence, Transparency and Trust. By: Tom Kelleher

Answer 1

High- context communication involves signs and implicit information ,like cues that complete the content of the message. It is more complex and is used in more interpersonal communication. More than the words,sometimes, non verbal parts transmit the message. Some of the high-context cultures are Asian ,Arabic etc.

Low-context communication is more direct and heavily reliant on words to get the message through to the audience or reciever. It is a more formal and direct approach used widely by germans ,american and some other countries to avoid any misreading of the message.

For a multicultural audience, the best method to communicate would be low-context communication. Why? Simply because ,low-context communication can be widely understood because it doesn't involve intricate and culturally exclusive cues that one part of the audience might catch but not the rest. The message is clearer and simple transmitted through words which is easier to understand even for the audience of different backgrounds and cultures.