Here is a short exercise on identifying communication categories.

Listed below are a number of statements made by people during a meeting. In order to check your understanding of the communication categories please read each statement and tick the category which you think fits that statement best.

1 “I suggest that we begin by explaining our position on the town bypass.” Building
Proposing
Giving information
Testing understanding
2 “So now it's my fault is it? Well let me say
that your ridiculous performance was a disgrace.” Disagreeing
Evaluating
Defending / Attacking
Giving information
3 “Can I just check that I've got this right? Are you saying that you must have a full reply by Monday because just now I thought you said that you only needed a reply to point 3.” Seeking information
Clarifying
Bringing in
Testing understanding
4 “Just to recap on that, you are objecting to 3 things – the cost of transport, working with other partners and the additional work involved.” Summarising
Giving information
Proposing
Disagreeing
5 “Yes, that's a good idea and I go along with it” Building
Giving information
Bringing in
Supporting
6 “I think Jane's idea would be even more useful if we included wheelchair access in the central area.” Building
Supporting
Proposing
Giving information
7 “How many customers would be affected if we accept?” Testing understanding
Evaluating
Seeking information
Bringing in
8 “You are suggesting that the total cost would be over £10,000. My own calculations put that figure closer to £8,000.” Disagreeing
Defending \ Attacking
Giving information
Summarising
9
“You've been very quiet Mr Singh. Is there anything you would like to add to the discussions?” Testing understanding
Bringing in
Seeking information
Supporting
10 “I am completely opposed to your suggestion about counselling.” Disagreeing
Giving information
Defending \ Attacking
Summarising
11 “That's just typical of the incompetent way your department sets about things.” Giving information
Disagreeing
Defending \ Attacking
Summarising
12 “Let's use her talent with the sales team.” Giving information
Building
Testing understanding
Proposing