The Two-Level Theory
The Two-Level Theory of communications states that, in any communications process, messages are sent and received on two levels.
How we say something has more impact on the receiver than what we say.
- The Content Level. The first level is called the content level because it provides the information, content, data, or facts of the message. For instance, the words in this paragraph and the short statement in the image to the right are examples of the content level of communication.
- The Relationship Level. The second level of communication is called the relationship level and has more impact on the receiver because it establishes a relationship between the sender and the receiver. The relationship depends on what the receiver sees and hears. If I communicate with you, the tone of my voice and my body language are interpreted by you as a message about the relationship between you and me. For instance, does the receiver believe the message being sent in the image above? Of course not: The receiver knows the sender is angry by the tone of her voice and her body language.
The relationship message is actually received first, and determines the reaction to the content received. Once the relationship is established between two people, it greatly influences the subsequent content of their communication.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
5-2. Which communication level has more impact on the receiver?
You forgot to answer the question!