5.7 Learning review

Use the transactional model and the example of Hadiko and Heiko to identify the different elements of the communication.

What might have helped to ensure the co-construction of meaning?

Note down the results in your learning journal.

Looking at her watch, the chairperson of a meeting realises that there are only five minutes left before she has to leave for a lunchtime appointment. She frowns because there are still two important items on the agenda. However, realising that it is too late to discuss these points, she says to those attending the meeting “Let’s call it a day” in a tone which sounded rather annoyed.

Upon saying this, some participants such as Hadiko, looked at her in a rather surprised manner, as it was common practice to only close a meeting after all the issues had been discussed. However, some participants could be observed smiling because for once the meeting had not run into the lunch hour. Most of them gathered their laptops and began to leave. Heiko, however, looked rather confused, as his mind was far away thinking about the quarrel, he had had with his wife the previous evening.

Source: Based on Steinberg, Sheila (1997, p. 19f.)