Scientist Dell Hymes believed that communication was not just about correct speaking and correct grammar. That’s why he released a system to describe communication in a broader sense. The model he developed for this purpose is called the ‘SPEAKING’ model. Each letter from the English word ‘speaking’ represents an element with which communication can be observed. These elements are ‘situation’, ‘participants’, ‘ends’, ‘act sequences’, ‘keys’, ‘instrumentalities’, ‘norms’ and ‘genre’.
S = Situation
The first letter, s, represents the situation in which communication takes place. This also concerns the time, the place, the physical circumstances and the psychological value attached to a situation. In many cases it is not very important where the communication takes place. But there are often also designated places for communication. For example, church services take place in a church building, criminals are convicted in court and a conversation between a doctor and patient will take place in the consulting room of the general practice.
P = Participants
This concerns the participants, or participants in a conversation. Of course, this concerns someone who sends a message and someone who receives the message. But you often have to look further at the social roles that exist between the participants. These determine the interaction.
E = Ends
Ends mean the final goals that must be achieved with communication. It also indicates why communication actually takes place. Because if there are no goals, why would you start communicating? Consider, for example, a job interview. The employer’s aim is to assess the applicant’s suitability for the position. The applicant’s goal is to present themselves in the best possible light.
A = Act sequences
This concerns the content and form of the communication. So it’s not just about what was said or done, but also about how it comes across.
K = Keys
Keys represents the tone of communication. It’s actually a term originally used in music. Different interactions require a different tone. For example, consider the tone at a funeral. This will be a depressed, sad mood.
I = Instrumentalities
Instrumentalities are about the medium through which communication takes place. First of all, there are of course the spoken and written words. Nowadays, much use is made of mediated contact, for example the use of a mobile phone. This is then called the medium.
N = Norms
The norms of the conversation are observed here. This mainly concerns norms in a linguistic sense. The situation in which a sentence is used must also be taken into account. The sentence I don’t feel so good. If someone invites you to a party, it will mean that you are not going to the party. But when you say this to the doctor, it will be a request for help to solve it.
G = Genre
A genre is about a certain type of communication. This concerns a specific unit of language use, which only emerges in a specific situation. A very recognizable example is a sermon.