The communication square describes the multi-layered structure of human utterances. It combines the idea of a postulate from Paul Watzlawick, that every message contains content and relational facets, with the three sides of the Organon model by Karl Bühler, that every message might reveal something about the sender, the receiver, and the request at hand. Such models are familiar in the linguistic community as part of speech act theory.
The four sides of communication
The Factual Level contains statements which are matter of fact like data and facts, which are part of the news.
In the self-revealing or self-disclosure the speaker - conscious or not intended - tells something about himself, his motives, values, emotions etc.
In the Relationship-layer is expressed resp. received, how the sender gets along with the receiver and what they think of them.
The Appeal contains the desire, advice, instruction and effects that the speaker is seeking.
Every layer can be misunderstood individually. The classic example of Schulz von Thun is the front-seat passenger who tells the driver: "Hey, the traffic lights are green". The driver will understand something different, depending on the ear with which he will hear, and will react differently. The emphasis on the four layers can be meant differently and also be understood differently. So the sender can stress the appeal of the statement and the receiver can mainly receive the relationship part of the message. This is one of the main reasons for misunderstandings.
The Factual Level
What I inform about: On the factual level the sender of the news gives data, facts and statements. It is the task of the sender to send this information clearly and understandably. The receiver proves with the Factual ear, whether the matter message fulfills the criteria of truth or relevance and the completeness. In a long-term team, the matter layer is clear and needs only a few words.
The self-revealing
What I reveal about myself: In every news there is information about the sender. On the layer of the self-revealing or self-disclosure the sender reveals himself. This message consists of conscious intended self-expression as well as unintended self-revealing, which is not conscious to the sender. Thus, every news becomes information about the personality of the sender. The self-revealing ear of the receiver perceives which information about the sender is hidden in the message.
The relationship indicator
What I think about you and how we get along : The relationship layer expresses how the sender gets along with the receiver and what he thinks about him. Depending on how he talks to him he expresses esteem, respect, friendliness, disinterest, contempt or something else. Depending on which message the receiver hears with relationship ear, he feels either depressed, accepted or patronized. A good communication is distinguished by communication from mutual appreciation.
The appeal
What I want to make you do: Who states something, will also affect something. This appeal-message should make the receiver do something or leave something undone. The attempt to influence someone can be less or more open or hidden. On the Appeal ear the receiver asks himself: "What should I do, think or feel now?" citation: " Mothers are very appeal-influenced by children." Mum! The shoes.... Yes! I'll be right there to put them on for you.
Example
Two people are eating a home-cooked meal together. The one who didn't cook says: "There is something green in the soup." ; Sender ; Receiver The other answers: "If you don't like the taste, you can cook it yourself."
