Jane is in a meeting with Jack. She is engaging in metacommunications when she says to Jack,
A) "Stop talking, and start listening. I dislike a blabber mouth."
B) "Please read my lips."
C) "Stop being so defensive when I talk to you."
D) "I'm in a rush today, so I may appear a little impatient during our conversation."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Jane is acknowledging her potential impatience and communicating that it is not a reflection of Jack's behavior, but rather her own external circumstances. This is an example of metacommunication, as she is communicating information about the communication itself (i.e. her potential impatience) rather than just the content of the conversation. Choices A, B, and C are all examples of direct communication about the content of the conversation, but do not demonstrate metacommunication.

Jane Is in a Meeting with Jack