This cartoon relates to the chapter “Verbal Communication” in the Survey of Communication Study because it is a real-world example of the model of synchronous communication and asynchronous communication. The examples given in the textbook section “Spoken versus Written Communication: What’s the Difference?” for synchronous communication happens in the real-world and in real-time, such as “public speaking situations” and “a conversation with a friend.” In this cartoon, synchronous learning is depicted during a time of the pandemic, when online learning is required for students to continue their education safely.

Additionally, the context of this cartoon can be related to the terms of communicating informally and communicating formally. While the real-world environment of the home is commonly associated with relaxation and comfort, the factor of interacting with teachers and classmates that typically takes place in school brings in a more formal air. For example, it could be etiquette to not show up to a Zoom meeting in a tank top; some students might change into more presentable clothes to more formally present themselves on screen.

The editorial cartoon relates to my life, because I have experienced online learning during my high school years (not to mention the COM. 1000 course is asynchronous or takes place over a “longer period of time”). Like preparing to get ready for school, I tend to brush my teeth and eat breakfast before getting on Zoom, as well as wear more presentable clothes when joining the class Zoom meeting. The real-world environment may be more relaxed (my home), but the situational context (an online school environment) calls for more formal communication.

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