How we see our role in relation to those with whom we are communicating has also a significant influence on the messages that are communicated.

Roles can be formal or informal. The formal role has to do with position and status - as minister or mother, member or master. Informal roles develop through the working out of relationships within the society, organisation or team – friends, advisers or counsellors can all grow out of our informal contacts. Informal relationships can develop into formal relationships and roles.

The role concept carries with it expectations - as leader I expect people to follow; as teacher I expect people to listen; as client I expect to be counselled, etc.

The type of role and my credibility within it and the acceptance of it will influence the degree of authority attached to my communication. The common people heard Jesus gladly because they accepted Him as teacher, on the other hand the religious leaders would not accept His authority.