Perception and Context

Usually, communication depends on the context surrounding the conversation. If I am on a boat ride with my family, the topic of conversation may tend to lead toward boating or things that have to do with the water. If I am at a funeral, then chances are I am not going to be talking much or be in a very happy mood. The things you talk about depend heavily on your surroundings.
Perception is your understanding of a certain event from your own vantage point. Every single person perceives things differently from one another; whether it be because your old or young, rich or poor, etc. For example, someone who has been attacked by a dog would have a different perception of dogs than I would, because I have never been attacked by one. From my past experiences, I would perceive strawberries differently than other people. Perception is really important in communication because it has a lot to do with how you feel about something, and feelings play a great deal in communication.