Models of communication

Communication models are systematic representations of the process which helps in

understanding how communication works can be done. Models show the process metaphorically
and in symbols. They form general perspectives on communication by breaking communication
from complex to simple and keeps the components in order. Communication models can
sometimes encourage traditional thinking and stereotyping but can also omit some major aspects
of human communication.

Methods and channels of communication to be used and the purpose of communication, must be
considered before choosing a specific communication model. Models are used by business
companies and other firms to foster their communication, explore their options and to
evaluate their own situations. It is also used to understand how the receivers will interpret the
message.

Linear Model of Communication

Linear model of communication is a simple one way communication model. The message flows
in a straight line from sender to the receiver. There is no concept of feedback. The only task that
a receiver does here is to receive the message. Different models that follow linear model of
communication are:

Shannon and Weaver Model

 Concepts in Shannon Weaver Model
Sender (Information source) Sender is the person who makes the message, chooses the
channel and sends the message.
Encoder (Transmitter) Encoder is the sender who uses machine, which converts message into
signals or binary data. It might also directly refer to the machine.
Channel Channel is the medium used to send message.
Decoder (Receiver) Decoder is the machine used to convert signals or binary data into
message or the receiver who translates the message from signals.
Receiver (Destination) Receiver is the person who gets the message or the place where the
message must reach. The receiver provides feedback according to the message.
Noise Noise is the physical disturbances like environment, people, etc. which does not let the
message get to the receiver as what is sent.

Explanation of Shannon And Weaver Model

The sender encodes the message and sends it to the receiver through a technological channel like
telephone and telegraph. The sender converts the message into codes understandable to the
machine. The message is sent in codes through a medium.

The receiver has to decode the message before understanding it and interpreting it. The receptor
machine can also act as a decoder in some cases. The channel can have noise and the receiver
might not have the capacity to decode which might cause problems in communication process.

Here, for instance, brain might be the sender, mouth might be the encoder which encodes to a
particular language, air might be the channel, another persons ear might be the receptor and his
brain might be the decoder and receiver.
Similarly, air is the channel here, the noise present in his environment that disturbs them is
the noise whereas his response is the feedback. There were only 5 components when the model
was made. Noise was added later.
As Shannon was an engineer, this model was first made to improve technical communication,
mainly for telephonic communication. It was made to to maximize telephone capacity with
minimum noise.
Later, Weaver applied it for all kind of communications to develop effective communication and
the model became famous as Shannon Weaver model. In engineering, Shannons model is also
called information theory and is used academically to calculate transmission through machines
and also has a formula.

Aristotles Model of Communication

Aristotle Model is mainly focused on speaker and speech. It can be broadly divided into 5
primary elements: Speaker, Speech, Occasion, Audience and Effect.
The Aristotle's communication model is a speaker centered model as the speaker has the most
important role in it and is the only one active. It is the speaker's role to deliver a speech to the
audience. The role of the audience is passive, influenced by the speech. This makes the
communication process one way, from speaker to receiver.
The speaker must organize the speech beforehand, according to the target audience and
situation. The speech must be prepared so that the audience be persuaded or influenced from the
speech. He believed "Rhetoric" is the study of communication and persuasion and different
message or speech should be made for different audiences at different situations to get desired
effects or to establish a propaganda. This model was highly used to develop public
speaking skills and create a propaganda at that time so, it is less focused on intrapersonal or
interpersonal communication. Even if the model is speaker oriented and focuses on audience
interaction in communication, there is no concept of feedbacks. For instance, a politician
speaker gives a speech to get votes from the audience at the time of occasion. The civilians only
vote if they are influenced by the things the politician says in his speech so the content must be
very impressive to influence the mass and the speaker must design the message very carefully.
The speech must be clear as well as the speaker must have a very good non-verbal
communication with the audience like eye contact.
This example is a classic case of Aristotle Model of Communication depicting all the elements in
the model.
Laswells Communication Model

Components Meaning Analysis

the communicator or sender or source of

Who message Control Analysis

Says What the content of the message Content Analysis

In Which
Channel the medium or media Media Analysis

To Whom the receiver of the message or an audience Audience Analysis

With What Effect the feedback of the receiver to the sender Effect Analysis

Explanation of different Components of Lasswell's Model

 Control analysis helps the sender to have all the power.
Content analysis is associated to stereotyping and representation of different groups
politically. It is also related to the purpose or the ulterior motives of the message.
Media analysis represents which medium should be used to exercise maximum power
against the receivers.
Audience analysis shows who are the target population to be manipulated or brain-
washed.
Effect analysis is done before the process starts. It is used to predict the effect of
message over the target population to be exploited.

Explanation of Lasswell's Communication Model

Though Lasswell's model was developed to analyze mass communication, this model is used for
interpersonal communication or group communication to be disseminated message to various
groups in various situations.
Lasswell's model was developed to study the media propaganda of countries and businesses at
that time. Only rich people used to have communication mediums such as televisions and radios
back them. It was made to show the mass media culture.
Lasswell also brought the concept of Effective Communication Process. He talked about the
relation between presentation of facts and how it generates different effects. The use of the
concept of effect makes Lasswell's model non-linear unlike it's name. It's because effect can also
be taken as feedback. Though, generally, the component of effect was made to be more about
outcome of the message, the model is applied in different medias and fields despite being
developed specifically for mass communication.
This model is similar to the communication model proposed by Claude Shannon and Warren
Weaver. Their model is more graphical than Lasswell's. George Gerbner who is the founder of
the cultivation theory, expanded Lasswell's model and included the concept of reaction of the
receiver.
Transactional Model of Communication
In transactional model, senders and receivers both are known as communicators and both play
equally important role in communication. Transactional model relates communication with
social reality, cultural up-bringing and relational context (relationships). Non-verbal feedback
like gestures, body language, is also considered as feedback in this model.

Berlins SMCR Model of Communication- The model also focuses on encoding and
decoding which happens before sender sends the message and before receiver receives
the message respectively.

Berlo's Model has mainly, four components to describe the communication process. They
are sender, message, channel and receiver. Each of the component is affected by many factors.

Components of Berlo's Model of Communication

S -Sender
Sender is the source of the message or the person who originates the message. The person or
source sends the message to the receiver. The following are the factor related to sender and is
also the same in the case of receiver.
Communication Skills
Communication skills of a person is a factor that affects the communication process. If
the sender has good communication skills, the message will be communicated better than
if the sender's communication skills are not good. Similarly, if the receiver can not grasp
 the message, then the communication will not be effective. Communication skills include
the skills to speak, present, read, write, listening, etc.
Attitude
The attitude of the sender and the receiver creates the effect of the message. The person's
attitude towards self, the receiver and the environment changes the meaning and effect of
the message.
Knowledge
Familiarity with the subject of the message makes the communicated message have its
effect more. Knowledge on the subject matter makes the communicator send the message
effectively.
Social Systems
Values, beliefs, laws, rules, religion and many other social factors affect the sender's way
of communicating the message. It creates difference in the generation of message. Place
and situation also fall under social systems.
Culture
Cultural differences make messages different. A person from one culture might find
something offensive which is very much accepted in another culture.
M-Message
A message is the substance that is being sent by the sender to the receiver. It might be in the
form of voice, audio, text, video or other media. The key factors affecting the message are
Content is the thing that is in the message. The whole message from beginning to end is
the content.
Elements are the non verbal things that tag along with the content like gestures, signs,
language, etc.
Treatment is the way in which the message is conveyed to the receiver. Treatment also
effects the feedback of the receiver.
Structure
The structure of the message or the way it has been structured or arranged, affects the
effectiveness of the message.
Code is the form in which the message is sent. It might be in the form of language, text,
video, etc.
C-Channel
Channel is the medium used to send the message. In mass communication and other forms of
communication, technical machines might be used as a channel like telephone, internet, etc. But
in general communication, the five senses of a human being is the channel for the
communication flow and it affects the effectiveness of the channel.
Hearing - We receive the message through hearing.
Seeing - We perceive through seeing. We also get non-verbal messages by seeing.
Touching - Many of the non-verbal communication happens from touching like holding
hands.
Smelling - We collect information from smelling.
Tasting - Taste also provides the information to be sent as a message.
R- Receiver
Receiver is the person who gets the message sent in the process. This model believes that the
thinking pattern and all other factors mentioned above must be in sync to that of the sender for
the communication to be effective. The message might not have the same effect as intended if
the receiver and sender are not similar. The receiver must also have a very good listening skill.
Other factors are similar to that of the sender.
Transactional Model of Communication- Transactional model of communication is the
exchange of messages between sender and receiver where each take turns to send or
receive messages.

Transactional Model Concept & Example

 Transactional model is the process of continuous change and transformation where every
component is changing such as the people, their environments and the medium used. Due to this,
it assumes the communicators to be independent and act any way they want.

Since both sender and receiver are necessary to keep the communication alive in transactional
model, the communicators are also interdependent to each other. For example, transactional
communication is not possible if the receiver is not listening to sender.

The transactional model is the most general model of communication. Everyday talk and
interactions are also a form of transactional model communication. It is more efficient for
communicators with similar environment and individual aspects. For instance, communication
between people who know each other is more efficient as they share same social system.

In transactional model, efficiency and reliability of communicated message also depends on the
medium used. For example, the same message might not be perceived by a person the same way
when it is send through a phone and when it is provided face to face. It is because of possible
loss of message on a phone call or absence of gestures.

Differences Between Transactional and Other Communication Models

Transactional Model Other Models

Used for Intrapersonal, interpersonal, group

Used for interpersonal communication or mass communications.

Senders and Receivers are known as

Communicators, they interchange their roles Senders and receivers are different people

Role of context and environment are not

Includes the role of context and environment mentioned in other models
Includes noise and communication barriers as
factors Not necessarily have the concept of noise

Talks about non-verbal communication Ignores non-verbal communication

Feedback comes later in interaction

Simultaneous feedback model and is not included in linear model

Barlunds Transactional Model - The model has been further adapted and reformed by
other theorists as General Transactional Model. The model shifted from the trend
of linear model to dynamicand two way communication model.

Barnlunds Transactional Model is a multi-layered feedback system. This is a continuous

process where sender and receiver interchanges their places and both are equally important. The
message passing takes place with a constant feedback being provided from both parties. A
feedback for one is the message for the other.

Components of Barlund's model

Cues refers to the signs for doing something. As per Barnlund there are: public cues, private
cues and behavioral cues. In the model diagram shown above, spiral lines gives graphic
representation to the assumptions like public cues and private cues.

Public cues (Cpu) are physical, environmental or artificial and natural or man-made.
Private cues (Cpr) are also known as private objects of orientation which include senses
of a person. Both these cues can be verbal as well as non-verbal. Another set of cues are
behavioral cues.
Behavioral cues can be verbal (Cbehv) as well as non-verbal (Cbehnv).

The arrows and their directions show that the message is intentionally sent and actively taken
where the receiver plays a key role of giving feedback. Arrows also show the process of
production of technical encoding, interpretation and decoding.

The jagged lines show that the availability of cues can be unlimited and are denoted asVVVV.

The valence signs, +,0 and are also attached to these types of cues which illustrates the
amount/degree/strength of attractiveness of the cues in the message.

Speech act refers to particular instance of communication in the model.

Filters are the realities of people engaged in communication. Here the senders and receivers
personal filters might differ according to cultures, traditions, content of the message, etc.

Noise is the problem that arises in communication flow and disturbs the message flow
 Communication Skills
The ability to communicate effectively with superiors, colleagues, and staff is essential,
no matter what industry you work in. Workers in the digital age must know how to
effectively convey and receive messages in person as well as via phone, email, and social
media.

1. Listening
Being a good listener is one of the best ways to be a good communicator. No one likes
communicating with someone who only cares about putting in her two cents, and does not take
the time to listen to the other person. If you're not a good listener, it's going to be hard to
comprehend what you're being asked to do.

Take the time to practice active listening. Active listening involves paying close attention to
what the other person is saying, asking clarifying questions, and rephrasing what the person says
to ensure understanding ("So, what you're saying is"). Through active listening, you can better
understand what the other person is trying to say, and can respond appropriately.

Types of Listening Skills With Examples

2. Nonverbal Communication
Your body language, eye contact, hand gestures, and tone all color the message you are trying to
convey. A relaxed, open stance (arms open, legs relaxed), and a friendly tone will make you
appear approachable, and will encourage others to speak openly with you.

Eye contact is also important; you want to look the person in the eye to demonstrate that you are
focused on the person and the conversation (however, be sure not to stare at the person, which
can make him or her uncomfortable).

Also pay attention to other people's nonverbal signals while you are talking.

Often, nonverbal signals convey how a person is really feeling. For example, if the person is not
looking you in the eye, he or she might be uncomfortable or hiding the truth.

Nonverbal Communication Skills

How to Use Nonverbal Communication During a Job Interview

3. Clarity and Concision

Good communication means saying just enough - don't say too little or talk too much. Try to
convey your message in as few words as possible. Say what you want clearly and directly,
whether you're speaking to someone in person, on the phone, or via email. If you ramble on, your
listener will either tune you out or will be unsure of exactly what you want. Think about what
you want to say before you say it; this will help you to avoid talking excessively and/or
confusing your audience.

Verbal Communication Skills

4. Friendliness
Through a friendly tone, a personal question, or simply a smile, you will encourage your
coworkers to engage in open and honest communication with you. It's important to be nice and
polite in all your workplace communications. This is important in both face-to-face and written
communication. When you can, personalize your emails to coworkers and/or employees - a
quick "I hope you all had a good weekend" at the start of an email can personalize a message and
make the recipient feel more appreciated.

Interpersonal Skills List

Personal Skills List
Social Skills List

5. Confidence
It is important to be confident in all of your interactions with others. Confidence ensures your
coworkers that you believe in and will follow through with what you are saying. Exuding
confidence can be as simple as making eye contact or using a firm but friendly tone (avoid
making statements sound like questions). Of course, be careful not to sound arrogant or
aggressive. Be sure you are always listening to and empathizing with the other person.

How to Show Your Personality at an Interview

6. Empathy
Even when you disagree with an employer, coworker, or employee, it is important for you to
understand and respect their point of view. Using phrases as simple as "I understand where you
are coming from" demonstrate that you have been listening to the other person and respect their
opinions.

7. Open-Mindedness
A good communicator should enter any conversation with a flexible, open mind. Be open to
listening to and understanding the other person's point of view, rather than simply getting your
message across. By being willing to enter into a dialogue, even with people with whom you
disagree, you will be able to have more honest, productive conversations.

8. Respect
People will be more open to communicating with you if you convey respect for them and their
ideas. Simple actions like using a person's name, making eye contact, and actively listening when
a person speaks will make the person feel appreciated. On the phone, avoid distractions and stay
focused on the conversation.

Convey respect through email by taking the time to edit your message. If you send a sloppily
written, confusing email, the recipient will think you do not respect her enough to think through
your communication with her.

9. Feedback
Being able to appropriately give and receive feedback is an important communication skill.
Managers and supervisors should continuously look for ways to provide employees with
constructive feedback, be it through email, phone calls, or weekly status updates. Giving
feedback involves giving praise as well - something as simple as saying "good job" or "thanks
for taking care of that" to an employee can greatly increase motivation.

Similarly, you should be able to accept, and even encourage, feedback from others. Listen to the
feedback you are given, ask clarifying questions if you are unsure of the issue, and make efforts
to implement the feedback.

10. Picking the Right Medium

An important communication skill is to simply know what form of communication to use. For
example, some serious conversations (layoffs, changes in salary, etc.) are almost always best
done in person.

You should also think about the person with whom you wish to speak - if they are very busy
people (such as your boss, perhaps), you might want to convey your message through email.
People will appreciate your thoughtful means of communication, and will be more likely to
respond positively to you.

5 Elements of Communication
I. Source- Source is a person who conveys a message, Idea and emotion to the otheemotion
to the other while using the different source to communicate like gesturing, writing and
etc. without sources there is no concept of communication. It is experiencing ideas
effectively in a speech.
II. Message- It is the in information we want to communicate with others. Message may be
in a form of verbal, nonverbal and vocal. But according to Wilbur Lang Schramm. It may
be an ink on the paper, a sound wave in the air or any other gesture capable interpreting.
Wilbur Schramm narrated four impression qualities of message
1. It should be in well- organized and proper manner
2. Same experience level to understanding to sender and receiver
3. The message should focus on our personal needs also called personality needs
4. Cultural values should be considered while writing a message sender should focus
on the attitude and mentality of the society.
III. Channel- Literally it means different means of communication and also known as
medium. Example of these channels are radio, email, skype, television and etc. so there
are a lots of channels now it depends on sender to select any channel fo the message
according to his need. While selecting the channels the sender to select any channel for
the message according to his need.
 Wilbur Schramm narrated different scales of communication
1. Time consuming channels
2. Space covering channel
3. The Time and Space covering channels
IV. Destination/ Receiver
Destination or receiver means the person for whom the source conveys the message through
several medium. The receiver of the message may be readers, receivers, listeners or viewers.
V. Feedback
Feedback is the response given by the receiver to the source it is also very much important in
effective communication. If there is no feedback from receiver the communication process will
not incomplete because there must be some problems in channel or the receiver has not fully
interpreted the message according to his mental level or the message was full of entropy so there
may be possible cause of delayed feedback or no feedback.

REFERENCES
[1] https://www.businesstopia.net/communication/shannon-and-weaver-model-
communication
[2] https://www.businesstopia.net/communication/aristotles-model-communication
[3] https://www.businesstopia.net/communication/berlo-model-communication
[4] https://www.businesstopia.net/communication/transactional-model-communication
[5] https://www.businesstopia.net/communication/barnlund-transactional-model-
communication
[6] https://www.thebalance.com/communication-skills-list-2063779
[7] http://www.studylecturenotes.com/journalism-mass-communication/5-elements-of-
communication-process