Adler & Towne Communications Model

IMAGE
Noise

SENDER RECEIVER
MAIN MESSAGE
ENCODER
Selected Channel

DECODER ENCODER
Other Channels / Other Messages

Filters
Feedback (optional)

The Communications Process

Introduction pose or translate the images into and then decode the information
symbols that receivers can un- back into images, emotions, and
According to Adler and Towne
derstand. Symbols often are thoughts that make sense to
(1978), all that ever has been ac-
words but can be pictures, them. When messages are de-
complished by humans and all
sounds, or sense information coded exactly as the sender has
that ever will be accomplished
(e.g., touch or smell). Only intended, the images of the
involves communication with
through symbols can the mental sender and the images of the re-
others. Many social and organiza-
images of a sender have meaning ceiver match, and effective com-
tional problems are caused by
for others. The process of trans- munication occurs. But often, the
unsatisfactory relationships
lating images into symbols is images do not match!
brought about by poor communi-
called encoding
cations between people. How communications
Once a message has been en-
Success on and off the job often break down
coded, the next level in the com-
depends on the ability to transfer
munication process is to transmit If everyone were to have the
information and express ideas to
or communicate the message to a same experiences, all messages
others. Psychologist Abraham
receiver. This can be done in would be encoded, transmitted,
Maslow (1970) suggests that the
many ways: during face-to face and decoded alike. Symbols
capability to satisfy personal
verbal interaction, over the tele- would have the same meanings
needs arises mainly from the abil-
phone, through printed materials for everyone, and all communica-
ity to communicate.
(letters, newspapers, etc.), or tion would be received as the
The process of commu- through visual media (television, senders intended. However, peo-
photographs). Verbal, written, ple differ in their personal histo-
nication
and visual media are three exa m- ries, ways in which they experi-
Adler and Towne describe com- ples of possible communications ence things, and emotional re-
munication as a process between channels used to transmit mes- sponses, leading to differences in
at least two people that begins sages between senders and re - the ways in which communica-
when one person wants to com- ceivers. Other transmission chan- tions are encoded, transmitted,
municate with another. Communi- nels include touch, gestures, received, and understood. Differ-
cation originates as mental im- clothing, and physical distances ent people attach different mean-
ages within a person who desires between sender and receiver. ings to the words, pictures,
to convey those images to an- When a message is received by sounds, and gestures used dur-
other. Mental images can include another person, a decoding proc- ing communication.
ideas, thoughts, pictures, and ess occurs. Just as a sender must Difficulty with the encoding and
emotions. The person who wants encode messages in preparation decoding of images is not the
to communicate is called the for transmission through commu- only factor that affects the effec-
sender (see above figure). To nication channels, receivers must tiveness of communication be-
transfer an image to another per- sense and interpret the symbols tween people. Adler and Towne
son, the sender first must trans-

© Developed by Dr. John Collum

Concept Card
use the concept of noise to de- multi-channel communications.
scribe physical and psychological Sometimes a person will say one
forces that can disrupt communi- thing but his/her facial expression
cation. or body language will communi-
cate the opposite of the verbal
Physical noise message. Face-to-face encoun-
Physical noise refers to distrac- ters also provide for the sender to
tions in the environment that receive immediate feedback, either
make it difficult to hear or pay verbally or by other channels.
attention. For example, when the
environment is excessively hot or Conclusion
excessively cold, or when one is Effective communications are not
in a noisy location, one may tend automatic—they must be planned
to focus more concern on the and carefully carried out. Use the
situation than on the message. TIPS below for improving your
Physical noise can inhibit com- communications.
munication at any point in the
process--in the sender, in the
message, in the channel, or in the
receiver.

Psychological noise - fil-

ters TIPS for Improving Communications
Psychological noise refers to Image
mechanisms within individuals
• Be clear about your “message”
that restrict a sender’s or re-
ceiver’s ability to express and/or • Keep it SIMPLE-SHORT (KISS)
understand messages clearly. For Encoding
example, senders with limited vo-
• Choose the best “symbol set”
cabularies may have difficulty
translating images into symbols Words
that can be understood easily by Gestures-expressions
receivers. Receivers with strong Pictures-drawings
feelings about a message may
• Other symbols (math, etc.)
filter parts of the message that
disagree with their self- • Match encoding with receiver’s decoding ability
perceptions and put energy into Vocabulary, language
defending themselves rather than Speed of transmission
into understanding the message.
In face-to-face communications, Channel (media)
simply not liking the “looks” of • Select the best (most appropriate), most direct channel (media)
the sender (dress, facial expres-
• Use multi-channel communications whenever possible
sion, body language, etc.) may
cause the message to be filtered. BUT--Avoid conflicting messages!
Psychological noise most often Noise
results in defensiveness that • Eliminate or control
blocks the flow of messages be-
tween sender and receiver. • Re-send message if noise interferes
• Select a “quieter” channel (media)
Multi-channel communi-
Filters
cations
• Be aware of “value” or “emotional” content messages
In many cases, the most effective
• Be sensitive to the receiver
communications involve more
than one channel. An oral mes- Feedback
sage followed by a written expla- • Plan for it!
nation can be very effective. All
♦ Obtain feedback as quickly as possible
face-to-face encounters involve

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