Lesson

Various Models of
2 Communication

You might have come across an essay discussing a specific concept which you

find difficulty to understand because of its length. Let me introduce you to the

functions of a model. A model is widely used to depict any idea, thought or a

concept in a more simple way through diagrams, pictorial representations etc.

Models go a long way in making the understanding of any concept easy and clear.

Through a model one can easily understand a process and draw conclusions from it.

In simpler words a model makes the learning simple.

The next activity will let you connect your understanding about our previous lesson

about the nature, process and functions of communication about the new topic.

What is It

This time, let us now understand the different models of communication.

COMMUNICATION MODELS
1. Linear Communication Model
1.1 Lasswell’s Model

1.2 Aristotle’s Model

1.3 Berlo’s SMCR Model

2. Transactional Model

2.1Shannon - Weaver Model

3. Interactive Model

3.1Schramm’s Model

I. LINEAR COMMUNICATION MODEL

• Communication is considered as one-way process.

• The message signal is encoded and transmitted through channel in

presence of noise

• The sender is more prominent in linear model of communication  It is

applied in mass communication like television, radio, etc.

Linear Communication Model

There are different types of communication Models based on Linear Model of

Communication. These are the following:

1. Aristotle’s Model of Communication

• Considered as the first model of communication and was proposed

before 300 B.C.

• Most widely accepted among all communication models.

Aristotle’s Model of Communication

• It is mainly focused on speaker and speech. It can be broadly divided

into 5 primary elements: Speaker, Speech, Occasion, Audience and

Effect.

• Speaker-centered model

2. Lasswell’s Model of Communication

 Also known as “action model”

Lasswell’s Model of Communication

COMPONENTS MEANING ANALYSIS

WHO The communicator or sender or source of Control Analysis

message
SAYS WHAT The content of the message Content Analysis

IN WHICH The medium/media Media Analysis

CHANNEL
TO WHOM The receiver of the message or an Audience Analysis
audience
WITH WHAT The feedback of the receiver to the Effect Analysis
EFFECT sender

3. Berlo’s SMCR Model

• SMCR refers to Sender-Message-Channel-Receiver

• Focuses on encoding and decoding which happens before sender sends

the message and before receiver receives the message respectively.

II. TRANSACTIONAL MODEL OF COMMUNICATION

• Is the exchange of messages between sender and receiver where each

take turns to send or receive messages.

• Both sender and receiver are known as communicators.

• It is mostly used for interpersonal communication and is also called

circular model of communication.

One of the most common types of communication models based on

Transactional Model of Communication is the Shannon-Weaver’s Model of

Communication.

Shannon-Weaver’s Model of Communication (Information Theory)

• “Mother of all models”

• Concepts of Shannon-Weaver Model:

 Sender – (source) the person who makes the message.

 Encoder – (transmitter) is the sender who uses the machine

which converts message into signals.

 Channel – medium used to send message.

 Decoder – (receiver) machine used to convert signals into

message.

 Receiver – (destination) the person who gets the message or

the place where the message must reach.

 Noise (barrier) is the physical disturbances like environment,

people, etc. which does not let the message get to the receiver

as what is sent.
Shannon-Weaver’s Model of Communication

III. INTERACTIVE MODEL OF COMMUNICATION

 Also known as “convergence model”

 Deals with exchange of ideas and messages taking place both ways

from sender to receiver and vice-versa.

Schramm’s Model of Communication is an interactive model.

Schramm’s Model of Communication

• It is built on the theory that communication is a two-way street, with a

sender and a receiver as shown in the illustration below:

MESSAGE

ENCODER
DECODER
INTERPRETER
INTERPRETER
DECODER
DECODER

MESSAGE
• It is a Circular model, so that communication is something circular in

nature.

 Encoder – who send the message and where the message

originates

 Decoder – who receives the message

 Interpreter – person trying to understand (analyzes, perceives)

Directions: Fill in the blanks with correct word or phrase about the unique

characteristics of the various models of communication.

In linear communication model, communication is considered as _________ process.

The message signal is encoded and transmitted through ________ in presence of

noise. The _______ is more prominent in this model is applied in

__________communication like television, radio, etc.

In transactional model, the ________ between sender and receiver where each take

turns to send or receive messages. Both sender and receiver are known as

___________. It is mostly used for ___________ communication and is also called

circular model of communication.

Lastly, interactive model, also known as “__________ model” deals with exchange of

ideas and messages taking place _______ ways from sender to receiver and vice-

versa.