Models of Communication PDF

models of communication Sci e n c e  MODELS OF COMMUNICATION Each model of communication sheds light on the development of communication but emphasizes different parts of the communication process. Communication Models The models provide pictures, or visual representation...

models of communication Sci e n c e  MODELS OF COMMUNICATION Each model of communication sheds light on the development of communication but emphasizes different parts of the communication process. Communication Models The models provide pictures, or visual representations, of complex interactions. They are useful because they simplify the basic structure of communication and can help us to understand not just verbally, but also visually. Most importantly, they identify the various elements of communication and serve as a kind of map to show how different parts of the communication process are interrelated.  Aristotle’s Model of Communication Aristotle's Model of Communication is one of the earliest and simplest models, developed around 300 B.C. by the Greek philosopher Aristotle. It was primarily focused on public speaking and rhetoric, emphasizing the role of the speaker in influencing an audience. Despite its simplicity, it laid the foundation for understanding the importance of the speaker's role, the speech content, and the audience's reception in the communication process. Key Components: 1. Speaker: The person who delivers the message. In Aristotle's model, the speaker's ability to craft and deliver a compelling message is crucial for effective communication. 2. Speech (Message): The content of the communication. Aristotle emphasized that the effectiveness of the message depends on the speaker's ability to use appropriate arguments and persuasive techniques. 3. Audience: The recipients of the message. The audience's reaction and reception are influenced by their perception of the speaker and the message content.  The Process The process involves the speaker crafting a message based on their understanding of the subject and the audience. The speaker then delivers this message to the audience, aiming to persuade or inform them. The effectiveness of communication is largely determined by the speaker's rhetorical skills and the audience's response.  Key Elements: 1. Ethos (Credibility): The speaker's credibility and character, which can influence the audience's trust and receptiveness. A speaker's reputation, knowledge, and ethical stance are crucial in establishing ethos. 2. Pathos (Emotional Appeal): The emotional connection the speaker makes with the audience. By appealing to the audience's emotions, the speaker can create a more engaging and persuasive message. 3. Logos (Logical Appeal): The logical arguments and evidence presented in the message. The clarity, consistency, and reasoning of the message contribute to its persuasiveness.  Characteristics: 1. Speaker-Centered: The model emphasizes the role of the speaker in crafting and delivering the message. 2. One-Way Communication: The model is linear, with a focus on how the speaker influences the audience, without considering feedback or interaction. 3. Focus on Rhetoric: The model is rooted in rhetoric and public speaking, highlighting the importance of persuasive techniques.  Strengths Simplicity: The model is straightforward and easy to understand, making it a useful starting point for studying communication. Emphasis on Persuasion: It provides a clear framework for understanding how persuasion works, particularly in public speaking and rhetoric. Foundation for Later Models: It laid the groundwork for later, more complex models of communication by identifying key elements of the process.  Limitations: Lack of Feedback: The model does not account for the audience's feedback or the interactive nature of communication, making it less applicable to two-way communication scenarios. Limited Scope: Focused primarily on public speaking, it does not fully address the complexities of modern communication, including nonverbal cues, context, and technological mediums  Application: Aristotle's Model of Communication is still relevant in fields such as public speaking, advertising, and political communication, where persuasion and rhetoric play crucial roles. Speakers and communicators can use the principles of ethos, pathos, and logos to craft effective messages that resonate with their audiences.  The Shannon-Weaver Model of Communication, also known as the "Mathematical Theory of Communication," was developed by Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver in 1948. Originally intended to address communication problems in the field of information theory, the model has since been widely adopted and applied to various forms of human communication. It is considered one of the foundational models in communication studies. Key Components: 1. Information Source: The originator of the message, who selects the desired message from a set of possible messages. In human communication, this could be the speaker or writer. 2. Transmitter: The device or process that converts the message into a signal. In human communication, this could be the vocal cords, written text, or a digital encoding device. 3. Channel: The medium used to transmit the signal from the transmitter to the receiver. It could be a physical medium like air (for sound), a wire (for telephony), or a digital network. Key Components: 4. Noise: Any interference that distorts or disrupts the signal. Noise can be physical (static on a phone line), semantic (misinterpretation of words), or psychological (prejudices and biases). 5. Receiver: The device or process that converts the signal back into a message. In human communication, this could be the ear and brain for spoken words, or a reading device for written text. 6. Destination: The final recipient of the message, who interprets and understands it. This is the audience, listener, or reader. Features and Characteristics Linear Nature: The Shannon-Weaver Model is a linear, one-way process where communication flows from the sender to the receiver. It does not inherently account for feedback. Focus on Technical Aspects: The model emphasizes the technical aspects of communication, particularly the efficient transmission of information and the minimization of noise. Quantitative Approach: Shannon, being an engineer, introduced mathematical formulas to quantify information and noise, aiming to optimize Limitations Lack of Feedback: The model initially did not consider feedback, making it less suitable for describing interactive human communication, where feedback plays a crucial role. Overemphasis on Transmission: The model focuses heavily on the technical aspects of communication, often neglecting the social, psychological, and contextual elements that influence human interaction. Inadequate Handling of Semantic Noise: While the model addresses physical noise, it does not adequately account for semantic noise, which involves misunderstandings arising from differences in interpretation.  The transactional model of communication is a dynamic and interactive framework that emphasizes the simultaneous sending and receiving of messages between communicators. Unlike earlier linear models, which depicted communication as a one-way process, the transactional model recognizes that communication is a two-way process that involves a constant exchange of information and feedback. Key Components: 1. Sender and Receiver: In this model, both parties are considered senders and receivers simultaneously. Each person involved in the communication process encodes, sends, and decodes messages continuously. 2. Messages: These are the verbal and non-verbal signals exchanged during communication. Messages are not only conveyed through words but also through body language, tone, and other non-verbal cues. 3. Channel: This refers to the medium through which the message is sent. It can be verbal (spoken words), non-verbal (body language), or written (text messages, emails). Key Components: 4. Feedback: An essential feature of the transactional model, feedback refers to the responses from the receiver that signal understanding, agreement, confusion, or other reactions to the message. Feedback can be immediate or delayed and can also be verbal or non-verbal. 5. Context: The situation or environment in which communication takes place. Context includes physical, social, cultural, and psychological factors that can influence the communication process. 6. Noise: Any interference that can distort or hinder the communication process. Noise can be external (physical noise, distractions) or internal (psychological factors, preconceived notions). Key Components: 7. Simultaneity: A key aspect of the transactional model is the simultaneous nature of communication. Both parties are engaged in sending and receiving messages at the same time, making it a continuous and dynamic process. Characteristics Interactivity: The model emphasizes the interactive nature of communication, where both parties influence and are influenced by each other. Mutual Influence: The participants in the communication process affect each other's responses and interpretations. Communication is not just about sending information; it's also about how the information is received and understood. Characteristics Context-Dependent: The meaning and effectiveness of communication are influenced by the context in which it occurs. This includes cultural norms, situational factors, and the relationship between the communicators. Dynamic and Continuous: Communication is seen as a fluid process, constantly evolving as participants exchange messages and feedback.