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 keeping 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 evaluate their own situations. It is also used to understand how the receivers will interpret the message.
Types of Communication Model
There are three general types of communication models in which all other communication models are mostly categorized.
Linear Model of Communication
A linear model of communication is a simple one-way communication model. The message flows in a straight line from the 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 the linear model of communication are:
Lasswell’s Model
Aristotle’s Model
Shannon Weaver Model
Berlo’s S-M-C-R Model
Transactional Model of Communication
In the transactional model, senders and receivers are both known as communicators and both play equally important roles in communication. The transactional model relates communication with social reality, cultural upbringing and relational context (relationships). Non-verbal feedback like gestures, and body language, is also considered as feedback in this model. Different models that follow the transactional model of communication are:
Berglund's Transactional Model
Helical Model
Becker’s Mosaic Model
Interactive Model of Communication
The interactive model or convergence model is similar to the transactional model as they are both two-way,,,,,, communication models. But, interactive models are mostly used for new media like the internet. Here, people can respond to any mass communications like videos, news, etc. People can exchange their views and ideas. Different models that follow the interactive model of communication are:
Schramm’s Interactive Model
Other Communication Models
Dance’s Helical Spiral of Communication
In 1967, Dance made a communication model based on a helix known as the helical model. He explains how a child learns to communicate and grows up and continues to speak. Communication depends on previous experiences and activities of the speaker according to this model.
Westley and MacLean’s Conceptual Model
Westley and MacLean’s model explains the difference between interpersonal and mass communication as feedback. Feedback can be direct in interpersonal communication whereas indirect in mass communication. According to this model, communication starts from the environment and not when the message is spoken or shown.
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