M1 COMMUNICATION MODELS
How does communication take place?The process of communication begins when the SENDER (person who wants to send an idea) encodes the idea in a message.
The medium over which the message is physically transmitted is the channel.Message can be delivered by speech, writing, gestures (body-language) or even pictures.
The individual for whom the message is intended is the receiver.
Translating the message from its symbol form into meaning involves decoding.Feedback helps the sender know that the message was received and understood.Figure 1Sender has ideaSender encodes idea in messageMessage travels over channelReceiver decodes messageFeedback from receiver
7.2 BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION
1. The communication process is successful only when the receiver understands the message as intended by the sender.
2. Most message that we send reach their destination but many are only partially understood.3. These barriers happen at any stage in the process of communication.
Misunderstanding of communications can be due to the following.
1. By passingBy passing happens when people miss each other with their meanings (meanings are not similar).
2. Frame of ReferenceEverything you see and feel in the world is translated through your individual frame of reference. This frame is formed by a combination of your experiences, education, culture, expectations, attitudes etc.
3. Lack of language skillEach individual needs an adequate vocabulary, a command of basic punctuation and grammar, and skills in written and oral expression.
4. Lack of listening skillsInattention to oral messages often prevents us from hearing the clearly.
5. Emotional InterferenceShaping an intelligent message is difficult when you are feeling joy, fear, sadness, hostility or some other strong emotion.
6. Physical DistractionsNoisy surroundings, a poor telephone connection, poor printing and typographical errors can cause barriers to communications.
Communication Models***Click for hyperlinks
Contents
The Advantages of Models
Limitations of ModelsClassical Communication Models
Aristotle’s definition of rhetoric
Aristotle’s model of proof
Bitzer’s Rhetorical SituationEarly Linear Models
The Shannon-Weaver Mathematical Model, 1949
Berlo’s S-M-C-R, 1960
Schramm’s Interactive Model, 1954
Non-linear ModelsDance’s Helical Spiral, 1967
Westley and MacLean’s Conceptual Model, 1957
Becker’s Mosaic Model, 1968
Multidimensional ModelsRuesch and Bateson, Functional Model, 1951
Barnlund’s Transactional Model, 1970
Suggestions for Communication ModelsSystemic Model of Communication, 1972
Brown’s Holographic Model, 1987
A Fractal Model
Suggested Readings
NB
Also read up on Cicero,Sophists and ancient Greek orators
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