Communication is a two way process where speaker and listener participate using different techniques and methods like sounds, gesture, symbol, sign language etc.

1. 3 Basic Models of Communication
Summary
Communication is a two-way process in which participants communicate using different techniques and methods such as, sounds, symbols,
gestures, drawings, sign languages etc. Communication models refer to the conceptual model that explains the human communication
process. There are many different models of communication. Here, we shall discuss about these three models of communication: Linear
model, Interactive model, and Transactional model.
A communication model is primarily a process in which information is enclosed in, channeled, and then imparted by the sender to the receiver
through the help of a medium. Once the receiver gets the information, he/she decodes the message and generally, gives the sender a certain
feedback. Thus it is a two-way process. Communication model refers to the conceptual model used to explain the process of human
communication. It is important to understand the communication models, so that one can use them for to enhance effective communication.
Communication is a two-way process in which participants communicate using different techniques and methods such as, sounds, symbols,
gestures, drawings, sign languages etc.
Communication models refer to the conceptual model that explains the human communication process. There are many different models of
communication. Here, we shall discuss about these three models of communication:
Linear model
Interactive model
Transactional model

3. Linear Model
In a linear model, communication is viewed as a one-way or linear process, where the speaker only speaks and the
listener only listens.
Aristotle, a great philosopher first (300 B.C.) developed a communication model, also called ‘Aristotle’s Model of
Communication’ based on the linear model. This model is basically focused more on public speaking than
interpersonal communication. There are 3 basic elements of Aristotle’s model-
i)Speaker, (ii) Speech, (iii) Audience
Laswell in 1948 also developed a linear model, based on the five questions- Who (says) What (to) Whom (in) What
Channel (with) What Effect- which effectively define how communication works. This is also known as Dance model.
This 5 Ws verbal model also suggests the flow of message in a multicultural society with multiple audiences.
Shannon and Weaver (1949) in their linear model includes noise or interference as distorting factor in understanding
between the speaker and the listener.

4. Interactive Model
Schramm (1955) and Wood (2009) developed an interactive model in which the receiver or listener provides feedback
to the sender or speaker. The sender or speaker of the message also listens to the feedback. Both the speaker and the
listener take their turns to speak and listen to each other. This makes communication a two way process.
Transactional Model
The transactional model demonstrates that the communication elements are interdependent. Each person in the
communication can act as both a speaker and a listener, and can even simultaneously send and receive messages. The
model implies:
• ''Transactional” means- communication is an ongoing and constantly changing process;
• Each element in any transactional process, exists in relation to other elements. There is an interdependence for
which there can be no source without a receiver and no message without a source;
• Each individual in the communication process reacts depending on various factors like their background, attitudes,
prior experiences, cultural beliefs, self-esteem etc.

6. This model assumes:
• People are connected through communication.
• They are engaged in transaction.
• Each player plays the dual role of both sender and receiver.
• Communication affects all players involved.
• There are ellipses that symbolize communication environment

7. Key Points
1.In linear model, communication is viewed as a one-way or linear process, where the speaker only speaks and the
listener only listens.
2.Aristotle’s ‘Aristotle’s Model of Communication’, based on linear model, contains 3 basic elements- i) Speaker, (ii)
Speech, (iii) Audience
3.Laswell in 1948 also developed a linear model, based on the five questions- Who (says) What (to) Whom (in) What
Channel (with) What Effect- which effectively define how communication works. This is also known as Dance model.
4.Shannon and Weaver (1949) in their linear model includes noise or interference as distorting factor in
understanding between the speaker and the listener.
5.Schramm (1955) and Wood (2009) developed an interactive model in which the receiver or listener provides
feedback to the sender or speaker.
6.According to the transactional model people are engaged in transaction.
Published by Brainware University