Elements of

Communication
LIFE GABRIEL F. OSUMO, LPT, MED-LT
 Introduction
A communication model is the framework we use to share
messages and thoughts with others.
They dictate how we interact with the people around us and help
to facilitate understanding and collaboration. However, very few
people have a clear understanding of just how diverse
communication models can be.
On the surface, communication seems like a relatively simple
concept. We reach out to others using our voice, messaging apps,
video tools and in-person interaction. However, our styles and
modes of communication can vary drastically from one situation to
the next.
Understanding the different types of communication models and
how they contribute to our interactions and relationships can be
extremely valuable, particularly for business owners. After all, the
more you know about how people communicate, the better you
can set the scene for excellent internal and external conversations
in your workplace.
Laswell’s Component of
Communication
 Pearson et al. (2011)
Comprehensive Components of
Communication

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The source imagines creates and
sends the message. The source
encodes the message by choosing
the right order or the best words to
convey the intended meaning and
presents or sends the information to
the audience (receiver). By
watching for the audience’s
reaction, the source perceives how
well they received the message
and responds with clarification or
supporting information.
“The message is the stimulus
or meaning produced by the
source for the receiver or
audience” (McLean, 2005).
The message combines words
to convey meaning but is also
about how it’s conveyed —
through nonverbal cues,
organization, grammar, style,
and other elements.
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“The channel is how a message
or messages travel between
source and receiver.” (McLean,
2005). Spoken channels include
face-to-face conversations,
speeches, phone conversations
and voicemail messages, radio,
public address systems, and
Skype. Written channels include
letters, memorandums, purchase
orders, invoices, newspaper and
magazine articles, blogs, emails,
text messages, tweets, etc.
 Pearson et al. (2011)
Comprehensive Components of Communication

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You give feedback when you “The environment is the
respond to the source,
“The receiver receives the atmosphere, physical and
intentionally or unintentionally.
message from the source, Feedback is composed of
psychological, where you
analyzing and interpreting messages the receiver sends send and receive
the message in ways both back to the source. Verbal or messages” (McLean,
nonverbal feedback signals allow 2005). Surroundings,
intended and unintended
the source to see how well and
by the source” (McLean, people, animals, and
accurately (or how poorly and
2005). inaccurately) the message was technology can all
received (Leavitt & Mueller, 1951). influence your
communication.
 Pearson et al. (2011)
Comprehensive Components of Communication

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“The context of the Interference, also called noise,
communication interaction can come from any source.
involves the setting, scene, and “Interference is anything that
expectations of the individuals blocks or changes the source’s
involved” (McLean, 2005). A intended meaning of the
professional communication message” (McLean, 2005). This
context may involve business can be external or
suits (environmental cues) that internal/psychological. Noise
directly or indirectly influence interferes with normal encoding
expectations of language and and decoding of the message
behaviour among the carried by the channel
participants. between source and receiver.