Communication

Models of
Oral Communication Lesson 2
 Learning Objectives
By the end of this learning unit, you will be able to:

define communication model;

differentiate the various communication models; and

identify communication models as they are used in real-

life scenarios
In this lesson...
Definition of communication model

Types of communication models according to

structure

Specific examples of the different

communication models according to
structure
 Communication Models

Since communication is essentially an abstract process (since we

cannot see actual physical words being exchanged and processed),
communication models help in giving a visual representation of how
the process of communication occurs between and among
interlocutors (Pressbooks, 2018).
 Types of
Communication Linear
Models Interactive

Transactional
 Linear Model

As per the name suggests, The focus of the linear In the linear model, the
this model presents model are the sender and receiver gives no feedback.
communication as that the message, as the
which occurs in a line, receiver is viewed only as
depicting the sender, the the end of the line; a
message (and channel) terminating point in the
and the receiver. process.
 Linear Model

Sender Message Receive

r
EXAMPLES OF THE LINEAR MODEL
ARISTOTLE'S MODEL

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communicationtheory.org

• Speaker-centered model
• Widely used in public speaking
• 3 elements: credibility (ethos),
connectivity (pathos) and logic (logos)
EXAMPLES OF THE LINEAR MODEL
LASWELL'S MODEL

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elcomblus.com

• Sender-receiver model
• Widely used in public relations
• Focuses on the effect of the communication
EXAMPLES OF THE LINEAR MODEL
SHANNON-WEAVER’S MODEL

Photo from: communicationtheory.org

• This uses the interactive model, where there is a “give-and-take” relationship

between the interlocutors.
• However, in this model, Shannon and Weaver focused on how communication is
affected/influenced by the presence of NOISE.
EXAMPLES OF THE LINEAR MODEL
BERLO’S MODEL

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• In Berlo’s Model, communication is affected by so many extraneous factors.

• The communication skills, background and context of the interlocutors play a big
role in the success/failure of the communication process.
 Interactive Model

In this model, there is now Since an exchange is In this model, the two
a communicative already present, this interlocutors take
exchange between senders means that the receiver alternating roles as sender
and receivers, unlike in now gives feedback and receiver.
the linear model where
communication was one-
sided.
 Interactive Model

Sender Receive
Receive Message Sender
r
r
EXAMPLES OF THE INTERACTIVE
MODEL
SCHRAMM’S MODEL

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commons.wikimedia.org
• Focuses on the Field of Experience between the two interlocutors.
• Communication can only happen when the fields of experience of the
interlocutors overlap, creating common ground.
 Transactional Model
This is the latest addition to the communication models. Experts believe that in
reality, people do not “alternately” communicate. Instead, there is the simultaneous
sending and receiving of messages.

As such, the transactional model is quite different as it focuses not only on how
messages are sent and received but also that we build relationships and meanings
while communicating.

So, in this model, there is the inclusion of other factors such as the relational,
physical and psychological contexts.
 Transactional Model
Physical and Psychological
COntexts
Sender Receiv
Receiv Message Sender
er
er

Relational
COntexts
EXAMPLES OF THE TRANSACTIONAL
BARNLUND’S TRANSACTIONAL MODEL OF
MODEL
COMMUNICATION

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• Barnlund’s Transactional Model of Communication highlights the role of private

and public cues that impact our messages.
EXAMPLES OF THE TRANSACTIONAL
MODEL DANCE’S HELICAL MODEL OF
COMMUNICATION

• Dance’s Helical Model sees

communication as a circular
process that gets more and more
complex as communication occurs,
which can be represented by a
helical spiral.
References
• Pressbooks. (2018). Communication models. E-campus Ontario.
https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/professional comms/chapter/2-2-the-
communication-process-communication-in-the-real-world-an-introduction-to-
communication-studies/
• Sus, V. (2023). Transactional Model Of Communication: Examples & Definition.
https://helpfulprofessor.com/transactional-model-of-communication/