Three Models of Communication Communication is a two way process which involves a sender and a receiver.

Through effective communication people share information, thoughts and feelings via words, writing or body language (Hybels and Weaver). Models are one way to examine the different parts of the communication process. They are also subject to the environment within which they exist. Linear, transactional and Interactional are three models of communications in which all have strengths and weaknesses. Communication models are visual, simplified representations of complex relationships in the communication process. They help you see how the communication process has evolved over the years. (West and Turner). In 1947, Claude E. Shannon and Warren Weaver came up with the linear model of which is viewed as a way of communicating where there is no immediate feedback possible. The linear model is easily understood and has five main components namely the information source-where the message is produced, transmitter-where the message is encoded, channel-where the signal is carried, receiver where the message is decoded and the destination- where the message ends up. Within communication there are noises, and noise interferes with the channel in the linear communication which causes a signal to be received that was not intended by the source. These noise sources may be physical, psychological, physiological or semantic. Linear model of communicating distort the process of communication and crucial elements of communication have been excluded. The transmitter (sender) chooses a message to send, and the receiver simply receives that message without vigorously participating in the communication process. But effective communication is a two-way process, where messages are received and

feedback is provided. There is never a one sided conversation as even if the response is not via speech, the response may come in the form of a body language which includes facial expressions. We rely on the reply to a message in order to monitor how successfully we are communicating, and to make essential adjustments. If the signals that we get from the receiver imply that they do not understand the message given we can then alter the way we communicate in order to meet the receiver needs. The linear model assumes that there is a clear cut beginning and end to communication (Wood). Interactive model of communication is linear communication done both ways; where messages are sent and received one at a time. The sender channels a message to the receiver and the receiver then becomes the sender and channels a message to the original sender. This model has added feedback, indicates that communication is not a one way but a two way process. When communication provides feedback the better the receiver and sender can understand each other (McQuail). Although the interactive model is an improvement over the linear model, it still depicts communication as a sequential procedure in which one person is a sender and another is a receiver. In actuality, once you are involved in the communication process you will always send and receive messages. Interactive models also fail to capture the dynamic nature of interpersonal communication and the ways it changes overtime. The transactional model of communication emphasizes the dynamism of interpersonal communication and the multiple roles people assume during the process (Wood). This model also makes it clear that communication occurs within systems that affect what and how people communicate and what meanings are created. Those systems or contexts include the shared systems of both communicators and the personal systems of each person.

The transactional model of communication doesnt brand one person as a sender and the other a receiver. Instead, both people are defined as communicators who participate evenly and frequently in chorus in the communication process. This means that, at any given moment in communication, you may be receiving a message, sending a message, or doing both at the same time. The transactional model proves that no one person in a relationship has control and no one is to blame. Everyone is responsible. Communication is a two way process and it will continue to be that way. These three models of communications both have strengths and weaknesses. Whilst Linear is a one way communication process, interactive is a two way process where there is a sender of a message then a receiver who responds to the message received. The transactional model on the other hand is the most suited of all as any given moment you may be a sender, a receiver or both. The transactional model to me is more realistic and sincere.

Bibliography

Hybels, S., & Weaver, H.R.. Communicate effectively. 6th Ed. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2001. Print. McQuail, Denis. Mass Communication Theory. London: Sage Publications, 1994. Print. Rothwell, J. Dan. In the Company of Others: An Introduction to Communication. New York: Oxford, 2004. Print. West, Richard L., and Lynn H. Turner. Understanding Interpersonal Communication: Making Choices in Changing times. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2006. Print. Wood, Julia T., Ronald Edward. Sept, and Jane Duncan. Everyday Encounter: An Introduction to Interpersonal Communication. Toronto, Ont.: ITP Nelson, 2010. Print.