On this earth humans are social beings, and their lives are based on different models of communication. Effective communication has always been specified as the success key to each field. Such as family, education, business, politics, journalism, or digital media.
Communication is not limited to sending a message; rather, it is the process of understanding it clearly and presenting an appropriate response. Communication theories and models help in understanding this process scientifically. They explain how a message travels from the sender to the receiver, the elements involved in the process, and how its factors help to determine whether communication is effective or unsuccessful.
Let us explore five key communication principles and models that help to build the foundation for modern communication studies:
Aristotle’s Models of Communication and His Theory
Aristotle is considered an early thinker in the field of communication science. He presented many models of communication based on interaction approximately 2,300 years ago. This model has five key elements:
- Speaker
- Speech
- Audience
- Occasion
- Effect
Aristotle believed that the success of any message depends on the impact it has on the audience. This model is considered particularly useful in public speaking, political speeches, religious discourses, and journalism.
Specialities
- Supports the art of effective speaking
- Aims to influence the audience
- Is suitable for public communication
Limitations
- There is no provision for feedback in this.
- Communication is limited to the one-way process.
Lasswell Models of Communication and His Theory
It is the renowned communication expert Harold Lasswell who presented a simple yet most effective model to explain communication.
His famous saying is
- Who (Who is serving the message?)
- Says what (What message being served)
- In which channel (In which context the message is)
- To whom (To whom the message is being served)
- With what effect (What impact did the message make?)
These models of communication are still widely used today in journalism, advertising, public relations, and media research.
Specialities
- It analyzes the impact of the message.
- It explains all the key tools of communication.
- Research in the media is extremely useful.
Limitations
- This also does not include feedback.
Shannon-Weaver Models of Communication and Their Theories
Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver presented their models of communication. These are well-known foundations of modern communication systems.
These models include the following elements:
Communication is limited to the one-way process.
- Information Source
- Transmitter
- Message
- Channel
- Noise
- Receiver
- Destination
The most remarkable specialty of these models of communication is the concept of ‘noise’ in the form of sound. It indicates that technical, verbal, or psychological barriers to the message can affect the quality of communication. For example, mobile network issues, slow internet speeds, unclear audio, or incorrect language can affect the message.
Speciality
- Identification of the telecom company.
- It is extremely useful for technical communication.
- It is widely used in digital and electronic media.
Limitations
- Formation was not served importance in the initial model.
- Less attention is paid to human emotions and social contexts.
Berlo’s SMCR Models of Communication and His Theory
David Berlo presented the SMCR model. Its objective was to explain the communication process in more detail.
SMCR means:
S – Source
M – Message
C – Channel
R – Receiver
For Berlo’s effective communication, it is essential that both the source and the receiver share knowledge, language, culture, communication skills, and perspective. If the sender and the receiver do not share an understanding of each other’s language or cultural background, communication cannot be effective.
Speciality
- It places special emphasis on communication skills.
- The importance of the language of culture has been highlighted.
- It is useful in education, training, and media communication.
Limitations
- This not specifies the clear feedback
- Social science has been presented in a limited way.
Schramm’s Interactive Models of Communication and His Theories
Wilbur Schramm is known as the father of modern communication science. He explained many models of communication and theories as a two-way process.
According to this model:
- Both the sender and the receiver send and receive messages.
- Both of them constantly engage in feedback.
- For effective communication, the fields of experience of both parties must be similar.
If there is coordination in terms of experience, knowledge, and language between the two parties, the message will be understood much better.
Speciality
- Supports Feedback
- Enhance two-way communication.
- It is the most suitable model for modern digital communication.
Limitations
- Major mass media channels cannot be employed at all times.
Immediate reaction is not possible in all situations.
Modern Significance For Models of Communication and Their Theories
In today’s digital age, the models of communication are changing rapidly. Social media, podcasts, YouTube, blogs, online news portals, and artificial intelligence-based platforms have made communication faster and easier.
Nevertheless, all of these are based on modern technologies, institutions, traditional community principles, and models.
For Example
Before journalists publish news, the message, medium, and impact are analyzed.
- Advertising agencies craft messages tailored to the target audience.
- Digital marketing experts formulate their strategies based on professionals’ needs.
- Social media platforms continuously present content, keeping user feedback in mind.
Though these principles of communication remain as useless today as they were at the beginning.
Conclusion
Communication is not only the exchange and confirmation of information but also a medium for understanding, trust, and influence. Lasswell’s model emphasizes models of communication skills and cultural similarity, while Schramm’s interactive model also places importance on communication skills and cultural similarity.
If a friend, journalist, reader, teacher, digital marketer, or media professional possesses a sound understanding of these five principles and models, they can establish more impactful, credible, and successful communication. This is why these models are still considered the most important models of communication studies and media education today.