MODELS OF COMMUNICATION
SHANNON-WEAVER MODEL
Known as the mother of all communication models, the
Shannon-Weaver model (1949) depicts communication
as a linear or one-way process consisting of five
elements: a source, a transmitter, a channel, a receiver,
and a destination.
This model, however, has been criticized
for missing one essential element in the
communication process: feedback. Without
feedback, the speaker will not know whether
the receiver understands the message or not.
Transaction Model
Unlike the Shannon-Weaver Model,
which is a one-way process, the
Transaction Model is a two-way
process with the inclusion of
feedback as one element.
This model is more interactive.
There is a collaborative exchange of
messages between communicators with
the aim of understanding each other. It
also shows that a barrier, such as noise,
may interfere with the flow of
communication.
Study the diagram below. It
represents the Schramm Model.
FUNCTIONS OF
COMMUNICATIO
N
FUNCTIONS OF COMMUNICATION
1. Control –
Communication functions to
control behavior.
2. Social Interaction –
Communication allows
individuals to interact
with others.
3. . Motivation –
Communication motivates or
encourages people to live
better.
4. Emotional expression –
Communication facilitates
people’s expression of their
feelings and emotions.
5. Information
dissemination –
Communication functions to
convey information.
FEATURES OF AN EFFECTIVE
COMMUNICATION
1. Completeness
Complete communication is essential to the
quality of the communication process in general.
Hence, communication should include everything
that the receiver needs to hear for him/ her to
respond, react, or evaluate properly.
2. Conciseness
Conciseness does not mean keeping the
message short, but making it direct or
straight to the point. Insignificant or
redundant information should be
eliminated from the communication that
will be sent to the recipient.
3. Consideration
To be effective, the speaker should always
consider relevant information about his/her
receiver such as mood, background, race,
preference, education, status, and needs,
among others. By doing so, he/she can easily
build rapport with the audience.
4. Concreteness
Effective communication happens
when the message is concrete and
supported by facts, figures, and real-life
examples and situations. In this case,
the receiver is more connected to the
message conveyed.
5. Courtesy
The speaker shows courtesy in
communication by respecting the
culture, values, and beliefs of his/her
receivers. Being courteous at all
times creates a positive impact on
the audience.
6. Clearness
Clearness in communication implies
the use of simple and specific words to
express ideas. It is also achieved when
the speaker focuses only on a single
objective in his/her speech so as not to
confuse the audience.
7. Correctness
Correctness in grammar eliminates
negative impact on the audience
and increases the credibility and
effectiveness of the message.
