1

The Communication Process

Theories of how wecommunicate: TheLinear andTransactionalmodels

Communication Process (1)

Scholars have developed theories toexplain how we communicate with eachother.

Most of these theories are variations ontwo generally recognized models — theLinear model and the Transactionalmodel.

Communication Process (2)

First, let’s define what communication is.

Communication is symbolic humanbehavior systematized into written,verbal, and nonverbal codes.

Communication Process (3)

This ancient cavepainting speaks to usacross time through itsability to symbolize.

In its representations ofthe male figure, thebison, and the rhino, werecognize a 40,000year-old story of humanexperience — the hunt.

Click here to learn more about thisancient painting.

2

Communication Process (4)

Symbols can tell us . . .

what to do.

what not to do.

where to get help.

how to stay safe.

Any person, place, thing, feeling, or idea can be symbolized.

Communication Process (5)

When we systematize symbols, we create codes forcommunication. Here are different ways forsymbolizing the letter “A.”

Communication Process (6)

Those who want to communicate must share thesame symbol system.

Communication Process (7)

Now that you understand the symbolic natureof communication, let’s return to the twomodels of communication mentioned earlier.

A model is a representation used to showhow individual parts work together toaccomplish a specific purpose — in this casecommunication.

3

Linear Model ofCommunication (1)

Linear model includes A source

A message

A channel

A receiver

Views communication as a straight line, oneway event, in which the process reverseswhen communication has occurred.

Linear Model ofCommunication (2)

Encodes Decodes

Message Channel

The linear model is nowregarded as being incomplete.

Transactional Model ofCommunication (1)

The transactional model emphasizesthat communication is circular, on-going, and simultaneous.

Transactional Model ofCommunication (2)

Communication beginswhen there is someone whooriginates a message andsomeone who can receive it.

Sender Receiver

4

Transactional Model ofCommunication (3)

The sender and receiver mustshare a common symbol

system.

Symbols

Sender Receiver

Symbols Symbols

Transactional Model ofCommunication (4)

Symbols

Sender Receiver

Symbols Symbols

Message

Channel

The sender encodes a message and puts themessage into a channel.

Encodes

Transactional Model ofCommunication (5)

Symbols

Sender Receiver

Symbols Symbols

Message

Channel

The channel is the medium whichtransmits the message.

The message is the content of thecommunication.

Encodes

Transactional Model ofCommunication (6)

Symbols

Sender Receiver

Symbols Symbols

Message

Channel

The receiver decodes the messageusing the symbol system shared with

the sender.

Encodes Decodes

5

Transactional Model ofCommunication (7)

Symbols

Sender Receiver

Symbols Symbols

Message

Channel

Noise can create interference anywhere in the process.

Encodes Decodes

Transactional Model ofCommunication (8)

Symbols

Sender Receiver

Symbols Symbols

Message

Channel

Noise can can be external, internal, or semantic — thatis, interference created by choices of language.

Encodes Decodes

Transactional Model ofCommunication (9)

Symbols

Sender Receiver

Symbols Symbols

Message

Channel

Feedback Loop

The feedback loop allows communicators tosimultaneously exchange messages.

Encodes Decodes

Transactional Model ofCommunication (10)

Symbols

Sender Receiver

Symbols Symbols

Message

Channel

Feedback Loop

Each communicator brings to the process a unique setof experiences called a “frame of reference.”

Frame of Reference

Encodes Decodes

6

Transactional Model ofCommunication (11)

Frame of Reference

The lens throughwhich we view theworld.

Past experience,beliefs, and values thatinfluence how weinterpret messages.

Transactional Model ofCommunication (12)

Symbols

Sender Receiver

Symbols Symbols

Message

Channel

Feedback Loop

The communication process occurs within a context oftime and place that may influence the communication.

Frame of Reference

Encodes Decodes

Two Communication Models(Summary)

The linear model —

Communicators reverse roles when amessage has been sent and received.

Communication is a direct, one way event.

The transactional model —

Two Communication Models(Summary)

Sending and receiving are not separateactivities.

Communication occurs simultaneously.

People are continually sending andreceiving messages.