Communication Models

Summary

This video script delves into the essence of communication, defining it as the process of making meaning through message exchange. It distinguishes between verbal and nonverbal channels and discusses face-to-face versus electronic communication. Highlighting the irreversibility of communication, the script introduces three models: the action model, the interaction model with feedback and context, and the transactional model emphasizing simultaneous feedback. The video aims to deepen understanding of communication, particularly in the context of public speaking.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ Communication is the process of making meaning by sending and receiving messages through various channels, both verbal and nonverbal.
• 📣 Verbal communication involves the use of words, while nonverbal includes gestures, appearance, vocal inflection, and facial expressions.
• 🌐 Communication can occur face-to-face, which is channel-rich, or through electronically mediated channels, which are more channel-lean.
• ⚠️ Communication is irreversible; once a message is sent and received, it cannot be erased or taken back.
• 📚 The study of communication has evolved through three models: the action model, the interaction model, and the transactional model.
• 🔄 The action model portrays communication as a one-way process involving a sender, message, channel, receiver, and noise.
• 🔁 The interaction model adds feedback and context to the action model, creating a two-way communication process.
• 🔄 Feedback in the interaction model allows for a loop within the communication process, similar to a ping-pong game.
• 🌐 Context in the interaction model refers to the physical and psychological circumstances in which communication takes place.
• 🔄 The transactional model modifies the elements of the interaction model, recognizing that each communicator is both a sender and a receiver, and feedback is simultaneous.
• 🤔 The transactional model suggests a dynamic communication process, akin to multiple ping-pong balls being played at once, reflecting the continuous exchange of messages and feedback.

Q & A

What is the definition of communication as described in the video?

Communication is the process through which we attempt to make meaning by sending and receiving messages.

What are the two main channels of communication mentioned in the video?

The two main channels of communication are verbal and nonverbal.

How does face-to-face communication differ from electronically mediated communication in terms of channel richness?

Face-to-face communication is channel-rich, allowing for the use of various verbal and nonverbal cues, while electronically mediated communication is channel-lean, limiting the visibility of facial expressions and vocal tone.

Why is communication considered irreversible according to the video?

Communication is irreversible because once something is expressed and received, it cannot be erased or taken back, regardless of apologies or corrections made afterward.

What are the five elements of the action model of communication?

The five elements of the action model are sender, message, channel, receiver, and noise.

What does the term 'noise' refer to in the context of the action model?

Noise refers to anything that interferes with the sending or receiving of a message, including physical, psychological, and physiological noise.

How does the interaction model of communication differ from the action model?

The interaction model adds feedback and context to the original five elements of the action model, creating a two-way communication process.

What is the role of feedback in the interaction model of communication?

Feedback in the interaction model is the response of the receiver to the message, which creates a loop within the communication process, allowing for a two-way exchange.

How does the transactional model modify the elements of the interaction model?

The transactional model modifies the interaction model by recognizing that each communicator is both a sender and receiver, and by changing feedback from simple to simultaneous, reflecting the continuous exchange of messages and responses.

What is the significance of context in the interaction model of communication?

Context refers to the physical and psychological circumstances in which communication takes place, influencing the topics, tone, volume, and appropriateness of the conversation.

How can understanding the different communication models apply to public speaking?

Understanding communication models can help public speakers adapt their messages and responses to the audience, considering factors like channel richness, feedback, and context to enhance their communication effectiveness.

Outlines

00:00

🗣️ Fundamentals of Communication

This paragraph introduces the concept of communication as a process of making meaning through the exchange of messages, highlighting both verbal and nonverbal channels. It differentiates between face-to-face and electronically mediated communication, emphasizing the richness of channels in the former. The paragraph also touches on the irreversibility of communication, noting that once a message is sent, it cannot be retracted, with a humorous reference to courtroom scenarios where disregarding comments is impossible.

05:01

🔄 The Evolution of Communication Models

This section delves into the development of communication models, starting with the action model which views communication as a one-way process involving a sender, message, channel, receiver, and noise. It then transitions to the interaction model, which adds feedback and context, creating a two-way communication loop and acknowledging the environment's influence. Finally, the transactional model is introduced, modifying the previous model by recognizing simultaneous feedback and the dual role of communicators as both senders and receivers.

10:30

🤔 Applying Communication Models to Public Speaking

The final paragraph prompts viewers to consider how the discussed communication models apply to public speaking, specifically asking which model best illustrates the dynamic between a speaker and the audience. It invites reflection on the models' relevance to understanding and improving public speaking, encouraging viewers to think critically about the communication process in this context.

Keywords

💡Communication

Communication is defined in the video as the process through which we attempt to make meaning by sending and receiving messages. It is central to the video's theme, as it serves as the foundation for understanding the various models and characteristics discussed. Examples from the script include verbal and nonverbal communication, emphasizing the multiple channels through which communication can occur.

💡Verbal Communication

Verbal communication refers exclusively to the words we choose to express our ideas. It is a subset of communication that involves language and is crucial for conveying specific messages. The script mentions that most languages offer a breadth of options for sharing ideas, highlighting the importance of choosing the right words in verbal communication.

💡Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal communication encompasses gestures, appearance, vocal inflection, personal space, and facial expressions. It is a key concept in the video, as it complements verbal communication by providing additional cues and meanings. The script illustrates this with examples such as facial expressions and body language, which can convey emotions or reactions without the use of words.

💡Face-to-Face Communication

Face-to-face communication is described in the video as channel-rich, allowing for the use of all kinds of verbal and nonverbal cues. It is an important context within the video's discussion of communication models, as it contrasts with electronically mediated communication. The script uses it to highlight the richness of interpersonal interactions where nonverbal cues are readily available.

💡Electronically Mediated Communication

Electronically mediated communication includes text messages, emails, and social media. The video points out that this form of communication is more channel-lean compared to face-to-face interactions, as it lacks the visual and auditory cues that come with direct contact. This keyword is significant as it discusses the limitations and unique aspects of modern communication methods.

💡Irreversible

The term 'irreversible' in the video refers to the fact that once a message is expressed and received, it cannot be erased or taken back. This concept is integral to the video's theme, emphasizing the permanence of communication. The script uses the example of courtroom scenarios to illustrate the impossibility of disregarding a statement once it has been made.

💡Action Model

The action model of communication is the first model discussed in the video, portraying communication as a one-way process. It is foundational to understanding the evolution of communication models. The script details the elements of this model, including sender, message, channel, receiver, and noise, providing a basic framework for communication.

💡Interaction Model

The interaction model builds upon the action model by adding feedback and context, creating a two-way communication process. This model is central to the video's exploration of communication as an interactive and dynamic process. The script explains how feedback loops and the surrounding context influence the communication process.

💡Transactional Model

The transactional model is the most current model of communication presented in the video. It modifies the elements of previous models to reflect a more accurate depiction of communication, emphasizing that all parties involved are both senders and receivers. The script describes this model as one where feedback is simultaneous, illustrating the continuous and reciprocal nature of communication.

💡Feedback

Feedback in the video is described as the response of the receiver to the message, which can be verbal or nonverbal. It is a critical concept in the interaction and transactional models, as it represents the receiver's reaction and the ongoing nature of communication. The script uses the analogy of a ping-pong game to explain the back-and-forth exchange of feedback.

💡Context

Context, also referred to as environment or situation in the video, is the physical and psychological circumstances in which communication takes place. It is an essential concept as it influences the content, tone, and appropriateness of communication. The script highlights the impact of context with examples such as different conversations in a grocery store versus a candlelight dinner.

Highlights

Communication is defined as the process of making meaning by sending and receiving messages.

Communication can be verbal, using words, or nonverbal, including gestures and facial expressions.

Face-to-face communication is rich in channels, utilizing a full range of verbal and nonverbal cues.

Electronic communication is more limited, lacking visual and auditory cues present in face-to-face interactions.

Communication is irreversible; once a message is sent, it cannot be taken back.

The action model of communication is a one-way process starting with a sender and ending with a receiver.

The sender encodes a message that is sent through a channel to the receiver who decodes it.

Noise in communication can be physical, psychological, or physiological, interfering with message transmission.

The interaction model adds feedback and context to the basic elements of the action model.

Feedback in the interaction model creates a loop, making communication a two-way process.

Context influences communication, affecting topics, tone, and volume based on the setting and participants.

The transactional model modifies the sender and receiver to communicators, recognizing simultaneous feedback.

Simultaneous feedback in the transactional model reflects the dynamic nature of real-time communication.

The transactional model likens communication to multiple ping-pong balls in play, emphasizing constant interaction.

Public speaking can be viewed through these models to understand the dynamic communication with an audience.

The video invites viewers to consider which model best illustrates communication in public speaking.

The study of communication has evolved through these models, enhancing our understanding of the process.

Transcripts

in this video we'll discuss the definition of communication and a few of

the fundamental characteristics of communication will also explore it three

models of the communication process first let's address the question what is

communication

well the short answer is that communication is the process through

which we attempt to make meaning by sending and receiving messages

communication can take on a variety of forms first we use both verbal and

nonverbal channels to communicate verbal communication refers exclusively to the

words that we choose most languages are incredibly broad and diverse offering a

breadth of options in attempting to share an idea verbal communication is about

choosing the word that best communicates that idea everything else gestures

appearance vocal inflection the notion of personal space facial expressions

would all fall under the category of nonverbal communication

another important factor is whether the communication is taking place

face-to-face or via an electronically mediated channel face-to-face

communication is very channel rich meaning we can usually make use of all

kinds of verbal and nonverbal cues electronically mediated communication

like text messages email and social media however are more channel lean your

somewhat limited in that you can't see facial expressions or hear the person's

tone of voice in the way the you can in face-to-face communication one more

thing to keep in mind is that communication is irreversible once

something is expressed and received it cannot simply be erased or taken back

never had a comment slip out unintentionally or said something you

immediately wish you could take back while an apology or correction is nice

it doesn't wipe away the original comment or expression once it's out

there it's out there for good

nowhere is this principle related more absurdly than in the court of law

have you ever watched a TV show or movie where an attorney says something

prejudicial and inflammatory followed by the judge instructing the jury to

disregard the comment no such thing as possible and everyone there know

is it these explanations just begin to scratch the surface of understanding

communication will dig deeper over the course of this video and even further in

other videos over the years the study of communications developed through three

basic models of the communication process will take a look at each of

these models and see how our understanding of communication has

changed with each one the first model of communication that was developed was the

action model the action model of communication portrays communication as

a one-way process communication is something that one person does too or at

another person when the other person has a response the whole process flips

around and starts a new in the action model communication begins with the

sender quite simply the center is the person who has something they're

attempting to express the center and codes or packages a message using verbal

and or nonverbal communication to send it to a receiver the message refers to

what it is they are trying to communicate the message can be

communicated verbally non-verbally or a combination of both the message can also

be communicated intentionally or unintentionally the method through which

the message is communicated is called the channel if a message is the what

then the channel is the how

what are some channels that you use to communicate imagine you use your voice

and communicating face-to-face do you talk on the phone text post and social

media email write it on posted notes use smoke signals tap on the wall for morse

code all of these would represent a channel of communication when we

communicate we direct communication at a person or persons the person for whom

the communication is meant is called the receiver which is the fourth element in

the action model of communication

it is the responsibility of the receiver to decode the message that the center is

encoded and attempt to make sense of it

the fifth and final element in the action model is noise

noise refers to anything that interferes with the sending or receiving of a

message there are three basic categories of noise

the first is physical noise which refers to interference from the surrounding

environment physical noise could be audible such as loud or distracting

sounds that keep you from clearly hearing or paying attention to the

message physical noise could also come from other sources though such as a

room being too hot or too cold things flashing by the window and drawing your

attention elsewhere or having to sit in an uncomfortable chair another type of

noise is psychological noise those of you who are mentally making your grocery

list or thinking of other things you need to get done today instead of fully

paying attention to this lesson for example are experiencing psychological

noise

anytime that were daydreaming or mind is simply elsewhere while someone is

speaking to us we experienced psychological noise physiological noise

is the final category of noise as the name would suggest physiological noise

has to do with your body you ever have trouble paying attention when you're

hungry how about when you're sick or you have a headache

those are common sources of physiological noise hearing loss can be

another source of physiological noise so those five elements sender message

channel receiver and noise make up the action model of communication as

scholars continue to study communication in greater depth and detail however they

discovered that the action model didn't paint the full picture of what happens

during the communication process as a result they developed a new model the

interaction model the interaction model keeps all five of those original

elements center message channel receiver and noise and adds two more feedback and

context feedback as the response of the receiver to the message feedback can be

verbal or nonverbal intentional or unintentional and creates a sort of loop

within the communication process

where's the action model is a one-way street the recognition of feedback

creates a two-way process

think of it like a ping-pong game where the ball goes back and forth one player

sends the ball in this case the message across the net to the receiver the

receiver then sends the ball now in the form of feedback back across the net to

the first person the element of feedback allows all of this to happen as part of

one inclusive process the other new element in the interaction model is

context context sometimes called the environment or the situation refers to

the physical and psychological circumstances in which the communication

takes place communication does not take place in a vacuum it happens somewhere

it sometime between someone's you don't have the same conversation in the

produce section of the grocery store that you do overall mantic candlelight

dinner right

the topics are different the tone is different the volume is different

these things also very when you're having a conversation with your best

friend or someone you hardly know it all

this is the impact of context knowing what is appropriate in that situation

and with that person as you can see with the addition of feedback in context the

interaction model represents a leap forward in our understanding of the

communication process it was still really a work in progress though as

you'll see in the most current model of the communication process the

transactional model the transactional model of communication doesn't really

add or subtract any significant elements

it does however modify those elements to more accurately reflect the

communication process the first modification recognizes that there's not

just one Center and one receiver in the process rather the communicator on each

side of the process is both the sender and receiver as a result the

transactional model changes those labels from sender and receiver to communicator

a and communicator be both of whom send messages and feedback the other update

in the transactional model is the change from simple feedback to simultaneous

feedback communicators don't wait for the completion of the message to send

feed

back we signal all kinds of things while the message is still being sent

sometimes this is nonverbal such as facial expressions signaling shock anger

happiness disagreement or boredom

we also provide simultaneous verbal feedback when we interrupt someone who's

speaking or prompt them by saying things like uh huh and go on the essence of

both of these modifications changes our perception of communication

I compared the interaction model to a traditional ping-pong game where you

have one ball going back and forth so that one person is waiting for the other

to finish before sending feedback the transactional model however is more like

a ping-pong game where a hundred different ping-pong balls are going back

and forth all at once as we're constantly sending and receiving

messages so how does all of this applies specifically to public speaking

well you tell me take a moment to consider which of these models best

illustrates the communication between a speaker and his or her audience why is

that

give me your explanation go ahead I'll give you a moment

if you need more time to answer those questions feel free to pause the video

now otherwise let's continue in this video we discussed the definition of

communication and a few of the fundamental characteristics of

communication we also explored three models of the communication process

check out some of our other videos for more insight into the public speaking

process