Communication Types of Models, Principles & Misconceptions

Summary

This script explores three fundamental models of communication: linear, interactive, and transactional. It emphasizes the importance of feedback in the interactive model and simultaneous message exchange in the transactional model. The script debunks common misconceptions, such as the belief that communication is solely verbal or that it always resolves issues. It highlights five key principles of communication, including its intentional or unintentional nature, irreversibility, and contextual influence, while stressing the need for continuous improvement in communication skills.

Takeaways

• 🔁 The linear model views communication as one-way, from sender to receiver without feedback.
• 🔄 The interactive model sees communication as two-way, including a feedback loop and considering noise and context.
• 🤝 The transactional model perceives communication as simultaneous, where participants are both senders and receivers.
• 💬 Communication can be both intentional and unintentional, emphasizing that nonverbal cues also convey messages.
• ⏳ Communication is irreversible; once a message is sent, it cannot be taken back, similar to opening Pandora's box.
• 📽 Each communication event is unique and unrepeatable, influenced by the context and environment.
• 🌐 Communication is contextual, governed by the rules and norms of different cultures and situations.
• 🗣️ Meaning is not solely in words; nonverbal communication and relationship dynamics also play a crucial role.
• 🚫 More communication is not always better; sometimes, less is more, and silence can be a powerful tool.
• 🤔 Communication is not a simple process; it is complex and can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or conflicts.

Q & A

What are the three basic models of communication discussed in the script?

The three basic models discussed are the linear model, the interactive model, and the transactional model.

How does the linear model of communication view the communication process?

The linear model views communication as a one-way process where a message is encoded by the source, sent through a channel, and decoded by the receiver without feedback.

What is the main difference between the interactive and linear models?

The interactive model includes a feedback loop, accounting for two-way communication, whereas the linear model does not include feedback.

What does the term 'behaves' in the interactive model of communication signify?

The term 'behaves' signifies that communication can be both intentional and unintentional, allowing for a broader understanding of how messages are conveyed.

How does the transactional model differ from the other two models?

The transactional model views communication as occurring simultaneously, where participants are both senders and receivers at the same time, creating a relationship through the exchange of messages.

What is the revised definition of communication according to the transactional model?

Communication is defined as a continuous, transactional process involving participants operating within specific contexts, creating a relationship by simultaneously sending and receiving messages via channels, often distorted by noise.

What are the five principles of communication mentioned in the script?

The five principles are: communication can be intentional or unintentional, it is inescapable, it is irreversible, it is unrepeatable, and it is contextual.

Why is it said that communication is inescapable?

Communication is inescapable because even the act of not responding to a message is a form of communication in itself, conveying a certain stance or attitude.

What misconception about communication is the idea that 'more is better'?

The misconception that 'more is better' suggests that increased communication always leads to better outcomes, which is not true as sometimes less communication or carefully chosen words are more effective.

Why is the idea that communication will solve all problems considered a myth?

This is a myth because while communication is crucial, it is not a panacea. There are times when understanding each other perfectly still does not prevent disagreement or conflict.

What does the script suggest about the ability to communicate effectively?

The script suggests that effective communication is not an innate ability but a skill that can be improved upon through understanding and practice.

What is the role of context in communication according to the script?

Context plays a significant role in communication as it governs the rules and norms within which communication occurs, affecting how messages are interpreted and responded to.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Communication Models Overview

This paragraph introduces three fundamental models of communication: the linear, interactive, and transactional models. The linear model is depicted as a one-way process where the sender encodes a message, sends it through a channel, and the receiver decodes it without feedback. The Berlo SMCR model is mentioned as an example. The interactive model is two-way, including a feedback loop, and considers noise, multiple channels, and context. The transactional model is described as simultaneous communication between participants, emphasizing the creation of a relationship and the continuous nature of the process. The paragraph also presents a revised definition of communication as a transactional process involving multiple channels and contexts, affected by noise.

05:02

🤔 Principles and Misconceptions of Communication

The second paragraph delves into five principles of communication: intentionality and unintentionality, irreversibility, unrepeatability, and contextuality. It explains that communication is inescapable, irreversible once sent, and unique to each event. The paragraph also addresses five common misconceptions about communication, such as the belief that meanings are solely in words, the assumption that more communication is always better, the idea that communication solves all problems, the oversimplification of communication, and the myth that humans are naturally effective communicators. The paragraph concludes with a quiz to test understanding and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and adjusting communication to increase its effectiveness.

Keywords

💡Communication Models

Communication models are theoretical frameworks that describe the process of how messages are transmitted from a sender to a receiver. In the video, three models are discussed: linear, interactive, and transactional. The linear model represents a one-way communication process, while the interactive model introduces a feedback loop, indicating two-way communication. The transactional model is highlighted as the most realistic, suggesting simultaneous sending and receiving of messages, emphasizing the continuous and reciprocal nature of communication.

💡Linear Model

The linear model of communication is defined as a one-way process where the sender encodes a message, sends it through a channel, and the receiver decodes it. The video script uses the example of television to illustrate this model, suggesting that the message transmission ends with the audience without any feedback. This model is also associated with the Berlo SMCR model.

💡Interactive Model

The interactive model expands on the linear model by incorporating feedback. It views communication as a message exchange, allowing for the receiver to respond to the sender, thus creating a two-way communication process. The term 'encodes' is changed to 'behaves' to account for both intentional and unintentional communication, and the model includes concepts like noise and multiple channels.

💡Transactional Model

The transactional model is described as the most realistic, where communication is simultaneous and occurs between participants who are both senders and receivers at the same time. This model is exemplified in the video by a conversation, where participants are not only conveying messages but also reacting to them, thus creating a dynamic and reciprocal communication event.

💡Feedback Loop

A feedback loop in the context of communication models refers to the mechanism by which the receiver's response is communicated back to the sender. The video emphasizes its importance in the interactive model, showing that communication is not a one-time event but an ongoing process where the receiver's input can influence the sender's subsequent messages.

💡Noise

Noise in communication models is any interference that can distort the message during transmission. The video script mentions noise as an element that can affect the clarity of the message in both the interactive and transactional models, highlighting the challenges in ensuring that the intended message is accurately received.

💡Context

Context is the setting or environment in which communication takes place. The video script explains that context is crucial in communication as it governs the rules and norms that influence how messages are interpreted. An example given is choosing a restaurant to break up with a partner, suggesting that the context can affect the outcome of the communication.

💡Intentional and Unintentional Communication

The video script discusses the principle that communication can be both intentional, where the sender deliberately sends a message, and unintentional, where messages are conveyed without conscious effort. This principle is important as it broadens the understanding of communication to include nonverbal cues and behaviors that can still convey information.

💡Irreversible Communication

Irreversible communication refers to the idea that once a message is sent, it cannot be taken back, similar to opening Pandora's box. The video script uses this concept to illustrate the permanence of communication, emphasizing that the act of sending a message, even if not responding to spam, is still a form of communication.

💡Unrepeatable Communication

Unrepeatable communication is the concept that each communication event is unique and cannot be exactly replicated. The video provides the example of watching a movie in a theater versus at home, showing that even with the same content, the context and individual perceptions can lead to different communication experiences.

💡Communication Misconceptions

The video script addresses several misconceptions about communication, such as the belief that meanings are solely in words, that more communication is always better, that communication can solve all problems, that it is simple, and that humans are born with innate communication skills. These misconceptions are debunked to provide a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the complexities of communication.

Highlights

Introduction to three basic communication models: linear, interactive, and transactional.

Linear model described as one-way communication with no feedback.

The interactive model includes a feedback loop, recognizing two-way communication.

Transactional model views communication as simultaneous, affecting the relationship between participants.

The Berlo SMCR model as an example of the linear model.

Behaviors replaces encodes to account for both intentional and unintentional communication.

Noise and multiple channels are considered in the interactive model.

Context plays a significant role in communication models.

Communication is defined as a continuous, transactional process involving simultaneous sending and receiving.

Communication can be intentional or unintentional, and it is inescapable.

Once communication is sent, it is irreversible and unrepeatable.

Communication is contextual and governed by cultural and environmental rules.

Misconception that meanings are in words, ignoring nonverbal communication.

The belief that more communication is always better is debunked.

Communication is not a simple process and can be complex.

The myth that humans are born with the ability to communicate effectively is addressed.

Communication skills can be improved, and effectiveness is not inherent.

A quiz to test understanding of the communication models and principles discussed.

Encouragement to adjust communication strategies for increased effectiveness based on model understanding.

Transcripts

now that you have a basic understanding

of how a message gets from a source or a

sender to a receiver let's focus now on

three different communication models and

the differences amongst them as well as

some of the principles and

misconceptions surrounding communication

the three basic models that you're

likely to read about and you may have

different terminology form depending

upon the textbook or the instructor

are the linear the interactive and the

transactional model we'll start with the

linear model of communication

that treats communication as one way

communication is action or message

transfer i communicate to you

end of story we used to think that

television was this way that television

shows would come from the networks and

it would stop with the audience and

nothing would ever happen as a way to

communicate back

source encodes a message sends it

through a channel where it's decoded by

a receiver

and depending upon which model you're

looking at it might include noise in

there but regardless there's no feedback

you'll recognize this as the berlo smcr

model the interactive model on the other

hand views communication as two-way

it is message exchange so this takes

into account the feedback loop by adding

the second arrow on the bottom of it so

it includes feedback in this model it

changed the word encodes to behaves to

allow for both intentional and

unintentional communication added the

concepts of noise multiple channels and

took into account context a third model

came about and they call that the

transactional model this model views

communication as occurring

simultaneously

that between you and me or the

participants in a communication event

you create a message and it affects the

relationship this is viewed by several

as the most realistic now you can really

see the transactional model in play in

for example a conversation in a

conversation you are both a sender and

receiver but you are a sender and a

receiver at exactly the same time as you

were talking to your friend your friend

is nodding laughing crying

so while you are a source of the message

you are also at exactly the same time

the receiver of a message

that leads us to a revised definition of

communication as a continuous

transactional process involving

participants operating within specific

contexts where they create a

relationship by simultaneously sending

and receiving messages via channels many

of those messages being distorted by

noise

so it involves creating a relationship

it's transactional in this case because

it's talking about simultaneous sending

and receiving messages using channels

plural rather than a single channel

and it takes into account context and

noise

let's talk about principles and

misconceptions of communication starting

with five principles

the first is one that's pretty easy to

understand and that is that

communication can be intentional or

unintentional that's pretty obvious

that's why we changed encodes to behaves

to take into account that we do not

always intentionally send a message and

sometimes we try not to send a message

this is kind of a little scary if you

think about it it is impossible not to

communicate or you cannot not

communicate meaning that communication

is inescapable if you get spam in your

email box and you don't respond to that

message because you don't want to let

the sender know that it's a valid email

address

then the very act of not sending a

message is communicating that it's not a

valid email address

you're communicating all the time what

you wear your facial expressions all of

those communicate you cannot not

communicate

you can also consider that communication

is irreversible you can't take it back

once it's out there it's out there it's

like opening pandora's box once you open

the box and the demons come out you

can't take the demons and stuff them

back into the box communication is also

unrepeatable

you are watching this video right now

and you're getting information this time

if you watch it again it'll be a

different communication event a really

obvious example is let's say you go see

a movie in a movie theater and you

really really like the movie you thought

it was a really funny movie so you get

your friends to watch the movie and this

time you decide that you're going to do

it at your house it's the same movie but

now all of a sudden instead of it being

the really hilariously funny movie it

was in the movie theater

you feel that it was kind of

awkward perhaps some of it's offensive

to you the actors are saying their lines

the same way they're dressed the same

way but the communication event is

different it's unique you cannot repeat

the communication

and we've already alluded to this last

one that communication is contextual

meaning that it's governed by rules that

there are multiple rules in cultures and

environments and again you've

manipulated this if you've ever chosen

to break up with a romantic partner in a

restaurant because you are under the

assumption that given that context that

person is not likely to get upset yell

and scream

before i address the misconceptions of

communication let me remind you that

each professor and each textbook covers

this section differently they may have

different word choice different axioms

but the underlying concepts are the same

we're going to talk about five and myths

five things that people often believe

about communication that are not true

the first has to do with meanings are in

words

that's the concept that what you say is

what you mean

implies that if you don't say it it

doesn't get communicated and that's not

necessarily a good thing because that

means that nonverbal messages do not

exist and we all know that that's not

true

a second concern has to do with the fact

that we are using words words are

symbols for something else and we all

learn the meaning of the words and so

the meaning then is in people not in the

actual words that are being used

additionally implies that once you've

said something you've communicated it

that as long as you put it into words

then the meaning has been communicated

which means that the sender or the

source of a message is completely

responsible for the effective

communication when in fact the receiver

does have a lot to do with whether

communication is effective or not more

is also communicated than just content

because it communicates about

relationships about status whether you

like the person or not so meaning is

definitely not in the words we don't

just communicate with words

a second misconception is some people

believe that if some is good more is

better and that's not true either i'm

sure there have been times that you wish

you'd shut up talking a long time ago

more communication is not better in fact

sometimes

less is more and at other times not

saying something is a whole lot better

than saying something you might regret

later

some people believe that communication

will solve all problems in fact a very

famous quote is from the movie cool hand

luke that says what we have here is a

failure to communicate which implies

that in order to communicate effectively

and to get along well we just have to

understand each other

there are times that i can completely

understand you and you can completely

understand me but we still disagree

communication is not a panacea it

doesn't solve everything some people

will say that communication is very

simple you know that's not the case

we've just talked about the model you

can see that it's endlessly complex it's

very complicated in fact osmo weo a

scandinavian communication scholar says

amongst other things that if

communication can fail it will and if a

message can be understood in different

ways it will be understood in just the

way that does the most harm

communication is definitely not simple

the fifth myth is that as human beings

we were born with the ability to

communicate that we are just effective

communicators that's definitely not true

we can all improve our communication

ability to become more effective

communicators

it's grayed out because when it comes to

whether we enjoy communication our

apprehension levels about communication

that may be rooted in our dna as well as

in other areas it's a question of the

nature or nurture but we're not going to

get into that right now because later in

the semester we will cover this

so it's quiz time now first what

differentiates the interactive model

from the linear model of communication

there's several concepts in this one

when the term encodes was changed to

behaves which of the principles of

communication was that to accommodate

and then finally which principle or

misconception of communication in this

lecture was a relatively new concept for

you that you hadn't thought of before

now that you have a better understanding

of what communication is and the various

elements in the model you'll be able to

adjust your communication to increase

its effectiveness

understanding what communication is and

how it works is the first step to

becoming a more effective communicator