1.2 Communication Models and Processes

Communication models help us understand how messages flow between people. They break down the process into parts like sender, receiver, and channel. These models have evolved from simple one-way ideas to complex, interactive concepts.

Understanding these models is crucial for public speaking. They show us how to connect with our audience, deal with barriers, and adapt our message. By applying these models, speakers can create more engaging and effective presentations.

Communication Models and Components

Linear and Interactive Models

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• Linear model describes one-way communication process from sender to receiver
  • Includes message, channel, and feedback components
  • Simplistic representation of communication flow
• Interactive model expands on linear model by emphasizing two-way nature
  • Incorporates encoding (translating thoughts into symbols) and decoding (interpreting symbols into meaning)
  • Introduces concept of noise (interference in communication process)
  • Recognizes back-and-forth exchange between communicators

Advanced Communication Models

• Transactional model highlights simultaneous sending and receiving of messages
  • Emphasizes dynamic, ongoing nature of communication
  • Recognizes that roles of sender and receiver constantly shift
• Shannon and Weaver's mathematical model introduces new components
  • Information source (origin of message)
  • Transmitter (encodes message)
  • Channel (medium of transmission)
  • Receiver (decodes message)
  • Destination (final recipient of message)
• Schramm's model emphasizes importance of shared experiences
  • Focuses on how communicators' backgrounds influence interpretation
  • Recognizes that meaning is derived from overlap in experiences
• Constituent model focuses on co-creation of meaning
  • Emphasizes interaction between communicators
  • Moves away from transmission view of communication

Key Components of Communication Models

• Sender initiates communication process
• Receiver interprets and responds to message
• Message contains information being communicated
• Channel serves as medium for message transmission (verbal, non-verbal, written)
• Feedback provides response or reaction to message
• Context encompasses surrounding environment and circumstances
• Noise represents any interference in communication process

Context in Communication

Types of Communication Context

• Situational context includes immediate environmental factors
  • Time of day (morning meeting vs. late-night conversation)
  • Physical location (formal office vs. casual coffee shop)
  • Nature of event (job interview vs. friendly gathering)
• Cultural context shapes communication norms and expectations
  • Shared beliefs and values (individualism vs. collectivism)
  • Cultural practices (greeting customs, personal space norms)
  • Communication styles (direct vs. indirect communication)
• Social context involves relationships and roles
  • Power dynamics (boss-employee, teacher-student)
  • Familiarity level (close friends vs. strangers)
  • Group size (one-on-one conversation vs. large audience)

Influence of Context on Communication

• Historical context considers past events and experiences
  • Shared history between communicators (long-term friends vs. new acquaintances)
  • Societal events shaping perceptions (economic recession, political changes)
• Psychological context includes mental and emotional states
  • Mood and emotions (stress, excitement, anxiety)
  • Personal biases and preconceptions
  • Cognitive factors (attention span, information processing abilities)
• Interplay between contexts creates complex communication environments
  • Cultural norms may conflict with situational expectations
  • Historical context can influence psychological state of communicators
  • Social roles may shift depending on physical location or event type

Barriers to Effective Communication

Physical and Physiological Barriers

• Physical barriers impede message transmission
  • Environmental noise (construction sounds, background chatter)
  • Distance between communicators (face-to-face vs. long-distance communication)
  • Technical issues (poor internet connection, faulty microphone)
• Physiological barriers relate to physical limitations
  • Hearing impairments (difficulty perceiving auditory cues)
  • Visual impairments (challenges with written or visual communication)
  • Fatigue or illness affecting concentration and comprehension

Language and Semantic Barriers

• Language barriers arise from linguistic differences
  • Vocabulary disparities (technical jargon vs. layman's terms)
  • Dialectal variations (regional accents, local expressions)
  • Non-native language use (limited fluency, misinterpretation of idioms)
• Semantic barriers involve differences in word interpretation
  • Ambiguous or vague language leading to misunderstandings
  • Connotative meanings varying across cultures or individuals
  • Jargon or specialized terminology unfamiliar to some participants

Psychological and Cultural Barriers

• Psychological barriers stem from mental and emotional factors
  • Preconceptions and stereotypes influencing message interpretation
  • Emotional states affecting receptiveness to communication
  • Cognitive biases (confirmation bias, selective perception)
• Cultural barriers arise from differing cultural backgrounds
  • Varying communication styles (high-context vs. low-context cultures)
  • Nonverbal communication differences (gestures, eye contact norms)
  • Conflicting values or beliefs impacting message reception

Communication Models for Public Speaking

Applying Transactional and Schramm's Models

• Transactional model relevance in public speaking
  • Accounts for simultaneous exchange of verbal and non-verbal cues
  • Recognizes audience's active role in communication process
  • Emphasizes importance of adapting to real-time feedback
• Schramm's model application in public speaking
  • Helps speakers understand how shared experiences influence interpretation
  • Guides selection of relatable examples and analogies
  • Encourages speakers to build common ground with audience

Utilizing Constituent and Shannon-Weaver Models

• Constituent model application in public speaking
  • Emphasizes importance of audience engagement
  • Encourages interactive elements in speeches (Q&A sessions, audience polls)
  • Promotes viewing speech as collaborative meaning-making process
• Shannon and Weaver's model use in public speaking
  • Aids in identifying potential sources of noise (distractions, technical issues)
  • Guides development of strategies to minimize communication interference
  • Helps speakers optimize message transmission through appropriate channels

Practical Applications in Public Speaking

• Interactive model emphasis on feedback in public speaking
  • Encourages monitoring of audience reactions (facial expressions, body language)
  • Promotes adjusting content and delivery based on audience response
  • Highlights importance of providing opportunities for audience questions
• Adapting communication based on model insights
  • Tailoring content to audience background and experiences
  • Selecting appropriate communication channels (visual aids, handouts)
  • Anticipating and addressing potential barriers in speech preparation
• Models guide comprehensive approach to public speaking
  • Inform audience analysis techniques
  • Aid in structuring speech content for maximum impact
  • Enhance speaker's ability to create meaningful connections with audience