Model of Communication

Communication is imparting and or exchanging of information across persons.  Models of communication refer to the models used to explain human communication process.  One of the common models of communication came from Aristotle.  Aristotle developed the linear model of communication which is also known as Aristotle’s Model of communication. Aristotle’s model focuses on the speaker and the speech, and thus it is divided into five primary elements; speaker, speech, occasion, audience, and effect.  According to the model, the speaker plays the most important role as he delivers the speech to the audience (Kaptein, 2017). The speaker takes an active role and ensures that the speech suits the target audience and occasion.  The speech must, therefore, be prepared beforehand to influence the audience.

            Recent communication theorists built on Aristotle’s model through the emphasis of the five primary elements to effective communication. For example Shannon and Weaver developed their model with a mirror design of the functioning of a radio n model.  Just like Aristotle’s model, Shannon and Weaver argued that effective communication entails having a sender, a channel of communication and a receiver.  Communication is thus a process of sending and receiving information. From Aristotle’s model, Shannon and Weaver acknowledged the importance of a sender/speaker, receiver/ audience as well as the message/speech.

 However, Shannon and Weaver expanded the communication theory by emphasizing the importance of feedback (Smither, Houston, & McIntire, 2016).  The audience/receiver of the message can respond to the information provided. Feedback is critical as it enables the sender to determine whether the receiver received or understood the message. Theorists Wilbur Schramm also developed Aristotle’s model of communication by emphasizing the importance of having a meaning to a message.  Communication is ineffective if the message does not carry meaning.  Aristotle had emphasized on prior planning when preparing a speech so that the content matches the audience.

Attempts at communication can experience several barriers. The first barrier arises from differences in perception. The best way to overcome barriers arising from the difference in perception is to focus on the most relevant and general process of selective perception. The second barrier arises from incorrect filtering especially when there are intermediaries involved.  The best way to overcome the risk of incorrect filtering is to establish numerous communication channels as well as condensing messages to the bare essentials. The third barrier is language problems that can occur if the speaker and the listener do not speak the same language (Murthy, & Gosal, 2016). The technicality of the words used can also result in a loss of meaning.  The accuracy of words, as well as the use of language that the target audience understands,  can overcome the problem. Another barrier that can arise is poor listening which occurs due to lack of attention.  The best way to overcome poor listening is to engage the audience to retain their concentration for the duration of the speech. Communication can also be affected by physical barriers such as noise. It is critical for the speaker to ensure that the environment is quiet and suitable for information sharing by eliminating distractions.

 Effective communication between organization leaders and stakeholders groups can iron out any matters arising from organizational politics.  The organization leaders must ensure that stakeholders are well informed of any ideas or objects that may influence organization operations.  Each stakeholder plays a unique role in aiding the organizations attain its mission and vision and thus the importance of constant communication.

Reference

Kaptein, M. (2017). When organizations are too good. Business Ethics: A European Review

Murthy, D. M., & Gosal, M. (2016). A study of Aristotle's rhetoric applied to industrial communication. British Journal of English Linguistics, 4(1), 64-74

Smither, R., Houston, J., & McIntire, S. (2016). Organization development: Strategies for changing environments. Routledge

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