Communication Processes and Principles - Describe two communication models; the different types of communication; and how self-concept influences communication.

Essay by tlhuttonUniversity, Master'sA+, June 2006

download word file, 5 pages 4.8

Human communication processes can be very intricate and complex. Considering that there are hundreds of ways for humans to send a message and just as many ways to receive or interpret a message, it is important to take the time and consideration to be a proactive communicator. Proactive communicators participate in the communication event, asking questions, following up and doing everything possible to make sure that the intended meaning is properly interpreted. It is also important to understand the different types of communication, what affects the successful receipt and interpretation of a message and how a person's own self perception affects their ability to be an effective communicator.

Communication Models

Linear

The linear communication model describes communication as a one way process that occurs from a sender to a receiver. Adler (2005) describes the process as " a sender encodes a message, sending it through a channel to a receiver who decodes [it] while contending with noise" (pg.

9, ¶3). Noise in this case is defined as anything that can disrupt the message, distract the sender, or cause the intended meaning to be missed. An example of linear communication could be a student reading a textbook. The process involves one sender and one receiver, with the sender creating the message and sending or conveying it via the channel which is the textbook, to the receiver. The receiver retrieves the message for interpretation by reading the textbook, while dealing with any distractions that may exist.

Transactional

The transactional model is expands on the linear model by illustrating the communication occurs in more than one direction, often at the same time and by different methods. It also takes into consideration the environment of each communicator, and the impact it has on the sending and receipt of the message. An example of transactional...