The Basic Communication Model

Components of the Linear Model: Sender, Message, Channel, Receiver

The most fundamental model for understanding communication is the linear model, which describes the process as a straightforward sequence of events.

This model is composed of several key elements that act in a chain. It begins with the Sender (or source), who conceives a Message.

This message is encoded and transmitted through a Channel, which is the physical medium, such as the air for voice or a cable for telephone.

Finally, the Receiver receives and decodes the message.

Although simple, this model is useful to visualize the basic pieces of the communication puzzle and to understand that communication is a deliberate act that involves the creation and transmission of information from one point to another.

It is the basis on which more complex understandings of the process are built, highlighting the importance of each link in the chain for the message to reach its destination.

The concept of noise: physical, semantic and psychological

In the real world, the transmission of a message is rarely perfect.

The communication model introduces the concept of Noise to describe any interference that distorts the message and hinders its correct reception.

This noise is not only physical, such as the sound of construction that prevents hearing a conversation.

It can also be semantic, which occurs when the sender and receiver assign different meanings to the same words, for example, when using technical jargon with a non-specialized audience.

In addition, there is psychological noise, which refers to internal distractions of the receiver, such as being preoccupied with a personal problem, which prevents them from paying full attention.

Recognizing and minimizing these various sources of noise is a crucial skill for any communicator who wishes to ensure the clarity of his or her message.

The importance of feedback

The most advanced models go beyond the linear view by introducing the concept of Feedback.

Feedback is the response that the receiver gives to the sender after having received and interpreted the message.

It can be verbal, such as a question or comment, or nonverbal, such as a smile or a frown.

Feedback transforms communication from a monologue to a dialogue, making it a two-way, interactive process.

For the sender, it is an invaluable tool, as it allows him to verify whether his message was understood correctly, whether he achieved the desired effect, and whether his communication needs to be clarified or adjusted.

Without feedback, the sender navigates blindly, assuming that his message was received as planned, an assumption that is often wrong.

Summary

The linear model describes communication as a sequence where a sender transmits a message through a channel to a receiver. It is useful for visualizing the basic building blocks of the deliberate communicative process.

The concept of noise describes any interference that distorts the message, which can be physical, semantic or psychological. Recognizing and minimizing these various sources of noise is a crucial skill to ensure clarity.

Feedback is the receiver's response that transforms communication into a two-way, interactive dialogue. It allows the sender to verify if his message was understood correctly and if he needs to make any adjustments.