Oral Communication

Stem 11(Excellence)

Models and Theories of Communication

Input 1
Which communication model do you think BEST describes communication? Why?
In my opinion the best communication model that describes communication is Shannon
and Weaver’s Mathematical model. It describes communication to be a one-way process and it is
straightforward. Communication for me is exactly like this where there is simply a sender whom
encodes their message/idea that goes though a channel in which it can be decoded and finally
reach the receiver. This process just goes back-forth and that is communication.
The addition of noise also makes me believe in it more. It is true that there will be outside
factors that may affect the sending of messages and one of these is noise. It may be the cause of
distraction and stop the communication may it be verbal or nonverbal.

Input 2
4. Aristotle divided ethos into issues of intelligence, character, and goodwill. Which quality is
most important to you when you hear speech?
In my opinion the most important quality to have when giving a speech is having
goodwill. It is very important to have the best intentions towards your audience because the
things we say will affect them one way or another. When we know what is best for our audience,
then it will leave a good impression in them but if we have ill intentions, we might incite chaos
or affect them negatively. If a negative will gains the favor of the audience, then it is easy to say
that it is manipulation. This is very dangerous so for me having goodwill/the best intentions is
the most important trait of a speaker.

5. Burke says that without identification there is no persuasion? Do you agree or disagree? Why?
I agree, because as a speaker, one should know their audience. Their culture, beliefs, way
of living, history, and other factors are important because this is how we will know the “hows”
of persuading them. If you don’t know your audience then it will certainly be difficult for you to
convey your ideas and for them to accept said ideas. Know the people you are speaking to, for
them to easily know you too and believe the things you are saying which is the core of
persuasion.
18. How do theories allow us to anticipate something we have never encountered?
It helps us know the basic elements and ideas that revolve around a certain idea. It helps
us know what uncertainties or events that might happen. For example, the Charles Berger’s
Uncertainty Reduction Theory states that in the uncertainty of having new acquaintances arises
from anticipation of future interaction. We can predict if something will happen like meeting the
same person again on a different time so our understanding will grow more and more of them.
Certain things are to be anticipated and certain theories revolve on that idea. They just give us
the structure of most things and it is up to us to understand so we can prepare for those things