Communication models describe the process of communication, visually show

the relationship among variables and help find and correct communication
problems. What are the three standard models of communication?
1. Linear Model of Communication (Transmission Model) The linear model was
the first kind of model that experts have made to understand the process of
communication. It has improved and has been updated over the years. The
following are the remarkable characteristics of the linear model:
1) Unidirectional - Linear model is one-way communication where the
speaker sends messages to the receiver with or without effect. Senders can only
transmit messages while receivers can only receive the messages. This model of
communication applies to mass communication.
2) Simple - This model presents a simple communication act because the
transmission of message shows only the beginning and the end and that there is
no interchanging of roles between the sender and receiver.
3) Persuasion not Mutual understanding - This model shows the one-way
direction of communication which promotes advice and influence rather than
mutual understanding between receiver and sender. The first three
characteristics emphasize the lack of feedback in this model which has been
criticized as a missing element in the communication process
4) Values psychological over social effects -This model focuses more on the
psychological effects (such as understanding the messages) rather than the social
effects (like building the relationship among communicators). The Shannon-
Weaver model (1949), also known as the transmission model and the mother of
all communication models is one best example of a one-way or linear process of
communication consisting of five elements (see diagram below) which have been
criticized for missing one element in the communication process, feedback.

2. The Transactional Model of Communication

- Illustrates how the sender and receiver take turns in conveying and
receiving messages and are called as “communicators.”
 The sender and receiver’s roles are reversed each time sending and
receiving messages occur at the same time. Since both sender and receiver are
necessary to keep the communication alive in Transactional Model, the
communicators are also interdependent to each other. Thus, if the receiver is not
listening to the sender, Transactional Communication is not possible.
Frank Dance (1967) introduced the Helix model that best illustrates the
Transactional Model by showing how the development of communication is
based on previous experiences or behaviors as well as how the knowledge-base of
a person deepens and expands throughout life. He emphasized, “that
communication while moving forward is at the same time coming back to itself
and being affected by its past behavior…” Dance’s model also shows how the
external and internal factors that are learned throughout life influence the
person’s understanding of a message.
The characteristics of Transactional Model
1. Communication evolves from the very first day (origin) until the existing
moment.
2. Communication is largely dependent on its past.
3. Concept of time.
4. Communication process is the product of what we learned.

So to put it in simple terms, Transactional Model of Communication involves

three principles:
1. people send messages continuously and simultaneously
2. communication events that have a past, present, and future, and;
3. participants play certain roles in the conversation.