Frank E. X.

Dance’s
Helical Model of Communication
 Frank E. X. Dance
• An American communication professor.

• In 1967, Frank Dance proposed the communication model called Dance’s Helix
Model for a better communication process.

• He shows communication as a dynamic and non-linear process, influenced by

time and experience.

• The main characteristic of the model of communication he proposed is that it is

evolutionary.
A Transactional Model
 A Transactional Model

First Helix
(Academia,
universities)
 Fourth helix Fifth helix
(academia, (academia,
Second Helix Third Helix industry, industry, media
First Helix government and culture-based
(Academia, (academia, (academia,
industry, industry, media, arts, public and civil
universities) artistic research, society, and
business) government)
arts-based societal, natural,
innovation, and economical
society) environments)
The Helix

A helix is compared to the evolution of communication

as a human process, from before birth to a moment in
the present. The cylindrical or conical shape shows that
communication is evolutionary, because it can be viewed
from a broad perspective.

The Helical Model of Communication accumulates and

visualizes these activities and shows the influences of
activities from the past

Also, this model of communication moves backward in a

metaphorical sense.
In this perspective, all activities are considered that
take place in a person’s life from day 1 to a specific
moment in time. These activities influence the
communication process and build a person’s
communication sphere.

This Framework accumulates and visualizes these

activities and shows the influences of activities
from the past.
The Evolution of Communication
in a Human Life

Frank Dance included the concept of time in his

theory. Especially the concept of continuity and
social interaction plays a major role in the evolution
of communication.

According to this theory, a communication process

is the product of what we learnt.
The Pros and Cons of the Model

The Pros

•The model takes a sender and recipient as givens. As a result, it is a two-way

model that resembles conventional communication theories.

•Important elements like intelligence, languages, and past experiences are all
included in the model.

•The model is relatively simple

The Pros and Cons of the Model

The Cons

• The model cannot be tested and is very abstract.

• The model is not organized.

• The model has few to no identifiable variables.

• It is rejected by many critics

 Fourth helix Fifth helix
(academia, (academia,
Second Helix Third Helix industry, industry, media
First Helix government and culture-based
(Academia, (academia, (academia,
industry, industry, media, arts, public and civil
universities) artistic research, society, and
business) government)
arts-based societal, natural,
innovation, and economical
society) environments)
Key Highlights:

Early Communication: According to the framework, people start expressing

themselves from early years, even in the most basic ways, as by screaming out
for help.

Cumulative Progression: People's communication grows increasingly complex

and cumulative as they mature and learn. The development of new forms of
communication builds on prior knowledge.

Backward and Forward Movement: In the model, communication is not strictly

linear; it entails considering the past to influence the present and the future.

Adaptation and Change: People modify their communication depending on

prior interactions, changing their behavior in reaction to criticism and memory.
References:

Janse, B. (2019). Helical Model of Communication.

https://www.toolshero.com/communication-methods/helical-model-of-communication/

Gennaro, C. (2023) What Is The Helical Model Of Communication? The Helical

Model Of Communication In A Nutshell
https://fourweekmba.com/helical-model-of-
communication/?fbclid=IwAR2vWyfe2177MZS87AUx1JBxIMYKXV4RnLlJlpvmiN
VRMR_nI-GUfjzwfOU

Linda, C., & Baiba R. The Quintuple Helix Model: Way Of Regional Development
Centres In Latvia To Smart Public Administration
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Modris-Okmanis/publication/311912202
Thank You