Introduction

We all are aware of Communication, and its complex process that involving in multiple
factors and participants. So, for better understanding of this process of communication, here
the presenter brought up the models to simplify and illustrate the various components and
dynamics that involved. They are: Their specific model definition, diagrams, examples,
elements, criticisms, and so on.

1. Definition of Communication

Communication is defined as a process of transmitting or transferring verbal or non-verbal

messages that results in a response. Communication is the process in which human beings
speak, gesture, show signs or symbols and understand each other. Communication also
understands as the transfer of meaning through use of words or symbols.1

2. What is Model?

A model is representation of somethings or ideas that simplified through diagram that to

make clear account. And it helps us to organize the things, and explain or predict the outcome
of the events through their images and representations. When we think of model is like a map
or a blueprint. It shows us the important parts, and making it easier to understand and work
with the real thing. 2

Communication models are conceptual frameworks or diagrams that represent the process of
communication. They help us understand how messages are created, transmitted, received,
and interpreted in interpersonal, group, and mass communication settings. Communication
models help individuals and organizations better understand the complexities of
communication processes. They provide insights into effective message design,
interpretation, and feedback, enhancing the overall quality of communication. Commonly
there are three types of model: Linear Model: This model depicts communication as a one-
way process, where a sender encodes a message and transmits it through a channel to a
receiver who decodes the message. – Interactive Model3: This model adds feedback from
the receiver to the sender, allowing for two-way communication. – Transactional Model: In

1
J.N. Manakaran, Christ, Culture and Communication (Bangalore: Omega Book World, 2022), 12.
2
John Joshva Raja, Introducing Communication and Media studies to Theological Students
(Koramangala: BTESSC, 2013), 54.
3
https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Courses/Pueblo_Community_College/Interpersonal_Communication_-
_A_Mindful_Approach_to_Relationships_(Wrench_et_al.)/
02%3A_Overview_of_Interpersonal_Communication/2.04%3A_Models_of_Interpersonal_Communication

1
this model, communication is a dynamic, ongoing process where both sender and receiver
contribute to the meaning of the message.4

3. The use of Models

Due to the complexity of theories and classification, it is helpful to utilize conceptual models
when describing communication theory and media use. In a sense, this is like the apostles
describing the Church as a body with many members, or the pastor including an illustration in
the sermon.5

4. Different Types in Models of Communication

4.1. Aristotle Model
4.1.1 Who is Aristotle?

Aristotle was an ancient Greek philosopher. He was born in 384 B. C. E. in the Chalcidic
peninsula of Macedonia, in northern Greece. His father, Nicomachus was the physician. And
he was polymath who made significant contributions to various fields.6

4.1.2 Contributions
a. Philosophy: He was a student of Plato and tutored Alexander the Great. His philosophical
works spanned ethics, metaphysics, logic and politics.
b. Science: Aristotle’s scientific observations and theories laid the groundwork for many
fields, including biology, physics, and botany.
c. Ethics: His concept of “eudaimonia” (human flourishing) and the “golden mean”
(balance between extremes) remain influential in ethics.
d. Logic: Aristotle developed the syllogism, a method of logical reasoning still studied
today.7
4.1.3. The System of Aristotle’s Model

Aristotle’s Model of Communication is the oldest communication model dating back to 300
BC. It is a unique model of communication tool which was proposed by Aristotle. The model
was designed to examine and understand how to improve communication and rhetoric. Also
attempts to explain how to become a better and more convincing communicator.8
4
https://fourweekmba.com/communication-models/ (Accessed on 12th August, 2025)
5
Viggo Sogaard, Media in Church and Mission Communicating the Gospel (Bangalore: National
Printing press, 1993), 40
6
J J O’ Connor and E F Robertson, “MacTutor,” February, 1999.
https://matshistory.st-andrews,ac.uklBiographies/Aristotle/ (Accessed on 7 July, 2024).
7
J J O’ Connor and E F Robertson, “MacTutor,” February, 1999.
8
Shraddha Bajiracharya, “Interactive Model of Communication,” in Businesstopia, January 6, 2018.

2
This model also known as linear model because it presents a very simple and straightforward,
one-way flow of information from the speaker to the listener that puts a greater onus on
public speaking instead of interpersonal communication models do. It is mainly a speaker
centered model where the speaker and speech are very important. The speaker role to deliver
a speech is considered as the first element of the five primary elements. In this model, the
speaker gives the speech whereas the target audience is passively influenced.9

According to Aristotle model, in order to be improved and an effective communication, the

five elements need to be followed that is: Speaker, Speech, Occasion, Target audience and
effect.10

4.1.4 Diagram of Aristotle Model

Speaker Speech Occasion Audience

Effect
Sender Message Time Receiver
4.1.5 Three Elements
Aristotle has given the three elements that must be present in a good communicator or public
speaker. These elements are related to each other and it re-in force the other communication
which is also known as the Rhetorical Triangle.

Logos (Reason/ Text)

Ethos (Credibility/ Writer) Pathos (Values, Beliefs/Audiences)

1. Ethos: It is the Characteristic which makes credible in front of the audience. If there is no
credibility, the audience will not believe in a speaker and will not be convince to do by
speaker. A highly level of skill or knowledge and positions also give credibly to a
person.11

https://www.businesstopia.ne/communication/interactivemodelcommunication (Accessed on 22 July, 2024).

9
Hitesh Bhasin, “Aristotle’s Model of Communication,” 2023.
https://www.marketing91.com/Aristotle-models-of-coomunication/ (Accessed on 21 July, 2024).
10
Radhika Kapoor, The Models of Communication, September 2020, University of Delhi.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344295651The Models of Communication (Accessed on 22 July,
2024).
11
Bajiracharya, “Interactive Model of Communication,” in Businesstopia, January 6, 2018.
(Accessed on 22 July, 2024).

3
2. Pathos: A Speaker must know and understand of their audience. Because it is an
emotional bond that becomes easy to connect with the audience through various emotions
like anger, sadness, happiness, confidence etc.12
3. Logos: Logos refers to the logical appeal of an argument. Communicators should present
a well-structured and reasoned argument, using evidence and reasoning to support their
claims.13
4.1.6 Examples to Understand Aristotle’s Model

A politician (speaker) gives a speech to get votes from the civilians (audiences) at the time of
election (occasion). It was highly used model in order to develop public speaking skills and
create propaganda at that time but there is no concept of feedbacks in this model. 14

4.1.7 Impact of Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages: Simplicity and clarity - it is useful for basic communication analysis; Focus on
Persuasion; Practical Framework like structuring the speeches and presentations for
effectively convey the massages; Historical Significance – being one of the earliest models, it
has historical importance and has influenced subsequent communication theories and models.

Disadvantages: Linear Nature – it does not account for feedback from audience; Speaker
Centric – overemphasizes the speaker and their message, neglecting of interaction and active
role in the communication process.15

4.1.8 Criticism of the Aristotle model

 There is no concept of feedback, it is one way from speaker to audience.
 There is no concept of communication failure like noise and barriers.
 This model can only be used in public speaking.16
4.2 Interactive Model

4.2.1 Defining the Interactive Model

12
Chris Drew, All 8 Models of Communication, explain! May 23, 2023.
https://helpfulprofessor.com/communication-models (Accessed on 24, July, 20240).
13
Bhasin, “Aristotle’s Model of Communication,” 2023. (Accessed on 23 July, 2024).
14
Jaankari, “Aristotle’s Model of Communication,” March 31st, 2019.
https://www.toolshero.com/communication-skills/aristotle-model-of-communication/ (Accessed on 23, 2024).
15
Indeed Editorial Team, “What is the Interactive Model of Communication? (With List),” June 26,
2024. https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/interactive-model-of-communication (Accessed
on 28 July, 2024).
16
David K. Berlo, The Process of Communication: AN Introduction to Theory and Practice (New
York, NY: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 1960), 24-26.

4
Interactive model of Communication is a communication process that refers to the exchange
of ideas, messages and information from the sender to the receiver within physical and
psychological contexts. It can even take place between human beings or machine in a verbal
or non-verbal.17 Unlike the one-way, straight-line type of Communication in the Linear
model, the Interactive model of communication, also known as the convergence model. This
Interactive model allows for feedback, something that’s absent in the Linear model.18

This Interactive Model, even before the Communicators share their message the audiences
are engaged in a variety of cultural interactions. Sometimes they participate and interact
through the media and this can enhance their cultural interactions.19

4.2.2. Components of the Interactive Model

Encoder (Source Décoder) Decoder (Source decoder)

Message

Feedback

Source’s field of experience Reciever’s field of experience

Important components of the Interactive model for effective communication are as follows –

Encoder – Source – Decoder: This component of the interactive model entails a source who
originates a message. The encoders and decoders are also the sources due to the two-way
communication process. The source acts as an encoder when sending a message and operates
as a decoder when receiving it. After receiving a message, the second communication source
decodes it, originates feedback, encodes it, and sends it back to the first source.20

Message: The information that is sent and received in the interactive communication process
is referred to as message.21

Feedback: Feedback is the message the receiver sends as a response to the information
received by the sender. For example, a client may ask questions regarding a service provided.

17
Bhasin, “Aristotle’s Model of Communication,” 2023. (Accessed on 28, July, 2024).
18
Kristen Rogers, Beth Hendricks. “Interactive Model of Communication in Organizations,” 21,
November, 2023.
https://study.com/learn/lesson/interactive-model-communication.html (Accessed on 22, July, 2024).
19
John Joshva Raja, Facing the reality of Communication Culture, Church and Communication (Delhi:
ISPCK, 2001), 268.
20
Indeed Editorial Team, “What is the Interactive Model of Communication? (With List),” June 26,
2024. (Accessed on 28 July, 2024).
21
Bhasin, “Aristotle’s Model of Communication,” 2023. (Accessed on 28, July, 2024).

5
 Because each participant in communication alternates roles as sender and receiver, feedback
is essential to continue with a communication encounter.22

4.2.3 Field of Experience

The field of experience is the knowledge and background the source possesses that directly
affects how a sender forms the message and how the receiver interprets it. Factor such as the
source’s culture, social behavior, and psychology can influence their understanding of a
message. This component of the interactive model also alters communication patterns like the
value and metho used to communicate. Field of experience affects how both sources form
and respond to messages.23

4.2.4 Criticism of the Interactive Model

 Lack of Simultaneous Feedback: The interactive model of communication is an

interaction model that is used to a great extent for the web and internet. In such cases, the
feedback is slow, indirect and not simultaneous and thus become a cause for concern.24
 Same Pattern: It is not considered a dynamic model as it expects communication to
follow the same pattern every time.25
 No engagement: There is sometimes no engagement of the sender and receiver in the
interactive communication process.26
4.3 Transactional Model
4.3.1 What is Transactional Model?

It is the exchange of message between sender and receiver where each take turns to send or
receive messages. Here, both sender and receiver are known as communicators and their role
reverses as both processes of sending and receiving occurs at the same time. The
communicators can be humans or machines but humans are taken as communicators in this
article to analyze general communication between humans. The model is mostly used
interpersonal communication and is also called circular model of communication. 27

4.3.2 Diagram of Transactional Model

22
Indeed Editorial Team, “What is the Interactive Model of Communication? (With List),” June 26,
2024. (Accessed on 28 Jul, 2024).
23
Indeed Editorial Team, “What is the Interactive Model of Communication? (With List),” June 26,
2024. (Accessed on 28 Jul, 2024).
24
Bhasin, “Aristotle’s Model of Communication,” 2023. (Accessed on 28, July, 2024).
25
Bhasin, “Aristotle’s Model of Communication,” 2023. (Accessed on 28, July, 2024).
26
Bhasin, “Aristotle’s Model of Communication,” 2023. (Accessed on 28, July, 2024).
27
Infrared Saunas, “Transactional Model of Communication,” 2024.
https://www.businesstopia.net/communication/tranactional-model-communication (Accessed on 30 July, 2024).

6
 Physical and psychological context

Social Context Cultural context

Communicator
Communicator

Relational context

4.3.3 Factors Affecting the Transactional Model

Just like any other communication model, there are numerous factors that affect transactional
communication. Here are the three most common ones:

a. Cultural Context

Cultural context relates to the lifestyle and identity of the person. It includes elements like
gender, nationality, ethnicity, race, class, etc. It is a fact that people sharing the same cultures
have better transactional communication with each other than people following different
cultures.28

Cross-culture transactional communication is usually hampered by biasness and close

mindedness. Factors like cultural beliefs, social upbringing, experiences, mindset, moods,
etc., can affect the quality of transactional communication between communicators. 29

Apart from that, marginalizing other cultures is another common reason behind ineffective
transactional communication between people sharing different cultures. People may try to
dominate cross-cultural insignificant, affecting the communication’s effectiveness. These
barriers can be removed only by accepting other cultures with open minds and the willingness
to remove such barriers.30

b. Social Context

People from different cultures make a society that has its own norms, implied or explicit
rules, values, and regulations. Societies also define limits and specific ways of
communication, which may restrict people from expressing their selves properly. For

28
Shaharyar Ahmad Ranjhaa, “Transactional Model of Communication-explained,” 2024.
https://www.marketingtutor.net/transctional-model-of-communication/ (Accessed on 29 July, 2024).
29
Shaharyar Ahmad Ranjhaa, “Transactional Model of Communication-explained,” 2024.
30
Shaharyar Ahmad Ranjhaa, “Transactional Model of Communication-explained,” 2024.

7
example, how to greet someone, apologize, or show gratitude is often defined by social
norms.31

Human beings automatically pick social norms and values. for example, being respectful to
elders is something we have been taught a person from arguing or communicating openly
with an elder. Similarly, disagreeing or arguing with teachers, even on solid grounds, is
considered unethical in different societies, ultimately affecting the communication process. 32

However, there is an interesting fact that communication can also shape societal and personal
reality. That’s because people often use the hit and trial method in communication, and a
successful attempt can reshape the society norm. For example, trying a new way of greeting
someone may receive a positive response in society and become a common practice. 33

c. Relational Context

Relation context includes the type of relationship shared by the communicators. It also
includes the history between the communicators. For example, the communication between a
son and a father will be different from communication between two close friends. Relational
context greatly affects the communication process. It can either make communication easier
and clearer or cause great impediments. That said, friendly parents make their kids feel
comfortable when sharing anything with them, but strict parents make it difficult for their
children to communicate freely.34

Similarly, if an employer and employee share a friendly relationship outside their

professional roles, it will have a positive impact on their professional communication. The
employee will feel more confident and relaxed during formal conversations.35

4.3.4 Benefits of the Transactional Model

a. It helps in getting immediate feedback from other communicators.

b. Face to face communication helps evaluate the body language and facial expressions to
understand the tone, emotions, and feelings in which something is said.
c. Depending on the medium of communication, transactional communication is a great way
to reduce communication barriers.

31
Shaharyar Ahmad Ranjhaa, “Transactional Model of Communication-explained,” 2024.
32
Shaharyar Ahmad Ranjhaa, “Transactional Model of Communication-explained,” 2024.
33
Shaharyar Ahmad Ranjhaa, “Transactional Model of Communication-explained,” 2024.
34
Shaharyar Ahmad Ranjhaa, “Transactional Model of Communication-explained,” 2024.
35
Shaharyar Ahmad Ranjhaa, “Transactional Model of Communication-explained,” 2024.

8
d. Transactional communication is a great way to clarify things and strengthen our social or
professional network.
e. It is also useful in very useful in business scenarios.36

4.3.5 Criticism of Transactional Model

The Criticisms that the transactional model of Communication faces are as follows:

 Misunderstandings

Feedback is a vital element in the interpersonal communication models as it provides an

opportunity to clear any misconception or misunderstandings. Without a verbal response
between a sender and receiver in the communication models, it will not be possible to
determine whether the received of the information has received the message as intended. 37

 A lot of unnecessary noise

Communication is simultaneous in the transactional model of communication and this results

in a lot of unnecessary noise.38

Conclusion

In summary, the models of communication provide a valuable framework for understanding

the complex process of creating, sharing, and interpreting meaning. By examining Aristotle’s
Model, the Interactional Model, and Transactional Model, we gain insights into the dynamics
of communication, including the roles of speakers, listeners, context, and power. And it is
also helps us to identify the key elements and relationship in communication and develop
more effective communication strategies.

Bibliography

Berlo, David K., The Process of Communication: AN Introduction to Theory and Practice.
New York, NY: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 1960.
Manakaran, J.N., Christ, Culture and Communication. Bangalore: Omega Book World,
2022.

36
Shaharyar Ahmad Ranjhaa, “Transactional Model of Communication-explained,” 2024.
37
Hitesh Bhasin, “Transactional Model of Communication,” June 9, 2023.
https://www.marketing91.com/transactional-model-of-communication/ (Accessed on 30 July, 2024).
38
Bhasin, “Transactional Model of Communication,” June 9, 2023.

9
Raja, John Joshva. Facing the reality of Communication Culture, Church and
Communication. Delhi: ISPCK, 2001.
Raja, John Joshva. Introducing Communication and Media studies to Theological Students.
Koramangala: BTESSC, 2013.
Sogaard, Viggo. Media in Church and Mission Communicating the Gospel. Bangalore:
National Printing press, 1993.

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1. Aristotle model of communication
1.1. Characteristic (message, audience, speaker)
1.2. persuasion techniques (logos, pathos, ethos)
1.3. Benefits (clear communication, enhanced persuasion)
1.4. Challenges (complexity, audience variability)
1.5. Implication (effective communication, rhetoric study)
1.6. Modern relevance (advertising, public speaking)
1.7. Real world application (marketing campaign, political
speech, preaching)

12