The Role of Models in Interpersonal Communication

"One of the oldest and most simplified models of communication is the so-called "Sender-Receiver" model developed by mathematicians Shannon and Weaver, which is composed of 5 distinct components: a) the sender of the information-the one who encodes information and through the speech organs articulates his/her intended information, directing it towards a certain receiver(s); b) the receiver of information, which perceives the transmitted information, as well as, through his/her higher cognitive processes, interprets and decodes the received information;"

"e) the hindering factors-some factors, such as external noise, wind, low internet, etc. that can cause resultant misinterpretations that might possibly lead to actual misunderstanings. It is here especially noteworthy that the roles of the sender and receiver are interchangeable and that in the process of interpersonal communicative interactions, they constantly change their roles-i.e. the sender becoming the receiver of information when receiving feedback from the receiver on the encoded information, and thence the receiver taking the role of the sender of the information."

Communication models present frameworks that make the multifaceted nature of communication tangible and understandable. The Shannon-Weaver Sender-Receiver model comprises five components: sender (who encodes and articulates information), receiver (who perceives, interprets, and decodes), message, channel, and hindering factors such as external noise or poor internet that produce misinterpretations. Roles of sender and receiver are interchangeable during interpersonal interaction as feedback causes role reversal. Understanding the specific roles, channels, and potential hindrances enables more effective communication and reduces misunderstandings. Applying these tools supports speech analysis and provides practical strategies for improving communicative interactions.

Read at Psychology Today