Senior High School

Oral Communication in
Context
Quarter 1 – Module 2:
Communication Models

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

Lesson 1 Communication Models
What is It ?
Communicating with others takes us to a new experience. We are either the ones starting the conversation process or
the ones receiving it. As the exchange of information progresses, both the source
and the recipient go through favorable or unfavorable experiences. The two or more
individuals involved may end up satisfied or discontented with the result. At some
random instances, conflicts may incidentally arise. But still, the end goal of
communication is always for building better human relationships.
Communication plays a crucial role in human life. It facilitates the sending and
receiving of knowledge and information. It allows people to develop various kinds
of social relationships. It provides an avenue for people to express their ideas,
thoughts, feelings, and insights. Without it, societies will be restrained from developing and progressing. With all the
advancements in technology, communication nowadays has changed dramatically, adapting to the 21st century way of
life. Beginning from the ancient times when messages were written on tablets, clays and barks of trees or conveyed by
the heralds or emissaries for proclamations to an entire territory, communication has drastically evolved to fastest
means of sending messages through electronic gadgets and computers. Video calling or conferences is another high
technological innovation where distance is not quite a problem anymore to foster mutual understanding.
The representations below will help you understand the basic elements of communication. See how the
elements operate and interact as communication progresses.
Models of Communication Process
A. Linear Communication
Have you talked to somebody but did not get any reaction from him/her at all? Have you experienced sending
a message without receiving any feedback? This is linear communication.
Linear communication is one-way, focusing on the transmission of a message to a receiver who never responds or
has no way of responding to the information conveyed. For instance, a competition organizer is presenting the contest
mechanics. The message is final and cannot be contended at all. It could be the president giving his State of the Nation
Address on the national television or a student who reads a poem or tells a story in front of an audience in a school
program. Other examples include sending a notification or automated message that does not require a reply, reading a
blog, or even the traditional way of sending a message such as a telegram.

be the president giving his State of the Nation Address on the national television or a student who reads a poem or
tells a story in front of an audience in a school program. Other examples include sending a notification or automated
message that does not require a reply, reading a blog, or even the traditional way of sending a message such as a
telegram.
Shannon-Weaver Model
An example of linear type of communication is the Shannon-Weaver model (1949). It is also considered as the
mother of all communication models. It has a one-way process starting from a source (producer of message); passing
through a channel (signals adapted for transmission) which may at times be interrupted by noise (barrier) to a
receiver (decoder of message from the signal). The process stops after the message has arrived at its destination.
B. Interactive
 When was the last time someone surprised you? How did you react? Who was the last person whom you
praised for a job well-done? What response did you get? What is the significance of getting a response or reaction
from the person to whom you addressed your statement?
Interactive approach is a two-way communication process where a response is given after a message is sent.
The recipient of the action intentionally or unintentionally gives a feedback associated with the information received.

Schramm Model

Schra
mm (1954) visualized the process of communication as an exchange of thoughts and ideas. Feedback was added to
the Shannon-Weaver Model. The recipient of the message decodes it and creates a feedback based on his
understanding of the information sent and vice versa.
The figure identifies the six elements of communication which are the sender, the message sent, the receiver
and the feedback provided by the receiver and sent back as a response to the sender and the processes of encoding
and decoding.
Remember, information may become useless if it is not conveyed properly to others. Thus, the processes of
encoding and decoding are the key components of this model, including feedback.
Encoding is when an idea or information is translated into words and expressed to others.
Decoding is when this idea or information is understood and interpreted by the receiver.
Hence, the receiver must be able to send feedback to the sender in order to complete the process. Otherwise,
the communication transaction fails. Schramm’s model, which is a two-way communication model, revolves around
these principles.
The process goes on starting from the sender (source) who encodes the message transmitted to the receiver
which he interprets; decodes a message (feedback) to be sent back to the source who in turn, decodes and interprets
the information sent.
C. Transactional Model
Communication is dynamic. It has a complex nature. It takes place among individuals at any given time with
any given subject. However, there are tendencies that barriers would interfere which may create a sudden impact and
change in the processing of information.
In a classroom setting, for example, you are being grouped into five or six members for an activity. Your task
is to give an opinion or reaction to the closure of the biggest television network in the Philippines. Each of you
expresses your thoughts regarding the matter. While having that activity, you also heard the JHS graders having their
dance practice for the upcoming event. That noise did not interrupt your discussion as you give your own views. This
situation is an example of a transactional approach.
The communicator (source) encodes the message and transmits it through a channel. The message
transmitted may be affected by the noise (barrier). The receiver (recipient of the message) decodes, processes, and
filters the message for understanding and is now ready to give his own feedback to the sender.
Transactional Communication Model

The transactional model shows a circular process of interaction between the persons involved in the
communication, with each one actively participating and sharing ideas with one another. They are the communicators
actively exchanging information and reaction.
Feedback is given freely and deliberately to one another or to all members participating in the communication
transaction. The sender and the receiver may simultaneously exchange roles as communicators. Since
communication is deemed dynamic and progressive, the topic may also change from time to time.
In this concept, the noise or barrier to communication is also taken into consideration for it may directly or
indirectly affect the smooth flow of communication. In the event that the message was not clearly conveyed due to the
barrier, the communication continues in order to clarify the intended meaning of the sender. When the transmission is
cut along the way due to the barrier, the communicators work collaboratively to understand each other. Now, the
sender becomes a receiver of feedback (the response from the receiver) and the receiver also acts as sender providing
information in response to the message conveyed to him. In this way, the communication is made more effective and
complete.
NAME:_ ____________________ _________ DATE:_____________ SCORE:__________
Activity 1 WORD POOL
Directions: Complete the paragraph below by choosing the correct word from the WORD POOL.
Behavior motivates
communication nonverbal
decoding receiver
interact sender
message written
(1.) __________________ is a process which follows a certain procedure. Communication occurs
between two or more people: the (2.) ____________________ or source of the information and the
(3.) ___________________. It can be articulated through (4.) __________________________ or spoken
words. It can also be expressed through gestures, facial expressions, or actions which are
(5.) ____________________ where words are not needed to understand what one means.
(6.) _____________________ is the process of interpreting the encoded (7.) _______________________
of the source by the receiver. Communication also functions to control (8.) ____________________.
It (9.) ____________________________ or encourages people to live better and allows individuals to
(10.) ______________________________ with others.
Activity 2:
A. Directions: In the Venn diagram below, show the similarities and differences of the three
communication models.

For you, which model is most effective? Why?

___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
B. Directions: Identify the elements that constitute the communication process by answering the crossword puzzle
below. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

Across:
4. the recipient of the message sent
1. the reaction or response provided by the receiver of the information.
Down:
2. the source of the information or message
3. the information or idea conveyed
5. the factor affecting the communication flow
Activity 3
Directions: Read the given situations and fill in the grid below by identifying the elements of communication.
1. Rosa instructs her little brother to water the plants in their garden. However, she did not notice that her brother was
wearing headphones when she gave instructions. She learned too late that her brother did not do what she told him.
Source
Message
Receiver
Barrier (if any)

2. Gerry bought a can of milk from the nearby store. As it was handed to him, he checked its expiration date. He found
out that the product is already expired and reported it to the storekeeper.
Message
Receiver
Feedback (if any)

3. Trina’s mother sent her a ring and requested for a video call. The poor internet connection did not make it possible.
They resorted to just texting each other.
Source
Channel
Barrier (if any)

Activity 4
Directions: Write a response to each of the following dialogue prompts to complete the communication processes.
1. Trisha: Gaby, can’t you see that grandma crossing the street?
She might be hit by the speeding vehicles.
Your answer: ______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________.
2. Rica: Hey Reggie! Are you going to join the Bible study this afternoon?
Reggie: I will ask permission from my parents because it may end late.
Your answer: ______________________________________________________________________________.
____________________________________________________________________________________________.
3. You are comfortably seated on a bus full of passengers for a long drive. Before it departs, a pregnant woman
persuades the driver to count her in even if she’ll be standing the whole trip.
Driver: Ma’am, there is no vacant seat anymore.
Pregnant Woman: Please sir, I’m already tired from the day’s work and
I’d like to go home to take a rest.
You: _______________________________________________________________________________________.
____________________________________________________________________________________________.
Assessment
A. Directions: Write T if the statement is TRUE and write F if it is FALSE. Use a separate sheet of paper.
______1. There will be order and peace in the world without communication.
______2. Along with the extensive revamp in most aspects of human life, ways of communication
also change.
______3. Schramm Model is the most complicated example of human communication process.
______4. In the interaction model, communication is a one-way process.
______5. Communication is merely successful when conflict was absent in the process.
Directions: Read each item carefully then choose the letter that corresponds to your answer.
-_____6. Which of the following is an example of a one-way communication model?
A. A group of teenagers planning for a big event C. The Philippine President delivering his SONA
B. The committee finding ways to reach for the less fortunate in their barangay. D. A and B
_____7. You ask your sister to put on her mask every time she goes out and she nods in reply. Which model of
communication is presented here?
A. Interactive B. Conversational C. Linear D. Transactional
_____8. Which model of communication portrays a multilayer of communication processes where the characters and
environment change overtime?
A. Interactive model B. Linear model C. Transactional model D. ALL of the above
_____9. Which communication model focuses on the message sent to the recipient?
A. Interactive Model B. Linear Model C. Transactional model D. A combination of A and B
_____10. A strong wind struck as Arnold and his father took turns in pulling the fishing boat to the shore. Arnold
cannot hear his father’s voice. Which affects the flow of the communication process?
A. Arnold’s voice B. boat C. father D. wind
_____11. Myra submitted her report to her teacher online because of the enhanced community quarantine. Which
element is missing in the process?
A. channel B. encoding C. feedback D. receiver
_____12. The Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) frightened many people here and there. On his social media
account, Joshua posted a status of dismay. Many supported his claim, but others opposed it. His status
acquired a hundred reactions and the comments thread rose to 75. What model of communication is
exemplified? A. Berlo’s Model B. Schramm Model C. Shannon-Weaver Model D. Transactional Model
_____13. In the situation given in #12, what element of communication is NOT present?
A. barrier B. context C. feedback D. receiver
_____14. Which of the following is NOT a purpose of communication?
A. It connects the gaps among persons involved. C. It offers solution to the community problems.
B. It narrows down issues and addresses it. D. It paves a way to conflict.
_____15. What happens when the message is NOT clearly conveyed?
A. The communication continues.
B. The communicators end the communication process.
C. The recipient may get the wrong information to share with others.
D. The situation will never change.