The Interactive Model of Communication is a more comprehensive approach to understanding the communication process compared to the linear model. The interactive model recognizes that communication is a complex, dynamic, and reciprocal process that involves multiple elements. The model considers the following components:
Components of Interactive Model of Communication
Senders and receivers:
Both the sender and the receiver are actively involved in the communication process. The sender encodes a message and the receiver decodes it. The message may be in the form of verbal or nonverbal communication.
Message:
The message is the information being transmitted. It can be a combination of words, gestures, or images. The meaning of the message is shaped by the context, culture, and prior experiences of the sender and receiver.
Channel:
The channel refers to the medium through which the message is transmitted. The channel can be physical, such as speech or writing, or non-physical, such as television or radio. The choice of channel can impact the interpretation of the message.
Context:
Context refers to the surroundings in which communication occurs. Contextual factors, such as culture, power dynamics, and prior experiences, can greatly impact the interpretation and understanding of a message.
Feedback:
Feedback is an important part of communication and allows the sender to gauge the effectiveness of their message. It can take the form of verbal or nonverbal responses from the receiver and can provide insight into the receiver's understanding of the message.
Noise:
Noise refers to any interference that can affect the transmission of the message. It can be physical, such as background noise, or psychological, such as distractions or conflicting messages.
The interactive model highlights the reciprocal nature of communication, where the sender and receiver are both actively involved in the process. It recognizes that communication is not a one-way street and acknowledges the role of feedback, context, and noise in shaping the message. The model is more nuanced and complex than the linear model and provides a more accurate representation of real-life communication.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the interactive model of communication is a more comprehensive approach to understanding the communication process. It recognizes that communication is a complex and dynamic process that involves multiple elements and is shaped by feedback, context, and noise. The interactive model provides a more accurate representation of real-life communication compared to the linear model.
