Communication is an essential part of our daily lives. It’s how we share ideas, express feelings, and connect with others. The transactional model of communication is one way to understand how this process works. Unlike older models that view communication as a one-way street, the transactional model sees it as a dynamic and ongoing exchange. Imagine a lively conversation where both parties are constantly sending and receiving messages, reacting, and adjusting in real-time. This model helps us appreciate the interactive nature of communication, making it more relatable and practical for our everyday interactions.
Types of Transactional Model of Communication
Basic Transactional Model
The basic transactional model emphasizes the simultaneous sending and receiving of messages in a communication exchange. This model highlights the following key components:
Sender-Receiver: Both parties in the communication act as senders and receivers. They are constantly sending and receiving messages, which means that communication is not linear but rather a continuous loop.
Feedback: Feedback is an essential part of the transactional model. It ensures that the sender knows whether the message was understood correctly or if any adjustments need to be made.
Context: The context in which communication takes place affects how messages are sent, received, and interpreted. This includes the physical environment, cultural background, and social situations.
Noise: Noise refers to any interference that affects the clarity of the message. It can be physical (like background noise), psychological (like preconceived notions), or semantic (like misunderstandings due to language differences).
This basic model helps us understand that communication is a complex process that involves multiple elements working together simultaneously.
Barnlund’s Transactional Model
Dean Barnlund expanded on the basic transactional model by adding more complexity and depth to it. Barnlund's model emphasizes the following components:
Multidimensional Process: Barnlund’s model highlights that communication involves multiple channels and dimensions. It includes verbal, nonverbal, and contextual elements that all contribute to the overall message.
Field of Experience: Each person brings their own field of experience to the communication process. This includes their background, culture, knowledge, and past experiences, which influence how they interpret messages.
Overlapping Fields: Effective communication occurs when there is a significant overlap between the fields of experience of the sender and receiver. The greater the overlap, the better the understanding.
Nonverbal Cues: Nonverbal communication, such as body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, plays a critical role in Barnlund’s model. These cues often convey more meaning than words alone.
Barnlund's transactional model is particularly useful in understanding the complexities of face-to-face communication, where multiple signals and cues are constantly exchanged.
Schramm’s Interactive Model
Wilbur Schramm introduced an interactive model of communication that builds on the transactional approach by emphasizing the interactive nature of the process. Schramm’s model includes:
Encoding and Decoding: Both parties in communication are involved in encoding (creating messages) and decoding (interpreting messages). This continuous process ensures that communication is a dynamic exchange.
Feedback Loop: The feedback loop in Schramm’s model is crucial as it allows for real-time adjustments and clarification, enhancing mutual understanding.
Noise and Barriers: Schramm’s model also recognizes the presence of noise and barriers that can disrupt communication. Addressing these barriers is essential for effective communication.
Field of Experience: Similar to Barnlund’s model, Schramm emphasizes the importance of the field of experience and how it shapes the interpretation of messages.
Schramm’s model is particularly useful in understanding how communication works in interactive settings, such as group discussions and collaborative work environments.
Helical Model of Communication
Frank Dance proposed the helical model of communication, which represents communication as a helix, showing that it evolves and grows over time. Key elements of the helical model include:
Evolutionary Process: The helical model illustrates that communication is a continuous and evolving process. It starts from a simple point and grows in complexity as it progresses.
Dynamic Interaction: Communication is seen as dynamic, with each interaction building on previous ones, leading to better understanding and stronger relationships over time.
Influence of Past Interactions: Each new communication event is influenced by past interactions. The history of communication between parties shapes the present and future exchanges.
The helical model is useful for understanding long-term relationships and how communication patterns develop and change over time.
Conclusion
Transactional models of communication offer valuable insights into the complex and interactive nature of human communication. By recognizing that communication is a dynamic process involving simultaneous sending and receiving of messages, feedback, and the influence of context and experience, these models help us better understand and improve our interactions. Whether we are engaging in simple conversations or complex negotiations, understanding these models can enhance our ability to communicate effectively and build stronger relationships.