PAPER PRESENTATION

On
The Models of Communication

Subject
Communication: Theory and Practice

Facilitator
Leshiini A. Nag

Presenter
Shem Thangvanlal Singsit

Respondent
Dahun Lyngdoh, Parchung Kongsong & Nathanael Lyngdoh Mawnai

Date of Presentation
19th August, 2025.

ASIA ANTIOCH SEMINARY

Patgaon Guwahati -781015

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TABLE OF CONTENT
Introduction
1. Definition of Communication Model
2. Aristotle Model of Communication
3. Mathematical/Shannon-Weaver Model of Communication
4. Circular/Osgood-Schramm Model of Communication
5. How these Model Help Christian Communicator
Conclusion

BIBLIOGRAPHY

WEBLIOGRAPHY

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Introduction
This paper is an attempt to explore the Models of Communication and their significance in
understanding how messages are created, transmitted, and received. It begins with a definition
of communication models as simplified frameworks that make the communication process
clearer and more applicable. The paper then examines three influential models in detail:
Aristotle’s Model, the Mathematical/Shannon-Weaver Model, and the Circular/Osgood-
Schramm Model. Each model is discussed in terms of its origin, structure, contributions, and
limitations, showing how they have shaped communication theory from ancient rhetoric to
modern interaction. Finally, the paper considers how these models provide practical guidance
for Christian communicators, offering insights into persuasion, clarity, interaction, and
feedback in the faithful proclamation of the Gospel.

1. Definition of Communication Model

A model, in general terms, is a simplified representation of reality designed to explain, predict,
or analyze a system, process, or phenomenon. It reduces complex entities into essential
components and their interrelationships, making understanding more manageable. Just as a
map represents a territory by highlighting only what is most significant, a model highlights
the key aspects of a process, allowing for easier analysis and application.1

Communication models are conceptual frameworks that illustrate how messages are created,
transmitted, received, and interpreted in interpersonal, group, and mass communication
settings. They not only simplify the process but also provide insights into message design,
feedback, and barriers. Scholars typically classify models into three categories: Linear
Model2, Interactive Model3 and Transactional Model4.5 This paper focuses on three influential
models- Aristotle’s Model, the Mathematical/Shannon-Weaver Model, and the
Circular/Osgood-Schramm Model, which fall under the linear and interactive categories.

2. Aristotle Model of Communication

Aristotle’s Model of Communication, developed by the Greek philosopher Aristotle in around
300 B.C., is one of the earliest and most influential frameworks for understanding how

1
https://ltb.itc.utwente.nl/page/491/concept/79704 (Accessed on 5th August, 2025).
2
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.
3
Interactive Model - This model adds feedback from the receiver to the sender, allowing for two-way
communication.
4
Transactional Model - In this model, communication is a dynamic, ongoing process where both
sender and receiver contribute to the meaning of the message.
5
https://fourweekmba.com/communication-models/ (Accessed on 5th August, 2025).

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 messages are delivered and received. This model is linear, meaning it moves in one direction
i.e., from the speaker to the audience, without considering feedback. Aristotle created this
model with a primary focus on public speaking, where the goal is to influence or persuade the
audience. The model consists of five key components: Speaker (the person delivering the
message), Speech (the content or message), Occasion (the context or setting), Audience (the
listeners), and Effect (the desired outcome or change in the audience). For example, in a
political speech, the politician is the speaker, the speech is the content, the occasion might be
a rally, the audience is the gathered crowd, and the effect could be to win their support for an
election.6

Speaker Speech Audience Effect

Occasion

In addition to the basic structure, Aristotle emphasized that effective communication,

especially persuasion relies on three modes of appeal viz., Ethos (credibility or
trustworthiness of the speaker), Pathos (emotional connection with the audience), and Logos
(logical reasoning and evidence). For instance, a teacher convincing student to study might
use Ethos by citing their own experience, Pathos by sharing an inspiring success story, and
Logos by presenting data on how studying improves exam scores. This triad is still widely
taught today in speech, marketing, and leadership training.7 Ethos
Message
delivered with
The lasting impact of Aristotle’s model lies in its simplicity and enduring Positive Effect
(Persuaded)
relevance. It laid the groundwork for later communication theories by
highlighting the importance of the speaker’s role, message organization, Pathos
Logos
and audience analysis. The focus on Ethos, Pathos, and Logos has shaped fields such as
rhetoric, advertising, political campaigning, and leadership training. Even though modern
models address its limitations like the absence of feedback and noise, Aristotle’s approach
continues to influence speechwriting, teaching, and persuasive discourse worldwide.8

While Aristotle’s model is historically important, it has several limitations. First, it assumes
a one-way flow of communication, meaning it does not account for feedback, meaning the
audience’s response to the message. Second, it ignores noise, which can be anything that

6
Businesstopia, “Aristotle’s Model of Communication”, Businesstopia,
https://www.businesstopia.net/communication/aristotles-model-communication. (Accessed on 5th August, 2025)
7
Communication Theory, “Aristotle’s Persuasive Appeals: Ethos, Pathos, Logos”, Communication
Theory, https://www.communicationtheory.org/aristotles-modes-of-persuasion. (Accessed on 5th August, 2025).
8
Sanaysay, “Impact of Aristotle’s Communication Model”, Sanaysay, https://sanaysay.net/aristotle-
model-impact. (Accessed on 5th August, 2025).

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 distorts or blocks the message, such as distractions or misunderstanding. Finally, it is
primarily suited for public speaking or persuasive communication rather than interactive
conversations, making it less effective for situations like teamwork or casual dialogue.
Modern models of communication have addressed these gaps by including feedback loops
and considering noise and barriers.9

3. Mathematical/Shannon-Weaver Model of Communication

The Mathematical/Shannon-Weaver Model, introduced in 1948 by Claude Shannon, a
mathematician at Bell Telephone Laboratories, and later expanded by Warren Weaver, is often
called the “mother of all communication models10” because of its foundational influence on
communication theory11. It was originally designed to improve telephone signal transmission,
but its principles apply to almost all forms of communication. This model identifies five core
elements: It begins with the Information Source, the origin of the message, where the idea is
first conceived. This is followed by the Transmitter, which encodes the idea into a form
suitable for transmission, such as spoken words, written text, or electronic signals. The
message then travels through the Channel, the medium or pathway, which could be airwaves,
printed pages, digital platforms, or face-to-face speech. The Receiver captures the signal and
decodes it, turning it back into a message that the Destination, or intended audience, can
understand. Throughout this process, Noise (whether physical interference, misunderstand-
ding, or emotional bias) can distort the message and hinder understanding. Each of these
components must work in harmony for communication to be effective.12

Sender Encoder Decoder Receiver

(Information Source) (Transmitter) Channel (Reception) (Destination)

Noise

FEEDBACK

9
Amna Sadaf, “Aristotle’s Model of Communication”, Management Study Guide,
https://www.managementstudyguide.com/aristotle-model-of-communication.htm. (Accessed on 5th August,
2025).
10
In short, Shanon-Weaver Model of Communication is called the “mother of all communication
models” because it introduced the first precise, scientific way to conceptualize communication as a process; a
framework that all modern communication theories build upon.
11
Communication theory is the study of how and why communication works, giving us tools to
analyze, improve, and understand interactions in everyday life, media, or technology.
12
Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver, The Mathematical Theory of Communication (Urbana:
University of Illinois Press, 1949), 5.

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 Communication begins when the Information Source decides on a message. This message is
then encoded by the Transmitter into a signal suited for the Channel. For example, in a radio
broadcast, the announcer’s voice (message) is picked up by a microphone (transmitter),
converted into electromagnetic waves (signal), and sent through the airwaves (channel).
Along the way, Noise, such as electrical interference or static may alter the signal. The
Receiver captures the signal (e.g., a radio), decodes it into sound, and the Destination i.e., the
listener receives and interprets it. This model made communication measurable and
predictable, allowing engineers and scholars to focus on reducing noise and maximizing
efficiency. That’s why it’s still widely used in technology, media, and information systems.13

The Mathematical/Shannon-Weaver Model changed the way scholars viewed

communication. Earlier, communication was often thought of as an art; after it, it was also
treated as a science. This shift enabled the development of information theory, which is used
today in computer science, mass media, satellite communication, and even artificial
intelligence. The model also introduced the idea that every communication has the potential
for distortion, highlighting the importance of designing clear and resilient communication
systems.14

Despite its value, this model is linear, like Aristotle model of communication, meaning that it
assumes communication flows in one direction, i.e., from sender to receiver. This leaves out
feedback, which is essential for two-way conversations. This model also focuses on technical
accuracy rather than human factors like emotion, relationships, or culture. For instance, you
might hear someone’s words clearly (no technical noise) but still misunderstand their meaning
because of cultural differences or emotional tone. This makes it better suited for technical and
mass communication than for everyday personal interaction.15

4. Circular/Osgood-Schramm Model of Communication

The Circular/Osgood-Schramm Model of Communication was first proposed by Charles E.
Osgood, an American psychologist, in the early 1950s as he studied meaning, interpretation,
and symbolic interaction. Later, Wilbur Schramm, often called the “father of communication
studies”, expanded and popularized the model in 1954 to explain how communication is not
a one-way activity but rather a two-way, interactive process. The purpose of this development

13
Businesstopia, “Shannon and Weaver Model of Communication”, Businesstopia,
https://www.businesstopia.net/communication/shannon-and-weaver-model-communication. (Accessed on 8th
August, 2025).
14
Em Griffin, A First Look at Communication Theory (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2012), 67.
15
John Fiske, Introduction to Communication Studies (London: Routledge, 2011), 20.

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 was to move beyond earlier linear models, like Aristotle’s or Shannon-Weaver’s, and show
that communication works best as a reciprocal exchange of messages. Unlike linear
approaches, this framework views communication as a circular and ongoing process, where
both participants act simultaneously as sender and receiver. Because of this emphasis on
feedback and mutual exchange, it is classified as an interactive model of communication. This
means that communication is not simply delivered in one direction, but involves a continuous
cycle of encoding, decoding, and interpreting from both sides. For example, in a face-to-face
conversation, when one person speaks, the other listens, interprets, and responds turning the
listener into the speaker, and the process repeats.16

Encoder Message Decoder

Interpreter Interpreter

Decoder Message Encoder

The Circular/Osgood-Schramm Model of Communication is built around three essential

functions: Encoding, Decoding, and Interpreting. When a person speaks or writes, they
encode their thoughts into words, gestures, or symbols. The receiver then decodes this
message, turning it back into meaning they can understand. But communication does not stop
there since the receiver becomes an interpreter, making sense of the message in light of their
background, experiences, and emotions. Importantly, the process then loops back: the receiver
may respond, ask questions, or give feedback, effectively becoming the sender. This circular
flow continues as long as the interaction lasts. For example, in a conversation, one person
speaks (encodes), the other listens and interprets (decodes), and then replies, starting the cycle
again.17

One of the core contributions of this model is the idea that encoding and decoding are ongoing
and interchangeable roles. Both communicators are equally responsible for making sure that
meaning is shared and understood. For instance, when two friends discuss a problem, one
encodes their thoughts into words, while the other decodes and interprets them, then responds
with their own encoded message. This response is immediately decoded again by the first
person, and the cycle continues. Because of this, communication becomes a shared
responsibility, not just the job of the sender. This approach emphasizes interpretation,

16
Griffin, A First Look at Communication Theory…, 74.
17
https://www.toolshero.com/communication-methods/schramm-communication-model/?utm_
(Accessed on 15th August, 2025).

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 meaning-making, and the importance of shared understanding, rather than simply delivering
information from point A to point B.18

The impact of the Circular/Osgood-Schramm Model is significant because it brought human

factors, such as perception, culture, and interpretation into the study of communication. It
recognizes that meaning is not transferred like a package but is constructed in interaction
between participants. This perspective has influenced modern communication studies,
counseling, education, organizational communication, and even conflict resolution, where
mutual understanding is more important than technical accuracy. For example, in cross-
cultural communication, people may use the same words but interpret them differently; the
model highlights the need for clarifying and negotiating meaning. By stressing interaction, it
set the stage for later transactional models of communication that consider relationships,
feedback, and context as essential.19

Despite its strengths, the Circular/Osgood-Schramm Model has some limitations. It assumes
that communication is always a two-person, face-to-face exchange, which may not fully apply
in mass communication contexts like television or online platforms where feedback is delayed
or absent. Furthermore, the model doesn’t explicitly account for noise (any interference in the
communication process), which was central in Shannon-Weaver’s framework. It also
oversimplifies the complexity of power dynamics, cultural differences, or emotional barriers
that can affect communication. Still, by presenting communication as a continuous, two-way
process, it corrected the weaknesses of earlier linear models and remains a foundation for
interactive and relational approaches to communication today.20

5. How these Models help a Christian Communicator

When viewed together, these models provide a balanced framework for Christian
communication. Aristotle’s emphasis on ethos, pathos, and logos reminds preachers that their
life, compassion, and reasoning must work together. For instance, a sermon may draw on
personal integrity (ethos), connect with the congregation’s struggles (pathos), and ground the
message in Scripture’s truth (logos).21 The Mathematical/Shannon-Weaver Model adds the
importance of clarity and the need to minimize noise, whether that means reducing

18
https://helpfulprofessor.com/osgood-schramm/?utm_ (Accessed on 16th August, 2025).
19
https://www.communicationtheory.org/osgood-schramm-model-of-communication/?utm_
(Accessed on 16th August, 2025).
20
https://studymasscom.com/communication/osgood-schramm-model-disadvantages-of-the-
osgoodschramm-model-of-communication (Accessed on 16th August, 2025).
21
https://blog.lexhampress.com/2015/12/09/2015129mark-alan-bowald-on-the-ethos-logos-pathos-of-
scripture/?utm_ (Accessed on 17th August, 2025).

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 distractions in worship or choosing the right medium, such as a pulpit, social media post, or
Bible study group, so the message remains clear.22 The Circular/Osgood-Schramm Model
then highlights that communication in ministry is not one-way but relational; for example, a
pastor might listen to feedback through counseling, conversations, or small groups to
understand how the Word/his sermon is being received.23 Taken together, these models show
that faithful Christian communication involves persuasion, clarity, and dialogue, ensuring that
the Gospel is both proclaimed and understood.
Conclusion
In summary, this paper has examined three influential models of communication: Aristotle’s
Model, the Mathematical/Shannon-Weaver Model, and the Circular/Osgood-Schramm Model;
each offering unique insights into how communication functions. Aristotle’s Model provided
the earliest framework by stressing the role of the speaker, message, and audience, and
introducing the timeless principles of ethos, pathos, and logos for persuasive impact. The
Mathematical/Shannon-Weaver Model, though initially designed for technical communication,
broadened the understanding of how messages travel through channels and highlighted the
disruptive role of noise, thus making clarity and accuracy central concerns. The
Circular/Osgood-Schramm Model advanced the study further by presenting communication as
a two-way, interactive process that values feedback, interpretation, and shared responsibility in
meaning-making.

Together, these models illustrate the progression of communication theory from simple linear
transmission to interactive exchange, showing how different perspectives contribute to a fuller
understanding of communication. For Christian communicators, the combined insights of these
models underscore the importance of character and persuasion, the necessity of reducing
barriers to clarity, and the centrality of dialogue and relational feedback. By integrating these
principles, communicators are better equipped to proclaim the Christian message effectively,
ensuring that it is not only delivered but also understood, received, and lived out in the lives of
those who hear it.

22
Mike Crudge, One thing every church should consider but usually doesn’t.
https://mikecrudge.com/2013/08/07/one-thing-every-church-should-consider-but-usually-doesnt/?utm_
(Accessed on 17th August, 2025).
23
Emil, Abraham, Osgood-Schramm’s Model. https://emilabraham.postach.io/post/osgood-schramms-
model?utm_ (Accessed on 17th August, 2025).

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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Fiske, John. Introduction to Communication Studies. London: Routledge, 2011.
Griffin, Em. A First Look at Communication Theory. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2012.
Shannon, Claude and Warren Weaver. The Mathematical Theory of Communication. Urbana:
University of Illinois Press, 1949.

WEBLIOGRAPHY
Amna Sadaf, “Aristotle’s Model of Communication”, Management Study Guide,
https://www.managementstudyguide.com/aristotle-model-of-communication.htm.
(Accessed on 5th August, 2025).
Businesstopia, “Aristotle’s Model of Communication”, Businesstopia,
https://www.businesstopia.net/communication/aristotles-model-communication.
(Accessed on 5th August, 2025).
Businesstopia, “Shannon and Weaver Model of Communication”, Businesstopia,
https://www.businesstopia.net/communication/shannon-and-weaver-model-
communication. (Accessed on 8th August, 2025).
Communication Theory, “Aristotle’s Persuasive Appeals: Ethos, Pathos, Logos”,
Communication Theory, https://www.communicationtheory.org/aristotles-modes-
of-persuasion. (Accessed on 5th August, 2025).
Emil, Abraham, Osgood-Schramm’s Model. https://emilabraham.postach.io/post/osgood-
schramms-model?utm_ (Accessed on 17th August, 2025).
https://blog.lexhampress.com/2015/12/09/2015129mark-alan-bowald-on-the-ethos-logos-
pathos-of-scripture/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://fourweekmba.com/communication-models/ (Accessed on 5th August, 2025).
https://helpfulprofessor.com/osgood-schramm/?utm_ (Accessed on 16th August, 2025).
https://ltb.itc.utwente.nl/page/491/concept/79704 (Accessed on 5th August, 2025).
https://studymasscom.com/communication/osgood-schramm-model-disadvantages-of-the-
osgoodschramm-model-of-communication (Accessed on 16th August, 2025).
https://www.communicationtheory.org/osgood-schramm-model-of-communication/?utm_
(Accessed on 16th August, 2025).
https://www.toolshero.com/communication-methods/schramm-communication-
model/?utm_ (Accessed on 15th August, 2025).
Mike Crudge, One thing every church should consider but usually doesn’t.
https://mikecrudge.com/2013/08/07/one-thing-every-church-should-consider-but-
usually-doesnt/?utm_ (Accessed on 17th August, 2025).
Sanaysay, “Impact of Aristotle’s Communication Model”,
https://sanaysay.net/aristotle-model-impact. (Accessed on 5th August, 2025).
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