Transactional Model of Communication and the Basic Communication Elements

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Introduction
I
The transactional model of communication is useful in understanding communication as a continuous exchange of information where both communicator and sender take turns sending and receiving messages. Unlike other communication models, the transaction model of communication describes communication as a social process where in addition to exchanging messages, people create relationships, mold self-concepts, and form intercultural associations.
II
Understanding the transactional model is critical to improving one’s comprehension and ability to communicate effectively about any type of human communication.
III
This essay will focus on the textbook Small Group Work in the Real World: A Practical Approach and particularly the sections relating to: the general principles of effective communication; the reasons why communication may be ineffective; the basic elements of communication; and features from the transaction model worth considering when examining the communication process.
Body
I
The basic communication elements are the channel, communicator, decoding, encoding, feedback, message, and noise.
* Channel – 1 Slide
1 The channel refers to the medium through which a message is transmitted from the sender to the recipient. Examples of communication channels include text messages, emails, phone calls, social media, video, and radio. These channels serve to ensure the efficient flow of messages and any breakdown in the same leaves the recipient uninformed or misinformed. Communication channels are generally categorized into oral and written communications although these two can be further subdivided into formal, informal, or unofficial. Formal communication channels are those used within an official setting while informal communication channels are employed in casual settings. Unofficial communication channels are typically used in private sessions but tend to be informal in nature such as employees communicating with one another via a social media channel.
2 Picture illustrating channel as a basic communication element.
* Communicator – 1 Slide
1 The communicator refers to the sender or the person initiating the message in the communication process. Communicating a message can take the form of speaking, writing, or gesturing. In communication theory, the communicator’s standing is essential in enhancing the credibility of the message although friendliness and desirability also factor in the interpretation of the communication (Eke, 2020). The communicator’s rhetoric as well as the persona he or she assumes form the basis for the tone and expectation of the message between the sender and the recipient. Some of the key roles of the sender include choosing the type of message, evaluating the recipient, promoting feedback, understanding the recipient’s perspective, and eliminating communication barriers.
2 Picture illustrating communicator or sender as a basic communication element.
* Decoding – 1 Slide
1 Decoding refers to the process of interpreting sent message: it is ...