Schramm's Circular Model

 

Introduction

Wilbur Schramm, a renowned communication theorist, introduced the Circular Model of Communication in 1954. This model revolutionized the understanding of communication by emphasizing its dynamic and interactive nature. Unlike earlier linear models, Schramm's model recognizes that communication is a two-way process involving both encoding and decoding.

Key Components of Schramm's Circular Model

1. Sender and Receiver: The model suggests that communication is a reciprocal process where both parties act as both sender and receiver. This means that they both encode messages and decode messages simultaneously.
2. Message: The message is the information or idea that the sender wants to convey to the receiver. It is encoded into a form that can be understood by the receiver, such as speech, writing, or visual cues.
3. Encoding and Decoding: Encoding refers to the process of converting thoughts and ideas into a message. Decoding involves interpreting the message and understanding its meaning.
4. Field of Experience: This concept highlights the importance of shared experiences and knowledge between the sender and receiver. Effective communication occurs when the sender and receiver share a common field of experience, which enables them to understand each other's messages.
5. Feedback: Feedback is the response or reaction of the receiver to the sender's message. It is essential for clarifying misunderstandings, providing additional information, and ensuring that the message is received as intended.

The Circular Nature of Communication

Schramm's model portrays communication as a circular process, where the roles of sender and receiver continuously interchange. This circularity emphasizes the ongoing nature of communication and the importance of feedback in shaping the communication process.

Example of Schramm's Circular Model in Action

Consider a conversation between two friends. One friend (Sender A) shares a funny story (Message). The other friend (Receiver B) listens attentively (Decoding) and laughs (Feedback). This laughter encourages Sender A to continue sharing more stories (Encoding). In this scenario, both friends are constantly switching roles, encoding and decoding messages, and providing feedback.

Implications of Schramm's Circular Model

Schramm's Circular Model has several significant implications for effective communication:

• Active Listening: The model emphasizes the importance of active listening, where the receiver pays full attention to the sender's message and provides appropriate feedback.
• Empathy and Understanding: Effective communication requires empathy and understanding of the other person's perspective. By considering the other person's field of experience, we can better interpret their message and respond appropriately.
• Continuous Learning: Communication is a dynamic process that involves continuous learning and adaptation. By paying attention to feedback and adjusting our messages accordingly, we can improve our communication skills over time.