Aristotelian Model of Communication
Aristotle's model of communication, which predates 300 BC, is considered the earliest
mass communication model. The model focuses more on public speaking than
interpersonal communication and emphasizes the role of the audience in the
communication process. Aristotle's model consists of five key elements: the
speaker, the speech, the occasion, the audience, and the effect.
Aristotle posits that speakers should tailor their speeches based on the audience, the
occasion, and the desired effect. The speaker holds significant responsibility in public
speaking, needing to meticulously prepare their speech and analyze the audience's
needs beforehand. The speaker's words should resonate with the audience and sway
their thoughts in favor of the speaker's perspective.
Lasswell’s Model of Communication
Lasswell’s model of communication, developed by Harold Dwight Lasswell, an
American political scientist, presents a framework for understanding communication
acts by posing five fundamental questions:
● Who
● Says What
● In Which Channel
● To Whom
● With what effect?
This model emphasizes the process of communication and its function within a society.
Lasswell outlines three primary functions of communication:
, ● Surveillance of the environment
● Correlation of components of society
● Cultural transmission between generations
The model acknowledges the complexity of communication in diverse societies with
multiple audiences and various channels for message dissemination. Notably, it shares
similarities with Aristotle’s communication model.
Furthermore, each component of Lasswell’s model corresponds to a specific area of
research:
● “Who” relates to “Control Analysis”
● “Says what” corresponds to “Content Analysis”
● “In Which Channel” refers to “Media Analysis”
● “To Whom” aligns with “Audience Analysis”
● “With What Effect” pertains to “Effect Analysis”.
One of the examples provided to illustrate this model is a CNN news report:
● Who: TEPC Operator
● What: Radioactive material flowing into [the] sea
● Channel: CNN NEWS (Television medium)
● Whom: Public
● Effect: Alert the people of Japan [about] the radiation.
The source outlines advantages of the model such as its simplicity, broad applicability,
and inclusion of the concept of effect. However, it also points out limitations, including
the lack of feedback and noise considerations, and its linear structure.
Aristotle's model of communication, which predates 300 BC, is considered the earliest
mass communication model. The model focuses more on public speaking than
interpersonal communication and emphasizes the role of the audience in the
communication process. Aristotle's model consists of five key elements: the
speaker, the speech, the occasion, the audience, and the effect.
Aristotle posits that speakers should tailor their speeches based on the audience, the
occasion, and the desired effect. The speaker holds significant responsibility in public
speaking, needing to meticulously prepare their speech and analyze the audience's
needs beforehand. The speaker's words should resonate with the audience and sway
their thoughts in favor of the speaker's perspective.
Lasswell’s Model of Communication
Lasswell’s model of communication, developed by Harold Dwight Lasswell, an
American political scientist, presents a framework for understanding communication
acts by posing five fundamental questions:
● Who
● Says What
● In Which Channel
● To Whom
● With what effect?
This model emphasizes the process of communication and its function within a society.
Lasswell outlines three primary functions of communication:
, ● Surveillance of the environment
● Correlation of components of society
● Cultural transmission between generations
The model acknowledges the complexity of communication in diverse societies with
multiple audiences and various channels for message dissemination. Notably, it shares
similarities with Aristotle’s communication model.
Furthermore, each component of Lasswell’s model corresponds to a specific area of
research:
● “Who” relates to “Control Analysis”
● “Says what” corresponds to “Content Analysis”
● “In Which Channel” refers to “Media Analysis”
● “To Whom” aligns with “Audience Analysis”
● “With What Effect” pertains to “Effect Analysis”.
One of the examples provided to illustrate this model is a CNN news report:
● Who: TEPC Operator
● What: Radioactive material flowing into [the] sea
● Channel: CNN NEWS (Television medium)
● Whom: Public
● Effect: Alert the people of Japan [about] the radiation.
The source outlines advantages of the model such as its simplicity, broad applicability,
and inclusion of the concept of effect. However, it also points out limitations, including
the lack of feedback and noise considerations, and its linear structure.
