Communication Model

Aristotle’s Model of Communication Example & Explanation

Aristotle’s Model of Communication: Example Situation, Elements, and Explanation. Advantages and Disadvantages of Aristotle’s Model of Communication.

Aristotle’s Model of Communication

Aristotle’s communication model refers to the linear communication theory focusing on five elements: speaker, speech, occasion, audience, and effect. The Greek great scientist Aristotle introduced this most famous communication model in 300 B.C., which mainly focuses on the speech or the message. Hence, it is known as Aristotle’s communication model or Aristotelian model. The Aristotelian model is one of the most recognized communication models globally, emphasizing the speaker’s role in making a powerful speech. The Aristotle model focuses on public speaking, including how the speaker delivers a message to the audience. As this model was proposed before 300 B.C., it is regarded as the first communication model. Aristotle was a well-known Greek scientist and philosopher born in 384 BC in Stagira on the northern frontier of Classical Greece.

The three types of communication models are linear, interactive, and transactional. Aristotle’s communication theory is the initial linear model, followed by Shannon-Weaver and Lasswell’s communication model.

The author of this content completed a postgraduate degree in communication. He explains this model, including elements, examples, and advantages and disadvantages.

Aristotle’s Linear Model of Communication

Aristotle’s communication model explains a one-way communication process, which is a linear communication model. The linear communication model excludes feedback, whereas the transactional (two-way) model includes feedback. There is no feedback in Aristotle’s communication model; hence, it is known as Aristotle’s linear model of communication.

Five Elements of Aristotle’s Communication Model

Aristotle’s communication model is designed to explain how to deliver a persuasive speech. The five components of Aristotle’s communication model are speaker, speech, occasion, audience, and effect.

Aristotle's Model of Communication — Aristotle’s Model

Speaker in Aristotle’s Model

The speaker refers to the person who delivers the speech. It is the primary element of the communication process that initiates the conversation. Communication cannot be designed without a speaker. So, it is crucial in all verbal and nonverbal communication types.

Speech in Aristotle’s Model

Speech is the message of communication that a speaker wants to deliver to audiences. The speaker delivers the speech to accomplish the goal. For example, a political leader produces persuasive speeches to motivate supporters.

Occasion in Aristotle’s Model

Occasion means the context in communication that denotes the environment and represents why the conversation occurs. The speech pattern can be distinguished based on the occasion. For example, a political leader delivers speeches based on the situation, including political campaigns and social and personal events.

Audience in Aristotle’s Model

The audience is the receiver of the speech. The speaker gives a speech to the audience. So, audiences are known as listeners. For example, supporters are the audience in the political campaign. The audience plays a passive role, impacted by the speech. There are two types of audiences such as active and passive audiences. This limits communication to one direction, from speaker to receiver.

Effect in Aristotle’s Model

The effect is positive and negative, the consequences of the speech. It measures whether the audience is persuaded or not. For example, a marketing manager provides a promotional speech to sell a product. Here, the effect refers to the buying attitude of the customers. The effect is positive if customers purchase the products. In the political context, the communication effect is positive if followers and voters are persuaded.

Example of Aristotle’s Model of Communication

The 5 examples of Aristotle’s communication model are:

1. A charity organization delivering an emotional appeal through Radio to collect funds for refuses (Pathos).

2. The Dettle company advertises its shop on Television, mentioning how much bacteria it can protect (Logos).

3. A scholar delivering a lecture on global warming using credibility (Ethos)

4. An editor wrote and published fact-based articles in newspapers to create social awareness (Logos).

5. Receiving a no-reply email from the embassy informing passport has been received(Ethos).

Delivering Speech through Radio

For example, the NBC radio station(Context) broadcast American 32nd President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s (Speaker) speech through fireside chats. The president explained (Speech) the new policies directly to the citizens(Audience). Franklin D. Roosevelt was an effective communicator, and his speech created a strong relationship(Effect) between the government and the general people. This situation is the best example of Aristotle’s model.

Advertisement on Television

A salesman (Speaker) advertises on Television (Context) to persuade customers (Audience) to buy a laptop at the best price. He delivers a promotional message (Speech) to convince the customers. Finally, the salesman manages to sell some laptops (Effect) through a TV advertisement. In this context, the audience listens to the speakers without providing feedback.

Political Speech Physically

Barack Obama (Speaker) delivers a speech to supporters (Audiences) to persuade them to vote for the Democratic Party in the general election (Context) of the United States of America. For example, many voters decide to vote (Effect) for the Democratic Party after listening to the motivational speech.

Aristotle’s Rhetorical Triangle

Aristotle described the rhetorical triangle as comprised of three elements: ethos, pathos, and logos. Any written and spoken speech is generated to persuade audiences. So, the writers and speakers should include the three rhetorical components: ethos (speaker’s credibility and trustworthiness), pathos (emotional appeal), and logos (logical message or information).

Rhetorical Triangle Communication Example

Aristotle’s Rhetorical Triangle ensures the message is delivered with a positive effect. In communication, it also confirms that the audiences are persuaded by the writers or speakers. The scholars articulate that a good speaker applies rhetorical theory in public speech or writing.

According to Nurkhamidah, Fahira, and Ningtyas (2021), Joe Biden used all of the Aristotelian rhetoric strategies in his inaugural address, which are: pathos at 55% of his speech, followed by ethos at 37%, and logos at 8%.

Aristotle described the rhetorical triangle

Ethos (Credibility)

Ethos refers to the information’s credibility and reliability. It ensures that the information comes from reliable sources and is safe to believe. For example, people will consult with an interior designer for office decoration but not with a lawyer. On the other hand, they will consult with lawyers for legal advice. Ethos ensures the person’s credibility who delivers the message.

Pathos (Emotion)

Pathos refers to the use of emotional appeal to persuade the audience’s attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. It is a crucial component in public speech to persuade audiences. Pathos taps into the audience’s emotions, values, and desires, aiming to evoke sympathy, empathy, anger, fear, or excitement. Unlike logos, which appeals to logic, and ethos, which appeals to ethics and credibility, pathos taps into the audience’s emotions, aiming to create a strong emotional connection and influence their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.

In communication and persuasion, pathos plays a significant role in engaging the audience deeper by eliciting emotions such as empathy, sympathy, anger, fear, or joy. By appealing to these emotions, speakers, writers, or advertisers can make their message more relatable, memorable, and persuasive. For example, in a speech advocating for environmental conservation, a speaker might evoke empathy by describing pollution’s impact on wildlife, stirring the audience’s emotions and inspiring them to take action.

However, using pathos ethically and responsibly is essential, ensuring that emotional appeals are genuine.

Logos (Logic)

Logos refers to the use of logical reasoning, facts, evidence, and arguments to support the speaker’s position or argument. Hence, it appeals to the audience’s intellect by presenting rational arguments, data, statistics, examples, and logical deductions.

What is the rhetorical triangle used for

People use Aristotle’s Rhetorical Triangle in argumentative content writing and speech delivery. In argumentative content writing, the writers include evidence and personal credibility to persuade readers. Similarly, in argumentative speech delivery, the speaker uses credibility, emotion, and logic to influence followers.

Example of Using Aristotle’s Rhetorical Triangle

For example, the United States Presidential Debates 2024 is the best example of using Aristotle’s Rhetorical Triangle. Trump and Kamala Harris joined the argumentative debate on October 1 sponsored by ABC. The political debates are the best context to use Aristotle’s Rhetorical Triangle for pursuing voters and followers.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Aristotle’s Model of Communication.

Advantages of Aristotle’s Model of Communication

Aristotle emphasized the speaker’s role in convincing the audience in his model. Therefore, it benefits anyone looking to develop their public speaking abilities. The Aristotelian model states that the speaker needs to be aware of their intended audience. The speakers should prepare their speech based on the audience’s socioeconomic status, educational background, etc.

In a corporate context, managers take three steps: Ethos, Pathos, and Logos, to enhance organizational productivity.

Aristotle’s model explains how to obtain more supporters with a persuasive speech on a sports team.

Moreover, for researchers and students, Aristotle’s model serves as a motivating outcome of the systematic study of various aspects. It is also an instructive representation of the communication process that assists in system planning. It represents fresh perspectives and ideas on various topics, including verbal, written, and nonverbal communication.

Disadvantages of the Aristotle Communication Model

The three significant criticisms of Aristotle’s model are the Absence of Feedback, the Absence of Noise, and a focus on public speaking only.

The most crucial weakness of Aristotle’s communication model is that it is a linear communication process. It is considered to be a linear model of one-way communication. It did not include and explain feedback essential for the interactive communication process. Due to the lack of audience feedback and openness in this communication model, the conversation is ineffective.

Additionally, its credibility and usefulness are limited because it is only helpful for public speaking.

Finally, Aristotle’s model shows no concept of noise barriers in communication. Noise is an unwanted but paramount element of the communication process.

Conclusion

The five essential elements of Aristotle’s model are speaker, speech, occasion, audience, and effect. Speakers should follow Aristotle’s model to influence the audience positively when speaking in public. It is also a crucial model to motivate audiences. Many scholars extended this theory to establish other theories in different contexts. It is the most ancient model that provided communication concepts initially.

References

Nurkhamidah, N., Fahira, R. Z., & Ningtyas , A. R. (2021). Rhetorical Analysis of Joe Biden’s Inauguration Address. JL3T (Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Language Teaching), 7(2), 73-82. https://doi.org/10.32505/jl3t.v7i2.3371

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Kobiruzzaman, M. M. (2025). Aristotle’s Model of Communication Example & Explanation. Newsmoor. https://newsmoor.com/aristotles-model-of-communication-example-explanation-elements

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Shannon and Weaver Model of Communication Examples & Explanation

This article explains Shannon and Weaver’s Model of Communication Elements and an Example of a Situation.

Shannon and Weaver’s Model of Communication

American mathematician Claude Elwood Shannon and scientist Warren Weaver introduced a linear communication model in 1949 in the article THE MATHEMATICAL THEORY OF COMMUNICATION. Therefore, it is called Shannon and Weaver’s communication model. Initially, they proposed this mathematical model to describe the signal-transmitting system and enhance telephone communication by minimizing noise. Now it is applied in every field of information and communication broadly. However, they did not present the “Feedback”; thus, the Shannon and Weaver model is an example of a linear communication model. Initially, the Shannon-Weaver model excluded feedback; hence, it is a linear communication model. Therefore, it was an incomplete communication model for not including Feedback and different types of nonverbal communication cues.

Later, Norbert Weiner included feedback on the model in countering the criticism of the one-way communication approach. Shannon and Weaver’s communication model is called the “Mother of all Communication Models” for its extreme popularity. It is also called the mathematical theory of communication, Shannon theory, and information theory in the engineering disciplines.

Shannon Weaver Model Linear or Transactional

Shannon and Weaver introduced the linear communication model with six elements: information source, transmitter, channel, receiver, destination, and noise source. The authors did not add feedback to this model in 1949; therefore, it is a linear communication model. However, later, the feedback was included by Norbert Wiener in 1950.

Feedback in the Shannon Weaver Model

In 1950, Norbert Wiener added the “Feedback” to Shannon and the Model. He presented the feedback system in the book (The Human Use of Human Beings), initially published in 1950. Norbert Wiener is also the founder of cybernetics theory, which explains the feedback system. Shannon and Weaver have not published the modified model, including feedback. Hence, the original model of Shannon and Weaver is linear, as they did not mention feedback.

Shannon-Weaver Communication Model Examples of Situation

The four Example Situations of the Shannon-Weaver Model are:

Ordering Food Through Food Panda
Simple Job Application Email
Listening to the News on the Radio
Watching the United States Presidential Debates- 2024

Shannon-Weaver Communication Model Examples of Situation-1: “Ordering Food Through Foodpanda”

In this scenario, the customer is the sender of the information who orders a meal through the Foodpanda Mobile App (Information Source).
The customer encodes messages and transmits them through a signal via a mobile application using TCP/IP sockets (Transmitter).
The mobile application is the channel through which messages are transmitted from senders to receivers (Channel).
The communication might interfere with Electrical Noise generated by the random movement of electrons in the electronic device (Noise).
The device of food delivery is the receiver of the message. The delivery person and restaurant authority are the message’s destination who will process the food (Destination).

Shannon-Weaver Model Examples of Situation-2: “Simple Job Application Email “

The applicants write a simple job application email with a CV attachment (Sender or Source of Information).
The Gmail email software converts ideas into text messages to transmit them (Transmitter).
The internet-based email conveys the message to HR professionals (Channel).
Noise, like spam filters or internet issues, might interfere (Noise).
The HR manager receives the email and takes further action (Receiver).
The manager retains the email cover letter with the attached resume or forwards it to the concerned professional (Destination).

Examples of Situation of Shannon-Weaver Model-3: “Listening News on Radio”

Jon is listening to the morning news on the radio. The news presenter broadcasts news regarding today’s weather forecast. However, he cannot hear the report of the radio frequency interference (RFI). RFI is created from an internal wireless system. The news presenter is the information source, the radio is the channel, Jon is the receiver, and radio frequency interference is also known as electrical noise.

Shannon-Weaver Model Examples of Situation-4: “Watching the United States Presidential Debates- 2024″

The CNN television telecast the first general election debate for the United States Presidential Debates 2024. Donald Trump from Republican and Joe Biden from the Democratic attended the debates on June 27, 2024. Around 51.27 million people watched this presidential debate and most think that Trump performed better than Joe Biden.

These are the four example situations of the Shannon-Weaver model.

Shannon and Weaver Model of Communication Explanation

The Shannon and Weaver communication model includes six elements: Information Source, Transmitter, Channel, Receiver, Destination, and Noise Source. However, Shannon and Weaver did not mention “Feedback” in 1949; hence, it is a linear communication model like the Aristotle model and the Lasswell communication model. Many researchers and practitioners criticize this model for not adding “Feedback.” Therefore, later, Norbert Weiner included “Feedback” to describe the transactional communication process.

Many communication models have been postulated based on this model- for example, Eugene White’s model and Osgood-Schramm’s transactional model.

Shannon and Weaver Model of Communication Elements

The Six Elements of Shannon and Weaver’s Model of Communication are:

Information Source.
Transmitter.
Channel.
Receiver.
Destination.
Noise Source.

Shannon and Weaver model of Communication explanation — Shannon and Weaver’s Model of Communication

1. Information Source

Information source refers to the sender of the communication process that conveys the message to the receiver. It also indicates the person who generates the information and initiates the communication process.

For example, the lecturer gives a motivational speech to new students in the orientation program using a dynamic microphone. In the meantime, an airplane passes over the program. So students can not hear the lecturer’s speech for a while.

2. Transmitter

The transmitter refers to the message converter that changes the message into a signal to transfer through the communication channel. It is also called the encoding process. The messages are spoken words, written messages, pictures, music, and nonverbal cues.

For example, the lecturer’s speech is transmitted through the dynamic microphone. The microphone converts the spoken word into a signal to transfer via an electrical current on the wire.

3. Channel

A channel is the medium that conveys the message from senders to receivers. Communicators utilize distinguished channels based on communication, such as human senses, radio, television, newspapers, electronic tools, social media, and so on.

For example, the wire is the channel that conveys messages from the lecturer to students.

4. Receiver

Receivers are the people who convert the signal into a meaningful message. They are responsible for decoding the message. So, the receiver is the decoder of the communication process.

For example, students are the receivers who process the signal and sound into a meaningful message.

5. Destination

Destination indicates both senders and receivers of the communication process, who encode and decode the message.

According to Shannon and Weaver’s Model, “when I talk to you, my brain is the information source, yours the destination; my vocal system is the transmitter, and your ear and the associated eighth nerve is the receiver.”

6. Noise

Noise is the unwanted sound of the communication process that disrupts effective communication. Communicators found noise in every communication process, including verbal, nonverbal, written, visual, face-to-face, mediated, and group communication. The most common types of noise in communication are physical, physiological, psychological, semantic, electrical, syntactical, cultural noise, and so on.

For example, airplane sound is considered a physical noise in communication that distracts the students from hearing the speech.

Communication Noise: 5 different types of noise in communication are physical noise, physiological noise, psychological noise, Semantic noise & cultural noise. Examples of 5 Types of Noises in the Communication Process. — Different Types of Noise in Communication

Shannon and Weaver Communication Model Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of Shannon and Weaver’s Model

1. Explain IT-Based Communication: Firstly, Shannon and Weaver’s theory enhances telephone communication by representing six essential elements. It articulates the signal-transmitting system through the medium. The model provides a clear and straightforward framework for understanding the technology-based communication process. This simple model can be used in multiple contexts.

2. Representing Key Components (Noise): For the first time, this theory explains the communication noises that barrier effective message transmission. Noise is a significant communication component. This model includes key components of the communication process, including noise. Many communication theories avoid noise as the unwanted key component in communication. Controversially, it is the first linear model that explains noise as a fundamental element.

3. Diverse Applicability: Shannon and Weaver’s model can be used to explain diverse communication contexts, including interpersonal, social, mass, digital, and organizational communication.

4. Technological Relevance: This model was established in 1948; however, it is still relevant to analyze digital communication. Finally, Shannon-Weaver’s framework is the first communication model that explains the message-sending process through an instrument. It has contributed to the development of telecommunications systems, digital coding techniques, and data transmission technologies.

Shannon and Weaver Communication Model Disadvantages

1. Linear and One-Way: Firstly, it is a linear communication model due to not demonstrating Feedback. The model describes that communication is a one-way process. However, most communication processes are two-way in a directional manner. Therefore, this model is inappropriate for analyzing transactional communication processes like face-to-face discussions.

2. No Feedback: The Shannon-Weaver model does not include feedback in communication. Avoiding feedback is the major weakness of this model because every transactional communication holds feedback.

3. Focus on Technological Context: Shannon and Weaver’s model highlights technological communication context, overlooking social, psychological, and cultural contexts. Shannon Weaver’s model was designed to explain mediated communication.

Conclusion

In short, the Six Elements of the Shannon and Weaver Model o are Information Source, Transmitter, Channel, Receiver, Destination, and Noise Source. Eventually, Norbert Weiner included the seventh element(Feedback) to make it a transactional communication model. Shannon and Weaver’s Model was introduced in 1949 and is undoubtedly a linear communication model like Aristotle, Lasswell, and David Berlo’s SMCR Model.

Established Year of the Shannon-Weaver Model?

The Shannon and Weaver model was introduced in 1949. However, there is controversy regarding the establishment year of the Shannon and Weaver model. Claude Shannon published the article(A Mathematical Theory of Communication) in the Bell System Technical Journal in 1948, known as the Shannon theory. Warren Weaver republished the previous article in 1949, adding more information and discussing the model’s implications for the effective communication process. They also renamed The Mathematical Theory of Communication while republishing it in a book. Therefore, it is known as the Shannon-Weaver model of communication.

Warren Weaver did not contribute to the article (A Mathematical Theory of Communication) published in 1948 by Claude Elwood Shannon. So, Weaver’s name cannot be included in the model published in 1948. He co-authored the same article in 1949 and renamed it “The Mathematical Theory of Communication” while reprinting it in the book. The Mathematical Theory of Communication is called Claude Shannon and Warren Weaver’s model of communication. So, it is rational to say that the Shannon and Weaver model was introduced in 1949, not 1948.

Shannon-Weaver’s Communication Theory Pdf Download-

A Mathematical Theory of Communication

Shannon, 1948 Reference

Shannon, C. E. (1948). A mathematical theory of communication. The Bell System Technical Journal, 27(3), 379-423.

Shannon and Weaver, 1949 Reference

Shannon, C. E., & Weaver, W. (1949). The mathematical theory of communication. The University of Illinois Press

Citation For This Article – APA- 7th Edition:

Kobiruzzaman, M. M. (2025). Shannon and Weaver Model of Communication Explanation & Examples.Newsmoor- Best Online Learning Platform. https://newsmoor.com/shannon-and-weaver-model-of-communication-explanation-examples/