Linear Communication Model Examples With Pros and Cons

Linear Communication Model Example Situation. Advantages and Disadvantages of the Linear Model of Communication.

Linear Communication

Linear communication refers to one-way communication like reading books or newspapers, watching television, listening radio, and receiving no-reply emails. It is a particular type of communication that excludes receiver feedback. In this context, senders convey messages without expecting feedback from audiences. The receiver cannot respond to the sender immediately. For example, a company publishes a recruitment circular in a newspaper describing the application process. The authority wants to convey messages to applicants without expecting feedback.

Linear Communication Model

The linear communication model is a framework that explains the one-way communication process. Many communication systems are one-way, such as disseminating news through radio. For example, print media spreads emergency news to readers, but readers cannot respond instantly or provide feedback to the authority. Conveying information through the radio, TV, newspaper, and book is an appropriate example of one-way communication. Therefore, many scientists designed linear communication models to explain these one-way communication processes. Linear means one way.

A linear model excludes Feedback, a mandatory element of transactional communication. In a communication process, senders transmit info to receivers. Similarly, receivers respond to senders, which is called Feedback. Effective communication occurs when both senders and receivers respond simultaneously. Feedback is an essential element of the communication process. Therefore, linear communication models have both advantages and disadvantages.

Linear Model of Communication Examples

Different Between Linear and Transaction Models

The primary difference between the transactional and linear models is that the transactional model includes Feedback, but the linear model excludes it.

Additionally, the transactional theory can explain two-way communication, including face-to-face interaction. In contrast, the linear model can describe only one-way communication, like reading newspapers.

Finally, transactional models are developed from the linear model. The linear models are older than the transactional model.

Linear Model of Communication Example

The Four Examples of Linear Communication Models are:

Aristotle Communication Model- 300BC
Lasswell’s Communication Model- 1948
Shannon-Weaver Communication Model-1949
Berlo’s SMCR Communication Model in 1960

1. Aristotle Communication Model– 300BC

Aristotle’s communication model is a well-known example of a linear model of communication. Greek Scientist Aristotle introduced a linear communication model in 300 BC. He designed the model to explain how to provide political and social speech for audiences. The model focuses mainly on the message and the audience or receiver. The five critical components of Aristotle’s communication model are speaker, speech, occasion, audience, and effect. This theory does not mention Feedback; hence, it is a linear communication theory.

2. Lasswell’s Communication Model

In 1948, Harold Lasswell described a linear communication model with five elements: who says what, in which channel, to whom, with what effect. It is another prominent model to illustrate one-way communication.

3. Shannon-Weaver Communication Model

The Shannon-Weaver model is the most notable theory in the communication arena for representing communication noise. It is known as the mother of all communication models. In 1949, Shannon and Weaver published this model to explain how signals are transmitted through channels. The six components of the Shannon-Weaver model are Information Source, Transmitter, Channel, Receiver, Destination, and Noise Source.

Shannon and Weaver's Model of Communication Example

4. Berlo’s SMCR Communication Model

In 1960, David Berlo developed another linear communication model with four key elements: Source, Message, Channel, and Receiver. Therefore, it is known as the SMCR communication model. Berlo describes five additional elements for each critical component. For example, Source includes Communication Skills, Attitude, Knowledge, Social Systems, and Culture. Additionally, the message comprises Content, Elements, Treatment, Structure, and Code. Moreover, the channel contains hearing, seeing, touching, smelling, and tasting. The receiver includes the same elements as the message sender.

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Linear Communication Examples

The five examples of linear communication are: (1) Reading books and Newspapers, (2) Watching Television, (3) Listening Radio, (4) Receiving no-reply emails, and (5) Public Speech.

Reading newspapers: Example of Linear Communication-1

Reading newspapers is another example of a one-way communication process. Readers can receive the information, but cannot respond.

Watching TV: Example of Linear Communication-2

For example, Joe Biden, the 46th U.S. president, delivers a speech on CNN after returning from Ukraine. People are watching television to hear the president’s statement. He announces $500 million for military support in Ukraine. The speaker is the sender of the message, and the audience is the receiver. The message has been transmitted through the CNN television channel. However, audiences can not respond to the speech instantly. Feedback is not presented in this type of communication; therefore, it is a one-way process.

Listening Radio Example of Linear Communication-3

Listening to the radio is an example of linear communication because the audience cannot respond. The audience can listen to news, music, and advertisements.

No-Reply Email Example of Linear Communication-4

A no-reply email is also an example of a linear communication process. The receiver receives the messages in email but cannot reply to them. A no-reply is sent from the company domain email that doesn’t receive feedback.

Public Speeches Example of Linear Communication-5

Donald Trump (politician) gave a speech at an election campaign in 2024 repeating the slogan “Save America, Win Back The White House, Make America Great Again, I was indicted for you!”. The audience listens to the speech but cannot provide instant feedback on the speaker.

Linear Communication Model Advantages and Disadvantages

The author explains the strengths and weaknesses of the linear model of communication. The linear model has both theoretical and practical implications.

Benefits of the Linear Model of Communication

Firstly, the linear communication model is easy to understand and describes the entire process thoroughly. The communication is straightforward and targeted to specific audiences.

Additionally, the linear model of communication was the initial theory that explained the communication process. The interactive and transactional communication models are designed based on linear models.

Moreover, a linear communication model is inevitable to explain the communication process through print media, TV, letter, Fax, and no-reply email.

Limitations of the Linear Model of Communication

Firstly, linear models do not represent Feedback; therefore, these models are incomplete. It can explain only one-way communication, not two-way interactions. However, feedback is a significant component of interactive and transactional communication.

In addition, linear communication models cannot account for face-to-face communication as the most effective form of interaction. Nowadays, people prefer communication systems such as face-to-face meetings, phone conversations, video conferences, and more. However, linear theories such as Aristotle’s, Lasswell’s, Shannon and Weaver’s, and David Berlo’s SMCR communication model are unable to explain interactive communication.

Moreover, linear communication is inappropriate for problem-solving, bargaining, and dealing. One-way communication creates miscommunication between the sender and receiver, sometimes leading to the dissemination of misleading information. Linear models are designed to explain the communication process that might lead to misconceptions about the message senders deliver.

Furthermore, the Linear model distinguishes between the sender and the receiver, in which the sender always sends and the receiver only receives messages. Naturally, in the communication process, senders and receivers work as both senders and receivers of the message.

Lasswell Model of Communication Examples Components & Pros-Cons

Lasswell’s Communication Model Example. Advantages and Disadvantages of the Lasswell Model of Communication.

Lasswell Model of Communication

Lasswell’s linear communication model consists of five elements: who says what, in which channel, to whom, with what effect. American psychologist and sociologist Harold Lasswell introduced a linear communication model in 1948. It is also known as the Action Model in communication. Harold Lasswell’s model describes the communication process with five questions: “Who? Says what? In which channel? To whom, and with what effect?” These are the five fundamental components of the Lasswell model. The researcher did not explain the feedback; therefore, the communication model is linear. It was a significant model for describing the process of verbal communication. The message is directed to the audience and is a form of conversation.

Example of the Lasswell Model of Communication

A news reporter disseminates news regarding the negative impact of social media on BBC television to inform the general public.

Lasswell Linear Model of Communication — Lasswell Model

Lasswell Model of Communication Components

The five components of Lasswell’s model are:

Who (Communicator / Sender)
Says What(Message / Content)
In Which Channel(Medium)
To Whom (Receiver / Audience)
With What Effect (Outcome)

Harrold Lasswell’s model, also known as the 5Ws model, consists of these five elements: who, what, which, whom, and what effect. This theory provides answers to the 5Ws questions regarding the communication situation.

Who

Who refers to the sender of the message, who initiates the communication. It also indicates the speaker and writer of the communication process. For example, the message’s sender is the news presenter, journalist, or political speaker.

For Example, A politician delivering a speech to a mass crowd during an election campaign rally.

Says What

Says What refers to the message of the communication. The question “Says What” is intended to identify the sender’s statement. For example, a news presenter delivers a FIFA World Cup 2022 news update.

Another Example: The politician’s message may include promises of development and criticism of opponents.

In Which Channel

In Which Channel describes the message-transmitting pathway. It shows how the information reaches target audiences. The channel of communication varies depending on the method. For example, Television, radio, and newspapers are communication channels in mass media. In contrast, hearing, seeing, smelling, and touching are message-transmitting channels in face-to-face communication. In non-verbal communication, the communication channels are “Physical Appearance, Paralinguistics, Body Movement, Gestures, Posture, Facial Expression, Eye Contact, Proxemics, Haptics, Chronemics, Artifacts, and Environment.”

Example: The politician’s speech may be delivered through various channels, such as live television broadcasts, social media platforms, or public appearances.

To Whom

To Whom describes the individuals to whom the message is delivered; it is also known as the receiver of the communication process. The receiver is the audience who receives the information. The sender disseminates the message through a particular channel to reach receivers (To Whom). For example, the news reporter conveys information to the audience who listens to them.

Example: The audience for the politician’s speech may consist of supporters, undecided voters, members of the opposing party, and journalists covering the event.

With What Effect

With What Effect illustrates the message’s output and validates whether the recipients comprehend it. Sometimes the sender cannot persuade the audience due to communication noise, faulty channels, or a lack of the speaker’s capability. Initially, Aristotle identified effects as a significant component of his Rhetorical Triangle model. In 1948, Lasswell included this element to explain the one-way communication process.

Example: The effect of the politician’s speech may vary among different audience segments. Supporters may feel inspired and energized, undecided voters may be swayed, opponents may become more entrenched in their views, and journalists may report on the speech, influencing public opinion.

According to Lasswell’s communication model, communication has three functions: surveillance of the surroundings, Correlation of elements of society, and cultural integration between generations.

Ten Examples of Lasswell’s Communication Model

1. For example, if a news presenter broadcasts the FIFA World Cup information to inform Football lovers, we can relate the Lasswell model to this event. It analyzes who is disseminating the information (News Presenter), what is being said (FIFA World Cup information), which channel the news presenter is using to deliver it (Television), and the “Effect,” the objective of the news.

2. Another Lasswell model example of a situation is the newspaper advertisement. We can see that the organization promotes its products through newspapers to inform customers.

3. Politicians give speeches on the Radio to motivate voters to vote for their parties.

4. Lecturers send assignment instructions to students via email to get their information.

6. An organization sends appointment letters to candidates through postal and courier services.

7. Students submit assignments to the lecturer on an A4 paper sheet.

8. The HR manager posts current company rules and regulations on the notice board to inform all employees.

9. A writer publishes his latest book series for readers.

10. A motivational speaker gives a speech on how to lead a happy life with limited wealth through a YouTube channel.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Lasswell Model of Communication

Advantages of the Lasswell Model

Firstly, the Lasswell model explains the information-transmitting process by posing five questions to the readers. The answers to these questions indeed describe the entire communication process.

Secondly, the model is suitable for all verbal communication processes, including human communication.

In addition, this model has substantial heuristic value, and the concept has been used in several types of research.

Disadvantages of the Lasswell Model

Firstly, the Lasswell formula is an outdated model of communication. The Lasswell model does not clearly indicate feedback; hence, it is suitable only for one-way communication, not for transactional interactions such as face-to-face interaction.

In addition, the Lasswell theory does not adequately explain nonverbal communication, as it focuses solely on the “Who Says” component. In nonverbal communication, senders convey messages without spoken words.

Moreover, the Lasswell model cannot adequately explain effective communication, such as the interaction between two individuals. In face-to-face communication, both the sender and receiver provide feedback simultaneously. No feedback in the Lasswell model can explain interpersonal and group interaction.

Furthermore, Lasswell’s model completely ignores the communication noise barriers to effective communication.

Finally, it is a propaganda-based linear model. This model focused on describing social and political propaganda.

Despite its advantages and disadvantages, the Lasswell model remains a popular tool for students studying linear communication.

Lasswell’s Communication Model Explanation

Lasswell's communication theory

Who and when establishes the Lasswell communication model?

Harold Dwight Lasswell’s short name (Harold Lasswell) established the Lasswell model in 1948.

What Type of Model is it?

Lasswell’s communication model describes a one-way communication process; therefore, it is linear, as are Aristotle’s, Shannon-Weaver’s, and Berlo’s SMCR communication models. The linear communication model excludes feedback; in contrast, the transactional model includes it to explain two-way discussion.

Reference For This Article- APA 7th Edition

Kobiruzzaman, M. M. (2025). Lasswell Model of Communication 1948 Examples & Components. Newsmoor. https://newsmoor.com/lasswell-model-of-communication-1948-examples-components/

In-text citation
According to Kobiruzzaman (2025)
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