Lasswell’s Communication Model Example. Advantages and Disadvantages of the Lasswell Model of Communication.
List of Contents
Exploring the Lasswell Model of Communication
Lasswell’s linear communication model consists of five elements: who says what, in which channel, to whom, with what effect (Lasswell, 1948). American psychologist and sociologist Harold Lasswell introduced the Lasswell Model of Communication 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 of Communication. 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 (Lasswell, 1948). The message is directed to the audience and is a form of conversation, illustrating the importance of the Lasswell Model of Communication.
Lasswell Model of Communication Components
The 5 core elements of the Lasswell model of communication are:
- Who (Communicator / Sender)
- Says What(Message / Content)
- In Which Channel(Medium)
- To Whom (Receiver / Audience)
- With What Effect (Outcome)
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 large crowd at 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 communication channel 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 specific channel to reach the recipients (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. The Lasswell Model of Communication is a paramount theory for understanding how media messages shape public opinion in society.
What Effect, as per the Lasswell Model of Communication, illustrates how messages can shape public opinion?
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 2026 news 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.
Lasswell Model of Communication Pros and Cons
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, Lasswell’s theory does not adequately explain nonverbal communication because it focuses solely on the “Who Says” component. In nonverbal communication, senders convey messages without spoken words.
Moreover, the Lasswell model of communication cannot adequately explain effective communication, such as interactions between 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 barriers to effective communication posed by communication noise.
Finally, it is a propaganda-based linear model. This model focused on describing social and political propaganda.
References to the Lasswell Model of Communication in contemporary research highlight its ongoing relevance.
Despite its advantages and disadvantages, the Lasswell model of communication remains a popular tool for students studying linear communication.
Additional Insights on the Lasswell Model of Communication
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions): Lasswell Communication Model
Who and when establishes the Lasswell communication model?
Harold Dwight Lasswell’s short name (Harold Lasswell) established the Lasswell model in 1948 (Lasswell, 1948).
What are the elements of the Lasswell model of communication?
The five core components of the Lasswell model of communication are:
1. Who (Communicator / Sender)
2. Says What(Message / Content)
3. In Which Channel(Medium)
4. To Whom (Receiver / Audience)
5. With What Effect (Outcome)
What type of communication model is it?
Lasswell’s communication model describes a one-way communication process; therefore, it is linear, like other linear models, such as Berlo’s SMCR model.
What is the 5Ws model in communication?
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.
What is a real-life example of the Lasswell model of communication?
A television news reporter reports on the negative impact of social media on the general public.
Reference (APA 7th Edition): Scholarly Sources
Lasswell, H. D. (1948). The structure and function of communication in society. In L. Bryson (Ed.), The communication of ideas (pp. 37–51). Institute for Religious and Social Studies.
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