Is the model of Communication complete?
Although the model was first made to improve effective communication, it is not really a complete form of communication. The facts that this model is too simple that it is only a one-way model. It can be more effective for interpersonal communication as compared to group communication or mass communication.
Communication is not a one-way process! It will eventually lose its strength to the audience or receiver who are, for example, listening to the music, looking at an art piece, reading a book or watching NetFlix. The feedback is also cutoff and is taken as less important as compared to the messages sent by the sender. But communication is a two-way process. No matter what, people still talk to each other, there is never a one-sided conversation. Even if the person chooses not to talk, their body languages and facial expressions may still speak itself.
This model is also a misleading misrepresentation of the nature of human communication. Human communication cannot be measured by mathematical in nature.
Ambiguity
There is also an issue on ambiguity. Although the audience or receiver sees exactly the same message sent by the sender, the emotion of which the sender made, can be quite different from the sender’s intention as the same message can have multiple meanings. This is because we might interpret the sender’s feelings/expressions in another way just from the messages. For example, “I’m fine”, the receiver might think that the sender is actually fine but the sender might send the message to the receiver while he/she is upset/angry. Therefore, we cannot really express feelings through text messages.
Therefore, the ideal model would be a two-way model as shown above. When communication occurs, the sender and receiver take turns to send and receive a message so as to ensure the message is delivered correctly. The aim of this model is to create effective communication whereby there will be little to no miscommunication. Communication always has a purpose. To learn, to relate, to help, to influence or change other’s behavior. Communication also occurs in context across various channels. It is NOT just “I say, you listen”. Good communication is with purpose and a 2-way sharing of messages between the sender and receiver.
In conclusion, Shannon and weaver model of communication is not an accurate reflection when it comes to the complex nature of communication as it does not allow for context of communication or even the purpose. Communication is not a one-way process. It requires both sender and receiver active participation. It cannot be accurately represented by a linear system.
Xinhui’s blog 
Hey XinHui! An interesting post on the Shannon and Weaver Model Of Communication. I agree that it is incomplete as it missing out certain elements that are important in communication. As you mentioned, ambiguity in the message sent from sender to receiver, vice-versa.
Personally, I prefer Dwyer’s Model Communication instead of Shannon and Weaver’s, which talks about having perception of both the sender and receiver which directly affects the interpretation of the message.
I find that this supports the flaw you identified in which Shannon and Weaver’s model was lacking and incomplete, and lacking a two-way communication process.
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Hi Xin Hui!
I definitely agree with you that the Shannon and Weaver’s model is not completed. You state that the reason was due to the limitation of it being targeted at one to one communication and communication is not just a one-way process. With that, I totally agree with everything about what you have said. Moreover, how you mentioned including ambiguity in your article is true. Displayed in a simple and straight to the point concept!
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Hello,
I agree on the model is a one-way model and it is too simple. YES!!! Communication cannot be measure by mathematics, it should be flexible. Effective communication is about expressing yourself to others.Quote: It is NOT just “I say, you listen”. Clear and good example,totally can relate to it .
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Hi, Xin Hui !!! I just read your blog post about Shannon and weaver you did a great analysis with your own examples. You also give a short description of the Shannon and Weaver model, which give the reader a brief idea about the model, as not all readers are aware of. I agree with you that communication is not a one-way process. It requires both sender and receiver active participation. Additionally, I enjoy reading your blog post as there are some cute and interesting GIF attached, which makes the post very interesting. I’m looking forward to your next blog post!!!
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Hi Xin Hui, you have explained the Shannon and Weaver model well and I agree with your opinion being that the model is only effective for one-way communication, due to how technical it is, which is to be expected as it was first created for telecommunication purposes. The two-way model that you have suggested would definitely improve on communication that is present in our modern day lives, as both parties will be able to give feedback one after the other.
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