Transactional Model of Communication

Definition

The transactional model of communication is a dynamic framework that views communication as a continuous, evolving process where participants are both senders and receivers. This model emphasizes that communication is not a one-way street but rather an interactive exchange, where verbal and non-verbal cues play crucial roles in conveying messages and building understanding between individuals. In this context, the transactional model highlights the importance of context, feedback, and the shared meanings that evolve during interviews.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the transactional model, both participants influence each other simultaneously during the communication process, making it an ongoing interaction.
2. Verbal communication includes spoken or written language, while non-verbal communication encompasses body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, all of which are essential in interviews.
3. Context plays a vital role in shaping how messages are sent and received, as factors like cultural background and situational dynamics can affect interpretation.
4. Effective feedback in the transactional model is crucial because it allows communicators to adjust their messages based on the responses they receive.
5. This model challenges traditional linear communication theories by recognizing that meaning is co-created through interaction rather than simply transmitted from one person to another.

Review Questions

• How does the transactional model of communication enhance our understanding of feedback in interviews?
  • The transactional model emphasizes that feedback is not just a response but an integral part of the ongoing conversation. In interviews, feedback from the interviewee can guide the interviewer in real-time, allowing them to adapt their questions or clarify points based on how their messages are received. This interactive exchange ensures that both parties are engaged and contributing to a shared understanding throughout the interview process.
• Discuss how verbal and non-verbal communication elements are incorporated into the transactional model during interviews.
  • In the transactional model, both verbal and non-verbal elements work together to create a comprehensive communicative experience. Verbal communication includes the actual words spoken during an interview, while non-verbal cues such as eye contact, gestures, and tone of voice enhance or contradict what is being said. This combination allows interviewers to gauge emotions and reactions more effectively, leading to richer interactions and deeper insights.
• Evaluate the implications of viewing communication through the lens of the transactional model for improving interviewing techniques.
  • Viewing communication through the transactional model implies that interviewers should prioritize active engagement with their subjects. By recognizing that both parties are co-creators of meaning, interviewers can adopt strategies that encourage open dialogue and responsiveness. This perspective not only improves rapport but also leads to more authentic exchanges, where interviewers can better understand nuanced perspectives, ultimately enhancing the quality of information gathered.

Related terms

Feedback:

The responses or reactions from a participant in a communication exchange, which inform the sender about the effectiveness of their message.

Encoding and Decoding: The processes through which a sender creates a message (encoding) and a receiver interprets it (decoding), highlighting the active roles of both participants in communication.

Context: The environment or circumstances surrounding the communication process, which can influence how messages are created, interpreted, and understood.