Models of Communication

10 Diagrams to Understand the Human Communication Process

Joshua Hoering
Oct 11, 2020
Photo by Alina Grubnyak

Whenever I enjoy a song, artwork, movie, or conversation with a friend, I consider how we communicate, so I decided to learn more and create infographics of different theories as part of my studying process.

I was surprised to find most of the theories out there originate from the United States, which makes me wonder how other theories may fall short due to nonverbal or visual forms of communication, differences between cultures, emerging technologies, and stages of globalization which change how we communicate.

Without an understanding of causality there can be no theory of communication. What passes as information theory today is not communication at all, but merely transportation.
— Marshall McLuhan

Aristotle’s Model of Communication
Knapp’s Model of Communication
Newcomb’s Model of Communication
The Johari Window Model of Communication
Shannon & Weaver Model of Communication
David Berlo Model of Communication
Gatekeeping Model of Communication
Estley & MacLean’s Model of Communication
DeFleur Model of Communication
Riley & Riley Model of Communication

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About the Author

Joshua Hoering is a writer, designer, educator, artist, and speaker based in Chicago, Illinois. He’s currently working on an MFA in Graphic Design & Visual Experience at the Savannah College of Art & Design.

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