comm_and_you

The Competent Communication Model

Though the linear and interaction models help illustrate the communication process, neither captures the complex process of competent communication that we talked about in the preceding section (Wiemann & Backlund, 1980).

To illustrate this complex process, we developed a model of communication that shows effective and appropriate communication (see Figure 1.3). This competent communication model is transactional: the individuals (or groups or organizations) communicate simultaneously, sending and receiving messages (verbally and nonverbally) at the same moment—and all this takes place within three contexts: relational, situational, and cultural.²

² The competent communication model is based on the research of John Wiemann (1977) and the Wiemann Competence Model (Wiemann & Wiemann, 1992).

FIGURE 1.3 Competent Communication Model

In this model, arrows show the links between communication behaviors by representing messages being sent and received. In face-to-face communication, the behaviors of both communicators influence each individual at the same time. For example, Cliff smiles and nods at Jalissa without saying anything as Jalissa talks about the meeting she hosted for her book club. Through these behaviors, Cliff is sending messages of encouragement while receiving her verbal messages. Jalissa is sending all sorts of messages about the book she chose for that week’s discussion, as well as the foods she selected and the way she prepared for the get-together. But she is also receiving messages from Cliff that she interprets as positive interest. Both Cliff and Jalissa are simultaneously encoding (sending) and simultaneously decoding (receiving) communication behavior.

This transaction changes slightly with different types of communication. For example, in a mediated form of communication—a Facebook wall posting or texting, for example—the sending and receiving of messages may not be simultaneous. In such cases, the communicators are more likely to take turns or time may elapse between messages. In mass media such as TV or radio, feedback may be even more limited and delayed—audience reactions to a TV show are typically gauged only by Nielsen ratings (how many people watched) or by comments posted by fans on blogs or Twitter.

The competent communication model takes into account not only the transactional nature of communication but also the role of communicators themselves—their internal thoughts and influences as well as the various contexts in which they operate. There are four main spheres of influence at play in the competent communication model:

The communicators. Two individuals are shown in Figure 1.3, but many variations are possible: an individual speaking to a live audience, multiple individuals in a group communicating, and so on.
The relationships among the communicators.
The situation in which the communication occurs.
The cultural setting that frames the interaction.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these influences.