What Is Aristotle Model Of Communication? What Are The Advantages?
The Aristotle Model of Communication is a linear model of communication. It was first introduced in 300 B.C. We come across communication model examples quite often. However, this model has the elements needed to reach a consensus in big meetings.
The message from the speaker is most important here. This model got its name from Aristotle. He was a Greek scientist.
The model helps speakers in many ways. That’s why it is one of the most recognizable communication models worldwide.
Here, in this article, we will talk about that.
What Is The Aristotle Model Of Communication?
The Aristotle Model Of Communication explains a one-way communication process. Hence, the model is categorized as a linear communication model.
When the communication model is linear, it automatically excludes feedback. In essence, it is very different from the transactional model. The latter goes two ways. Firstly, the speaker can put forward his POV.
However, the listener can quickly intervene and contradict the speaker’s opinions afterward. And the same happens through feedback sharing. So, due to the absence of feedback in this particular communication model, it is recognized as Aristotle’s linear communication model.
Elements of Aristotle’s Communication Model
In order to deliver a persuasive speech, the Aristotle Model of Communication is designed. It consists of 5 components, which are explained below.
1. Speaker
The speaker is the one who gives the speech. He is the most important one out here. Anything he says is primary. The rest are secondary.
There is no speech without the speaker. Meanwhile, we know that the speaker’s role is vital in both verbal and nonverbal communication.
2. Speech
The message of the communication, which the speaker wants to deliver to their audience, is the speech. The speaker delivers the speech, usually to accomplish the goals. For example, you can consider how a political leader gives a persuasive speech to motivate supporters.
3. Occasion
The occasion can be anything. It can be your birthday speech or your turn at the board meeting. Hence, the occasion sets the tone of the speech, too.
It decides how the speech should say his lines. In addition, the occasion also decides what the speaker will say.
For example, a birthday or anniversary speech will have much emotional content. But a board meeting speech will be formal and on point.
Let’s take another example of a political leader. He always delivers speeches based on the situation. He may be speaking at a social event or a campaign.
In the first case, he will use words that trigger brotherhood, amicability, and harmony. In the second one, he will use more thought-provoking words. There, his words are targeted and directed towards something particular.
4. Audience
Of course, the receiver of the speech is the audience. To the audience, the speaker addresses the speech. That is why audiences are also known as listeners. If we take an example of a political campaign, the supporters are the audience.
Aristotle’s model of communication says that the listener will be passive. However, other models say they also have active roles during a speech. Active and passive are the two types of audiences. This limits communication from the speaker to the receiver.
5. Effect
The effect can be negative and positive, is the consequences of the speech. That simply denotes whether the audience is persuaded or not. Take the example of a marketing manager offering a promotional speech in order to sell a product. Now, the effect is simply the buying attitude of the customers.
Features of Good Communicators
The Aristotle communication model finds three elements to be crucial. Without these elements, it is impossible to evaluate someone’s communicating potential with the linear model of communication:
Ethos
Ethos are qualities that make you credible before the crowd. Most importantly, ethos makes the crowd feel they must listen to you. However, many experts argue that your expertise and current position can compel people to listen to you.
It is, in fact, one main criticism of Aristotle model of communication. However, do not ignore ethos. It is indeed one of the strengths of Aristotle’s model of communication.
Without ethos, people may listen to you. But they might not psychologically connect with you.
Pathos
You must talk sense whenever you communicate. That’s the golden rule of pathos. People should be able to extract something relevant to them from your speech.
For example, in a board meeting, you can’t discuss what car you want to buy with your profit share. Instead, the board will be more interested in your plans to improve sales for the next quarter.
So, the latter will increase your credibility as a speaker. Well, that’s pathos. Meanwhile, Aristotle’s model counts on pathos more than it resonates with ethos.
Logos
Logos is as simple as applying logic when you speak. Firstly, it will help people to understand your point better. Secondly, if you’re making clear logic, more people can connect with your speech.
The advantage of the Aristotle model of communication is that it does not restrict one’s speech quality. It attempts to create an ecosystem between the speaker and the listener.
Aristotle Model Of Communication Examples
Now you have got a piece of basic knowledge about the Aristotle Model of Communication; now I will give you some examples of the communication model for better understanding.
Speech Through Radio Station
Through fireside chats, the NBC radio station (Context) broadcasted Franklin D. Roosevelt (Speaker), the 32nd American President’s speech. Directly to the citizens (Audience), Franklin explained the new policies.
Here, the President was an effective communicator, and also his speech created a strong bond (Effect) among the general people and government. This is one of the best aristotle model of communication examples.
Political Speech Physically
In order to persuade his supporters (Audience) to vote for Democratic Party, Barack Obama (Speaker) delivers a speech in the general election (context) of the USA. After listening to that, several voters decided to vote (Effect) for Democratic Party.
Advertisement On Television
On television (Context), a salesperson (Speaker) advertises in order to persuade customers (Audience) for selling a laptop at the best prices. To convince the customers, he delivers a promotional message (Speech).
But he uses a TV commercial to do that. That helps him sell some laptops quickly. Here, he used one-way speech. When the audience sees the ad, they cannot argue. They have to listen to whatever the salesman is saying.
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Aristotle Model Of Communication?
Now, let’s have a look at the pros and cons of the Aristotle Model of Communication.
Advantages
Here, the communication model emphasized more on the speaker’s role more. So, if you are thinking about developing your public speaking ability, this is great. As per this model, the spear requires an awareness of its intended audience.
For example, the speaker is capable of establishing their speech on their educational background, socioeconomic status, etc.
The manager takes 3 steps in a corporate context; logos, pathos, and ethos for enhancing organizational productivity. Now, this particular communication model explains the way of obtaining more supporters, and that too with a persuasive speech on a sports team.
Apart from that, for students and researchers of communication, Aristotle’s communication plays the role of a motivating outcome of various aspects of communication’s systematic study.
Aristotle’s communication model is also an instructive representation of the communication process, which helps a lot in system planning. This always represents fresh perspectives and ideas on different topics, including nonverbal, written, and verbal communication.
Disadvantages
After knowing the advantages, let’s have a look at the disadvantages of the Aristotle model of communication.
The 3 major criticism of this specific communication model are;
- No noise.
- Public speaking centered.
- No feedback.
Being a linear communication process is the most important drawback of Aristotle’s communication. It simply doesn’t include and explain feedback is essential, particularly for the interactive communication process.
Due to the absence of audience feedback and openness, the conversation is ineffective. In addition to all these, as it is only helpful for public speaking, its usefulness and credibility of it are also limited.
Also, when it comes to the concept of no noise barriers in communication, this specific communication model has nothing. At the same time, noise is unwanted but also a paramount element of the communication process.
Instances where you Need Aristotle Model of Communication
Now that we have discussed everything from examples to advantages, it is time to understand the different scenarios in corporate where you need to use Aristotle’s Model of Communication.
Aristotle’s time can be applied in situations where the use of effective and persuasive communication is vital. Here are a few examples:
Formal presentations
The Aristotle model may prove useful when speaking in a formal presentation. This is because the model can structure the message. The model highlights the need for a good introduction. A clearly presented topic, the conclusive part for audience contribution, and campaign message delivery.
Business meetings
When it comes to meetings in corporations, Aristotle’s influence should guide communication strategies. The quotation indicates the speaker’s need to establish a credible stance. This is through showing a rational argument and appealing to the audience’s emotions since it is important for them to agree to or support the given idea.
Sales and marketing pitches
Whether it is presenting the product or service to the clients or showcasing a marketing campaign, this model can help. It establishes a very persuasive communication. The model involves analysis of the customer needs, pinpointing, presenting logical information, and conviction techniques to influence consumers’ buying behavior.
Team communication
Under a corporate crew, communication is one of the keys that guide cooperation and collaboration. For Aristotle´s model, you should ensure that messages are simple, structured, and convincing. Therefore, this will eventually lead to understanding among team members and to a successful collaboration.
Crisis communication
In times of crisis, such as product recalls or cases of bad press, the communication strategy can be based on Aristotle’s model. It highlights the importance of refreshing and authentic messaging, addressing the audience’s feelings, and offering remedies and/or actions to bring the outbreak to an end.
Leadership communication
The Aristotles model of communication is best for leaders in a company. When they use this model, they can speak more convincingly. Hence, they can show their authority. They can also make their arguments and logic more convincing.
There are other communication models, too. The Aristotle communication model is just one of them. So, use it where it is relevant. For debates, the transactional model would be better.
But it is undoubtedly the best model for training speakers. It has elements to guide them in creating the master speech. Most experts say you need to give a persuasive speech in an office. So you need the Aristotle model there.
Principal criticisms of the model
The Aristotles model has some limitations. It also invites criticism for that. Firstly, experts claim that it is a one-way linear model of communication. And that’s true in all senses. There is no scope for feedback sharing in this model. It transmits speech from the speaker to the listener only.
The model helps make the message convincing and acceptable. But it is certainly not the ideal recipe to cook a debate. Hence, the communication model is my choice for daily communication, crucial meetings, and during any execution phase.
You may use alternative communication models in more critical areas like board meetings.
Secondly, I despise the fact that there is no place for noise and barriers in speech. In essence, most people don’t understand what was Aristotle model technically does.
It helps in crafting an ideal speech. From an organizational POV, it ignores the barriers from flamboyant or introverted speakers in the meeting.
Due to these limitations, we can conclude that the model is better for big meetings and prompt decision-making boards. You need to reach a consensus ASAP in such meetings. That’s where the linear model of communication works and helps.
Evaluate Your Speaker’s Note NOW!
I explored the nitty gritty of the Aristotle Model of Communication here. In addition, I discussed where you can use the model and where you cannot.
We find that there are many use cases of the model. Most importantly, you can use it for both verbal and nonverbal communication.
However, the Aristotelian model is best for delivering a convincing speech. The motto of the model is unique. It says that the speaker should convince the crowd in one go. There should not be any counter from them.
The elementary rhetoric triangle (ethos, pathos, and logos) ensures that.
The model is best for procedural meetings and disclaimer meetings. But critical meetings like one-on-ones can follow other models.
Post further questions or queries in the comments. For more views on other models, post your requests.
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