Lasswell's Communication Model: Enhancing Interpersonal Communication

Suppose you're a project manager at an IT firm in Bangalore. Recently, you are noticing a break in communication within your team, leading to misunderstandings and delays in project deliverables. This is a scenario where understanding and applying Lasswell's Communication Model can significantly improve the communication dynamics in your team.

Breakdown of Lasswell's Communication Model

Lasswell's model breaks down communication into five key components:

• Who: The sender or communicator.
• Says What: The message being delivered.
• In Which Channel: The medium used to communicate the message.
• To Whom: The receiver or audience.
• With What Effect: The impact or result of the communication.

Application of the Model in Project Management

Scenario 1: Preparing for a team meeting

• Who: You, as the project manager.
• Says What: Agenda and objectives of the meeting.
• In Which Channel: Email.
• To Whom: Your team members.
• With What Effect: Team members come prepared for the meeting, and the discussions are more productive.

Scenario 2: Communicating project updates to stakeholders

• Who: You, as the project manager.
• Says What: Progress report on the project.
• In Which Channel: Presentation in a meeting or a detailed report.
• To Whom: Key stakeholders.
• With What Effect: Stakeholders are well-informed and can make decisions based on the project's status.

Why Lasswell's model is effective

Lasswell's Communication Model provides a clear and simple structure that helps pinpoint where communication might be failing and offers pointers for improvement. It fosters smoother, more effective communication by ensuring that the sender uses the right medium to convey the message to the right audience and to have the intended effect.

By applying Lasswell's model to your team's communication, you will be creating an environment where everyone is better informed, misunderstandings are minimised, leading to a smoother project delivery.