What Is Aristotle's Model of Communication?: August 23, 2021 Lesson 2

August 23, 2021
Lesson 2
What is Aristotle’s Model of Communication?

Aristotle’s Model of Communication is a unique communication tool proposed
before 300 bc by the Greek philosopher Aristotle. It is a linear model that puts
a greater onus on public speaking instead of interpersonal communication that
other models do.
Aristotle’s Model of Communication is the first model of communication and is

considered very simple and straightforward. It is shown in a diagram form and
in current times is used while preparing speeches, lectures, and seminars.
Aristotle’s model of communication is mainly a speaker centered model where
the speaker and speech are very important. It is broadly divided into 5 primary
elements Speaker, Speech, Occasion, Audience, and Effect.
The speaker’s role to deliver a speech is considered as the first element of the
5 primary elements. In this model, the speaker gives the speech whereas the
target audience is passively influenced.
Three Elements of Aristotle’s Model of Communication

Aristotle’s model of communication is mainly categorized into three
components that are related to each other and are considered a must to
become a good communicator. These elements of communication are as
follows-
Ethos
Ethos is the characteristic that defines the credibility of the speaker in a

communication model. It is a fact that without credibility the words of the
speaker will hold no power over its audience and thus fail to impress and
persuade them. Remember it is the position and expertise in a specific field
that gives the speaker credibility, authority, and power. The speaker plays an
important role and must maintain eye contact so that his speech is widely
accepted by the target audience. This is referred to as Ethos and is one of the
important elements of Aristotle’s Model of Communication.
Let’s explain Ethos in the Aristotle Model of Communication with an example.

Suppose two politicians Anand and Bilal are contesting from the same seat.
Anand has the reputation of working diligently for the people whereas the
other person Bilal is known for his corrupt nature. In such a scenario people
will most probably go to hear the speech of the good politician and not the
corrupt one. This is because it is Ethos that is showcasing the credibility of the
speaker or the writer. Remember it is easy to damage the Ethos of a person in
the Aristotle Model of Communication. In the above example, Bilal was not
considered a corrupt politician from the beginning but when he became
involved in a scandal people started thinking of him in a bad light.
Pathos
When there is an emotional bond it becomes easy to make a connection.

Pathos in the communication model helps the speaker to connect with the
audience through various emotions like anger, sadness, happiness,
confidence, etc. Profit and non-profit organizations, politicians, etc. capitalize
on Pathos to address and connect with the emotion of the target audience. In
the above-mentioned scenario, politician Anand will take the help of Pathos
and refer to his good deeds to create a connection with his audience.
Logos
Logos is considered an important element of Aristotle’s communication model

that signifies logic. The audience will not only be influenced by the speech but
also the logic behind it. The speaker has to take the help of Logos in
Aristotle’s communication model and present statistics and facts so that the
audience can believe and ultimately relate with him. Persuasion will work only
to a certain degree but when it is backed by rational thoughts and factual
information then the combination is awesome. In the above-mentioned
example, if the politician Anand highlights his good deeds with facts and
figures, for instance, the number of hospitals or schools he has helped to build
then his chance of connecting with the audience will automatically rise.
Criticisms of Aristotle’s Model of Communication

Aristotle’s Model of Communication has faced condemnation from other well-
known personalities in this field.
 One of the major criticisms of Aristotle’s model is that it is considered a

communication process one-way where the model is mainly focussed
from speaker to receiver. It starts from the speaker gives a speech and
ends at the receiver or the audience.
 Exploring human nature is not a criterion of this communication concept
as the Aristotle model is mainly focused on the speaker
 The model is used in public speaking and this limits its usefulness
 Aristotle’s Model makes the communication process useless as it lacks
the concept of feedback
 The first model of communication does not include the concept of
barriers and noise that are considered a major part of interpersonal
communication.
Examples of Aristotle’s Model
Aristotle’s Model of Communication has played an important role in oral

communication and mass communication. It can be explained with the help of
the following example.
Suppose two countries were at war with each other. They both had equal
resources and soldiers and still, one country was able to gain victory over the
other. An important reason for this will be given to the interpersonal
communication and inspirational speech to the audience given by the leader.
He used all three elements of Aristotle’s Model of Communication Ethos,
Pathos, and Logos to inspire the feeling of patriotism and thus could influence
his army with logic, emotional connection, and credibility. The army believed
him because of his credible nature and could relate to his sincerity because of
emotional connection and facts. This gave the soldiers the necessary boost to
handle the situation with more valor, mental strength, and determination. In
this example of Aristotle’s Model of Communication the 5 primary elements
speaker, speech, occasion, audience, and effect are used.
Speaker – The Leader
Speech – About war and victory

Occasion – Battlefield
Audience – Soldiers and other army personnel
Effect – Defeat enemy and gain victory
There are several real-life examples where leaders have taken the help of
Aristotle’s communication model to inspire and influence their target audience.
King Alexander used his public speaking skills and gave a rousing speech to
his soldiers when they refused to cross the River Indus and march towards
the enemy camp. Adolf, Hitler is considered one of the most influential orators
of his time as he could easily manipulate his audience through inspiring
words. Other leaders with some of the greatest public speaking skills are
George Washington and Barrack Obama.
Summary
The speaker oriented Aristotle Model of Communication is a widely accepted
model of communication that can be summarized as
 The speaker plays the primary role in public speaking to attract the
target audience and the situation
 The speaker must keep the target audience in mind and then prepare
his speech which will convey the message to the recipient
 It is the responsibility of the speaker to persuade his audience to his
way of thinking in a communication model
 The role of the audience is passively influenced and can be manipulated

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August 23, 2021

What is Aristotle’s Model of Communication?

Aristotle’s Model of Communication is the first model of communication and is

Three Elements of Aristotle’s Model of Communication

Ethos is the characteristic that defines the credibility of the speaker in a

Let’s explain Ethos in the Aristotle Model of Communication with an example.

When there is an emotional bond it becomes easy to make a connection.

Logos is considered an important element of Aristotle’s communication model

Criticisms of Aristotle’s Model of Communication

 One of the major criticisms of Aristotle’s model is that it is considered a

Aristotle’s Model of Communication has played an important role in oral

Speaker – The Leader

Speech – About war and victory

Audience – Soldiers and other army personnel

Effect – Defeat enemy and gain victory

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