This diagram attempts to show the many factors that might affect human communication and influence whether a message is received in the way it was originally intended.

It shows the heads of two people talking to each other and the many things that may influence what they say and how a message is interpreted and understood. It shows that sending a message – that is, putting it into words – is not a straightforward process. The diagram shows that messages often start out as half-formed thoughts and ideas, by showing them as ‘idea bubbles’ coming out of the person’s head. In order to be communicated, these thoughts have to be put into acceptable words. If the message is complex this may require ideas to be clarified and polished before they are communicated.

Equally, people do not just passively receive messages but actively select, filter and interpret them. This is depicted by showing a process of filtering and thinking in each person’s head. For example, if people do not think a message is interesting or relevant to them they may ignore it. Equally there may be variety of other things demanding their attention, which means they don’t listen to the message. The diagram attempts to show some of these things, for example the radio being on, the cat meowing for attention or the person’s stomach telling them they are hungry.