Understanding the Communication Model: What Comes After the Sender?

Effective communication is at the heart of successful business interactions and is something we often take for granted. But every time we send a message — whether it’s an email, a memo, or even a casual chat — there’s a whole model at play that deserves our attention. So, let’s break this down; it’s more relevant than you might think, especially if you’re studying for the Western Governors University (WGU) BUS2600 C716 Business Communication exam.

So, you’ve got a sender. That’s you, right? You’re the one who sets the wheels in motion. But you know what? It’s not just about that initial push. What follows is even more crucial, and that's the message. The message is where all your thoughts, intentions, and ideas come together in a neat package ready for transmission.

What’s in a Message?

Imagine the message as the bridge between two people. It conveys everything you want to say, wrapped up in words, symbols, or even gestures. Remember the last time you sent a text? Whether it was a simple “I’ll be there soon” or a detailed explanation of your latest project, that message is designed to communicate your thoughts to the audience — the receiver.

Everything hinges on the quality and clarity of this message. If it’s muddled, unclear, or poorly structured, you can bet your audience isn’t going to interpret it the way you intend. Frustrating, right? Keeping your message clear ensures that the recipient (the audience) will know exactly what you’re on about. This is why studying the message aspect of the communication model is so vital — it’s the primary vehicle of expression.

The Audience's Role

Now, what about the audience? Well, they’re on standby until after the message is dispatched. Once you've sent your carefully crafted words and ideas, the audience steps in, ready to interpret and make sense of what you’ve transmitted. Their interpretation and response — or feedback, as we call it — is what completes this communication loop. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

From Message to Response

After receiving the message, the audience interprets it, and here’s where it gets fun. The interpretation might vary wildly based on their perspective or experiences. They could love your idea, feel confused, or even find it off-putting. That’s why understanding your audience is just as crucial as the message itself. You might craft the most eloquent sentences, but if they don’t cater to your audience’s needs, they might fall flat.

And what happens next? The audience responds. This is where feedback comes into play! Whether it’s a nod in a meeting or a detailed response in an email chain, this response reflects how your message was received. It's a valuable part of the communication model that tells you if you hit the mark or missed completely.

What About Communication Needs?

Now here’s a little twist. You might be wondering about communication needs — the motivations behind why we send messages in the first place. These are essential, of course, but they don’t come directly after the sender in our model. They set the stage, sure, but they are more of an underlying factor that fuels the entire communication process.

Why It All Matters

You might think this sounds all too easy, but in reality, mastering the communication model requires practice. Especially if you’re gearing up for exams like the BUS2600 at WGU. It goes beyond just knowing that the message follows the sender. It’s about understanding how each part of this model interacts and complements the others — the sender, the message, the audience, and the response.

As you engage with your studies, keep asking yourself: How does the message shape the audience’s response? What strategies can I implement to improve my communication effectiveness?

Ultimately, every time you communicate, remember that it's not just about what you say — it’s about how the audience receives it. Every communication is an opportunity to connect, persuade, and inform, making your role in the process all the more vital.

Understanding this model will not only help you ace your BUS2600 exam but will also serve you well in every aspect of your career. Communication isn’t just a skill; it’s an art. And every artist needs to know how to convey their message clearly — you might have what it takes!