Argyle's Communication Cycle

Argyle's Communication Cycle Theory: Your Master Guide for Better Results

Whether it is preparing for an interview, conversing with tutors, or having a business meeting, good communication brings success. And why not? It simplifies the message and makes ideas easier to understand. Well, if transmission is the core, one technique, Argyle's communication cycle, revolves around it.

Along with the normal individuals, experts use this model to make their communication better. If you have the same goal, even if you are a student, learning about the technique will be so beneficial. In this blog, you explore all about the model from its definition, the core 6 stages, to its limitations. So, make sure you read without missing any point. Let’s get started.

What is Argyle’s Communication Cycle? (Clear Definition for Exams)

Also known as Argyle’s communication theory, has a simple and straightforward definition. It is a two-way model of communication that heavily relies on feedback. Its major workflow can be seen as it focuses on how messages are sent, received, interpreted, and adjusted through feedback. What is crucial to see here is the viewpoint of this model, which takes communication as a continuous loop instead of a straight line.

If you are a student, you can define the model as:

‘’A model that makes communication better by prioritising feedback and shared understanding between the sender and the receiver.’’

While talking about this communication framework, a lot of question arises about its purpose, requirements, and who invented it. To find answers for all of these, you have to explore the next section.

Who Invented Argyle’s Communication Cycle and Why It Matters?

The person who has developed the Argyle’s communication cycle is Michael Argyle. He was a British social psychologist who was known for his research and unique findings. Over the period, he contributed significantly to the understanding of social interaction, interpersonal behaviour, and non-verbal communication. As Michael figured out the model in 1972, the framework is also called the Argyle 1972 communication model.

The reason behind developing this model is to challenge the earlier linear communication theories with the circular ones. By introducing two-way communication, his research has shown an important factor. It is that transmission is only effective when people observe reactions, interpret feedback, and adjust their messages accordingly.

Here is how its communication model has made a strong impact:

• Teachers adjust their explanations instantly based on students’ facial expressions and questions. 
• In workplaces, managers refine the instructions after noticing confusion or hesitation from employees. 
• In healthcare, doctors modify their language when patients show uncertainty or ask for clarification.

This is about the model, and by understanding its background, you can evaluate its depth. However, you know that Michael said that communication runs in a continuous loop in 6 stages> What are they? Let’s explore in the next section.

The Core 6 Stages of Argyle’s Communication Cycle with Examples

Now this is the best part you were waiting for: the 6 stages of Argyle’s communication cycle. The model moves around these factors in a loop and makes the transmission better by emphasising:

Idea Occurs

At first, the sender gets an idea or a message they want to share with someone else. For the higher impact, the idea should be clear and goal-focused before speaking so that it evokes a sense of conversation.

Example: A student realises that they do not understand hypophora and how to apply it effectively in exams.

Message Coded

After the idea, the sender turns it into words or a message. To make it effective, the sander chooses the words, gestures, tone, body language, and written form. A message would be better if it used simple language and an appropriate tone.

Example: The student has chosen polite and clear wording to ask for help.

Message Sent

This is the point when the sender chooses a communication channel. It could be anything, such as speech, writing, or gestures. According to the model, the channel should be right for efficiency. Face-to-face for clarity and written communication for detail.

Example: The students ask the teacher after the class or send an email.

Message Received

Once the message is sent, the receiver gets the message. This stage is important as it decides the direction of the communication. That’s why active listening is essential here to avoid misinterpretation.

Example: The teacher listens to the student's question.

Message Decoded

Now the communication direction moves to the receiver side, where they interpret or understand the message through context or experience. To avoid confusion, the receiver should ask for clarification instead of making assumptions.

Example: The teacher identifies exactly which part of the assignment is unclear.

Feedback

At the final stage, the receiver responds and completes the communication cycle. Here, the receiver has to be precise about giving clear feedback so the sender can know that the message was understood.

Example: The teacher delivered the assignment support and explained the task.

These stages seem to be the direction of communication between two people, but they have a significant impact. It improves the many aspects of speaking, messaging, and transcribing, which we will explore next.

How Argyle’s Communication Cycle Improves Communication?

Due to the adjustable process for communication, people find this model very helpful and apply it in their lives. Not just in theories, but in real life, the impact of the framework is outstanding, which is discussed below:

• Reduce Misunderstandings Through Feedback

As this model comes into place, the flaw of linear communication becomes more visible. It relies on feedback, which allows the sender to rapidly identify the message and correct it to reduce confusion.

• Encourages Active Listening and Interpretation

This model's core foundation lies in how well you understand the message, not just hearing the words. If you focus on that, it will help you improve your listening skills and ensure messages are understood.

• Allow Real-Time Message Adjustment

That’s the major advantage of this model. Even if the message is unclear, you can make adjustments through the feedback. This flexibility truly helps in the classroom, meetings, and interviews as it sparks a real conversation.

• Builds Clearer and More Confident Communication

With a clear understanding at every stage, whether it is sending a message or replying, the communication naturally becomes clear. This is how you stay confident during a conversation with anyone.

Practical application where the model is useful:

Healthcare: When the question is about patient safety, clear communication becomes vital. This is when the model helps the doctors and nurses to confirm understanding through feedback, adjust explanations, and reduce misinterpretation.

Education: Whether it is about conversing with the tutor or experts from an additional assignment help service, clear communication wins. It reshapes the questions, expressions, and engagement, leading to clearer learning and stronger academic outcomes.

Workplace: A strong foundation of a company is built around with right mindset that is developed by having clarity. This model truly helps as managers and employees use responses to clarify instructions, resolve misunderstandings early, and align goals.

Business-to-Client Communication: The major use of the model is seen when you are dealing with a customer. As their demands change in mid-conversation, you can refine messages based on client reaction and deliver what they are looking for.

Media and Public Speaking: As the model stands upon better communication, its relevance is much higher in speeches, media communication, and public speaking. With clear communication, you can refine tone and pace according to audience reactions.

After understanding the model's usage in different areas and how it improves communication, you can understand its significance. Now, let’s explore what separates it from other transmitting models.

Argyle’s Communication Cycle Vs Other Communication Models

Just like the Argyle’s model, many communication theories have been developed over the period. Now one question arises: how are they different, and why are they used? In the chart below, you will get a clear comparison:

Aspects	Argyle’s Communication Cycle	Other Communication Models (Shannon–Weaver, Berlo SMCR)
Structure	Circular or continuous	Linear or semi-linear
Nature of Communication	Two-way or interactive	Mostly one-way transmission
Focus	Mutual understanding and behaviour adjustment	Accurate delivery of the message
Adaptability	Real-time changes based on response	The message usually remains fixed
Human Interaction	Strong focus on interpersonal communication	Often technical or system-based
Handling Misunderstanding	Errors are identified and corrected through feedback	Noise may disrupt meaning with little correction
Practical Application	Education, healthcare, workplace, counselling	Mass communication, media, information systems
Learning Aspect	Communication improves with each interaction	Limited scope for improvement
Exam Relevance	Ideal for real-life and behavioural analysis answers	Suitable for theoretical explanations

By understanding this comparison, if you are thinking about which model is good, then there is no perfect answer. The reason every communication framework is good at its scenarios. Now it’s time to look at some of the limitations of Argyle’s model in the next part.

Limitations of Argyle’s Communication Cycle (Critical Evaluation)

Using the model in your life would only be valuable when you avoid the mistakes. Yes, you heard right. The framework also has its own limitations, but that doesn’t mean that it's not effective. By keeping in mind, you can make the best use of the model from the limitations which we are going to share with you:

Assuming equal participation: The success of the model relies on both the sender and receiver engagement. However, in situations such as lectures or authority-driven workplaces, the interaction could be uneven.

Overlooks emotional and cultural barriers: A major limitation of Argyle’s communication cycle is that it does not fully address emotions. Meaning cultural differences or personal biases can distort the interpretation, even with the proper feedback.

Less effective in mass communication: If you are using the model in a one-on-one conversation, then it would be useful. But when it comes to mass communication, it proves less effective when interacting through media, emails, or public broadcasts.

Simplifies complex communication: In theory, the communication seems simple, but it can be unpredictable in real-world scenarios. You have to face multiple messages, interruptions, or simultaneous feedback together. The cycle is present in a structured way, which reduces your contribution in the communication.

Depends heavily on clear feedback: The model heavily relies on feedback and the reply from both sides. It started creating issues when the feedback was unclear, dishonest, or absent. If this situation happens, it completely breaks the flow of the communication.

As you learned about the limitations of the cycle, your usage relies on you. In simple terms, instead of blindly relying on the model, take decision by yourself based on the situation. Now, it’s time to end this blog with some useful tips.

Final Verdict

To conclude this blog post, Argyle’s model has a vital impact that is more than just making communication better. It sets the foundation of trust with clarity between individuals that drive precision, understanding and eventually long-term results. Just like any framework, it also has its limitation but you can still make it better with our provided tips.

While some of you might find this model a bit difficult to understand due to its sensitivity, but no need to worry. Experts at Rapid Assignment Help are here to guide you not just with Argyle’s model but also with different writing frameworks. In short, communication can help us win the trust and bring clarity, so make it better with the right assistance and understanding.

Leslie King 7 Years | PhD

I am Dr Leslie King, a PhD in Marketing from the University of Birmingham. I hold a specialization in Communication and Sales Strategy. In my 7 years of experience in academic writing, I assisted students in their research papers and assignments. The quality of my work has been rewarded with A+ grades. I can help you guide how to form standard quality assignments and clear your doubts. So, if you need support, connect with me and I will take care of the rest.