DANCE'S HELICAL MODEL OF COMMUNICATION

Frank E. X. Dance introduced the Helical Model of Communication in 1967. The word Helical comes from the word Helix, which means a spiral or a shape that moves around while gradually expanding. Dance compared communication to a spiral because communication is a continuous process that develops and grows over time.

According to this model, our communication skills, knowledge and experiences improve as we interact with others and learn from previous conversations.

In simple words: Communication begins with simple interactions and gradually becomes more developed and meaningful as we gain experience.

Explanation of the Model: Dance explained communication through the following ideas:

1. Communication is Continuous: Communication does not stop after one conversation. Every interaction influences future communication.

Example: A student who is nervous about speaking in front of the class gradually becomes confident after participating in several presentations.

2. Communication Develops Over Time: Our communication skills improve as we gain knowledge and experience.

Example: A child initially communicates using simple words and gestures. As the child grows, they learn new languages, expressions and ways of presenting ideas.

3. Past Experiences Influence Present Communication: What we learn from previous conversations influences how we communicate in the future.

Example: If a student receives feedback that their presentation lacks clarity, they may prepare better and speak more confidently in the next presentation.

4. Communication Becomes More Complex: As people grow and interact with different individuals, their communication becomes more detailed and meaningful.

Example: A student initially learns basic communication skills. Later, through college activities, internships and interviews, the student learns professional communication, negotiation and public speaking.

5. Communication is Dynamic: Communication keeps changing according to the situation, people, experiences and environment.

Example: The way a student speaks to friends is different from the way they communicate with a college principal or during a job interview.

Case Study: A Student's Communication Journey

Consider the journey of Riya, a first-year BAMMC student.

Stage 1 – Beginning: Riya joins college and feels nervous about introducing herself in front of the class.

Stage 2 – Learning: She participates in classroom discussions and learns to express her thoughts.

Stage 3 – Development: She participates in group projects, makes presentations and interviews people for assignments.

Stage 4 – Growth: She joins the CineArt Club and participates in event organisation, where she learns teamwork and leadership.

Stage 5 – Expansion: By the final year, she confidently handles interviews, communicates professionally and presents her ideas effectively.

Riya's communication has developed gradually through her experiences. Each stage has helped her improve and prepare for the next stage.

This is what Dance's Helical Model explains.

Features of Dance's Helical Model

1. Continuous Process: Communication continues throughout life.
2. Growth and Development: Communication develops with time and experience.
3. Influence of Past Experiences: Previous interactions influence present communication.
4. Dynamic Nature: Communication changes according to situations and circumstances.
5. Increasing Complexity: Communication becomes more developed as individuals gain knowledge.
6. No Fixed Beginning or Ending: Communication is an ongoing process.

Advantages of Dance's Helical Model

1. It explains that communication is a continuous process.
2. It highlights the importance of learning and experience.
3. It shows how communication skills develop over time.
4. It explains the influence of past experiences on present communication.
5. It is useful for understanding personal growth, education and professional development.

Limitations of Dance's Helical Model

1. It is more conceptual and does not explain every stage of communication in detail.
2. It does not clearly explain the role of feedback.
3. It does not give much importance to noise and communication barriers.
4. It is difficult to apply directly to certain forms of mass communication.

Remember: Dance's Helical Model compares communication to a growing spiral. Just as a spiral expands, our communication develops through learning, interaction and experience.