Factors to Consider When Choosing a Medium of Communication
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A COMMUNICATION CHANNEL
The purpose of communication is to get your message across to others clearly and unambiguously. It’s a process that can be fraught with error, with messages often misinterpreted by the recipient. To avoid tremendous confusion, wasted effort and missed opportunity you have to consider factors before selecting a channel of communication.
The channel of communication may be defined as any means or way used for transmitting a message from the source to the destination. Denham, (1984) defines a channel as the physical medium for transmission of a message. Barker, (1981) believes that channels are the means by which messages are communicated.The communication channel is the medium through which message signals pass. The channel works like a bridge connecting source and receiver. (Devito, 2002:17).
Now that you know what a channel is, you have to think of factors to consider when selecting the medium of communication. One important aspect to consider is that of audience. You have to consider how the message will be perceived; choose words you are sure your receiver will understand. Your choices should largely depend on who your listener is. Your listener’s age and experience must be considered. Where technical language and terms are used, they must be defined and explained in accordance with the knowledge of the audience. (Tho, 2005:3).you would not use technical words in describing automobile engines to someone not familiar with them, rather you would explain what you mean in simple terms you found necessary to include (O’ Connor, (1984):79). Circumstances surrounding your communications should also be considered carefully such as the cultural and situational context. The size of the audience is also a vital factor to look at before selecting a channel of communication. The medium should suit not only the audience but also the nature of the message. Media are not created equal, and research shows that success
The purpose of communication is to get your message across to others clearly and unambiguously. It’s a process that can be fraught with error, with messages often misinterpreted by the recipient. To avoid tremendous confusion, wasted effort and missed opportunity you have to consider factors before selecting a channel of communication.
The channel of communication may be defined as any means or way used for transmitting a message from the source to the destination. Denham, (1984) defines a channel as the physical medium for transmission of a message. Barker, (1981) believes that channels are the means by which messages are communicated.The communication channel is the medium through which message signals pass. The channel works like a bridge connecting source and receiver. (Devito, 2002:17).
Now that you know what a channel is, you have to think of factors to consider when selecting the medium of communication. One important aspect to consider is that of audience. You have to consider how the message will be perceived; choose words you are sure your receiver will understand. Your choices should largely depend on who your listener is. Your listener’s age and experience must be considered. Where technical language and terms are used, they must be defined and explained in accordance with the knowledge of the audience. (Tho, 2005:3).you would not use technical words in describing automobile engines to someone not familiar with them, rather you would explain what you mean in simple terms you found necessary to include (O’ Connor, (1984):79). Circumstances surrounding your communications should also be considered carefully such as the cultural and situational context. The size of the audience is also a vital factor to look at before selecting a channel of communication. The medium should suit not only the audience but also the nature of the message. Media are not created equal, and research shows that success