Select the Appropriate Channel
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
Guiding question: What is the best channel for me to communicate my message to achieve my purpose?
Questions to ask yourself when selecting a communication channel:
- Is my message formal or informal?
- Will the information in my message need to be referenced in the future? Does it require a permanent record?
- Am I relaying confidential information?
- Am I relaying time-sensitive information?
- Am I communicating with an individual or a group?
- Does my message require a response?
- Has the receiver requested the information be sent through a specific channel?
- Does the receiver have a preferred communication channel?
- Is there a cost associated with the different communication channels at my disposal?
Common Communication Channels in Professional Contexts
Check Your Understanding
Scenario 1
You have a limited amount of time to discuss a potential funding opportunity with a colleague in another city because the proposal deadline is later in the week, and it’s almost closing time in your colleague’s office. You’ll have to hammer out some details about who will write the various parts of the proposal before you get to work on it tonight.
Scenario 2
You are working with two office mates on a market report. Both have been bad lately about submitting their work on time, and you’re starting to worry about meeting the next major milestone a few days from now. Neither has been absent because you can see them in their offices as you walk by in the hallway.
Scenario 3
You are about to close a deal but need quick authorisation from your manager across town about a certain discount you would like to apply. You need it in writing just in case your manager forgets about the authorisation or anyone else questions it back at the office.
đź“ş Watch the following video to learn more about how the media (or communication channel) that you use to transmit your message influences how it is perceived.
đź“ş Watch the following video to learn how you can use a remidiation analysis to evaluate the dfferent channel (or media) options for sending your message.
References
Smith, Jordan. Communication @ Work. eCampus Ontario
Honey, M. (2019). How to Pick the Most Effective Communication Channels at Work.