Effective communication relies on a communicator’s ability to select an appropriate
communication channel for your message. Selecting a wrong communication channel
can cause communication complications including information overload and inadequate
feedback. The effectiveness of communication channels can be evaluated based on
richness and opportunity for correct feedbacks. Richness also known as affluence
refers to the depth of your message. For instance, the Encyclopedia of Business names
face-to-face communication as the richest communication medium. Face-to-face
encounters allow the listener to hear your message, as well as sense your tone of voice
and watch your facial expressions to determine the meaning of your message. Face-to-
face communication also allows for instant feedback, unlike communication mediums
like letters and emails.
There are many factors that the speaker has to consider before he/she chooses the
media for communication. Here are some of the factors to consider:
1. Reliability; this is of fundamental importance, it considers whether the message
will get to the intended destination. It is also important to consider how reliable it
is in getting across the ideas / message contained.
2. The receiver; the medium selected should be one that can serve the
communication needs of the audience in terms of age, education background,
cultural orientation etc.
3. Relationship with the receiver; the exact nature of relationship the sender has
with the receiver influences the kind of communication media to use.
4. Confidentiality; some messages are confidential and should be read or heard by
the intended recipient while others are less private. A letter for instance would be
used for confidential messages while memos, notices and oral messages can be
used for less confidential messages.
5. Cost; the channel selected should be cost effective in terms of time ad money.
6. Speed; the urgency of the message is important. The channel selected should be
appropriate to deliver the message within the expected time span .Speed is
usually linked with cost too.
7. Availability; the channel selected should be available both to the sender and the
receiver.
Take note
Communication process can be in two ways where it complies
feedback and one way communication without feedback