rich vs. lean<\/h3>\r\n
Communication channels differ along a scale from rich to lean. <\/span><\/p>\r\n The main channels of communication are grouped below from richest to leanest:<\/span><\/p>\r\n Oral communications tend to be richer channels because information can be conveyed through speech as well as nonverbally through tone of voice and body language. Oral forms of communication can range from a casual conversation with a colleague to a formal presentation in front of many employees. Richer channels are well suited to complex (or potentially unsettling) information, since they can provide opportunities to clarify meaning, reiterate information, and display emotions.<\/p>\r\n While written communication does not have the advantage of immediacy and interaction, it can be the most effective means of conveying large amounts of information. Written communication is an effective channel when context, supporting data, and detailed explanations are necessary to inform or persuade others. One drawback to written communications is that they can be misunderstood or misinterpreted by an audience that doesn't have subsequent opportunities to ask clarifying questions or otherwise respond.<\/p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_10206\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"191\"] The following\u00a0are some examples of different types of communication channels and their advantages:<\/span><\/p>\r\n So, we have written and oral channels, channels that range from rich to lean - how do you decide the best channel for your message? When deciding which communication channel to use, the following are some of the important factors to consider:<\/span><\/p>\r\n If the channel is not effective for the type of message and meaning you want to create, you are likely to generate misunderstanding or confusion. Using the wrong channels can impede communication and can even create mistrust. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n For example, a manager wants to compliment an employee for his work on a recent project. She can use different approaches and channels to do this. She could send the employee a text: \"Hey, nice work on the project!\" Or she could send him an email containing the same message. She could also stop by his desk and personally compliment him. She could also praise him in front of the whole department during a meeting. In each case the message is the same, but the different channels alter the way the message is perceived. If the employee spent months working on the project, getting a \"Hey, nice work on the project!\" text message or email might seem insufficient or even insulting. If the employee is shy, being singled out for praise during a departmental meeting might be embarrassing; a face-to-face compliment during a one-on-one meeting might be received better. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n As you can see, getting the channel right is just as important as sending the right message.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\r\n In communications, a channel is the means of passing information from a sender to a recipient. Determining the most appropriate channel, or medium, is critical to the effectiveness of communication. Channels include oral means such as telephone calls and presentations, and written modes such as reports, memos, email, and text messages.<\/p>\n Communication channels differ along a scale from rich to lean. <\/span><\/p>\n The main channels of communication are grouped below from richest to leanest:<\/span><\/p>\n\r\n\t
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Figure 1. Meeting in person is one type of communication channel.[\/caption]\r\n\r\n\r\n\t
Choosing a Communication Channel<\/h2>\r\n
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Communication Channels<\/h2>\n
rich vs. lean<\/h3>\n
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