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 in reaching target audiences and implanting messages effectively varies widely. The second factor to think about is that of costs incurred in the channel chosen and the cost of using the method. (Rahman, 2008: 4)The cost of using the channel should not outweigh the benefit of the message that which you are sending.
Take for example you are in the business of selling meat and you want to send a message to your customers about a meeting that you will hold on the dangers of eating half done meat, it does not make sense to go round on a car and telling everyone door by door rather you would put up a poster in your shop and other areas. The third item to regard as to choosing the medium of communication is that of confidentiality, safety and security that you wish to ensure regarding the message. If you were sending results from a hospital to a patient, you would not send it buy television but rather email or telephone as it is confidential information.
Forth factor to mull over is that of the situation of the reader and the relationship you have with him or her. As a sender you have to consider the emotional being of the receiver, if the person you are sending the message to has lost a loved one you have to select carefully what to write in your message and how you convey the message. You would not send the message about a funeral to your close friend about the loss of their loved one over a message on the radio rather you would call them on a telephone, face to face, email, or a letter if the message is not so urgent.
The final factor to ponder over before choosing the medium of communication is that of urgency. You have to consider how important the message is. How complex the message is, and distance of travel. Urgency of the information to be communicated should be in accordance with the line of delivery. An example of this would be when sending a message of an appointment; you have to communicate it in accordance with the importance of the message. You cannot write a letter and post it if the appointment is due in two days, rather you would call the recipient.
In conclusion, to deliver your messages effectively and achieve a successful communication, you must commit to breaking down the barriers that exist in each of the stages of the communication process and consider carefully factors when selecting a convenient channel of communication. Once you understand this, you need to work to understand your audience’s culture, making sure you can converse and deliver your message to people of different backgrounds and cultures within your own organization, in this country and even abroad.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Biome Table / graph /picture
Slide show attached- the last 5 pages have to be completed, Please view slide show images to see what needs to be on the last 5. Plus need to complete Biome Table based off slide show. Please view attachments, so I will need both complete.
I choose the 5 :
1. El Paso, Texas 2. Mobile, Alabama 3. Eugene, Orgon 4. Fargo, North Dakota 5. Pocatello, Idaho