Communication

Communication Channels

Communication Channels Jonathan Poland

A communication channel refers to the various means of transmitting information and messages between individuals or organizations. There are many different types of communication channels that can be used, including:

  1. Verbal: Verbal communication channels involve spoken or written language and can include face-to-face conversation, phone calls, video conferencing, and messaging apps.
  2. Nonverbal: Nonverbal communication channels involve body language, facial expressions, and other forms of nonverbal cues and can include gestures, posture, and eye contact.
  3. Visual: Visual communication channels involve the use of images, graphics, and other visual elements and can include advertising, presentations, and video.
  4. Written: Written communication channels involve the use of written language and can include email, letters, reports, and documents.
  5. Electronic: Electronic communication channels involve the use of technology and can include social media, websites, and mobile apps.

Effective communication requires the use of appropriate communication channels that are suited to the needs and preferences of the audience. It is important for individuals and organizations to consider the various communication channels that are available to them and choose the ones that are most likely to effectively convey their message.

Meetings
Meetings including teleconferences and video conferences.

Conversations
Telephone calls and in-person conversations.

Events
Public speaking and networking at events.

Documentation
Information that is documented with limited distribution such as an internal memorandum.

Publications
Information that is published with wide distribution such as books, research papers, blogs, newspapers and magazines.

Messages
Point-to-point information exchanges between people and groups such as email.

Graphics
Graphics such as posters, billboards and signs.

Audio
Audio such as radio and podcasts.

Video
Video such as film, television and streaming video.

Social Media & Digital Communities
Digital tools for communicating, sharing and producing content.

Application Software
Software with user interfaces such as a sales automation platform or mobile app.

Games
Games and virtual environments.

Data
Reports, dashboards and analytics tools.

Advertising
Services that allow you to deliver messages where they are likely to be noticed by your target audience.

What is Risk Communication?

What is Risk Communication? Jonathan Poland

Risk communication involves informing people about potential hazards and the steps that can be taken to prevent or mitigate those risks. This process can include providing warnings, disclosing information, and engaging in two-way communication to effectively manage and address risk. The following are illustrative examples.

Disasters
A government agency calculates the risk of an earthquake based on the frequency of historical earthquakes in a region. They regularly communicate the risks to the public in a variety of media in order to encourage preparation such as earthquake resistant construction.

Health
A product that is known to be unhealthy is required to display a warning on its label in a particular country, province or state.

Environment
A city warns of forecast poor air quality and communicates restrictions put in place to mitigate the situation.

Safety
A construction company conducts mandatory annual safety training for all employees that includes a breakdown of the most common safety risks related to different types of construction sites. Training is aimed at creating awareness of common risks and communicates actions that can be taken to reduce risk.

Financial Risk
A financial advisor accurately communicates investing risks to clients including factors such as volatility, liquidity risk, concentration risk and the risk profile of an asset or security.

Project Risk
A project manager communicates a risk management plan to stakeholders. All stakeholders are given an opportunity to identify risks and provide ideas for reducing risk. Risk owners are asked to sign off on the risk management plan. As new risks are identified, the process repeats.

Business Risk
A purchasing manager at a manufacturing company warns operations and marketing teams of a possible shortage of parts due to supply chain disruptions.

Moment of Risk
A telecom company warns its corporate customers of maintenance to network infrastructure that may impact performance or result in downtime.

Learn More
Figure of Merit Jonathan Poland

Figure of Merit

A figure of merit (FOM) is a value used to evaluate the performance of a system or device. It is…

Ecotax Jonathan Poland

Ecotax

An ecotax is a tax levied on activities that have a negative impact on the environment. It is intended to…

Chaos Theory Jonathan Poland

Chaos Theory

Chaos theory is a branch of mathematics that studies the behavior of complex systems and the impact of small changes…

Call To Action Jonathan Poland

Call To Action

A call to action (CTA) is a phrase or statement that is used to encourage a specific response or action…

BATNA Jonathan Poland

BATNA

BATNA, or best alternative to a negotiated agreement, is the course of action that a party in a negotiation would…

Hyperinflation Jonathan Poland

Hyperinflation

Hyperinflation is a situation in which there is a rapid and significant increase in the price of goods and services,…

In-Store Marketing Jonathan Poland

In-Store Marketing

In-store marketing refers to the use of physical retail locations, such as stores and showrooms, as a platform for marketing…

Fiduciary Duty Jonathan Poland

Fiduciary Duty

Fiduciary duty refers to the legal obligation of one party to act in the best interests of another party. This…

Operations 101 Jonathan Poland

Operations 101

Business operations refer to the processes and activities that are involved in the production of goods and services in an…

Content Database

Search over 1,000 posts on topics across
business, finance, and capital markets.

Market Environment Jonathan Poland

Market Environment

The market environment refers to all of the factors that can impact a company’s strategy, decision making, and tactics. This…

What is Jevons Effect? Jonathan Poland

What is Jevons Effect?

Jevons paradox, also known as the Jevons effect, is a phenomenon in which an increase in the efficiency of resource…

Dismissing Employees Jonathan Poland

Dismissing Employees

Letting go (aka firing) employees is a difficult and sensitive task, and it’s important to handle it with care and…

What are Project Estimates? Jonathan Poland

What are Project Estimates?

Project estimates are used to predict the costs, task completion times, and resource needs for a project, often broken down…

Beautiful Words Jonathan Poland

Beautiful Words

Beautiful words are words that have a mysterious, wondrous, or charming quality. They can also have a dark or conflicted…

Ecotax Jonathan Poland

Ecotax

An ecotax is a tax levied on activities that have a negative impact on the environment. It is intended to…

What is a One Stop Shop? Jonathan Poland

What is a One Stop Shop?

A one stop shop is a business that offers a wide range of products and services from a single location,…

Internal Branding Jonathan Poland

Internal Branding

Internal branding involves creating a strong brand identity within the company itself, rather than just focusing on marketing to customers.…

Final Offer Jonathan Poland

Final Offer

A final offer, also known as a best and final offer, is a negotiation tactic in which a party submits…