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.

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