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, and email.
Communications differ along a scale from richer to leaner. Rich media are more interactive than lean media and provide opportunities for immediate two-way communication. For instance, a face-to-face conversation is a rich medium because the receiver can ask questions and respond to the message as they process it. The main channels are grouped below from richest to leanest:
- Richest channels: face-to-face meeting; in-person oral presentation
- Rich channels: online meeting; videoconference
- Lean channels: teleconference; phone call; voice message; video
- Leanest channels: blog; report; brochure; newsletter; flier; email
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 media are well suited to complex messages, as well as disturbing messages, since they can provide opportunities to clarify meaning, reiterate information, and display emotions.
Bill Gates speaking at a school
A speaker giving a large presentation is an example of oral communication.
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 does not have subsequent opportunities to ask clarifying questions or otherwise respond.
Here are some examples of different communication channels and their advantages:
- Web-based communication, such as video conferencing, allows people in different locations to hold interactive meetings.
- Emails provide an instantaneous medium of written communication.
- Reports document the activities of any department.
- Presentations usually involve audiovisual material, like copies of reports, or material prepared in Microsoft PowerPoint or Adobe Flash.
- Telephone meetings allow for long-distance interaction.
- Message boards allow people to instantly post information to a centralized location.
- Face-to-face meetings are personal and should be succeeded by a written follow-up.