Communication Channels (With Outilne Format)

I.

(A. Thesis) There are several communication channels that are used to convey an idea. Among the most effective of these channels are: (B. Point 1) face-to-face communication, (C. Point 2) teleconferencing, (D. Point 3) written communication, and (D. Point 4) use of the telephone and voice mail. (F. Transition) All of which are useful in communicating ideas much more clearly.

II.

(Point 1) Face to face communication

(1. Lead) Which leads to the first point of face-to-face communication. This is perhaps the most effective channel of communication because it allows the speaker(s) to communicate an idea at a level that is understandable and clear to the listener. One advantage of face to face communication is speed, which allows the listener to retain the information presented at a much quicker speed than if they were to read the same information and take time to process it.

(2. Example) Face to face communication can be used in several different settings; whether it be in a one-on-one meeting (scheduled or spur-of-the-moment), in small groups of people, gathering spontaneously, or in formal meetings. All of which require face-to-face communication. Sometimes this channel of communicating can be quite beneficial in certain aspects of formal meetings. In a large corporation new policies are rolled out on a regular basis, whether to keep up with the demands of a competitive industry, or to comply with new laws and Federal guidelines. Inevitably, there will be questions regarding the new policy and how to put it into place. Now, if the new policy was communicated through an e-mail, confusion would reign supreme and the policy may not be carried out as intended. But if the policy is presented in a formal meeting, an open forum may allow employees to compensate for confusion, and clarify upon certain subjects that are unclear.

(3. Quote) As the text states, "(an) advantage of face-to-face communication is the control it gives you as the speaker." (Communicating at Work pg. 25) This control that is mentioned is one of the most important factors in face-to-face communicating because it allows the speaker to persuade their audience in a more effective manner, and address their various concerns. (4. Transition) Although face-to-face communication has many advantages, it isn't always the best approach because of the difficulty of arranging personal meetings.

(Point 2) Teleconferencing

(1. Lead) Because face-to-face communication is not always the most feasible or cost effective way to convey a message, especially when large groups are involved that cover large areas, a more cost effective approach could be teleconferencing.

(2. Example) Large companies such as Morgan Stanley have offices in virtually every state, and even in other countries. And because of the large area that they cover, making time available for face-to-face communication would not only be expensive, but also impractical. Each member of upper management would need to be flown to one location, and depending on the length of travel time, lodging may also become an expensive addition to calling a meeting. An inexpensive alternative that has in the past decade has become a mainstay in mainstream corporate America is teleconferencing.

Teleconferencing allows a group of people from various locations (near or far) to be on one phone line and discuss various issues that face their company. This also would allow them to collaborate on joint projects that they are working on, but can't work physically together on the project.

(3. Quote) "Teleconferencing is billed by its promoters as the nest best thing to meeting in person." (Communicating at Work pg. 26) This statement echoes true with the majority of the professional world because most business people are not able to travel as much as their employer would like, and teleconferencing allows them to complete their various tasks without physically being there. (4. Transition) Even with the added flexibility of teleconferencing, these meetings are not always feasible. Especially when certain parties are in opposite time zones, thus making it difficult to converse in a live conversation.

(Point 3) Written Communication

(1. Lead) This difficulty to teleconference validates the necessity of written communication. This channel can be presented in several forms; whether it be in the form of a letter, memo, bulletins, and reports. (2. Example) One of the most common forms of written communication in the work place would be the memo. Generally speaking, it is more cost effective to send out an interoffice memorandum than to call a formal meeting to order (thus causing productivity to decrease). This allows the company's employees to be informed regarding a subject, but without interfering with their productivity. The memo is generally used to communicate a small change in policy, or to update employees on the company's overall performance.

(3. Quote) The beauty of written communication is that "unlike speech, written communication is permanent. Once your words are on down on paper, they are saved for future reference." (Communicating at Work pg. 27) This can be a great benefit to assisting employees in their jobs, or it can also be a great embarrassment if the message is personal.

Ron Compton,