Communicating a Message

This is an important action if someone else is to be made aware of what the message is. Effective communication helps to spread the message, with there being many ways in which communication can take place, typically being grouped into three categories: 1. Spoken; 2. Written; 3. Visual. A combination of methods can often enhance the effectiveness of a message being understood.

Choosing the most appropriate method, or range of methods, will depend upon exactly what is to be achieved. If you are gathering information about people's awareness of a subject, then a questionnaire could be a good starting point. Publishing the results of a questionnaire will help towards promoting awareness of the issue concerned and depending on its purpose might, for example, help encourage others to be more involved, more responsible or considerate in their actions, change habits, or inform others of how they are contributing to a positive outcome.

Examples of the different methods within these categories are:

Spoken:
1. MP3 file on web or for download.
2. Podcast.
3. Conversation/Talk.
4. Lecture.
5. Discussion/Debate.
6. Meetings: Formal / Informal.
7. Radio Broadcasting.
8. Interviews: Radio/TV.
9. Mobile Phone / Telephone.
10. Poetry.

Written:
1. Website.
2. Web Blog.
3. Twitter.
4. Facebook.
5. Report.
6. Leaflet.
7. Newspaper.
8. Magazine.
9. Flyer.
10. Quizzes.
11. Questionnaire.
12. Crib Sheets.
13. Newsletter.
14. Personal Notes.
15. Text Message.
16. E-mail.

Visual
1. Web media, e.g. YouTube.
2. PowerPoint.
3. Posters.
4. Stickers.
5. Flashcards.
6. Notice Board.
7. Sign Language.
8. Games.
9. Diagrams / Charts.
10. Models: 3D.
11. Displays.
12. Demonstration.
13. Photographs.
14. Television.
15. Skype / Video phone (for individuals).
16. Video conferencing (for groups).