One of the most useful things I took away from the readings this week was that in-person communication is still the most effective method. Every other method requires the person delivering the message to make up for the fact that they are not delivering it in person.
It is quick to email or text. However, if it is more effective to speak in person, it may be more efficient to avoid email/text have a live conversation. Other options are Skype, or the telephone, if you are not in the same area. But both require that the person actually be there to have the conversation. And that gets back to one reason people rely on email and text so much: because the person can pick up the message when it is convenient.
A new startup, Tango, has an answer to this that I found interesting. Video messaging.
This leads me another reality we confront daily: the sheer number of channels available for communication, and the developments that occur daily in those channels. It is our responsibility to keep abreast of new developments and develop an understanding of the benefits of each channel and when each should be employed.
When would you choose blogs over text over v-logs over social media over teleconferencing over the telephone over in-person over video messaging over…….?
Of course, it really depends on your audience, and your message, but how does one evaluate blogs v. social media v. in-person interactions v. print?
Strategically Communicating 
I agree, the process of evaluating which communication channel is most effective can be a bit daunting. Sometimes we over analyze and focus too much energy on what is the latest and greatest trend. What we need to do is pause, take a step back and listen to our key players. Listening and researching is key to understanding the needs of your target audience. If your target audience isn’t effectively reached by social media then you wouldn’t want to spend resources on building a social media campaign. Trying to keep the needs of your audience in mind without worrying about current trends is key to selecting the proper communication channel.
This concept can be translated over to simple day-to-day communication situations such as client relations. When I worked as an Account Manager, I would learn which clients preferred to be contacted via email or over the phone. This simple concept helped me understand which channel of communication would properly serve the client. By listening to my client and understanding how they need to be communicated with, I would effectively build relationships and maintain accounts.
Of course there are always additional factors that play into the decision-making process such as speed, accuracy, cost and accountability. Above all, listening to and researching your target audience, in any communication situation, is key.
By: kpokrass on October 21, 2013
at 6:05 am