October 4, 2024
Internal Communication in Business: Channels of Distributing Message

Corporate communication is divided into 2 categories like, internal communication and external communication. Both of these methods are highly essential for any business or organization to achieve planned objectives. When it comes to internal communication, it has a specific group of audience including employees, management, share & stock holders, etc. So, it is critical to understand various types of communication required, tools that work for these categories, and the style of message to be delivered. In addition to this, it is important to find out appropriate channels for distributing messages. This could be the biggest consideration for making internal communication effective. Let’s discuss about some of the promising channels of distributing message within the organization.

Channels of distributing message:

Print medium

Printed materials including desk calendars, magazines, posters, diary, communication toolkit, printed newsletters, desk drops are very effective if designed in a catchy way. Based on available fund, quality should also be ensured for longer or desired self-life of the material.

Electronic medium

Now-a-days, electronic medium is very popular in terms of message design and delivery. Messages can be delivered through email, intranet, video conferences, chat rooms, news feed, social media, blogs, e-newsletters, storage devices like, CDs, DVD, pen drives, etc., text messaging through SMS, voice calls and many more.

Utilizing office space

Utilizing workspace, message can be delivered effectively. If the office has notice board, LCD/LED screen, projectors, window decals or any other accessory, that can be used for placing intended information.

Inter personal method

Face-to-face conversation is considered as the best medium of communication. Here, one can deliver message to one person or to a group directly. Physical presence of employees matters a lot while delivering information. In this method, channels like team meetings, briefings, site visit, round table discussion, orientation, etc. can be done.

How to select an appropriate channel?

Channel based on audience: Understanding the organization preference on audience engagement is primary. The next criteria should be knowing them and their location. The third criteria should be the preference of audience in terms of information access.

Channel availability: It is highly imperative to plan a message as per the available channels within the organization. It is important to understand the existing channels as well as the new channels to be introduced.

Channel based on content: while selecting a channel, care should be taken with respect to content. If it is a matter related to employee promotion related discussion, personal donation related discussion, face-to-face or meeting may not be the appropriate medium. So understanding the context of the message is essential.

Channel based on time and need: Message delivery should be on time and as per need. If the message is very urgent, some quick and easy methods should be selected for better dissemination.

In this way, professionals engaged in internal communication should select channels of distributing a message within the organization. An annual plan shall be prepared as per the company/organization communication needs.