Communication goal:
Audience:
Message:

Media issues

To what extent ... Min              Max
is it important that the recipient is able to receive the message at their own pace
is it important that the recipient can easily backtrack and review any part of the message?
is it important that the recipient hears the tone in which the message is delivered?
does the message require a visual element to make it more easily understandable / memorable?
is it important that the message portrays movement, such as body language?
does the message require music to help create a powerful emotional response?
is it important that the message includes ambient sound and/or sound effects?

Recorded v live

To what extent ...
does the message need to be delivered absolutely consistently each time?
does the message need to be carefully prepared in advance before it is delivered?
should the recipient have flexibility as to when they view/hear the message?
should the communication process be largely spontaneous and immediate?

Passive v interactive

To what extent ...
is it desirable that the process of communication requires minimal effort from the recipient?
is it desirable to constrain the time it takes to present the message?
is it important, without using additional methods such as surveys, to obtain the recipient's feedback about the message?
do you need to be certain that the message has been understood?
is it beneficial to tailor the message, according to the recipient's responses?

Local v remote

To what extent ...
is it important that no compromises are made on the media quality of the communication?
should the recipient have flexibility as to where they view/hear the message?
should there be no delay in delivering the message, wherever the recipient is geographically?
does the communication need to take place over large distances, without the need for travel?
does the message need to be easily and regularly updated and re-delivered?

Push v pull

To what extent ...
must the message be viewed/heard by particular recipients within a specific timeframe?
do you want to avoid the risk of the recipient being overburdened with messages?
do you have a very large amount of information to make available?

Budget and timeframe

To what extent ...
is it important that you deliver the message as soon as possible
is it important that you deliver the message at minimal direct cost?

Facilities

do recipients have access to audio players?
do recipients have access to video players?
do recipients have access to PCs with CD-ROM drives?
do both you and recipients have access to fax facilities?
do both you and recipients have access to e-mail facilities?
do recipients have access to an intranet?
do recipients have access to a radio?
do recipients have access to broadcast or satellite TV?
do both you and recipients have access to phones?
do both you and recipients have access to video conferencing facilities?

to see results

© 1998 Fastrak Consulting Ltd