1. Handout 2: Types of communication media
PowerPoint presentation
Unit 304 (B&A43): Develop a presentation
Handout 2: Types of communication media

2. Aims and objectives
The aims of this lesson are:
To provide learners with information on the different types of communication media available
To explain how to analyse the different types of communication media.
The objectives are to for you to:
Understand the different types of communication media
Be able to analyse the different types of communication media options available.

3. Recap – Understand how to develop a presentation
Best practice
Consultation
Factors
5 ‘Ps’

4. Communication media – a definition
The means to deliver or receive information or data.

5. Changes in communication types
Communication over the years has always changed, both in delivery and the types of communication:
We started with:
and today we have:

6. Types of communication media
There are several types of communication media:
Meetings
Conference calls
Reports
Presentations.
Use Activity 3 with this slide.

7. Advantages Disadvantages Meetings
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages with the learners. Also consider the requirements to meet the organisation’s and audience’s needs.
Organisation – There are times when organisations require to use meetings to deliver their message to the organisation. Using this type of communication media allows those attending to meet face to face and read each other’s body language and gauge the interests of those in attendance. It also allows the organisations to question directly those in the meeting.
Audience – There may be a requirement for the audience members to attend meetings to answer questions personally and also to question others who are in attendance.

8. Advantages Disadvantages E-mails
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages with the learners. Also consider the requirements to meet the organisation’s and audience’s needs.
Organisation – This communication media allows a large organisation to provide their presentation to a very large audience. It also provides a record of all those who have received and read the presentation.
Audience – Providing a presentation via allows the audience to choose a suitable time for them to read it. It also allows audience members to communicate either as a whole or to individuals.

9. Advantages Disadvantages Conference calls
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages with the learners. Also consider the requirements to meet the organisation’s and audience’s needs.
Organisation – The use of conference calls for a presentation is useful if the audience is spread over a wide geographic area, therefore reducing the costs to the organisation.
Audience – Conference calls allow the audience to stay in their place of work for a longer period, reducing the time on travel. It also allows the audience to see and read some of the body language of those involved in the call.

10. Advantages Disadvantages Reports
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages with the learners. Also consider the requirements to meet the organisation’s and audience’s needs.
Organisation – Reports as a type of communication media allows the organisation to record who is to receive them and also ensures there is no misinterpretation of the data.
Audience – A report allows the audience to consider the presentation in the time allocated, and also to note any questions or clarification from the author.

11. Advantages Disadvantages Presentations Use Activity 4 with this slide
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages with the learners. Also consider the requirements to meet the organisation’s and audience’s needs.
Organisation – A presentation allows the organisation to interact with the audience, provide activities if required and also the use of SMEs to clarify any detail. A presentation may also provide the two-way communication channel to better understand the subject being presented.
Audience – A presentation allows for the audience to interact and confirm through questioning any details required. A presentation will also provide the audience with a forum to discuss further elements of the presentation with individuals.

12. Summary
Meetings
Conference calls
Reports
Presentations

13. Assessment

14. Questions?

15. Developing a presentation
Your next lesson:
Developing a presentation