You cannot not communicate
Communication is the (un)intended or (un)conscious or
(un)successful transfer of signals via a medium in the hope that recipients
will notice them and respond, which makes messages addable or connectable. Paul
Watzlawick coined it in this statement: You can’t not communicate. Only when
there is a response in the form of an answer does the sender achieve its goal.
Messages consist of visual, auditory, kinesthetic, olfactory, gustatory, or
similar signals. Meaning
becomes clear with the following:
- Words, paralinguistic phenomena (e.g., tone of voice, speed, volume, pauses, sighs, and laughter)
- Posture (e.g., openness versus closedness, tension versus relaxation, approach versus avoidance)
- Body language - (e.g., behavior such as pose, body tension, gestures, movement/spatial behavior, facial expressions, gaze behavior, breathing, and micro behavior)
Whether we say or do something, everything can become a
form of communication if it continues. To avoid unintended consequences, we
must ALWAYS actively take care of our messages.
We have to communicate consciously.
- Target group-oriented publications and events
Publications encompass a wide range of printable materials, including presentations, articles, brochures, books, and more. Events consist of gatherings, including meetings, workshops, town halls, and other similar activities. These communication measures are the portal into the consciousness of target groups and personas. The audience should be profiled in advance so that the message has the maximum impact on the viewer. Design criteria are derived from this, e.g., comprehensible wording, ergonomic CI (e.g., consistent legibility, language, graphic symbols, color scheme, and level of secrecy), visualizations, and other illustrative materials. In addition, the messages can be formulated in such a way that they suggest further content by using metaphors and associative spaces (memories, mental models, abilities). Consider the four sides of a message (factual content, appeal, relationship, self-revelation) and assumed expectations (hoped-for actions, results, consequences). The resulting hooks increase the likelihood that the publications will be remembered.
- Communication plan
Communication planning specifies and improves communication measures. Based on the identification of information needs, activities, including content, scope, and deadlines, are defined, costs are estimated, and responsibilities are assigned. The planned communication measures are designed and implemented based on expectations and communication requirements. It provides an overview of communication activities and ensures that appropriate reporting occurs within the specified timeframe.