Communication:Making connectionsin a Media LiterateWorld
Defining “Communication”
Defining “Communication”
…a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior…Merriam Webster Online
Defining “Communication”
…connecting others toinformation I want themto know.
MediumEncoding Decoding
Effective Communication
InspiresMotivatesLeads people to action
Developing aCommunications
Plan
What are wetrying to
communicate?
Primary Question #1
Who are wecommunicating with?
Primary Question #2
Howshallwe communicateour message?
Primary Question #3
What are wetrying to
communicate?
Primary Question #1
What we communicateis closely related tothe nature of our audience.
We likely have differentmessages for different
audiences
External AudiencePersons who are unfamiliar with God, church, Jesus, and the specific ministries of your church
External AudiencePersons who are unfamiliar with God, church, Jesus, and the specific ministries of your church
Possible Messages/Information•The gospel of Jesus Christ•Information about the church•Information on church programs•???
Internal AudiencePersons who are familiar with God, church, Jesus, and the specific ministries of your church
Internal AudiencePersons who are familiar with God, church, Jesus, and the specific ministries of your church
Primary goal is to inform church goers of the programs and ministries of the church and motivate them to active discipleship.
A theological aside…
What did Jesus spend his time and energy
communicating about?
Who are wecommunicating with?
Primary Question #2
External Audiences
NeighborsSeekersVisitorsPress
External Audiences
How do we design our communication so that persons unfamiliar with the church can comprehend?
External Audiences
Know your audience…Chamber of CommerceCommunity DemographicsConversationsGenerational Theory
External Audiences
Know your audience…
Perceptwww.link2learn.com
Internal Audiences
MembersFamilyVisitors
Internal Audiences
Never Assume!