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!