Effective Public Communication

Television is a type of effective public communication.

Communication is a complex process of exchanging messages through words, symbols, expressions and body language. Public communication involves the sending and receiving of messages on a large scale to and from the general public. Public communication includes mass media, public relations and public speaking, but can include any form of sending a message to a large group of people. Effective public communication is a skill that is learned and perfected over time.

Definition

Public communication is the sending and receiving of messages on a large scale that impacts groups of people. For the communication to be considered effective, the messages must be clearly and accurately sent and received with full comprehension.

Purpose

The purpose of effective public communication differs based on the intention of the message. For example, a public relations representative might use mass media to repair a company’s public image after an alleged scandal breaks out. In this situation, effective public communication is intended to inform the public. On the other hand, a billboard's intention is to entice an audience to buy a product or service. Effective public communication is used to inform, educate, persuade and inspire the audience.

Types

Effective public communication can manifest itself in different ways. Public speaking in any form is considered public communication. This can be a school assembly, a business meeting or a presidential speech. Mass media, the use of TV, radio, newspaper or any other mass-produced medium, is another type of effective public communication.

Results

The result of effective public communication is the successful delivery of a message to a large group of people where each individual is impacted and moved to take action. Effective public communication is able to relate to the individual needs of the listeners while speaking to the masses. Effective public communication causes listeners to respond to the public communications message.

Considerations

Effective public communication must refrain from biased words, philosophies and ideologies. For example, when the president is making a speech, his words and thoughts need to be portrayed in a universal way so that one group does not feel isolated or left out. Effective public communication keeps statements generic and neutral to gender, race and religious beliefs.

References

• American Management Association: "Seven Principles of Effective Public Speaking"
• US Department of Labor: Public Relations Specialists
• Yale University: "How Mass Media Simulate Political Transparency"