Discuss the factors affecting the choice of communication media, using the idea of media richness.

1. 1 · Open. Choosing the right medium is as important as the message itself; the wrong medium can distort or weaken it.
2. 2 · Explain media richness. Daft and Lengel: rich media offer many cues, quick feedback and a personal focus.
3. 3 · Show the range. [Flow: face to face → video call → phone → personal email or letter → notice or bulletin]
4. 4 · Match medium to message. Rich media for non-routine, complex, sensitive messages; lean media for routine, simple ones.
5. 5 · Other factors.
   • Urgency
   • Need for a written record
   • Confidentiality
   • Audience size, location and language
   • Cost
   • Feedback needed
6. 6 · Apply it. Contract non-renewal face to face; canteen notice by board and SMS; quotation by email; urgent change by phone.
7. 7 · Close. Often the best choice is a combination: talk first, then confirm in writing.

Scoring tip: Applying the factors to three or four real messages shows understanding and lifts the answer above a list.