How to Choose the Right Communication Channel?

The following factors should be considered when choosing communication channels.

• How much information can it convey? What information do you need to share?
• If it is simple messages then SMS will work, but if you want to explain complex issues and engage people in conversation this is not the right channel to use
• Reach: Do you need to reach a lot of people quickly –
• for example to correct a dangerous rumor?  If so you need to think about a channel that has mass reach like radio, SMS or social media
• Two-way: If you want to ask questions and collect feedback then the channel you choose should allow two-way conversations.
• For example a hotline, face to face or messenger apps.
• Accessible: Can everyone you want to reach use this channel?
• For example, do people have radios? Batteries or electricity to power them? Can people read?
• Trusted: Do people trust the channel? What is the reputation of the channel?
• Context: What context are you working in? Do you still have access to communities?
• Language: Does the channel use the right language?