The vast majority of messages you send and receive in the workplace are quite simple. However, sometimes the message you need to transmit is difficult, unusual, or especially important. For these kinds of messages, the richer the channel, the better. Before sending a message, answer these questions.

What is the goal of the message? What specific action do you want to achieve? Determine who should receive the message. Plan how you will encode the message so that it will be understood. Select the appropriate words and channel(s) for the audience and situation. When will the message be transmitted? Timing is important. Where? Decide where the message will be transmitted (setting).