The most common medium choice we need to make is between writing and speaking.

Qs: Based on your own personal experience, which do you prefer? Why?

After responses: Take a minute to read through the table.

Qs: Any questions or things you want to add?

Coming back to our examples – the medium we have chosen is a meeting (verbal).

IN YOUR exercise material: Consider each situation, what are alternatives we should have considered when we set up both meetings? Consider both the preference of our counterpart and the pros and cons of writing and speaking.

Ultimately, the decision will change based on the person and the situation – each will be unique.

Qs: What did you think?

Generally we should have considered:

-In both situations, the audience likely would have preferred some up front communication via email (at least distribution of the materials), so that they could prepare and review

-CFO / Mgr.: May have a number of responsibilities throughout the day, would prefer some time to review prior to discussion.

-Colleague: Perhaps all the questions could have been responded to via email, as opposed to anything in person. However you might know your colleague well, and know they like to take a 15 minute coffee break each afternoon and would enjoy having a discussion throughout that time.