Lesson Plan

• Describe the main types of business communication channels (written, oral, electronic, visual) and their directional flows.
• Explain the impact of formal vs informal communication and vertical, horizontal, and diagonal flows on organisational effectiveness.
• Evaluate which channel best fits a given message using criteria such as speed, complexity, record‑keeping, formality, audience size and confidentiality.
• Identify common barriers to effective communication and suggest practical ways to overcome them.
• Apply a communication plan to a case scenario, selecting appropriate channels for specific business messages.

• Projector and screen
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed handout of channel comparison table
• Case‑study worksheet (product‑launch scenario)
• Laptops/tablets for email‑simulation activity
• Checklist for evaluating communication channels

Start with a quick poll: “How did you share important information in your last group project?” Connect responses to prior knowledge of formal vs informal communication. Explain that today’s success criteria are to identify appropriate channels, evaluate them against key criteria, and recognise barriers to effective communication.

1. Do‑now (5'): Students list recent communication methods used in a personal project and share brief examples.
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Define communication, formal vs informal, and introduce the four channel types with the provided table.
3. Group activity – Channel selection (15'): In small groups, students analyse the product‑launch case study and choose the most suitable channel for each message, completing the worksheet.
4. Whole‑class debrief (10'): Groups present their choices; class discusses advantages, disadvantages, and potential barriers.
5. Criteria practice (10'): Teacher models using the evaluation criteria table to assess a new message; students complete a matching exercise.
6. Reflection & exit ticket (5'): Each student writes one key takeaway and one lingering question on a sticky note.

Recap the main channel types, the decision‑making criteria, and common barriers. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding. For homework, students create a brief communication plan for a personal event (e.g., a birthday party) applying the same criteria.