Question

The primary reason for combining different media in communication is to:

A) Make communication more complicated
B) Confuse the audience with multiple messages
C) Decrease the cost of communication
D) Achieve effective communication objectives

Answer 1

The primary reason for combining different media in communication is to achieve effective communication objectives by enhancing the message and reaching a broader audience. This is done by layering different modes of media to create a more impactful and comprehensive communication.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary reason for combining different media in communication is to achieve effective communication objectives. Different media formats such as television, radio, print, and the Internet have unique strengths in how they convey messages to the public. By combining these formats, a communicator can enhance the presentation of their message, catering to varying audience preferences and ensuring that the communication is comprehensive and engaging. For instance, in a public service announcement, layering text with impactful imagery can convey the urgency of environmental conservation more powerfully than using text alone. The integration of different media modes allows for the layering of information and emotional impact, which can effectively communicate complex ideas and engage audiences on multiple levels.

Additionally, the use of multiple media can ensure that a message is accessible to a broader audience, considering that different people may prefer different forms of media. This multiplicity of channels can also provide a complementary effect, where one medium reinforces the message of another, making the overall communication clearer and more persuasive. The strategic use of media can create a strong focus on the central idea, entertain and inform, and ultimately influence the audience as intended by the communicator. Therefore, combining different media is essential to fulfilling the various functions of media, such as informing, educating, and persuading, while keeping the content organized and avoiding clutter that could detract from the main message.

Answer 2

Combining different media in communication aims to achieve effective communication objectives by making the information engaging, accessible, and impactful. Option D.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary reason for combining different media in communication is to achieve effective communication objectives. By using a variety of media, we can ensure that we present information in a way that is not only accessible but also engaging and informative.

This might involve blending text with images or utilizing various digital platforms to reach a wider audience. The idea is to use media in a complementary way, where each mode enhances the other to communicate a message more effectively.

For instance, a public service announcement (PSA) about environmental conservation would benefit from multimodal communication. Text can provide detailed information and arguments, while images can evoke emotional responses and highlight the severity of the situation.

This layering of modes can make the message of the PSA resonate more powerfully with the audience, thereby achieving its purpose to inform and persuade.

Therefore, the multiple functions of the media, whether to entertain, inform, or engage, are best fulfilled when they complement each other, and when their organization, layout, and proximity are well-planned to ensure clarity and impact.

Effective use of media can sustain audience attention and facilitate a deep understanding of the communicated message.

So Option D is the correct.