6-0 Introduction and Key Terms

Unit Five explored the importance of planning in communication and the message planning process. We learned that planning is a skill and learned discipline that can be improved over time. We were introduced to a basic improvement cycle; plan, do, study, act. We learned how to use this empirically successful tool in communication along with the six-stage message planning process.

Unit Six expands on three stages of the message planning process: generate ideas, identify a main idea, and organize.

Lesson One details how in Canada thinking is defined as an essential skill. To be effective and successful, regardless of our goals, we must be able to think well, and adjust our thinking for different situations. Whilst we each have a predisposed preference for a particular type of thinking, it is important to understand the limitations this creates and to be able to access the range of thinking styles available to us.This lesson introduces us to divergent ways of thinking, the cognitive processes at our disposal, and their relative advantages.

Lesson Two commences with the linking of thinking styles to the message planning process steps. This helps us to identify which style of thinking would be most effective to practice at each stage. We next focus on creative thinking: the quintessential state necessary to generate novel and voluminous ideas. Finally, we are introduced to two practical tools and techniques for planning: brainstorming and mindmapping. We learn that brainstorming and mindmapping are similar processes with aligned aims but differentiated when practiced in a group or individually.

In Lesson Three we move to the third and fourth step of message planning; selecting a main idea and organizing ideas. Having generated lots of new and creative ideas in step two, we must carefully determine which of these ideas we are going to focus on. The lesson suggests we utilize a simple weighing assessment to make this determination. The criteria of importance that we assign to create a weighting system is entirely up to the user. Its primary aim, however, should be the realization of the purpose of the message with the specific audience.

The last two stages of the process are to draft the message before revising and improving it. These stages will be covered in Units Seven and Eight.

The following questions can be used as readying activities to introduce concepts, create participation, and encourage analytical and creative thinking. Questions can be used before you begin the unit or at any time during each lesson.