importance of thesis in good communication

How to Write a Thesis Statement on Effective Communication

Writing a good thesis statement on effective communication involves communicating your motive in a statement of original and significant thought. The purpose you indicate in your thesis statement is the paper's main point – insight, argument or point of view – backed up by compelling research evidence. An effective communication thesis statement contains your proposed argument and support for your claim. It lets the reader know and understand the point of your paper in one or two sentences. Everything you write in your paper works toward building your thesis statement's strength. Remember that writing an effective communication thesis statement is different than writing one for most subjects; your educated readers will already know communication theory, application of techniques and personal experiences associated with effective communication.

Choose a topic for your thesis statement – if one is not assigned by your teacher – from a vast subject area with many diverse extended ideas. Examine how, what, when, where and whom in the process of gathering information for choosing the best topic. Narrow your focus if possible.

Explore a variety of research references on your topic that include journals, encyclopedias, books, newspapers and websites. Maintain notes that are detailed to help you conceptualize your thesis statement. Mark, underscore or highlight the most important data to back up your argument. Research acts as the basis for your specific, well-thought-out and defined thesis statement.

Decide whether the purpose of your composition is to inform or persuade. Formulate a thesis statement plan.

Review and analyze your notes to compose a thesis statement. An impressive thesis statement is made up of your argument proposal and claim support. Write down your thesis statement on a piece of paper. This allows you to see your thesis statement proposal in clear and logical terms.

Revise and adjust your thesis statement as you go along. Be sure it keeps the most fundamental and significant characteristics found in its original form. Pinpoint the two basics of your thesis: what your ideas relate to and what the angle of your ideas are. Make sure your thesis statement concentrates on these two basic points.

Establish individual insight in regard to your clear thesis statement. Your angle should reflect your own argument, ideas, analysis and interpretation of the effective communication topic.

Think about what might be argued against your thesis statement and refine your statement accordingly. Reflecting on possible counter-arguments allows you to consider differing opinions you will have to critique later in your essay.

• 1 Fastweb; Essay Tips: 7 Tips on Writing an Effective Essay; 2009

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Effective Communication in the Workplace

Source: https://pixabay.com/vectors/social-media-connections-networking-3846597/ is in the Public Domain at Pixabay.com. Retrieved 07.05.2022.

Effective workplace communication helps maintain the quality of working relationships and positively affects employees' well-being. This article discusses the benefits of practicing effective communication in the workplace and provides strategies for workers and organizational leaders to improve communication effectiveness.

Workplace Communication Matters

Effective workplace communication benefits employees' job satisfaction, organizational productivity, and customer service (Adu-Oppong & Agyin-Birikorang, 2014). We summarized Bosworth's (2016) and Adu-Oppong and Agyin-Birikorang's (2014) works below related to the benefits of practicing effective communication in the workplace.

• Reduces work-related conflicts
• Enhances interpersonal relationships
• Increases workers' performance and supervisors' expectations
• Increases workforce productivity through constructive feedback
• Increases employee engagement and job satisfaction
• Builds organizational loyalty and trust
• Reduces employees' turnover rate
• Facilitates the proper utilization of resources
• Uncovers new employees' talents

Strategies to Improve Communication Effectiveness

Effective communication is a two-way process that requires both sender and receiver efforts. We summarized research works and guidelines for good communication in the workplace proposed by Cheney (2011), Keyton (2011), Tourish (2010), and Lunenburg (2010).

Sender's strategies for communication planning

• Clearly define the idea of your message before sharing it.
• Identify the purpose of the message (obtain information, initiate action, or change another person's attitude)
• Be aware of the physical and emotional environment in which you communicate your message. Consider the tone you want to use, the configuration of the space, and the context.
• Consult with others when you do not feel confident or comfortable communicating your message.
• Be mindful of the primary content of the message.
• Follow-up previous communications to verify the information.
• Communicate on time, avoid postponing hard conversations, and be consistent.
• Be aware that your actions support your messages and be coherent in your verbal and behavioral communication style.
• Be a good listener, even when you are the primary sender.

Receiver's strategies during a conversation

• Show interest and attitude to listen.
• Listen more than talk.
• Pay attention to the talker and the message, avoiding distractions.
• Be patient and allow the talker time to transmit the message.
• Be respectful and avoid interrupting a talker.
• Hold your temper. An angry person takes the wrong meaning from words
• Go easy on argument and criticism.
• Engage in the conversation by asking questions. This attitude helps develop key points and keep a fluid conversation.

Effective communication practices are essential for any successful team and organization. Organizational communication helps to disseminate important information to employees and builds relationships of trust and commitment.

Key points to improve communication in the workplace

• Set clear goals and expectations
• Ask clarifying questions
• Schedule regular one-on-one meetings
• Praise in public, criticize in private
• Assume positive intent
• Repeat important messages
• Raise your words, not your voice
• Hold town hall meetings and cross-functional check-ins.

Adu-Oppong, A. A., & Agyin-Birikorang, E. (2014). Communication in the Workplace: Guidelines for improving effectiveness.  Global journal of commerce & management perspective ,  3 (5), 208–213.

Bosworth, P. (2021, May 19). The power of good communication in the workplace . Leadership Choice. Retrieved May 18, 2022.

Cheney, G. (2011). Organizational communication in an age of globalization: Issues, reflections, practices . Waveland Press.

Keyton, J. (2011). Communication and organizational culture: A key to understanding work experience . Sage.

Tourish, D. (2010). Auditing organizational communication: A handbook of research, theory, and practice . Routledge

Lunenburg, F. C. (2010). Communication: The process, barriers, and improving effectiveness.  Schooling ,  1 (1), 1-10.

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Thesis Statements

This guide offers essential tips on thesis statements, but it’s important to note that thesis statement content, structure, and placement can vary widely depending on the discipline, level, and genre. One good way to get a sense of how thesis statements might be constructed in your field is to read some related scholarly articles.

A thesis statement articulates a writer’s main argument, point, or message in a piece of writing. Strong thesis statements will tell your audience what your topic is and what your position on that topic is. Also, they will often provide an overview of key supporting arguments that you will explore throughout your paper. A well-written thesis statement demonstrates that you have explored the topic thoroughly and can defend your claims. 

For short, undergraduate-level papers, a thesis statement will usually be one to three sentences in length, often occurring at the end of the first paragraph. Its main function is to tie all of your ideas and arguments together. As you continue to present your evidence and argue your stance, your thesis will connect throughout your essay like a puzzle. 

e.g., Closing the border between Greece and Macedonia has led to unnecessary suffering among refugees by preventing humanitarian aid from getting to those camps that need it most 1. Resolving this human rights problem will ultimately require cooperative effort from local, regional, and international agencies 2. 

Statement of topic and main argument 

Further details about topic that give your reader a sense of how the paper will be structured

Building Effective Thesis Statements

A strong thesis statement should be clear, concise, focused, and supportable. Unless your essay is simply explanatory, it should also be debatable (i.e., if your position on a topic is one that almost nobody would dispute, it may not be the best choice for an argumentative paper). 

The following steps will help you throughout the process of developing your thesis statement:: 

Read the assignment thoroughly. Make sure you are clear about the expectations. 

Do preliminary, general research: collect and organize information about your topic. 

Form a tentative thesis. The following questions may help you focus your research into a tentative thesis: 

What’s new about this topic? 

What important about this topic? 

What’s interesting about this topic? 

What have others missed in their discussions about this topic? 

What about this topic is worth writing about? 

Do additional research. Once you have narrowed your focus, you can perform targeted research to find evidence to support your thesis. As you research, your understanding of the topic will change. This is normal and even desirable. 

Refine your thesis statement. After doing extensive research and evaluating many sources, rewrite your thesis so it expresses your angle or position on your topic more clearly.

Sample Thesis Statements

This guide offers essential tips on the thesis statements, but it's important to note that thesis statement content, structure, and placement can vary widely depending on the discipline, level, and genre. One good way to get a sense of how thesis statements might be constructed in your field is to read some related scholarly articles.

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The Impact Of Effective Communication On Organizational Performance

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Ambo University , Fikre Fikadu Fufa

Communication for development is a broad cognitive field of enormous international, national and regional interest attracting attention as a special field of study by students and researchers across disciplines. All those involved in the analysis and application of communication for development - or what can broadly be termed ―development communication‖ - would probably agree that in essence development communication is the sharing of knowledge aimed at reaching a consensus for action that takes into account the interests, needs and capacities of all concerned. It is thus a social process. Communication media are important tools in achieving this process but their use is not an aim in itself—interpersonal communication too must play a fundamental role.

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The main objective of this study was to assess the effective communication in attaining organizational goals; this study has been conducted for three main specific objectives. The first one was to investigate the influence of effective communication on employee performance objective in attaining organizational goals. The second objective was assess the effectiveness of staff objectives on attaining organization goals and lastly was to find out relation between change management objective and attainment of organizational goal, in Iringa regional commissioner office, Tanzania The study adopted both research methods, qualitative and quantitative approaches. Both were used so as to help the researcher to complement the weakness of each, therefore provide an extended room for triangulation of both instruments for data collection and approaches. Respondents were obtained by using Non-probability sampling. The sample comprised of 50 respondents. Data was collected through questionnaires, both open ended questionnaires and open ended questionnaires. The quantitative data was analyzed with the help of Microsoft Excel 2010 and Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software program version 22 and were summarized in tables of frequencies, percentages, correlations, regression and charts. Study findings unveiled that effective communication creates mutual understanding between management and workers which helps in attainment of organization’s goals also management need to communicate with employees regularly to get feedback and offer suggestions in other to prevent confusion about future job assignments; this will help improve workers performance and organizational productivity. Thus the study recommends organization to embraces timely feedback and proper, immediate communication. Staff appraisal should also be improved so as to inform on areas of improvement and identify training needs/gaps. Communication and feedback should include elements of reward, commendation, recognition and praise. These elements reinforce behavior which in turn motivates staff to greater individual and organizational performance.

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The study was based on the role of communication in enhancing organizational growth. The objectives of the study was to determine the most preferred communication means used at equity bank, to determine the importance of communication at equity bank, to find out factors affecting communication channels at equity bank and to determine challenges faced by equity bank in facilitating efficient communication mode. The study was limited to Equity Bank Eldoret branch only. The study adopted a case study as a research design. The researcher used questionnaires to collect data from a sample size of 40 respondents out of targeted population of 80 respondents. The researcher used a stratified sampling technique then followed by a simple random sampling to come up with the sample size. Data was then analyzed and presented using descriptive statistics including frequency tables, and percentages. From the findings the study established that communication has a greater importance in enhancing organizational growth it lead to better understanding in the bank, it improves efficiency, it also leads to effective coordination and avoid loses. However, the company’s greater challenges such as financial resources being insufficient, competition from other companies and poor management. To overcome all these challenges the company has to train its employees on communication skills and training of personnel should be put in place as part of the recommendation of the study. Finally the study suggested that further research should be conducted on the effects of multi directional communication on organizational development. Also study should be carried on the best communication type an organization can adopt to gain competitive advantage.

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There are varying views about Organizational Communication. Contingency approach assumes that organizational communication effects can be explained only in the context of the constraints of different contingencies But most thinkers opine that through communication, everyone knows his /her role place, and task within the organization and the different parts of that organization are adequately coordinated. When communication stops, organized activity ceases to exist, individual, uncoordinated activity returns. Communication is effective when members of an organization share information with each other and all parties involved are relatively clear about what this information means. Communication is not an end in itself but a means to an end. Proper communication lays the foundation of a sound organizational culture, builds high employee morale to the extent that in some cases listening the actual problem of the employees itself can give them the impression that proper action will be taken. Management has to ensure that it leaves the impression that communication efforts guarantee results.

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Communication Studies

The #1 resource for the communication field, how to write a thesis statement.

Academic writing can be intimidating, especially for an individual who is new to this type of composition. One important aspect of many academic papers is a solid thesis statement.

What is a Thesis Statement?

A thesis statement consists of one or two sentences that provide the reader with a brief summary of the direction of the paper. Rather than simply stating the topic, a thesis statement should indicate what argument is being made about that topic. A thesis is intended to answer a question, so a good thesis statement should briefly explain the basic premise of the argument.

How to Generate a Thesis Statement

When it is time to write a thesis statement, the author should already be deeply familiar with the material and the question being answered. One of the first steps in creating a thesis statement is isolating the primary question being answered by the paper. The rest of the thesis statement should be a concise answer to that question.

It is important to be specific because a vague answer does not give the reader a reasonable idea of what to expect. Additionally, the argument presented should be a claim that readers or experts could reasonably dispute. A statement that cannot be proven false is not a good thesis. Finally, the thesis statement and the paper should be fully connected. A paper that strays greatly or frequently from the thesis will lose readers.

Qualities of a Good Thesis Statement

• The thesis should answer the question
• It should be specific and avoid cramming too many ideas into one or two sentences. Vague statements should also be avoided
• The thesis statement should describe a disputable argument. If the statement cannot be proven false, it is not a good thesis statement
• A good thesis statement should use reader-friendly and accessible language. The potential audience should be considered

Example Thesis Statements

Male participants outperform females in spatial navigation tasks. This relatively short statement answers a question of male versus female performance on a particular task. The statement is a specific answer to that question. A fellow researcher could easily attempt to dispute those findings.

The downward shift in the economy promotes the election of polarizing political extremists. This statement should precede a paper that discusses how a troubled economy could contribute to the election of extreme politicians. Readers and researchers can dispute such a claim.

The convenience and accessibility of social media marketing makes traditional advertisement methods obsolete. This specific and disputable statement narrows the focus to how more modern technologies are making older methods of advertisement outdated.

Practice will eventually make generating thesis statements an automatic step in the writing process. By following the appropriate steps and examining the aspects of a good thesis statement, this step of academic writing can be mastered.

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The Importance of Effective Communication: Some Food for Thought

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Nikola A Baumann, The Importance of Effective Communication: Some Food for Thought, The Journal of Applied Laboratory Medicine , Volume 1, Issue 4, 1 January 2017, Pages 460–461, https://doi.org/10.1373/jalm.2016.021865

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Having been active in the Society for Young Clinical Laboratorians (SYCL) 2 for several years, the opportunity to give something back as a speaker at the SYLC Workshop preceding the 2016 AACC Annual Meeting was an honor. The SYCL workshop centered around the theme of communication and leadership, and I was asked to provide insight into effective communication with staff and trainees—a rare chance to reflect on the soft skills that we all use every day. These are the skills that some believe can't be taught. This may be true, but time spent on thoughtful contemplation of what we do and how we do it is usually time well spent. Researching and reflecting on this topic has raised my awareness of the importance of communication, including communication challenges such as providing constructive feedback and listening. Below, I attempt to share my findings and my experience.

Mind the say-do gap.

Make the complex simple.

Find your own voice.

Be visible.

Listen with your eyes as well as your ears.

Notice that these 5 habits have little to do with what one says but rather how one says it. Keeping your message simple and genuine will go a long way. In addition, more than half of communication is nonverbal including body language, gestures, and eye contact. It is important to be aware of what you are saying nonverbally. Even a brief moment of checking your email during someone's presentation conveys a nonverbal message. Styles of communication vary. An excellent article by Mark Murphy distills communication into 4 styles: analytical, intuitive, functional, and personal ( 2 ). Although no style is superior, effective communicators know how to recognize and match their communication style with their audience whether it be their boss, peers, direct reports, or trainees.

As leaders and educators, some of our most valuable and formative communication will be in the form of feedback. Statements such as “great job” and “well done” are easy to give and are certainly well received. However, the receiver may be left wondering what specifically they did that was great and wondering if there are areas that could be improved. When giving feedback, it is important to be positive (if it is genuine), be specific, be immediate (or at least timely), and be tough if needed, but not mean (or rob the recipients of their dignity) ( 3 ). In many cases, the person receiving the feedback recognizes what is going well and what is not, so start by asking for his or her perspective. Ask them how they feel they performed or if there are areas they want to improve upon. This step opens the door for constructive feedback without a defensive atmosphere. Formative feedback should be given in private and not in the hallway or in front of peers. And although it is often a delicate process, honest assessment of a person's progress can lead to substantial growth and improvement.

In my experience, the most underused and least perfected communication skill is listening. In professional settings, individuals with authority should listen more (i.e., talk less). I have a favorite quote: “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply” (Stephen Covey). To illustrate the truth of this statement, I asked the SYCL workshop attendees to pair up and do an exercise in listening. Each pair chose one person to be a speaker and one to be a listener. The speaker was asked to talk about any topic they wanted to for 2 minutes. The listener's job was to listen and not say a word. Just listen. As I watched this exercise unfold, I observed listeners who were struggling not to speak, desperately wanting to share their own story, offer their advice, and provide their feedback. On discussing the activity, attendees felt that “just listening” was difficult and far more challenging than speaking. This is more food-for-thought in our daily interactions.

Finally, it was indeed a rare (and somewhat terrifying) opportunity to stand in front of the next generation of leaders and be asked to provide them with a few personal golden nuggets of professional advice. Initially, it was overwhelming, but once I really thought about what I have found to be important in my professional interactions, the following came to light: ( a ) Say what you mean and mean what you say (even when it's easier to say what you think people want to hear). ( b ) In leadership and management relations, a “unified front” will make your job easier and your team more confident. Conversely, a “divided front” will do the opposite—create division in the work unit and drain positive energy from the team. ( c ) Don't tip-toe around the hard stuff, it won't go away. ( d ) Be real. And perhaps most importantly, ( e ) wrap it all up in a package of kindness.

Society for Young Clinical Laboratorians.

Author Contributions:   All authors confirmed they have contributed to the intellectual content of this paper and have met the following 4 requirements: (a) significant contributions to the conception and design, acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data; (b) drafting or revising the article for intellectual content; (c) final approval of the published article; and (d) agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the article thus ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the article are appropriately investigated and resolved.

Authors' Disclosures or Potential Conflicts of Interest:   Upon manuscript submission, all authors completed the author disclosure form.   Employment or Leadership: None declared. Consultant or Advisory Role: None declared. Stock Ownership: None declared. Honoraria: N.A. Baumann, AACC. Research Funding: None declared. Expert Testimony: None declared. Patents: None declared.

Forbes /Leadership, Susan Tardanico. 5 habits of highly effective communicators [internet] . http://www.forbes.com/sites/susantardanico/2012/11/29/5-habits-of-highly-effective-communicators/#428f682225fc (Accessed July 2016).

Forbes /Leadership, Mark Murphy. Which of these 4 communication styles are you?   http://www.forbes.com/sites/markmurphy/2015/08/06/which-of-these-4-communication-styles-are-you/#6dd000f11ecb (Accessed July 2016).

Entrepreneur. www.entrepreneur.com (Accessed July 2016).

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/images/cornell/logo35pt_cornell_white.svg" alt="importance of thesis in good communication"> Cornell University --> Graduate School

Effective communication skills: important now, essential later.

Xiangkun (Elvis) Cao, Ph.D. '21, presents during a Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition.

By Katya Hrichak

Research. Analysis. Communication. Organization. Management.

Many university career websites list the translational skills they expect students will learn as a byproduct of earning their advanced degrees. At Cornell’s Graduate School, a newly enhanced workshop series helps students identify and hone their research communication skills, focusing on communicating complex ideas to general audiences.

“Promoting Your Research with Compelling Communication (aka, 3MT and Beyond!)” features sessions that teach students how to present and promote research more effectively. Although students do not have to participate in the Spring 2021 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition to attend the workshops, the skills learned are directly applicable.

“I learned how to tell a better story from participating in the 3MT,” said Xiangkun (Elvis) Cao, mechanical engineering doctoral candidate and 2017 3MT People’s Choice Award winner . “The key skill I learned was to quickly adapt my talk styles to different audiences.”

Cao got lots of practice with adaptation as he rewrote his opening sentence 20 times before finding the right start. Since participating in the 3MT, he has used this skill of adapting talks for numerous pitches and contests, for which he received recognitions as the national graduate division winner by Sigma Xi, national third place winner by the AAAS, and a first place award by the Atkinson Center, among others.

“Without the 3MT experience, I hardly imagine that any of these recognitions would be possible,” he said.

Organizers said helping students learn these skills and their application in different scenarios is a primary goal of the workshop series.

“We hope the sessions help students in all aspects of their careers and their lives, including with class projects, fellowships, teaching assistantships, research – and, of course, job interviews, whether in academia or industry,” said Denise DiRienzo, experiential program director for the Graduate School’s Careers Beyond Academia. “We hope to help them develop skills and really gain confidence.”

Past sessions have included turning research into an elevator pitch and learning what you need to do to enter the 3MT competition. Future sessions will focus on developing presentations with an emphasis on accessibility, technology, slide design, and improved stage presence.

Each of the skills addressed will prepare students for the 3MT, in which they must describe their thesis or dissertation in just three minutes to a general audience using one static slide.

 “For Spring 2021, our preliminary and final 3MT competition rounds will be conducted remotely, so it’s a good year to offer training and coaching sessions on using technology to communicate your research at a distance,” said Jan Allen, associate dean for academic and student affairs. “Beyond the 3MT, these workshops are for all students who want to develop or enhance skills in effectively presenting in class, at conferences, at job interviews, and giving the proverbial ‘elevator pitch’.”

Alexandra Molina, a doctoral student in biomedical and biological sciences, attended the session, “How to Turn Your Research into an Elevator Pitch (and What’s an Elevator Pitch?)”. Like Cao, Molina found the workshop helped her tailor the presentation’s first few lines to different audiences.

“I consider effective science communication to be the most valuable thing I can attempt to perfect while pursuing my Ph.D.,” she said.

For more information on upcoming sessions and the 3MT, visit the Promoting Your Research with Compelling Communication webpage . Questions about the Spring 2021 3MT, which invites December 2020 graduates to participate due to the canceled Spring 2020 competition, can be directed to [email protected] .

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More From Forbes

The art of workplace communication: tips for success and connection.

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Stephen Nalley is the Founder & CEO of Black Briar Advisors .

In my experience, effective communication is the cornerstone of a successful workplace. It can help you build trust, foster collaboration and ensure that everyone is aligned toward common goals. Over the years, I’ve learned that mastering the art of communication isn’t just about speaking clearly or writing concisely—it’s about understanding your audience, listening actively and adapting your style to fit the situation. Here are some key principles of effective communication in the workplace, along with my personal takes on why they matter.

1. Say what you mean.

One of the most important aspects of effective communication is clarity. In the workplace, time is often of the essence, and there’s little room for misunderstandings. Being clear and concise in your messages—whether verbal, written or digital—can help ensure that your point is understood the first time around.

I’ve found that when people get caught up in jargon or overly complex explanations, the core message often gets lost. I prefer a straightforward approach: get to the point quickly and avoid unnecessary fluff. For example, in meetings, outline the agenda and stick to it, minimizing off-topic discussions that can derail the main objectives. Clarity isn’t just about being brief; it’s about making sure the essential information is conveyed in a way that’s easy to digest.

2. Engage fully with others.

Effective communication is about listening as much as talking. Active listening involves paying full attention to the speaker, understanding their message and responding thoughtfully. Don't just hear the words, but rather engage with the content and the intent behind those words.

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In my early career, I often found myself eager to jump in with my own ideas, sometimes cutting others off or thinking about my response instead of truly listening. I learned the hard way that this approach can lead to missed information and even hurt feelings. Now, I make a conscious effort to listen without interrupting, and I encourage others to do the same. When people feel heard, they’re more likely to contribute openly, which can lead to richer discussions and better outcomes.

3. Tailor your communication style.

Different people respond to different communication styles, and part of being an effective communicator is knowing how to adapt your approach. Some colleagues may prefer direct, to-the-point conversations, while others might appreciate a more collaborative and detailed discussion. Understanding your audience can allow you to adjust your style accordingly, ensuring that your message is received as intended.

I’ve worked with a wide range of personalities, from those who thrive on quick, decisive meetings to those who need more time to discuss and process information. I’ve learned that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. For example, with analytical team members, I provide data and detailed explanations, whereas with others, a summary might suffice. Adapting my communication style to fit my audience has been one of the most valuable skills I’ve developed in my career.

4. Actions speak louder than words.

Non-verbal cues—such as body language, eye contact and tone of voice—play a significant role in communication. They can reinforce what you’re saying or completely undermine it. Being mindful of your non-verbal signals can enhance your message and ensure that your words are taken seriously.

I once worked with a manager who had a habit of crossing his arms and looking away when speaking to his team, even though his words were encouraging. This disconnect between his verbal and non-verbal communication often left the team feeling unsure of his true intentions. From this, I realized the importance of aligning body language with the message. Small actions like making an effort to maintain eye contact, offering a smile and keeping an open posture when communicating can make a big difference in how others perceive you.

5. Give and receive feedback generously.

Providing and receiving feedback are also important parts of workplace communication. Effective feedback should be constructive, specific and delivered in a way that motivates rather than discourages. It’s equally important to be open to feedback from others, using it as an opportunity to learn and improve.

I’ve seen feedback go wrong when it’s too vague or overly critical without offering solutions. I believe feedback should be framed positively and focused on growth. For instance, instead of saying, “This report is poorly written,” a more effective approach might be, “I think we can make this report stronger by clarifying these points.” On the flip side, being receptive to feedback—even when it’s hard to hear—has helped me grow professionally. Try to view feedback not as criticism, but as a tool for development.

6. Demonstrate consistency and follow-through.

Consistency in communication builds trust and reliability. When you consistently communicate well and follow through on your commitments, it reinforces your credibility and can help you build stronger relationships within the workplace.

In my experience, nothing erodes trust faster than inconsistency—saying one thing and doing another. I always strive to be consistent in my messaging and actions. For example, if I commit to providing an update by the end of the week, I want to make sure I follow through, even if the update is just to say there’s no new information. Consistency shows reliability, which is key to effective communication and strong working relationships.

Effective communication is an ongoing practice that requires awareness, adaptability and a willingness to engage fully with others. By focusing on clarity, active listening, tailored approaches, non-verbal cues, constructive feedback and consistency, you can enhance your communication skills and contribute to a more collaborative and productive workplace. In my personal experience, practicing these communication habits regularly can lead to meaningful and lasting professional relationships.

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178 Communication Research Topics For Your Paper

Imagine what the world would be without communication! How would we get along? I guess there would be no sense in existing after all. That is just a tiny snippet of how important communication is in everyday life. Exchanging information is a key component of coexistence as it creates order and a sense of satisfaction in the end.

However, communication as a discipline cuts across all other niches in the academic world. Students from an Engineering course would also take up communication as a unit of study. Students delve into the transmission, representation, reception, and decoding of information communicated to a greater extent.

Situations When You May Need To Write A Communication Paper

Various scenarios call for a communication paper either as an assignment or a research project in college. The communication papers needed for every situation vary in format and outline. Here are some of the cases when communication papers are necessary:

When writing a resume or cover letter In presentations and reports Internal or external communication in a company Writing a thesis statement

When writing communication papers in these different scenarios, students can develop the following aspects:

Understand the various communication phenomena Ability to direct communication messages towards accomplishing individual and organizational goals Understand various types of communication such as rhetoric, interpersonal or organizational

Such an assignment is peculiar because it deals with students’ communication processes. Therefore, the student can easily relate a communication assignment to the real-world environment.

You will have to conduct extensive digging before writing your paper like any other research project. In writing a communication research paper, you will benefit from the importance of communication in general, such as building better relationships and finding the right solutions to various problems.

It takes a lot of time to create a high-quality writing, so you have all the right to ask dissertation writers for hire to help.

Guidelines On Structure And Step By Step Tips On Writing

To have an award-winning communication paper, you need to understand that structure is always at the heart of it all. A great communication paper follows the structure below:

Solid intro : Begin by presenting a captivating introduction by highlighting the facts, questions, or problems that you will explore in the body. The reader should find more than a million reasons to proceed with your essay by reading the first two lines. A strong thesis statement is also necessary for the introduction. An insightful literature review : It shows the theoretical basis of your research project, thus giving it validity. An in-depth literature review will give room for exploration and further research. Main body : This is where we expect to find all your findings, methodological steps, concepts, analyses, and the outcome. Discussion and conclusion : Depending on your professor’s instructions, you can divide this into two parts or put it as one. In either case, this section will consist of the strengths and weaknesses of your research and any future development or improvements. You could also compare the results found in your research with what other authors have discovered.

Provided you have all your facts at hand, a communication research paper will be the easiest you will ever handle in college. Nonetheless, you can order a custom paper from various online writing experts.

If you want to make an impression with your communication research paper, here are some tips to consider:

Select a thought-provoking and captivating research topic Have a working outline with all the arguments and examples/evidence in place Ensure that you exhaust reading all the possible research materials on your topic Such papers are always in the first person except in unique cases

You can review some of the samples on our essay writer to familiarize yourself with the structure and outline of a communication research paper.

Let’s now explore 178 of the hottest communication research topics to ace your project:

Top Interpersonal Communication Research Topics

• Evaluate the different relational patterns of interaction theory
• How to achieve coordinated management of meaning
• Discuss the fundamentals of pedagogical communication
• How does technology relate to interpersonal communication?
• Key constructs of openness and closeness
• Establishing identities in the identity management theory
• Evaluate the contribution of interpersonal communication scholars
• How mental representations influence how people interpret information
• Conceptualizing the process of social interaction
• Discuss the various behavioral interaction patterns among siblings
• Why do individuals modify their communicative behavior?
• Describe why new environments present a challenge for most people to communicate effectively
• The role of eye contact and gestures in interpersonal communication
• Varying effects of nonverbal and verbal acts of interpersonal communication
• Effects of different cultures on interpersonal communication strategies

World-Class Communication Research Topics For College Students

• Understanding the historical research methods in communication
• Discuss the relationship between technology, media, and culture
• Evaluate the various revolutions in human communication
• Discuss the developments made in the invention of human speech and language
• The role of image-making, cinema, and media entertainment in communication
• How to overcome communication barriers among students
• Steps in encouraging participation in meetings
• How employees contribute to the information flow in organizations
• How to evaluate a report based on its findings
• Sources of error during nonverbal communication
• How the media can match the channels of communication to their audience
• Ensuring audience attention during a presentation
• The impact of graphics in communication strategies
• How to interpret non-verbal signals
• Developing communication methods that match a given purpose

Possible Topics For Communication Research

• How to develop realistic communication strategies
• Discuss the economics of finance in communication processes
• How exposure to radio and TV impacts communication
• How to manage controversial issues in communication
• Why speaking with confidence is still difficult for many people
• The effectiveness of communicating with words and body language
• Why defining your purpose is key in any communication process
• Why explanatory communication is more difficult than informative communication
• The place of communication in long-distance relationships
• Communication strategies that influence people
• How to use communication effectively for conflict resolution
• Developing your self-esteem for effective communication
• Effects of redundancy in communication processes
• The place of responsibility in developing communication messages
• How to acquire effective communication skills in college

Latest Communication Topic For Research

• The role of persuasive dialogue in negotiations
• Why everyone must learn proper expression strategies
• Effects of emoji and other characters in enhancing textual conversations
• The role of propaganda in shaping communication tones
• Evaluate the unique political language used in America versus Africa
• The continuing impact of the internet on interpersonal communication
• How images are enhancing communication
• Discuss the effects of gender victimization on communication
• Evaluate the development of modern digital communication
• How to effectively communicate during a war or crisis
• How hacking is transforming communication of encrypted messages
• Effects of stereotyping in developing communication messages
• Is virtual reality ruining effective communication?
• Evaluate language as a barrier in communicating messages
• The role of empathy in communicating to victims of a disaster

Top-Notch Communication Research Paper Topics

• The role of diplomacy in fostering better relations among countries
• Why aided communication may not achieve the intended purpose
• Effects of using a translator in the communication of critical messages
• Evaluate the development of audio-visual devices for communication
• The dangers of failing to notice barriers to communication
• How stigma and prejudice impact effective communication
• Discuss the impact of having a common language in a country
• How social classes affect communication messages
• Factors that hinder communication between fighting political sides
• How to develop strong communication skills in a marketplace
• Why opinions may prevent one from seeing the true picture
• Discuss the role of fantasy and exaggeration in communication
• Differences between oral and verbal messages in conveying information
• The role of attitude and mood in enhancing effective message delivery
• How the media sets the communication pattern of a given society

Highly Rated Mass Communication Research Topics

• Discuss the essence of social media among PR practitioners
• The role of mass media in rebranding a nation
• Challenges to media freedom and their impact on proper communication
• Discuss the effects of news commercialization and their credibility
• How TV advertisements impact children and their development
• Compare and contrast between animation and real-people adverts in mass media
• How the internet affects professionalization in news media
• How mass media messages contribute to the development of religion in Africa
• Evaluate the radio listenership patterns between men and women
• How does mass media contribute to an emerging democracy
• Discuss how the media enlightens the public on issues of concern
• The role of mass media in communicating development messages
• Why mass media is critical before, during, and after elections
• Assess the influence of community radio in remote areas
• How mass media contributes to national integration

Good Communication Research Topics

• What determines consumer preference patterns in the 21 st century?
• Effective communication strategies for creating awareness against drug abuse
• Prospects and challenges of local dialects in communication
• Evaluate the influence of television on public opinion
• Discuss the growing cyberactivism in the digital age
• How social media is contributing to misleading information
• Challenges facing teachers when communicating to pre-school students
• Discuss the impact of information overload on the credibility of information
• Evaluate communication patterns among the youth in the US
• Assess the effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on communication patterns
• How public perception influences communication strategies
• Explain how mothers learn to communicate with and understand their babies at such a tender age
• The role of music in shaping communication models
• How to overcome the challenge of top-down communication in companies
• Management of information on online media for effective use

Business Communication Research Paper Topics

• Discuss the increasing role of influencers on brand marketing
• Why company blogs are essential in attracting new clients
• Evaluate the differences between face to face and virtual business meetings
• The growing popularity of social media in business marketing
• Why every company should have a partner relations department
• Dealing with complaints in a relaxed and useful manner
• Why online project management is the future of business
• Discuss why it is necessary to have company retreats
• Explore the role of digital document sharing in speeding up business communication
• Effects of relying on online communication at the expense of physical meetings
• The role of effective business management in the performance of an organization
• How staff motivation improve the overall working environment
• Discuss the place of corporate social responsibility in a company
• Effective ways of handling crisis in a large company
• Explain why trust is important in any business partnerships

Intercultural Communication Research Topics

• Discuss how Muslims interact with Christians at a social level
• Evaluate the reception of instructions from a man to a woman
• How Americans interact with Africans at the basic level
• Discuss how an American Democrat would associate with a Chinese politician
• Discuss the impact of marginalization in developing communication messages
• How migration and immigration affect communication patterns
• Effects of social stereotyping in communication
• How do Western communication models differ from those of Africa?
• Impact of discriminatory communication messages
• How to organize an effective intergroup come-together
• How the media represents various groups in its communication
• Effects of the growing intercultural norms
• The role of language attitudes in inhibiting effective communication
• Evaluate how ethnographic perspectives affect communication messages
• Why it is difficult to solve intercultural conflicts

Additional Interpersonal Communication Topics For Research Paper

• The role of interpersonal communication in team member satisfaction
• How collaboration and teamwork enhances business success
• Discuss how interpersonal communication enhances problem-solving skills
• The role of trust in interpersonal communication
• Effects of confusion, negativity, and conflicts on interpersonal communication
• How to deal with workplace miscommunication effectively
• The role of personalizing information
• How to improve internal communication channels in a company
• Discuss the role of interests in communication patterns
• Challenges when implementing modern communication solutions
• Evaluate how jargon and inattention make internal communication difficult
• The role of feedback in interpreting messages correctly
• Discuss the influence of environmental factors in communication
• Why miscommunication may result in a disconnect among a group of people
• Discuss the role of skills and knowledge in effective communication among leaders

Interesting Communication Research Topics

• How can effective interpersonal communication be a catalyst for action
• Why a focused and intentional approach is necessary for effective communication
• Discuss why online dating is not successful in most cases
• Evaluate the role of non-verbal communication and customer satisfaction
• Why is it important to have a list of communication networks?
• Effects of lack of personal contact when it comes to communication
• Discuss the various forms of human interactions and their influence on communication
• The role of clear communication during an organizational change process
• Why online communication is not as effective as physical meetings
• Evaluate the roles and issues involved in a nurse-patient communication
• The role of TV shows in determining how people relate to each other in the society
• Effects of the digital divide in communication paradigms
• The relationship between quality leadership and effective communication
• Why is email still not yet an effective communication medium?
• Effects of integrating marketing communication

General Communication Studies Research Topics

• Discuss the differences in body language between male and female
• The role of communication in familiarizing with someone
• How online gaming communication affects one’s interpersonal communication
• Why a leader without proper communication skills may not succeed
• The role of communication in achieving an organization’s vision
• How mobile phone conversations are turning around interpersonal communication
• Discuss the role of different personality types in communication
• Is there a difference between language and communication?
• Discuss how communication in the military is different from that in a normal setting
• Compare and contrast between written and spoken forms of communication
• Why family communication is critical for a peaceful coexistence
• Shortcomings to understanding foreign languages
• Discuss the effectiveness of web-based communication

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Media and Communication Thesis Topics

300 Media and Communication Thesis Topics and Ideas

Media and communication is a rapidly evolving field, encompassing traditional platforms like broadcasting and print media, while expanding into new territories such as digital media, social platforms, and multimedia storytelling. For students pursuing degrees in media and communication, choosing the right thesis topic is essential to reflect the dynamic changes in the industry and its global impact. This comprehensive list of 300 media and communication thesis topics is divided into 10 categories, covering current issues, recent trends, and future directions in the field. Each category offers diverse topics that span various disciplines within the media landscape, providing ample research opportunities for students interested in everything from political communication to visual media.

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Get 10% off with 24start discount code, 1. development communication thesis topics.

• The role of media in promoting sustainable development goals in developing countries.
• Investigating the impact of community radio in rural development.
• The influence of mobile technology on development communication in Africa.
• Exploring the role of social media in disaster communication in developing regions.
• The effectiveness of development communication strategies in poverty alleviation programs.
• Investigating the impact of mass media campaigns on public health in developing countries.
• The role of participatory communication in gender equality advocacy.
• Exploring the effectiveness of media literacy programs in promoting development communication.
• Investigating the role of television programs in educating rural populations on health issues.
• The impact of digital platforms on development communication in education sectors.
• Exploring the role of film in raising awareness about environmental issues.
• Investigating the use of social media by NGOs for development communication.
• The role of traditional media in modern development communication strategies.
• Exploring the impact of cultural sensitivity in development communication programs.
• Investigating the effectiveness of mobile health communication programs in developing countries.
• The role of the internet in bridging the communication gap in remote communities.
• Exploring the impact of media on agricultural development in rural regions.
• Investigating the role of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) in economic development.
• The effectiveness of media interventions in child education programs.
• The role of public service announcements in health-related development communication.
• Investigating the use of local language broadcasting in promoting literacy.
• The influence of social media in promoting awareness about climate change in developing countries.
• Exploring the impact of development communication on reducing maternal mortality rates.
• The role of print media in promoting civic engagement in development projects.
• Investigating the role of media in combating malnutrition in rural communities.
• The role of participatory video in amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.
• Investigating the impact of radio dramas in promoting social change.
• The role of communication in empowering women through microfinance programs.
• Exploring the influence of media in shaping public perceptions of development aid.
• The effectiveness of using storytelling in development communication strategies.

2. Digital Media Thesis Topics

• The impact of algorithms on content visibility in social media platforms.
• Investigating the influence of digital advertising on consumer behavior.
• The role of digital influencers in shaping public opinion.
• Exploring the ethics of data collection and privacy in digital media.
• Investigating the economic impact of digital streaming services on the traditional entertainment industry.
• The role of social media in political mobilization: Case studies from recent elections.
• The effect of social media echo chambers on public discourse.
• Investigating the rise of user-generated content and its impact on traditional media.
• Exploring the relationship between digital media consumption and mental health.
• The role of meme culture in political communication.
• Investigating the impact of virtual reality in media storytelling.
• The influence of artificial intelligence on digital content creation.
• The role of social media algorithms in shaping news dissemination.
• Investigating the effects of social media on brand loyalty in digital marketing.
• Exploring the use of digital media for social activism and advocacy.
• The role of digital media in crisis communication and disaster management.
• Investigating the relationship between digital media literacy and fake news consumption.
• The impact of TikTok on the evolution of short-form content in the media industry.
• The role of social media platforms in amplifying social movements.
• Investigating the effectiveness of digital media in combating misinformation.
• Exploring the influence of digital media on cross-cultural communication.
• The role of YouTube in the rise of citizen journalism.
• Investigating the economics of the influencer marketing industry.
• Exploring the impact of digital platforms on traditional journalism ethics.
• The role of digital media in promoting environmental awareness.
• Investigating the relationship between video games and digital communication trends.
• The impact of digital journalism on the evolution of investigative reporting.
• Exploring the role of podcasting in reshaping media consumption habits.
• Investigating the influence of digital media on the music industry.
• The role of social media in shaping youth political engagement.

3. Intercultural Communication Thesis Topics

• The role of intercultural communication in multinational business operations.
• Investigating the challenges of intercultural communication in global virtual teams.
• Exploring the impact of cultural identity on communication in international diplomacy.
• The role of media in shaping intercultural perceptions.
• Investigating the influence of globalization on intercultural communication.
• The impact of intercultural communication on crisis negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Exploring the effectiveness of intercultural training programs in corporate settings.
• The role of intercultural communication in international education exchanges.
• Investigating the role of social media in bridging intercultural communication gaps.
• Exploring the impact of cultural differences on communication strategies in global marketing.
• The influence of media portrayals on intercultural understanding.
• Investigating the role of cultural sensitivity in international journalism.
• The role of film in fostering intercultural dialogue and understanding.
• Investigating communication challenges in cross-cultural healthcare settings.
• The role of language barriers in intercultural communication breakdowns.
• Exploring the influence of Western media on non-Western cultures.
• The role of global media corporations in shaping intercultural communication dynamics.
• Investigating the effects of cultural stereotypes in international advertising.
• The impact of media on the assimilation of immigrants into host cultures.
• Exploring the role of intercultural communication in global tourism.
• Investigating the influence of intercultural competence on expatriate success.
• The role of digital communication in fostering intercultural collaborations.
• Exploring the challenges of intercultural communication in post-colonial societies.
• The role of media in promoting cross-cultural awareness in education.
• Investigating the influence of globalization on language and communication.
• The role of intercultural communication in fostering international business relationships.
• Exploring the impact of cultural heritage on communication practices.
• Investigating intercultural communication in international sports events.
• The role of communication technology in bridging cultural divides.
• Exploring the effectiveness of intercultural communication in conflict resolution efforts.

4. Journalism Thesis Topics

• The role of investigative journalism in shaping public opinion on corruption.
• Investigating the impact of digital media on traditional journalism ethics.
• The influence of fake news on journalistic credibility.
• Exploring the role of data journalism in covering complex issues.
• The role of social media in reshaping journalistic practices.
• Investigating the effects of political bias in news reporting.
• The impact of mobile journalism on news consumption trends.
• Exploring the relationship between journalism and public trust in the media.
• The role of citizen journalism in political activism.
• Investigating the influence of corporate ownership on media independence.
• Exploring the ethical challenges of reporting on global crises.
• The role of photojournalism in shaping global narratives.
• Investigating the role of journalists in conflict reporting.
• The impact of AI-driven journalism on news accuracy and reliability.
• Exploring the role of podcasting in the evolution of modern journalism.
• The influence of journalism on election outcomes: A case study analysis.
• Investigating the role of news deserts in diminishing democratic participation.
• The impact of audience engagement on journalistic content creation.
• Exploring the effects of 24-hour news cycles on journalism quality.
• Investigating the ethics of embedded journalism in war reporting.
• The role of freelance journalism in the modern media ecosystem.
• Exploring the relationship between journalism and propaganda in authoritarian regimes.
• Investigating the rise of digital news platforms and their impact on traditional newspapers.
• The role of journalism in uncovering environmental crises.
• Exploring the effects of journalism on public health awareness during pandemics.
• Investigating the role of media watchdog organizations in holding journalists accountable.
• The impact of media concentration on journalistic diversity.
• Exploring the role of journalism in promoting social justice movements.
• Investigating the role of journalism in safeguarding democracy.
• The influence of tabloid journalism on public perception of celebrities.

5. Mass Communication Thesis Topics

• The influence of mass media on shaping public perceptions of climate change.
• Investigating the role of mass communication in political campaigning.
• The impact of television on shaping cultural values in the digital age.
• Exploring the role of mass communication in crisis management.
• Investigating the effects of media ownership on content diversity in mass communication.
• The role of media in shaping public attitudes toward immigration.
• Exploring the impact of mass communication on national identity.
• The effects of media consolidation on journalistic independence.
• Investigating the role of mass communication in promoting health literacy.
• The impact of mass media on public perceptions of global conflicts.
• Exploring the role of mass communication in influencing consumer behavior.
• Investigating the effects of reality television on cultural values.
• The influence of mass media on shaping public opinions about terrorism.
• Exploring the role of mass communication in promoting political ideologies.
• The impact of mass media on mental health awareness campaigns.
• Investigating the role of mass communication in shaping perceptions of gender roles.
• The effects of digitalization on mass communication theories.
• Exploring the role of mass communication in shaping attitudes toward public policy.
• Investigating the effects of news framing in mass communication.
• The role of mass media in the globalization of pop culture.
• Exploring the effects of mass communication on social movements.
• The influence of mass media on shaping ethical considerations in society.
• Investigating the role of mass communication in fostering political polarization.
• The effects of mass media coverage on public responses to pandemics.
• Exploring the role of mass communication in educating the public about scientific issues.
• Investigating the role of mass communication in shaping perceptions of environmental sustainability.
• The effects of mass media on shaping perceptions of economic crises.
• Exploring the influence of mass media on the evolution of fashion trends.
• Investigating the role of mass communication in socializing youth.
• The impact of mass communication on public support for military interventions.

6. Media Thesis Topics

• The impact of media ownership on editorial independence in the news industry.
• Investigating the role of media in shaping public perceptions of international conflicts.
• The influence of social media on traditional media consumption patterns.
• Exploring the role of media in the promotion of political agendas.
• Investigating the effects of media conglomerates on content diversity.
• The role of media in shaping public opinion during elections.
• The impact of 24-hour news networks on public understanding of current events.
• Investigating the role of media in shaping societal views on mental health.
• The influence of media coverage on public perceptions of immigration.
• Exploring the role of the media in promoting gender equality.
• Investigating the effects of media censorship in authoritarian regimes.
• The impact of new media on the future of print journalism.
• Exploring the role of media in shaping perceptions of climate change.
• The influence of media on consumer culture in the digital age.
• Investigating the impact of biased media reporting on public trust.
• The role of media in shaping narratives around environmental sustainability.
• Exploring the impact of media portrayals of violence on youth behavior.
• Investigating the role of media in shaping public perceptions of social movements.
• The influence of media representation on racial and ethnic identity.
• Exploring the impact of the internet on traditional media industries.
• Investigating the role of media in promoting democracy in developing nations.
• The role of digital media in shaping political activism.
• Exploring the effects of media consolidation on local news coverage.
• Investigating the role of media in shaping perceptions of the criminal justice system.
• The influence of media coverage on the stigma of mental illness.
• The role of media in shaping attitudes toward LGBT+ issues.
• Investigating the impact of media depictions of war on public opinion.
• The influence of celebrity endorsements on media-driven marketing campaigns.
• Exploring the role of media in shaping perceptions of economic inequality.
• Investigating the influence of alternative media platforms on political discourse.

7. Multimedia Thesis Topics

• The impact of multimedia storytelling on audience engagement.
• Investigating the role of interactive media in enhancing learning experiences.
• The effects of virtual reality (VR) on multimedia communication.
• Exploring the role of multimedia content in digital marketing strategies.
• The influence of multimedia journalism on audience perceptions of news credibility.
• Investigating the impact of animation in multimedia advertising.
• The role of multimedia content in brand storytelling.
• Exploring the effects of immersive media on audience empathy.
• Investigating the influence of multimedia campaigns on public health awareness.
• The role of multimedia in enhancing political communication strategies.
• Exploring the relationship between multimedia formats and consumer behavior.
• The impact of 360-degree video on multimedia content consumption.
• Investigating the role of multimedia in virtual events and conferences.
• Exploring the influence of multimedia on visual storytelling in the film industry.
• The role of multimedia in creating engaging e-learning platforms.
• Investigating the effects of multimedia design on user experience in mobile applications.
• The impact of multimedia in shaping corporate communication strategies.
• Exploring the role of multimedia in interactive journalism.
• Investigating the effects of multimedia content on political advocacy campaigns.
• The role of multimedia in shaping digital activism.
• The influence of multimedia on enhancing museum exhibits and cultural experiences.
• Exploring the impact of multimedia in news reporting and citizen journalism.
• Investigating the relationship between multimedia content and audience trust.
• The role of multimedia storytelling in promoting social causes.
• Exploring the impact of multimedia in interactive advertising campaigns.
• The influence of multimedia presentations on educational outcomes.
• Investigating the role of multimedia in crisis communication during natural disasters.
• The effects of multimedia formats on audience engagement in podcasts and web series.
• Exploring the role of augmented reality (AR) in multimedia content creation.
• The influence of multimedia platforms on contemporary art and design.

8. Political Communication Thesis Topics

• The role of social media in shaping political discourse during elections.
• Investigating the impact of political advertising on voter behavior.
• The influence of media framing on public opinion regarding political issues.
• Exploring the role of televised political debates in shaping electoral outcomes.
• Investigating the use of political communication strategies in grassroots movements.
• The role of fake news in undermining political campaigns.
• The impact of political satire on public engagement with political issues.
• Investigating the role of political influencers on social media.
• Exploring the influence of media bias in political communication.
• The role of data analytics in shaping modern political communication strategies.
• Investigating the impact of social media bots on political discourse.
• The role of political communication in shaping public perceptions of national security.
• Exploring the use of digital media in political campaign fundraising.
• Investigating the role of political communication in international relations.
• The impact of political scandals on media coverage and voter behavior.
• Exploring the effects of partisan media on political polarization.
• Investigating the role of political communication in shaping public trust in government.
• The influence of social media algorithms on political news consumption.
• The role of political communication in shaping global climate change policies.
• Investigating the effectiveness of political communication during health crises.
• The impact of political endorsements on media coverage and voter support.
• Exploring the role of communication strategies in promoting political transparency.
• Investigating the relationship between political rhetoric and media framing.
• The role of political communication in addressing social justice movements.
• Exploring the role of traditional media vs. new media in political campaigns.
• Investigating the role of political communication in shaping foreign policy decisions.
• The influence of media coverage on public perception of political leaders.
• Exploring the use of viral marketing in political communication strategies.
• Investigating the effects of negative political advertising on public sentiment.
• The role of political communication in shaping international diplomacy efforts.

9. Public Relations Thesis Topics

• The role of public relations in crisis management for corporations.
• Investigating the impact of social media on public relations strategies.
• Exploring the role of public relations in shaping corporate reputation.
• The influence of public relations on consumer trust in brands.
• Investigating the use of influencer marketing in modern public relations campaigns.
• The role of public relations in promoting corporate social responsibility (CSR).
• Exploring the effects of digital public relations on media relations.
• Investigating the role of public relations in shaping brand identity.
• The impact of public relations strategies on non-profit organizations.
• Exploring the role of public relations in enhancing government communication strategies.
• Investigating the use of storytelling in public relations campaigns.
• The role of public relations in shaping public opinion during a crisis.
• Exploring the impact of press releases on media coverage.
• The role of public relations in political campaigns.
• Investigating the influence of public relations on stakeholder engagement.
• The role of public relations in navigating brand reputation in the digital age.
• Exploring the impact of public relations on investor relations and corporate finance.
• Investigating the role of public relations in promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives.
• The effects of digital media on traditional public relations practices.
• Exploring the role of public relations in enhancing brand loyalty.
• Investigating the use of public relations in international diplomacy.
• The impact of crisis communication strategies on public relations outcomes.
• Exploring the role of public relations in celebrity brand management.
• Investigating the influence of media training on public relations professionals.
• The role of public relations in shaping global brand strategies.
• Exploring the effectiveness of public relations in healthcare communication campaigns.
• Investigating the relationship between public relations and corporate governance.
• The role of public relations in promoting sustainability initiatives.
• Exploring the role of public relations in managing corporate mergers and acquisitions.
• Investigating the impact of public relations on crisis recovery and brand rebuilding.

10. Visual Communication Thesis Topics

• Investigating the role of visual storytelling in advertising campaigns.
• Exploring the impact of visual communication on brand identity.
• The effects of color psychology in visual marketing strategies.
• Investigating the role of infographics in enhancing information retention.
• The impact of visual communication on political advertising.
• Exploring the use of visual narratives in social justice campaigns.
• Investigating the influence of graphic design on user engagement in digital platforms.
• The role of visual communication in environmental activism.
• Exploring the effects of visual communication on audience perceptions of news media.
• Investigating the role of typography in shaping brand communication.
• The influence of visual communication on consumer behavior in e-commerce.
• Exploring the role of photography in shaping public opinion on global issues.
• Investigating the effectiveness of visual communication in public health campaigns.
• The role of motion graphics in digital marketing strategies.
• Exploring the impact of visual communication on shaping perceptions of gender roles.
• The role of visual aesthetics in enhancing user experience on mobile apps.
• Investigating the use of visual communication in promoting cultural awareness.
• The influence of visual design on website credibility and trustworthiness.
• Exploring the effects of visual communication on engagement with educational content.
• Investigating the role of visual branding in shaping corporate identity.
• The impact of visual metaphors in health communication campaigns.
• Exploring the influence of visual storytelling on audience empathy in documentaries.
• The role of visual communication in creating effective social media content.
• Investigating the impact of visual elements in political campaign messaging.
• The role of augmented reality (AR) in enhancing visual communication strategies.
• Exploring the influence of visual communication on consumer perceptions of luxury brands.
• The role of data visualization in improving understanding of complex topics.
• Investigating the effects of visual communication on brand recall and recognition.
• The impact of visual communication on fostering community engagement in social media groups.
• Exploring the role of visual communication in shaping public perceptions of technological innovation.

This extensive list of 300 media and communication thesis topics spans a wide range of subjects within the field, offering students plenty of opportunities to explore issues relevant to today’s rapidly evolving media landscape. From investigating the impact of digital platforms on journalism to studying intercultural communication in multinational corporations, these topics provide a solid foundation for meaningful and impactful thesis research. By selecting a topic that aligns with both current trends and future developments, students can make significant contributions to the field of media and communication.

The Range of Media and Communication Thesis Topics

Media and Communication are vital fields that shape how information, culture, and ideas are shared and perceived globally. In an age dominated by digital platforms, instant communication, and multimedia storytelling, the study of Media and Communication offers students a vast range of opportunities to explore topics that have far-reaching implications for society, politics, business, and culture. Choosing a thesis topic in this dynamic field provides students with the chance to contribute meaningful research on current issues, emerging trends, and future directions. This article explores the range of Media and Communication thesis topics, divided into areas that reflect the industry’s challenges and innovations.

Current Issues in Media and Communication

The media landscape today is fraught with challenges and evolving at a rapid pace. Current issues in media and communication revolve around ethics, representation, and the balance between freedom of expression and the spread of misinformation. These issues create ripe opportunities for academic exploration.

• Misinformation and Fake News One of the most pressing challenges in the media landscape is the proliferation of fake news and misinformation, especially on social media platforms. The ease with which false information spreads has created an environment where truth is often difficult to discern. Thesis topics in this area could explore the mechanisms that allow misinformation to flourish, the role of algorithms in promoting misleading content, and the effectiveness of media literacy programs aimed at combating misinformation. Research could also examine how news organizations are adapting their strategies to retain credibility and regain public trust.
• Media Ethics and Accountability Media ethics, particularly in digital journalism, is another critical issue. The 24-hour news cycle, sensationalism, and the need for quick reporting have sometimes compromised journalistic standards. Topics could investigate the tension between ethical reporting and commercial pressures, the rise of clickbait culture, or the role of independent media watchdogs in ensuring media accountability. The ethical use of personal data by media companies also presents a timely issue, especially as the lines blur between journalism, entertainment, and advertising.
• Representation and Diversity in Media Media has the power to shape perceptions, and issues of representation—whether based on race, gender, ethnicity, or class—remain central to media studies. Research in this area could focus on how certain groups are portrayed in the media, whether diversity initiatives in the media industry are effective, or how media representation influences public opinion and policy. This area is especially relevant given the global conversation on race and social justice, and how media organizations respond to these movements.

Recent Trends in Media and Communication

As technology evolves, so does the media landscape. Recent trends in media and communication reflect the integration of digital platforms, the rise of multimedia content, and the increasing influence of social media on public discourse.

• The Rise of Digital and Social Media Digital platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok have revolutionized how people consume and share information. Social media is now a central channel for everything from political discourse to brand marketing. Thesis topics could examine the influence of social media on public opinion, how social media algorithms shape the content people see, or the role of influencers in modern marketing strategies. Additionally, research could focus on the economic impact of digital platforms on traditional media industries, or the growing role of citizen journalism in democratizing information.
• Multimedia Storytelling and Immersive Content Multimedia storytelling—using a combination of text, audio, video, and interactive elements—has transformed how stories are told. This trend is especially significant in areas like digital marketing, journalism, and entertainment. Topics in this area could explore the impact of immersive content like virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) on audience engagement, or how multimedia storytelling is used in digital advertising to build brand narratives. The evolution of podcasting and the rise of video content on platforms like YouTube and Instagram provide additional areas of study, particularly concerning their influence on content creation and consumption habits.
• The Economics of Media in the Digital Age The business models of traditional media outlets have been disrupted by the internet and digital advertising. Today, platforms like Google and Facebook dominate digital advertising revenues, leaving traditional media struggling to find sustainable revenue streams. Thesis topics could investigate how digital subscriptions, paywalls, and crowdfunding are reshaping the business of news. Research could also explore the challenges and opportunities for independent media platforms and how they are navigating the digital media landscape. The role of big tech companies in shaping media economics is also a pertinent area of study, as these companies control the algorithms and platforms through which most digital content is accessed.

Future Directions in Media and Communication

Looking forward, the future of media and communication is likely to be shaped by advancements in technology, as well as shifting societal norms. Students can explore thesis topics that not only analyze current trends but also anticipate the future direction of the media industry.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation in Media The use of AI and automation in media production is rapidly gaining traction, influencing everything from news reporting to content recommendation systems. AI can write news articles, create marketing copy, and even edit videos. However, the ethical and practical implications of this automation raise important questions. Thesis topics could focus on the impact of AI on jobs in the media industry, the potential for AI to enhance personalization in media consumption, or the ethical considerations surrounding automated content creation. Another avenue of research could explore how AI is being used to combat misinformation through automated fact-checking systems.
• The Role of Data in Personalizing Media Content As data becomes more integral to the media industry, personalization has become a key trend. Media companies now collect vast amounts of data on audience behavior, preferences, and consumption habits to tailor content to individual users. Thesis research could explore the implications of data-driven personalization for both consumers and content creators. Is personalization narrowing the content spectrum, creating echo chambers? Or is it enhancing user engagement and satisfaction? Additionally, the impact of data privacy regulations on media companies’ ability to use personal data for content curation could provide a timely research focus.
• Sustainability and Green Media Practices As global awareness of environmental issues grows, the media industry is starting to consider its own sustainability practices. From reducing the environmental footprint of media production to promoting eco-conscious content, the future of media will increasingly intersect with sustainability concerns. Thesis topics could investigate how media organizations are integrating sustainability into their operations, or how media can be used as a tool to promote environmental awareness. Research could also examine the rise of sustainable marketing practices in media campaigns and the challenges of aligning media production with environmental goals.

The field of media and communication offers students a diverse array of topics that are both academically challenging and relevant to real-world issues. Whether exploring the impact of digital media, addressing ethical concerns in journalism, or investigating the role of AI in media production, thesis research in this area provides opportunities to engage with critical issues that are shaping our world today and into the future. By choosing a thesis topic that aligns with their academic interests and career goals, students can contribute to the ongoing conversation about the future of media and communication in an increasingly connected, digital society.

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Quality communication can improve patient-centred health outcomes among older patients: a rapid review

Samer h. sharkiya.

Faculty of Graduate Studies, Arab American University, 13 Zababdeh, P.O Box 240, Jenin, Palestine

Associated Data

All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article [and its supplementary information files].

Effective communication is a cornerstone of quality healthcare. Communication helps providers bond with patients, forming therapeutic relationships that benefit patient-centred outcomes. The information exchanged between the provider and patient can help in medical decision-making, such as better self-management. This rapid review investigated the effects of quality and effective communication on patient-centred outcomes among older patients.

Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched using keywords like “effective communication,“ “elderly,“ and “well-being.“ Studies published between 2000 and 2023 describing or investigating communication strategies between older patients (65 years and above) and providers in various healthcare settings were considered for selection. The quality of selected studies was assessed using the GRADE Tool.

The search strategy yielded seven studies. Five studies were qualitative (two phenomenological study, one ethnography, and two grounded theory studies), one was a cross-sectional observational study, and one was an experimental study. The studies investigated the effects of verbal and nonverbal communication strategies between patients and providers on various patient-centred outcomes, such as patient satisfaction, quality of care, quality of life, and physical and mental health. All the studies reported that various verbal and non-verbal communication strategies positively impacted all patient-centred outcomes.

Although the selected studies supported the positive impact of effective communication with older adults on patient-centred outcomes, they had various methodological setbacks that need to be bridged in the future. Future studies should utilize experimental approaches, generalizable samples, and specific effect size estimates.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-023-09869-8.

Introduction

Excellent communication is critical for all health professionals [ 1 , 2 ]. It affects the quality of healthcare output, impacts the patient’s health and satisfaction, and benefits both patients and providers [ 3 ]. Communication is a critical clinical competence because it establishes trust between providers and patients, creating a therapeutic relationship [ 4 ]. Physician-patient communication plays several functions, including making decisions, exchanging information, improving the physician-patient relationship, managing the patient’s doubts, addressing emotions, and enhancing self-management [ 5 ]. Features of effective or quality communication include involving patients in decisions, allowing patients to speak without interruptions, encouraging a patient to ask questions and answering the questions, using a language that the patient understands, paying attention to the patient and discussing the next steps [ 5 ]. This communication also includes listening, developing a good interpersonal relationship, and making patient-centred management plans.

The quality of patient-physician communication influences various patient-centred outcomes [ 6 ]. In this review, patient-centred outcomes refer to all the outcomes that contribute to the recovery or indicate the recovery of patients, as well as suggest positive experiences with the care process. For instance, effective communication is associated with enhanced patient satisfaction, regulating emotions, and increasing compliance, leading to improved health and better outcomes [ 7 , 8 ]. According to [ 9 ], quality communication enhances patients’ trust in their providers, making patients more satisfied with the treatment. A trusting provider-patient relationship causes individuals to believe they receive better care [ 10 ]. For instance, [ 11 ] report that effective provider-patient communication improves social, somatic, and psychological health. During communication, the provider may enhance positive motivations and involve the individual in treatment decisions. Communication helps patients to acknowledge their illnesses, the associated risks, and the advantages of consistent treatment [ 5 ]. note that mutual communication between providers and patients stimulates or strengthens patients’ perception of control over their health, the knowledge to discern symptoms and self-care and identify changes in their condition. Effective communication leads to improved perceived quality of health care [ 12 ]. report that physician-patient communication influences the perceived quality of healthcare services. All these outcomes that suggest or contribute to patient’s positive experiences or imply a positive recovery journey, such as shorter hospital stays, are considered patient-centred outcomes.

This rapid review aims to review studies that have previously investigated the influence of quality communication on patient-centred outcomes among older adults, such as psychological well-being, quality of health care, emotional well-being, cognitive well-being, individualised care, health status, patient satisfaction, and quality of life. The specific objectives include (a) exploring the strategies used to ensure quality and effective communication with older patients in various healthcare settings, (b) exploring the patient-centred health outcomes reported by previous studies investigating quality communication between providers and older patients, and (c) to link quality communication strategies with older patients to patient-centred health outcomes among older patients.

The primary rationale for conducting this rapid review is that although many studies have examined the relationship between quality communication and various patient-centred outcomes, few studies have used older patients as their participants. It is a significant research gap because older adults have unique communication needs, which, if not considered, their communication with healthcare providers could be ineffective [ 13 ]. For example, older adults experience age-related changes in cognition, perception, and sensation, which can interfere with the communication process [ 14 ]. As a result, more research is needed to the specific quality communication strategies that could improve patient-centred outcomes among older adults. To my knowledge, no systematic review has focused on this topic. Therefore, this is the first rapid review to explore quality communication and its impact on patient-centred health outcomes among older patients in various healthcare settings.

This rapid review’s findings could inform practitioners of the quality communication strategies they can use to improve patient-reported outcomes. Besides, the rapid review evaluates the quality of studies investigating this matter and makes informed recommendations for future research to advance knowledge on this subject.

This rapid review was conducted in conformity with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines [ 15 ]. The main difference between a systematic review and a rapid review is that the former strictly conforms to the PRISMA protocol, whereas the latter can miss a few elements of a typical systematic review. A rapid review was suitable because a single reviewer was involved in the study selection process, whereas at least two independent reviewers are recommended in typical systematic reviews [ 16 ].

Eligibility criteria

Table  1 below summarises the inclusion and exclusion criteria used to guide study selection in this rapid review. Also, justification is provided for each inclusion/exclusion criteria. The inclusion/exclusion criteria were drafted based on the target population, the intervention, the outcomes, year of publication, article language, and geographical location. This approach corresponds with the PICO (P – population, I – intervention, C – comparison, and O – outcomes) framework [ 17 ].

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Information sources

Four academic databases were searched: PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. These databases were used as sources of information because they publish studies in healthcare sciences on a wide range of topics, including communication and the health outcomes of various interventions. Additionally, Google Scholar was searched to supplement the databases because it indexes academic journal articles in all disciplines, including healthcare. Combining Google Scholar with these databases has been recommended for an optimal search strategy [ 18 ].

Search strategy

Various search terms related to the critical variables of this rapid review, namely quality communication, patient-centred health outcomes, and older patients, were combined using Boolean connectors (AND & OR). Regarding quality communication, some of the keywords that were used include “quality communication,“ “effective communication,“ “doctor-patient communication,“ and “patient-centred communication.“ The keywords that were used for patient-centred outcomes included “well-being,“ “patient satisfaction,“ “quality of care,“ “health status,“ and “quality of life.“ The search terms related to older patients included “nursing home residents,“ “older,“ and “elderly.“ Additionally, since most older patients are institutionalised, search terms like “nursing homes” and “assisted living facilities” were used in the search strategy. Table  2 below presents a sample search strategy executed on PubMed between September 2022 and July 2023. As shown in Table  2 , Mesh terms were used alongside regular keywords. Truncations on the three keywords, namely elderly, nursing homes, and geriatric were used to allow more of their variations to be captured in the search. The use of Mesh terms was only performed on PubMed – Mesh terms are only supported on PubMed and MEDLINE. The rest of the sources of information were searched using the search terms without specifying whether they are Mesh terms or not.

Study selection process

One reviewer (the author) was involved in screening the studies. The reviewer screened each record at least twice for confirmation purposes. Afterwards, an automation tool called ASReview which relies on machine learning to screen textual data was used as a second confirmation [ 19 ]. Research has shown that combining a machine learning tool and a single reviewer can significantly reduce the risk of missing relevant records [ 20 ]. This decision was reached based on previous research that has also demonstrated the good sensitivity of ASReview as a study selection tool in systematic reviews [ 19 ]. The software was trained on the eligibility criteria and the broader context of this study before it was used to screen the studies and confirm the reviewer’s decision. Therefore, if a record were retrieved, the author would screen for its eligibility the first time and confirm it the second time. For the third time confirmation, ASReview was employed. In case of disagreement between the author’s first and second attempts, a third attempt could be made to resolve it. In case of disagreement between the author’s first/second/third attempts and ASReview, a fourth attempt was made to resolve it.

Data collection process

One reviewer (the author) extracted data from the qualifying records. The reviewer could collect data from a given study in the first round, record them, and confirm them in the second round. In case of disagreement between the first and second rounds, the author would extract data from the record for the third time to resolve it. The data points on which data extraction was based include the country where the study was conducted, the study’s research design (if reported), the population and setting of the study, the characteristics of the intervention (communication), and outcomes. Also, the author remained keen to identify ways the studies defined quality or effective communication in the context of older patient care. Regarding the characteristics of the intervention, some of the data sought included the type of communication (e.g., verbal or non-verbal) and the specific communicative strategies, such as touch and active listening.

Regarding outcomes, ‘patient-centred outcomes’ was used as an umbrella term for several variables that relate to the patient’s subjective well-being. Such variables include perceptions of quality of care, quality of life, symptom management, physical health, mental health, health literacy, patient satisfaction, individualised care, and overall well-being, including social processes, self-actualisation, self-esteem, life satisfaction, and psychosocial well-being. If studies reported on the acceptance and usability of communicative strategies, it was also included as a patient-centred outcome because the patient accepts a specific intervention and acknowledges its usability.

Study quality assessment

The study quality assessment in this rapid review entailed the risk of bias and certainty assessments. Risk of bias assessment formed an essential aspect of certainty assessment. The risk of bias in qualitative studies was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) Qualitative Checklist [ 21 ]; the Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB) tool was used for randomised studies [ 22 ]; and Risk of Bias in Non-Randomised Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) was used for cross-sectional observational studies [ 23 ]. The Grading for Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool was used to assess the certainty of the evidence for all study designs [ 24 ]. The risk of bias in each study design and its corresponding assessment tool was calculated as a percentage of the total points possible. For example, the CASP Qualitative Checklist has ten items; each awarded one point. If a study scored seven out of 10 possible points, its risk of bias would be rated as 70%. The GRADE Tool has five domains, namely risk of bias, inconsistency, indirectness, imprecision, and publication bias. The first domain, risk of bias, was populated using the findings of risk of bias assessment using the stated tools. The overall quality of a study was based upon all five domains of the GRADE Tool.

Synthesis methods

Both qualitative and quantitative studies were included in this review. The studies were highly heterogeneous in their research designs hence statistical methods like a meta-analysis synthesis were impossible [ 25 ]. Besides, the studies also had substantial heterogeneity in the study settings (some were conducted in primary care settings, but a majority were conducted in long-term care facilities/nursing homes) and outcomes. The studies measured different outcomes under the umbrella variable of patient-centred outcomes. As such, a narrative synthesis approach was considered the most suitable [ 26 ]. The narrative synthesis guidance by [ 27 ] was used. The first step based on the guidelines should be developing a theoretical model of how the interventions work, why, and for whom.

This rapid review’s explanation of how effective or quality communication leads to improved patient-centred outcomes in the introduction section formed the theoretical basis, that is, effective communication facilitates informational exchange between the patient and provider, leading to better decision-making, which positively influences patient outcomes The second step of a narrative synthesis entails organising findings from the included studies to describe patterns across the studies based on the direction of the effect size or effects [ 27 ]. The third step is to explore the relationship in the data by identifying the reasons for the direction of effects or effect size. This rapid review’s reasons were based on the theoretical notions outlined above in this paragraph. The final step is to provide insights into the generalizability of the findings to other populations, which, in the process, further research gaps can be outlined. The results are stated below.

Study selection

After running the search strategy, 40 articles were identified from PubMed, 13 from Google Scholar (records identified from websites (Fig.  1 )), 24 from Scopus, 18 from CINHAL, and 10 from PsycINFO based on the relevance of the titles. It was discovered that 26 were duplicated records between databases and Google Scholar, which reduced the number of identified records to 79. Further, the automation tool (ASReview) marked five records as ineligible based on their title considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These articles were excluded because the author confirmed in the fourth round that they were ineligible. After realising they did not focus on older adults, the author excluded three more records. Therefore, 71 records were screened using their abstracts with the help of ASReview (64 records from databases and 7 records from Google Scholar), whereby 44 were excluded (40 records from databases and 4 records from Google Scholar) for various reasons, such as being expert opinions and professional development based on field experiences (e.g., [ 28 ]) and did not have a methodology. The remaining 27 records (24 records from databases and 3 records from Google Scholar) were sought for retrieval, whereby one was excluded because its full text was inaccessible. The remaining 26 articles (23 records from databases and 3 records from Google Scholar) were assessed for eligibility with the help of ASReview, whereby eight records were excluded because they did not report their methodologies (e.g., [ 29 ]), another eight were secondary studies (e.g., [ 30 ]), and three were non-peer-reviewed preprints. Therefore, seven studies met the eligibility criteria for this rapid review.

PRISMA Flowchart summarising the study selection process

Study characteristics

Out of the seven studies, one was an experimental study [ 31 ], one was a cross-sectional observational study [ 32 ], and five were qualitative studies [ 33 – 37 ]. As shown in Table  3 , most of the studies (n = 4) were conducted in the United States. The following countries produced one study each: Australia, Cameroon, the Netherlands, and Hungary. Although all the studies utilised a sample of older patients, the characteristics of the patients differed from one study to another. The studies ranged from primary care settings [ 36 ] and adult medical wards [ 37 ] to long-term care facilities like nursing homes. Apart from [ 36 ], the rest of the studies investigated various non-verbal communication strategies with older adults and their impact on various types of patient-centred outcomes, ranging from health-related outcomes (e.g., smoking cessation) to patient-reported outcomes, such as patient satisfaction, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. These outcomes are within the broader umbrella category of patient-centred m outcomes.

Characteristics of included studies

Further, the studies used different types of communicative strategies that can be used to enhance or promote patient-centred outcomes. In this rapid review, they were categorised into seven, namely (a) touching, (b) smiling, (c) gaze, head nod, and eyebrow movement, (d) active listening, (e) close physical distance, and (f) use of visual aids, and (g) telephone communication. Table  4 summarises the various ways in which each study described its interventions.

Description of interventions used in studies

Quality assessment findings

All seven studies were of high quality based on the GRADE Tool-based Assessment. However, [ 31 ] conducted an experimental study, but they did not provide any details indicating whether there was concealment in participant allocation and blinding of participants and outcome assessors. Therefore, it has a high likelihood of risk of bias. However, they scored excellently in the other domains of the GRADE Tool. All five qualitative studies and the cross-sectional observational study also scored excellently in the domains of the GRADE Tool, apart from the imprecision domain where they could not be scored because none of them reported effect sizes (Table  5 ).

Quality assessment using the GRADE Tool

Results of individual studies

[ 31 ] was the only experimental study used in this rapid review investigating the effect of comfort touch on older patients’ perceptions of well-being, self-esteem, health status, social processes, life satisfaction, self-actualisation, and self-responsibility. The authors did not report the effect sizes but indicated that comforting touch had a statistically significant effect on each of the five variables. In summary, the authors suggested that comfort touch, characterised by a handshake or a pat on the shoulders, forearm, or hand, had a statistically significant positive impact on the various patient-centred outcomes reported in their study. For each variable, the authors used three groups, the first and second control groups and the third experimental group. After delivering the intervention, they investigated whether the scores of these variables changed between three-time points in each of the three groups. The first time point was the baseline data collected before intervention was initiated; the second was two weeks after baseline data; and the third was four weeks after baseline data. The authors found that in each of the five variables, the scores remained almost the same in the three-time points for the two control groups, but there were significant improvements in the experimental group (the one that received the intervention). For example, the self-esteem variable was measured using Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale, with the highest attainable score of 40. In the first control group, the score remained 27.00, 27.27, and 27.13 for Time 1 (baseline), Time 2 (after two weeks), and Time 3 (after four weeks), respectively. The same trend was observed in the second control group. However, in the experimental group, the score improved from 29.17 at baseline to 36.00 at Time 2 and 37.47 at Time 3. These findings suggest that comfort touch was highly effective in improving self-esteem among older patients. The same significant improvements were evident for all the other variables (p.184).

While all the other studies focused on nonverbal communication cues, [ 36 ] focused on telephone communication. They aimed to investigate the effect of a tailored intervention on health behaviour change in older adults delivered through telephone communication. Therefore, the primary rationale for selecting this study for review is that it used a specific communicative strategy (telephone) to deliver the intervention, which is the primary purpose of effective communication in most healthcare settings. The older patients used as participants in this study lived with COPD. The nurses trained to administer the intervention made regular phone calls over 12 months. The intervention was delivered to 90 participants. Of these, 65 were invited for interviews at the end of 12 months. One of the most important outcomes relevant to this rapid review is that the participants reported “being listened to by a caring health professional.“ It means that regular telephone communication improved the patient’s perceptions of the quality of care. Other critical patient-centred outcomes that improved due to this intervention include many participants quitting smoking and increased awareness of COPD effects.

[ 34 ] also conducted a qualitative study but needed to specify the specific research design, which was generally non-experimental. The authors used formative evaluation and a participatory approach to develop a communicative intervention for older adults with limited health literacy. In other words, apart from literature reviews, the authors involved the target population in developing a curated story to improve their health literacy. They developed photo and video-based stories by incorporating narrative and social learning theories. The most important finding of this study was that the authors found the developed communicative strategy appealing and understandable. Such observations imply that the participants’ health literacy also likely improved even though the authors did not evaluate it.

Further, using a sample of 155 older patients, [ 32 ] investigated the relationship between the communication characteristics between nursing practitioners and the older patients and patients’ proximal outcomes, namely patient satisfaction and intention to adhere to the NPs’ recommendations, and patients’ long-term outcomes (presenting problems and physical and mental health). The proximal outcomes (satisfaction and intention to adhere) were measured after visits, whereas the long-term outcomes (presenting problems, mental health, and physical health) were measured at four weeks. The communication and relationship components observed include various non-verbal communication strategies: smile, gaze, touch, eyebrow movement, head nod, and handshakes. The authors recorded videos during patient-provider interactions. These communicative strategies were measured using the Roter Interaction Analysis System (independent variable).

In contrast, the other outcomes (dependent variables) outlined above were each measured separately with a validated tool or single-item instruments [ 32 ]. For example, presenting problems were measured with a single-item instrument, whereas the physical and mental health changes at four weeks were measured using the SF-12 Version 2 Health Survey. The authors found that verbal and nonverbal communication strategies focused on providing patients with biomedical and psychosocial information and positive talk characterised by receptivity and trust were associated with better patient outcomes, such as significant improvements in mental and physical health at four weeks. Although the study did not report effect sizes, the findings agree that effective and quality communication can improve patient-centred outcomes like patient satisfaction.

[ 35 ] conducted a qualitative study with focus groups (eight focus groups with a range of three to nine participants) of 15 older adults in a nursing home. The study used an ethnographic qualitative design. The nonverbal communication strategies observed in this study included active listening (including verbal responses) and touching. The authors found that the characteristics of the communication strategies that make communication quality and effective include mutual respect, equity, and addressing conflict. The patients perceived that their nursing aides gave them better-individualised care if their relationship and communication were characterised by mutual respect. Portraying mutual respect includes showing the patients that they are being listened to and heard, which can include calling them by their names and showing signs of active listening. Some residents (older patients) complained that some nursing aides had favouritism, whereby they liked some patients and not others. When such a perception emerges, the patients could perceive the treatment as unjust, compromising individualised care quality. Also, nursing aides must equip themselves with communicative strategies to address conflict rather than avoid it. For example, knowing about the patient’s history can help nursing aides understand their behaviour in the facility, improving prospects of providing better personalised or individualised care.

[ 33 ] also conducted a qualitative study utilising a sample of 17 older adults in nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the United States. They aimed to identify the types and examples of nurse-aide-initiated communication with long-term care residents during mealtime assistance in the context of the residents’ responses. Using a naturalistic approach, the researchers observed communicative interactions between the nurse aides and the residents during mealtime assistance. Videos were recorded and transcribed and analysed using the grounded theory approach. They found that apart from emotional support, nonverbal communication strategies were used by nurse aides to address the residents, initiate and maintain personal conversations, and check-in. Although the authors did not provide statistical proof that these communication strategies improved well-being, their findings can inform future studies.

Finally, [ 37 ] conducted a qualitative, grounded theory study to develop a model for effective non-verbal communication between nurses and older patients. The authors conducted overt observations of patient-nurse interactions using a sample of eight older patients. They found that the nature of nonverbal communication to be employed depends on the context or environment, and certain external factors influence it. The factors influencing nonverbal communication include the nurses’ intrinsic factors, positive views of older adults, awareness of nonverbal communication, and possession of nonverbal communication skills. Patient factors that can also influence the effectiveness of nonverbal communication include positive moods, financial situations, and non-critical medical conditions. The model developed also emphasised that non-verbal communication, if carried out correctly considering context and environment, can lead to positive outcomes, such as increased adherence to providers’ recommendations, improved quality of care, and shorter hospital stays.

Results of syntheses

Four themes emerged from the narrative synthesis: nonverbal communication, verbal communication, communication strategies, and patient-centred outcomes. Table  6 summarises the subthemes that emerged under each theme. They are discussed below.

Nonverbal communication

Nonverbal communication was a critical theme that emerged in several studies. Five out of the seven studies investigated the effectiveness of touch on various patient-centred outcomes [ 31 ]. found that nonverbal communication strategies such as comfort touch, characterised by a handshake or a pat on the shoulders, forearm, or hand, had a statistically significant positive impact on patient-centred outcomes, such as well-being, self-esteem, health status, social processes, life satisfaction, self-actualisation, and self-responsibility [ 31 ]. implemented comfort touch exclusively without combining it with other nonverbal communication strategies. It means that comfort touch on its own can be effective in improving various patient-centred outcomes. As such, it can be hypothesised that if comfort touch is combined with other nonverbal communication strategies, such as active listening, eye gazing, smiling, maintaining a close distance, eyebrow movement, and nodding/shaking of the head can lead to even better results regarding patient-centred outcomes [ 32 , 33 , 35 , 37 ]. [ 35 ] identified active listening and touching as important nonverbal communication strategies that make communication quality and effective [ 33 ]. found that nurse-aide-initiated communication during mealtime assistance using nonverbal communication strategies, such as emotional support, smiling, laughing, touching, eye gazing, shaking hands, head nodding, leaning forward, and a soft tone were crucial in addressing the residents, initiating (and maintaining) personal conversations, and checking in. Finally, [ 37 ] developed a model that emphasised the importance of effective nonverbal communication in forming effective therapeutic relationships, promoting patient satisfaction, and improving the quality of care. An exhaustive list of the nonverbal communication approaches is shown in Table  6 .

In general, most studies, especially the qualitative ones, supported the utilisation of multiple non-verbal communication strategies in a single communicative episode. The studies also implied that it is the responsibility of healthcare providers to initiate and maintain effective nonverbal communication cues, such as those detailed in Table  6 . Additionally, it is important to note that it is only one study [ 31 ] that investigated the effectiveness of comfort touch on patient-centred outcomes. Therefore, the notion implied in qualitative studies that combining various nonverbal strategies could lead to a better improvement in patient-centred outcomes is subject to further empirical investigation. It was noted that there is a lack of empirical studies investigating how the combination of various non-verbal communication techniques or strategies can influence patient-centred outcomes, such as patient satisfaction and perceptions of quality of care.

Verbal communication

Four out of the seven studies implied that verbal communication improved patient-centred outcomes [ 32 , 34 – 36 ]. Effective and quality verbal communication was found to impact patient satisfaction positively [ 32 ], increased awareness of COPD effects [ 36 ], improved health literacy [ 34 ], presented problems [ 32 ], and mental and physical health [ 32 ]. It is worth noting that [ 32 ] used a cross-sectional survey approach and used regression analyses to investigate the relationship between communication and various patient-centred outcomes, such as patient satisfaction and mental and physical health. Also, it is important noting that the authors combined both verbal (e.g., more positive talk, greater trust, and receptivity) and non-verbal (e.g., smile, gazing, eyebrow movements, and interpersonal touches) in their study. Therefore, it can be a bit challenging to directly conclude that effective verbal communication alone without non-verbal communication is effective on its own in improving patient-centred outcomes. Similarly, [ 34 ] combined both narrative-based and picture-based communication strategies to give patients education about health literacy. Therefore, it can be challenging to know whether narratives comprising of verbal communication (and often non-verbal communication) can improve patient-centred outcomes on their own. The rest of the studies were qualitative [ 35 , 36 ], which means that their findings generally reflected the subjective experiences or opinions of their participants. Therefore, it can be said that although all the four studies supported verbal communication can effectively improve patient-centred outcomes, there is a need for future research to experimentally test its effectiveness without being combined with non-verbal communication strategies.

Moreover, two of the four studies implied that some conditions must be met for verbal communication to be effective [ 32 , 35 ]. some communication strategies, such as higher lifestyle discussion and rapport-building rates, were perceived as patronising and associated with poor outcomes [ 32 ]. Instead, the authors found that communication strategies like seeking and giving biomedical and psychosocial information were more effective in improving patient outcomes [ 32 ]. It implies that healthcare providers should be attentive and intentional of the topics they discuss with patients. Further, in their qualitative study, [ 35 ] found that effective verbal communication also requires mutual respect, equity, and addressing conflict. Indeed, it appears that certain communication strategies like lifestyle discussions can undermine the process of establishing trust, which is why they were associated with adverse patient outcomes. Also, unlike nonverbal communication, the studies that highlighted the effect of verbal communication on patient-centred outcomes did not provide rich descriptions of the specific verbal communication strategies that can be used in a face-to-face healthcare setting. The described strategies like using phone calls to regularly communicate with the patient without having to visit a healthcare facility and things to ensure when communicating with the older patient, such as mutual respect and avoiding too many discussions on lifestyle do not offer rich insights into the specific nature of the verbal communication strategies.

Communication strategies

In 3.5.2 above, it was shown that the sample of participants that [ 32 ] used in their study did not prefer discussions related with healthy lifestyles, which compromised patient-centred outcomes. Therefore, it was also important to determine the best approaches to formulate communication strategies that work. Two out of the seven studies implied how communication strategies can be formulated [ 34 , 36 ] [ 36 ]. found that a tailored intervention delivered through telephone communication improved patient perceptions of the quality of care. In this regard, the authors first identified the needs of the patients to guide the development of the tailored intervention, from which they might have obtained insights into the patients’ communication preferences [ 34 ]. found a participatory approach to developing a curated story that improves health literacy appealing and understandable. The findings emphasised the need for participatory approaches when developing communication interventions for patients with varied health and social needs. Although the studies did not compare or contrast the effectiveness of participatory-based communication strategies and non-participatory-based communication strategies, their findings provide useful insights into the significance of involving patients when developing them. From their findings, it can be anticipated that a participatory approach is more likely to yield better patient-centred outcomes than non-participatory-based communication strategies.

Patient-centred outcomes

All studies reviewed highlighted patient-centred outcomes as the goal of effective communication in older patients. Patient-centred outcomes included well-being, self-esteem, health status, social processes, life satisfaction, self-actualisation, and self-responsibility (Butt, 2001), as well as patient satisfaction [ 32 , 36 ], increased awareness of COPD effects [ 36 ], and improved health literacy [ 34 ]. Others included presenting problems, mental health, and physical health [ 32 ], as well as adherence to providers’ recommendations, improved quality of care, and shorter hospital stays [ 37 ]. All seven studies indicated that the various verbal and nonverbal communication approaches could improve these patient-centred outcomes. The consistency observed between the experimental study by [ 31 ], the qualitative studies, and other quantitative study designs implies the need to pay greater attention to verbal and non-verbal communication strategies used by healthcare professionals as they can directly influence numerous patient-centred outcomes. This consistency further implies that effective communication is the anchor of high-quality care, and its absence will always compromise patient-centred outcomes, such as satisfaction and health outcomes.

Discussion and conclusion

Discussion of findings.

In agreement with various studies and reviews conducted in younger populations [ 1 – 3 ], all the seven studies selected in this rapid review supported that effective communication is a cornerstone of improved patient-centred outcomes. Like [ 5 , 11 , 12 ], the studies reviewed in this rapid review also supported the idea that effective communication with older adults involves the combination of verbal and nonverbal communication cues. However, this rapid review went a step ahead to identify the specific conditions that must be present for effective verbal and nonverbal communication to take place, such as perceptions of equity, mutual respect, and addressing conflict instead of avoiding it. The qualitative studies used in this rapid review also offered rich descriptions of how providers use nonverbal communication strategies.

However, the main shortcoming of the seven studies reviewed is that none aimed to define or describe what constitutes effective communication with older adults, apart from [ 37 ], who described a model of nonverbal communication with older adults. The study was qualitative and only formed a theoretical basis of how effective nonverbal communication with older adults could be shaped. The theory developed needs to be tested in an experimental setting so that its effect size in improving patient-centred outcomes, such as quality of care, quality of life, patient satisfaction, and emotional and cognitive well-being, can be documented unbiasedly and validly. Therefore, as much as the reviewed studies agreed with younger populations regarding the positive effect of effective and quality communication on patient-centred outcomes [ 9 , 10 ], the methodological rigour of studies with older patients needs to be improved.

Although the individual studies reviewed in this rapid review had low risk of bias apart from [ 31 ], the screening was based on the judgment of the individual research designs. Otherwise, if the assessment had been done from the perspective of the focus of this rapid review, the risk of bias in studies could have been high in predicting the influence of effective communication on patient-centred outcomes. First, apart from [ 31 ], none of the studies used a random sample. The qualitative studies used purposively obtained samples, which means the risk of bias from an interventional perspective was high. However, the studies provided in-depth insights into the characteristics and features of verbal and non-verbal communication strategies that can be used to form and maintain provider-patient relationships.

Recommendations for practice and future research

The main recommendation for practice is that nurses and providers serving older patients must be aware of their verbal and non-verbal communication strategies. Besides, they should engage in continuous professional development to enhance their verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Combining a wide range of nonverbal communication, such as touching the patient on the shoulder or arm or even handshaking can help create strong bonds and relationships, which are key in an effective therapeutic relationship. The qualitative studies reviewed showed that nurses and other providers combine a wide range of nonverbal communication in a single interaction instance, such as eye gazing, nodding, touching, and eyebrow movement. Although studies on verbal communication were rare in this rapid review, some lessons learned from the few studies included (e.g., [ 36 ]) is that using telephones to communicate with older patients regularly is potentially effective in improving patient-centred outcomes like better self-management. The information shared by the nurse should be tailored to serve the specific health needs of older patients. For example, for COPD patients, a nurse can make regular calls to old patients to educate them about the importance of quitting smoking and alcohol to improve their health condition and better self-management. However, as [ 32 ] indicated, the nurse should be cautious about how to present the information to the client and be able to detect patronising discussions quickly. For example, the sample of adults used by [ 32 ] found that many lifestyle and rapport-building discussions with the nurse were patronising in ways that may be detrimental to patient-centred outcomes. Some of the strategies providers can employ to ensure that communication is not perceived as patronising by older patients include ensuring mutual respect (e.g., active listening as a sign of mutual respect), creating perceptions of equity rather than favouritism when communicating with multiple patients at a time, and solving conflicts rather than avoiding them, which entails extra efforts, such as understanding the patient’s behaviour in the past and present. Overall, although studies have not provided specific estimates of the effect sizes of effective communication on patient-centred outcomes among older adults, there is a general trend and consensus in studies that effective communication, nonverbal and verbal, is the cornerstone of high-quality healthcare.

Further, future research needs to address various gaps identified in this study. The first gap is that although [ 37 ] tried to develop a model of nonverbal communication with older adults, their study had some drawbacks that limited the comprehensiveness of the model. First, the authors used a sample of only eight older adults in two medical wards in Cameroon. Besides the small sample, the study was conducted in medical wards, which means its findings may not be generalisable to long-term care settings like nursing homes. More older adults who encounter healthcare professionals are admitted in long-term care facilities, calling for developing a more robust communication strategy. Second, [ 37 ] only focused on nonverbal communication, thereby providing limited practical applicability of the model since verbal and nonverbal communication co-exists in a single interactional instance. Therefore, there is a need to develop a model that provides a complete picture into what effective communication is like with older adults.

After developing a valid, reliable, and generalisable model for effective communication with older adults in various healthcare settings, future research should also focus on investigating the impact of such a model on patient-centred outcomes, such as quality of care, quality of life, patient satisfaction, and physical and mental health. More particularly, the developed model can be used to derive communication interventions, which can be applied and tested in various healthcare settings with older adults. That way, research on this subject matter will mature as more and more studies test the effectiveness of such a communication model in various settings and countries. All that is known in the literature is that effective verbal and nonverbal communication can help promote patient-centred outcomes among older adults.

Limitations

Although this rapid review was conducted rigorously by adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, the use of a single reviewer in the study selection process can undermine the quality of the review. When a single reviewer is involved, the probability of missing out relevant studies increases immensely. However, this limitation was mitigated in this review by using an automation tool in the study selection process. In was assumed that combining the automation tool with one independent reviewer could significantly reduce the probability of missing relevant studies.

Another possible limitation is that few studies have been conducted between 2000 and 2023 investigating the effect of effective communication on various patient-centred outcomes. Although the literature recognises the importance of effective communication, and there is a unanimous agreement between studies of various research designs that it is the cornerstone of quality of care, more studies need to be conducted examining how various communication strategies influence patient outcomes, both subjective and objective. For example, [ 31 ] investigated the effect of comfort touch. Other studies using empirical means (e.g., experiments) can also test the other strategies identified, such as eye gazing, head nodding, eyebrow movement, et cetera. In this way, a more specific and structured approach to communication in healthcare settings can be developed using the evidence base.

Moreover, I initially intended to review studies published within the past five years (2018–2023) but later learned there were insufficient studies meeting the eligibility criteria. Consequently, I adjusted the publication date to the past ten years (2013–2023). I also learned insufficient studies published within that period. Consequently, I chose the period of 2000–2023, which yielded seven studies. Thus, some of the studies included may not capture contemporary realities in healthcare settings, raising the need for more empirical studies on this topic.

This rapid review selected seven studies whose narrative synthesis demonstrated that effective verbal and non-verbal communication could improve patient-centred outcomes. However, the studies were mostly qualitative, and hence they only provided rich descriptions of how nurses and older patients communicate in various clinical settings. It is only one study (Butts, 2001) that was experimental. Still, its risk of bias was high since patients were not concealed to allocation, and participants and outcome assessors were not blinded. Future research needs to focus on deriving a valid, reliable, and generalisable communication model with older adults using a larger and more representative sample size of older patients. Such a model should encompass both verbal and nonverbal communication. After developing a robust model, the next phase of future studies is to derive interventions based on the model and then, through experimental research, test their effectiveness. In that way, a standard approach to communicating effectively and in quality will be achieved, which is yet to be achieved in the current studies.

Electronic supplementary material

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Acknowledgements

I thank my wife and children for their patience and the great opportunity to devote a lot of time to doing the article in the best possible way.

Authors’ contributions

I am the primary and sole author of this article. My contribution to this article is a full contribution.

Data Availability

Declarations.

The authors declare no competing interests.

‘Not applicable’ for that section. The article is a rapid review type.

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