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4MAT Communication Model

The 4MAT model is a communication model that sequences information in a way that engages different audiences. It addresses people's preferences for receiving information by covering purpose, information, application, and possibilities. The 4MAT model sequences these four areas in a specific order (why, what, how, what if) based on how people naturally process information. Structuring communication using this sequence increases understanding among a wide range of audiences.

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419 views

4MAT Communication Model

The 4MAT model is a communication model that sequences information in a way that engages different audiences. It addresses people's preferences for receiving information by covering purpose, information, application, and possibilities. The 4MAT model sequences these four areas in a specific order (why, what, how, what if) based on how people naturally process information. Structuring communication using this sequence increases understanding among a wide range of audiences.

Uploaded by

B5398
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The 4MAT Communication Model

Ed Andriessen, Business Training resource

Delivering Messages with A useful and effective model for communicating clearly is a model titled
Clarity “The 4MAT.”
Although developed as an instructional design tool, this tool has expanded
into other areas of communication as a versatile and easy to learn
process.
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What is 4MAT? 4MAT is a methodology that allows people to create presentations, emails
and other types of communications that engage a variety of audiences.
The 4MAT model identified four communications preferences:
Purpose
Information
Application
Possibilities
Through research and feedback, the creator of the 4MAT has organized
these preferences in a sequence that, when used, creates
communications that are more widely understood.
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What does 4MAT do? Created by Dr. Bernice McCarthy (http://www.aboutlearning.com/) the
4MAT methodology helps simplify communication in a way that engages
people.
4MAT methodology uses right/left brain research to create efficient
transfer of information and better understanding.
The 4MAT also makes us aware not only of the strengths of right or left
brain processing, but how to take advantage of this knowledge.
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The Basics of 4MAT Individuals are unique; they have preferences for receiving and
processing information (left or right brain). People have discovered what
works well for them and they lead with these information preferences.
Even with left and right brain processing, individuals process into specific
areas:
 Some prefer to explore the meaning of things – purpose and
causation (They question WHY)
 Some look for the concepts – components and information
(They question WHAT)
 Some look for the operations – utilization and application
(They question HOW)
 Some prefer to review – variations and possibilities
(They question WHAT IF)

22 Pizzullo Rd., Hamilton, NJ  Phone: 609.531.4776  Fax: 609.689.3747  www.BusinessTrainingResource.com


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Keys to 4MAT The key to the effectiveness of the 4MAT is to remember that it is a
Effectiveness cycle.
You start with the why and then cycle through the what, how and what if.
For example, if you jump around the 4MAT, you may unintentionally “shut
down” an individual. Research has shown that individuals who process
meanings (whys) will not process anything else until the meaning is
established. They won’t pay attention to what or how until their “why” is
addressed.
People who need the “what” and “how” information will process the “why”
first, but eventually their “what” or “how” must be explained.
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4MAT Order Although this model appears simplistic, people respond very positively
and with better understanding when communication is structured using
the simple order of:
1. Why? 2. What?

4. What if? 3. How?


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4MAT COMMUNICATION GRID

1. Why? 2. What?
The reason/purpose I am communicating The Things I want you to know about this
this is: are:

4. What if? 3. How?


The effect of this might be/This might The way this works/How you can use this
cause: is:

22 Pizzullo Rd., Hamilton, NJ  Phone: 609.531.4776  Fax: 609.689.3747  www.BusinessTrainingResource.com


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To become familiar with the 4MAT Grid below, you can use the form below. Create a brief
communication on something you believe is important to communicate.

1. Why? 2. What?
The reason I am communicating this is: The things I want you to know about this
are:

4. What if? 3. How?


The effect of this might be/This might The way this works/How you can do this is:
cause:

For more information about how to communicate more effectively through intrapersonal
and internet channels, please contact:

Ed Andriessen
CEO
Business Training Resource
609-531-4776

22 Pizzullo Rd., Hamilton, NJ  Phone: 609.531.4776  Fax: 609.689.3747  www.BusinessTrainingResource.com


Page 3 of 3

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