OverviewEffective communication – an organisation’s lifebloodBenefits of effective communicationCommunication in a changing workplaceMethods of communicationChoosing the channel of communicationSummary of communication choicesKey stages in the communication cycleBarriers to communicationThe flow of communicationIntercultural sensitivitiesChecklist for communicating effectively across culturesSeven steps to effective communicationThe impact of information technologySuccessful communication – key points to remember
Effective communication – an organisation’s lifebloodWe communicate every day – talking to people on
the phone / in person, taking dictation, writing letters, reports, emails
Essential to learn from our communications , through success and failures, to develop and enhance our communication skills
How? The more we write and speak, the more we improve our communication skills
Communication : giving, receiving or exchanging information, opinions or ideas by writing, speech or visual means, so that the message communicated is completely understood by the recipient(s)
Benefits of effective communicationGood communication at all levels is essentialSUCCESS:Stronger decision-making and problem-solvingUpturn in productivityConvincing and compelling corporate materials
Clearer, more streamlined workflow
Enhanced professional image
Sound business relationships
Successful response ensured
Communication in a changing workplaceEffective communication is vital to meet today’s
challenges:Advancing technology- various technological tools help us communicate
faster, frequent and across an increased range. People are reachable wherever they go
Global communications- More businesses are working on a global scaleThe information age- Constant challenge to get recipient’s attentionTeam-based business environments- Teamworking is regarded as important
Choosing the channel of communicationThe channel/means that is chosen to send a message
is very important;Can influence the message and how it is interpreted
by the recipientFactors:
CostConfidentialitySafety and securityInfluenceUrgencyDistanceTime of dayResourcesWritten recordRecipient
Summary of communication choicesUse oral channels when:
The message is simpleNeed immediate responseDoesn’t need permanent recordMessage has emotional factor
Use written channels when:Message is detailed or requires careful planningDon’t need immediate responseNeed to have permanent, written recordMinimise distortion
Use electronic channels when:speed is importantTime zones differPhysically separated from audience
Intercultural sensitivitiesWhat is Culture?
Shared system of beliefs, attitudes, values, expectations and norms of behaviour
Acknowledging cultural differencesNot judging other people by your own standardsEssential to retain an open mindAvoiding ethnocentrism – recognising differences
- avoid assumptions - do not pre-judge
Successful communication – key points to remember
ReadListen intelligentlyThink and planUse appropriate languageBe open-mindedSelect appropriate mediaTime your communication appropriatelyUse appropriate languageObtain feedbackAim high
Common Errors and ClichéA lot
- never use alotAbove-mentioned
- Instead of using Thank you for registering for the above-
mentioned workshop. use
Thank you for registering for this workshop.Affect/effect
- Affect is a verb meaning ‘to influence’.The fall in productivity will affect our profits
this month.- Effect is a noun meaning ‘result’.
The fall in productivity will have an effect on our profits this month.
Common Errors and Cliché1. Ten years have (passed/past) since the two companies
merged.2. When you take a problem to your manager, be sure to
offer an (alternative/alternate) solution.3. Good teachers should try to (elicit/illicit) answers from
their students than telling them everything.4. Perhaps you can ask the chairman to (defer/deter) the
decision until the next meeting.5. When the company received a lot of adverse publicity,
the staff (moral/morale) was very low.6. Always (insure/ensure) that you proofread your
documents carefully before sending them out.7. I have asked Martha to write (formally/formerly) to John.8. Mark has always (aspired/inspired) to be a manager.9. The CEO’s speech has a great (affect/effect) on staff
motivation.10. Please let me have your expert (advice/advise) on this
issue.