How Has Technology Impacted Communication and How I Communicate?

The methods we use to communicate with each other have drastically evolved over the past century. In 1250 the quill was first used for writing. Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas A. Watson invented the telephone in 1876. In 1965, the first E-mail is sent and now businesses use Skype conferencing with international clients. Technology has made communication much quicker and easier and is forever evolving.

 

However, it has come with drawbacks in the process of communication. Since there are more channels of communication, there are more ways that communication can break down. The communication channel is the method through which the message is conveyed. The various different channels available causes communication to be a delicate matter if not handled appropriately. The context of the words in a message can be changed depending on the channel chosen by the sender. Although the meaning of the message may have been of best intentions, because the channel wasn’t appropriate for that particular message, the boss may take offence from it or is confused as to what the message is about. This also includes visual components embedded in a message. If there is a visual aid sent with a message, such as graphs or timelines, the receiver may be confused as to what their purpose is and if the receiver needs to do anything with them if the message isn’t clear.

 

Because technology has evolved so rapidly, I am cognisant of the need to express any instructions clearly and in detail to ensure the message is received correctly – this is especially the case as the amount of communication any individual receives nowadays is vastly larger than what would have been received only 10 years ago – i.e. text, email

 

Communication for me has been made simpler, frequent and more rapid. The use of texting allows me to quickly send and receive messages to and from various people without having to allocate a time to meet with them to discuss ideas and interests. The introduction of emojis has allowed me to express my emotion and reactions to conversations and ensure the receiver of how I feel. My use of abbreviated language such as LOL has become slightly more frequent, especially in times when I have little time to properly text a full message.

 

Emails have become my primary method of communication for important inquiries and feedback. Because I spend most of my time at home, the use of Email allows me to send and receive messages showcasing world news, technological advancements and industry building possibilities with family members when they are at work. It also allows me to instantaneously give opinions and suggestions to design processes and removes the 30 minute train ride into the city to present in person; which would waste both my time and those with whom I am communicating.

 

 

References

Genere, P., Gill, R., Lawson, C. and Lewis, M. (2015) Communication Skills For Business Professionals. Ch 3. Cambridge University: Cambridge University Press. (Accessed: 10 May 2016)

Technology Timeline (2015) Available at: http://www.datesandevents.org/events-timelines/12-technology-timeline.htm (Accessed: 14 May 2016).

What Does Emotional Intelligence Mean?

The term emotional intelligence (EI) relates to how a person recognises their emotions and of those with whom they communicate. EI is also characterised by how people label and use emotions to guide their thinking and behaviour. The success level of communication is directly related to the EI of the communicators. A person can enhance their EI by taking the time to understand the emotions related to certain moods and behaviours. This can be done by studying emotional ques in people’s facial expressions whilst talking to them and how they react to different topics.

Body language is another factor that can be used to recognising moods and to increase one’s EI. Moods such as anger and anxiousness both cause people to display rapid breathing, pounding heart and irritability, but anger is also accompanied by either folded arms and/or hand on hip; both can also be a cause for pacing.

 

There is a direct relationship of causality that exists between one’s understanding of the appropriate mood for a given situation and the outcome achieved. If required to perform a task and the decided mood is a negative one, chances are that the outcome of the task will be poor because there will be a lack of motivation and thought that will be applied. The opposite outcome will occur should a positive mood be de
cided. Understanding how to prevent certain negative emotions from impacting a situation can enhance one’s emotional intelligence. In a situation where a person does not fully agree with an activity/idea, this arising negative reaction may be countered by recognising possibilities to re-shape the situation so that it is perceived as beneficial for both themselves and for anyone else that is involved. Being able to recognise secondary paths to understanding reduces the possibility of negative feedback and the risk of disrespecting another individual or group of people.

 

A final method which may enhance emotional intelligence is building an emotional vocabulary. Author Karla McLaren describes the world’s collective emotional vocabulary as paltry, meaning that most people aren’t descriptive enough about their emotions, which causes the lack of ability to describe how we feel in certain circumstances.

 

 

References

Genere, P., Gill, R., Lawson, C. and Lewis, M. (2015) Communication Skills For Business Professionals. Ch 9. Cambridge University: Cambridge University Press. (Accessed: 10 May 2016)

Jeanne, S., Smith, M. and Shubin, J. (2016) Key skills for raising emotional intelligence. Available at: http://www.helpguide.org/articles/emotional-health/emotional-intelligence-eq.htm (Accessed: 13 May 2016).

McLaren, K. (2010) Your emotional vocabulary list. Available at: http://karlamclaren.com/emotional-vocabulary-page/ (Accessed: 13 May 2016).

reserved, F.-M.A. rights (2015) Understanding emotional intelligence. Available at: http://www.free-management-ebooks.com/faqpp/understanding-01.htm (Accessed: 16 May 2016).

 

What makes a ‘Good’ Public Speaker?

Being a good public speaker isn’t about what information the speaker is giving, nor is it about the size of the audience. A good public speaker, first and foremost, is dedicated to preparation. The more prepared the presenter is, the less likely they are to exert nervousness and stress, but rather deliver a clear and succinct collection of ideas. Utilising preparation strategies, such as rehearsing, are very beneficial for a presenter as it allows better understanding of the material and a stronger connection with the audience. Rehearsing a speech allows the presenter to plan how to give the presentation to maximise understanding of the topic being conveyed.

 

For a brief explanation of effectiveness of preparation methods, click here.

 

Further, taking the time to properly evaluate what information is ‘really’ needed in a presentation eliminates irrelevant information. The main strategies that presenters can utilize are structure, vocal techniques and literal devices, methods of persuasion, non-verbal communication and time management. It is important for the speaker to structure his/her presentation in a way that is suited to their personality and mannerism, as well as allowing the speaker to feel comfortable while talking.

 

The more time taken to plan a presentation, the more likely the context will feel familiar to the audience, which in turn, will allow them to experience more engagement and will support their acceptance of any call to action. Successful presenters plan out their aims by determining why they are presenting and what the desired outcomes are. The information in a presentation should be broken down into strong but simple points. The speaker can do this by writing the information as S.M.A.R.T objectives. It is critical that the speech is given at pleasurable speed so that the audience understands the message. Literary devices, such as alliteration, metaphors and similes, should be used to give comparative analyses and repetitive ques that make the audience remain attentive throughout the speech. Ensuring the key points remain the focus, that they are relatable and strongly reinforced, makes the presentation ‘sticky’. If a speaker can implement all of these techniques, he/she will be a successful public speaker.

 

 

 

References

Bibliography: Harrington, A. (2014) 9 mistakes to avoid when speaking in public. Available at: http://www.empowernet.com.au/blog/9-mistakes-to-avoid-when-speaking-in-public/ (Accessed: 16 May 2016). In-line Citation: (Harrington, 2014)

Genere, P., Gill, R., Lawson, C. and Lewis, M. (2015) Communication Skills For Business Professionals. Ch14. Cambridge University: Cambridge University Press. (Accessed: 10 May 2016)

What Are ‘Soft Skills’ and Why Are They Important in Business?

When seeking new employees, businesses look for candidates who possess two types of skills – soft or transferrable skills and hard or key skills. Hard skills are attributes that are needed for a specific occupation. Graphic designers need to understand the fundamentals of design and colour theory, photographers need to understand the various camera settings, framing and lighting needed for the pictures they take. Soft skills, or transferrable skills, are a set of basic skills that can be transferred across occupations and industries. The term ‘soft skills’ relates to a person’s EI (emotional intelligence), the culmination of personal and social skills that characterise relationships with other people. Some examples include, but aren’t limited to, commitment, enthusiasm, adaptability, personal presentation and reliability. While key skills are learnt through an educational program, soft skills cannot be taught by someone else, rather they are learnt through educational, work and life experiences.

 

For businesses, soft skills are important as they excel a person’s ability to produce effective work practices and high quality results. They allow for better communication and teamwork, not only between team members, but between an employee and their boss also. Having soft skills also impacts how the individual will be perceived by co-workers and supervisors. While key skills allow the employee to do the work, soft skills relate to how the employee gets the work done; for instance, engaging their team members and/or welcoming constructive feedback. The overall result is more effective outcomes.

 

Further, soft skills, when used appropriately, can aid in building the professional brand of the individual and, therefore, the business. By having an individual representing the business who is well-presented, self-aware, considerate and client-focussed, the business is more likely to leave a lasting positive impression on business associates and customers. This is especially so where the business is communicating with individuals from different cultures.

 

 

References

Agency, S.F. (2012) What are the ’soft skills’ employers want? Available at: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/aboutus/newsarticles/Pages/Spotlight-SoftSkills.aspx (Accessed: 10 May 2016). 

Genere, P., Gill, R., Lawson, C. and Lewis, M. (2015) Communication Skills For Business Professionals. Ch 1. Cambridge University: Cambridge University Press. (Accessed: 10 May 2016)

Melnick, L. (2016) What are ‘Soft Skills’ and why are they important? Available at: https://gviservicelearning.com/blog/important-soft-skills-students/ (Accessed: 15 May 2016).