Communicating Effectively

 


When I think of communication, I generally envision two or more individuals having an exchange of words, either written or orally, as means of relaying a message. However, the reality is that communication occurs in a variety of ways and uses several modalities. IGI Global (formerly Idea Group, Inc.), considered an innovative leader in the dissemination of knowledge, defines communication modality as the use of input channels for the purposes of transmission exchange (IGI Global, 2022). The number of categorized communication modalities varies based on who you ask or the sources you reference. The most recognized modalities are verbal, auditory, written, and non-verbal. Within each of these four modalities are facial expressions, body language, sign language, tone, etc. Yet, there are so many additional ways that people communicate. Technology advancements have contributed to the communication evolution. Face-to-face, text, messaging, email, memes, etc. With each message relayed and received, we all employ multi-modal or various modalities to communicate with each other throughout the day (Liberator A Prentke Romich Company, 2021).

Week 3 of the Walden University EUDC 6145: Project Management in education and Training course, involved the review of the delivery of a message via three different modalities – written text, audio recording, and video recording. Following the review of each delivery method, I reflected on my interpretation of the message to determine which I found to be most effective and why.

Written Text – The message was presented in email form. Its tone was friendly, succinct, and to the point. On the first read, I found the message slightly confusing to follow. Although grammatically correct, if felt as if the sentences ran together. It took a second read for me to fully capture the context.  

Audio Recording – The message was repeated using voicemail as the mode of delivery. Again, the tone was friendly but with an inflection of some urgency.  

Face-to-Face – The message was repeated a third time and delivered in person. The tone remained friendly, but the facial expression emphasized a greater level of concern and sense of urgency in the delivery of multi-modal communication.

Tonality, body language, timing, and personality contribute to the spirit and attitude of communications – not only what is said but also how it is relayed (Walden University, LLC (Executive Producer, (n.d.a). The way messages are communicated can have implications on how it is received. In project management, ambiguous communications can ruin the success of a project. Communications should be clear and concise to ensure that key personnel and stakeholders are informed and engaged as a fundamental contributor to project progression (Walden University, LLC, n.d.b).

References

IGI Global. (2022). What is communication modality. IGI Global. Retrieved July 19, 2022, from https://www.igi-global.com/dictionary/communication-modality/72113

 Liberator A Prentke Romich Company. (2021). Multi Modal Communication - AAC - education - support: Liberator pty ltd. Liberator A Prentke Romich Company. Retrieved July 20, 2022, from https://liberator.net.au/support/education/aac/multi-modal.

Walden University, LLC (Executive Producer). (n.d.). Communicating with stakeholders [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu.

Walden University, LLC (Executive Producer). (n.d.). Practitioner voices: Strategies for working with stakeholders [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu.

Comments

  1. johnchimbora2021July 23, 2022 at 6:37 AM

    It is indeed important to be clear and concise when communicating as a project manager. Being concise in communication when running a project means, getting to the point without diluting your words with extra fluff. While the emphasis of your communication might shift depending on who you're talking to, the fluff does not. Project managers who foster clear and concise communication build trust and respect among project team members and project stakeholders. We have to communicate clearly and concisely. The message must be simple to be easily understood by all without the need for any assistance. Bourne, (2015) highlights conciseness as one of the five Cs that can reduce misunderstandings, noting that, "Conciseness of expression through the elimination of excess words or redundancy: A concise, well-crafted message eliminates prospects for misunderstanding the intent of the message." You posted great ideas which I must consider from now onwards.


    Bourne, L. (2015). Making projects work: Effective Stakeholder and communication management. CRC Press.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mel WmsJuly 25, 2022 at 12:43 AM

    I agree. The success of a project relies on the project manager's ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders and ensure their needs are met. Project Managers are expected to be affective communicators. Project managers should have great communication skills and people skills. Oakes (2017) writes about the 6 skills an effective project manager needs. Communication skills and people skills are two of the skills listed.

    Oakes, T. 2017. 6 Skills To Look For In An Instructional Designer. https://elearningindustry.com/6-skills-to-look-for-in-an-instructional-designer#:~:text=Communication%20Skills,on%20the%20overall%20education%20itself.

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