Effective Communication

        I would like to welcome you to my blog. The purpose of this blog is to display the knowledge, and skills I have acquired throughout my years at Ashford University in the study of effective communication. This blog will inform you on the many types and forms of communication techniques involved in effective communication. Successful communication at work or home can be an enjoyable experience with the right tools and skills.

Critiquing My Classmates Blogs

The first fellow student blog I will be discussing is http://lourose1875.simplesite.com. In reviewing this entire, blog I feel this blog has an effective layout where anyone can find information easily and quickly.  The graphics in the blog make it appealing.

The blog has a variety of colors which complemented each other, and were not too loud or bold.  The content needs work.  The information should always be correct, and accurate.  Revisions are necessary in order to reach the target audience effectively.

Several blog graphics did not represent the topic effectively.  I would recommend reconsidering the graphics in Communication Basics; cookie images do not create an interest in the topic. The blog Delivering Bad News Tactfully graphics need to make you feel as if you were delivering bad news.

The graphics in this blog relationship do not work well with the written material. The language is clear and understandable; however, it gets confusing as you read.  Sentences are starting and ending everywhere. Revising the small font is necessary in this article.  The 3 Communication Components is blog set up attractive, except the wording seems confusing. Other than a few revisions, this is a good blog.

The next blog I will review is http://sah17.wordpress.com/.  This blog starts off with a unique view of the sun setting, which really puts you in a relaxing mood.  This creates a nice impression for your audience, making them wanting to return to your site. The layout of the blog is set up where everything is easy to locate. The choice of graphics is right on target, making you want to continue to read more.

Every image in this blog attracted my attention right away.  I could feel the topic in the images.  The language was clear, effective, and easy to understand.  The colors are mostly dark and neutral; however, they fit in perfectly with the topic.  This blog shows its purpose, by the outstanding work and content which has been displayed.

I recommend in this blog incorporating more color and graphics.  “Viewers see visuals first, which is what makes it your best opportunity to get noticed” (Marsh, 2009).  Breaking long paragraphs down into small paragraphs will make the information easier to read and follow. This blog meet all the qualifications of being professional.

The last blog I will review is http://jennysimms.blogspot.com/.  This blog started out with a soft pink color, which creates a pleasant mood.  The background is the only graphic and color in the entire blog. The need for graphs and images in blogs is important, it is necessary to attract your audience.  The appearance of the blog is crucial to keep your audience coming back. The design of the layout is sufficient in finding information quickly.  The reading and text is clear and easy to understand.

Reaching the audience might be difficult because the blog shows no graphics, only words.  This blog lacks appearance which is the crucial to blog. The blog has no pictures with colors or images to enhance the writing or set a mood to lure the audience in.  Adding graphics would make this blog more interesting. I would recommend breaking up some of the long paragraphs.  The purpose is to make the blog easier to read.  With a few revisions this will become an effective blog.

Deloise

Marsh, C. G. (2009). Strategic writing, multimedia writing for public relations, advertising and more. Boston: Pearson. ISBN: 9780205591626

Delivering Bad News Tactfully and Effectively

Delivering bad news is difficult for both parties involved. Whenever I have to take on a situation concerning one of my workers, I have to be concerned, with how I will approach this employee.

I have been asked to reprimand an employee for his unprofessional behavior in our customer service department. Whenever, you are a department manager in a mid-sized company, which provides technology support services, you are expected to provide a high level of expertise, and deliver excellent customer service at all times. 

Conflict does not just appear without a reason. “When action is called for, there are appropriate actions that can produce positive, constructive, and favorable outcomes”, (Cahn, 2007, p. 16).  The best way to manage conflict is to face it head on, and find the source of the problem. Once I have identified the source of the problem, then I can take steps to prevent the employees unprofessional behavior, and decide the strategy to fit the situation. I feel the STLC method will be beneficial in resolving this issue.

After receiving the complaints on this employee, I would stop and think about the situation, before I decide to react.  I would start by checking out the complaints for myself.  Once I have talked to the parties involved, I would document the employee’s performance level, and complaints from customers and co-workers.  This information may be necessary, during our meeting as proof of the complaints for his behavior.  Since the employee is known to be confrontational this information may be necessary to help manage conflict.

After gathering and reviewing the information, I would talk to the employee and schedule a meeting.  The meeting would be held in a conference room, with a do not disturb sign on the door.  Since this is a serious situation, I do not want any interruptions.  The employee needs to know this meeting is serious.  Once we are in our meeting, I would us the indirect approach and let him know how much the company values his two years, and appreciate his time and hard work.

“The indirect approach softens your audience resistance, arouses their interest, and increases there tendency to see you as a fair-minded” (Roebuck, 2006, p. 88) .  Then I would ask him, is there is anything he would like to talk discuss at this time.  Hopefully this action will create trust and let him know, I am willing to listen. This way if he is having a problem at home or at work, now is the time to talk about it and save face.  After I find out what is causing his unacceptable behavior, then I can find an effective solution to satisfy everyone. 

Once we are communicating and exchanging words, I find out this employee is having personal problems, which is affecting his work behavior  After listening to the employee and finding out the cause of his behavior, I would inform him that our company has several programs designed to help him with his personal problems.  I will be sympathetic concerning his problems.  Then I would explain how his anger at work is causing conflict for my entire department.  I would suggest he look into the programs for his benefit, if he values his job.

I would inform the employee, his actions are causing the other nine employees working with him to become uncomfortable, causing low morale.  The company has received complaints from customers with whom we are providing service for, concerning your behavior.  If the employee is given a choice, maybe he will want to keep his job and seek help.  I will explain why his behavior is unacceptable, and my decision will be determined on his feedback.

After talking and listening, I would inform him of the complaints received regarding his conduct.  Letting him know this type of behavior will not be tolerated, with co-workers, and especially not with our customers. Our company has rules and regulations which must be followed in order to maintain our high standards.

Lastly I would explain it is our job to work together as a team providing our customers with respect and excellent customer service. Working together is important in maintaining professional service. I would inform him that I am here to help him in any way I can to resolve this issue, and improve his work performance in order to maintain our high standards in customer service.  

By ending in a positive note, I hope to establish goodwill with the employee, giving him the incentive to seek help to maintain his job.  

References

Cahn, D. &. (2007). Managing conflict through communication (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc. ISBN: 978-0-205-68556-1.

Roebuck, D. B. (2006). Improving Business Communication Skills, fouth edition. Upper Sadle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Politeness and Intercultural Communication

The views of politeness in the different countries are different from the United States.  In Japan people are very polite; however regarding their private lives, privacy is their main concern.

Strangers often mistake their politeness as a role done with ease, sort of mechanical. "Unlike Americans, we like to visit and ask questions when we meet someone new. Japanese do not like to be questioned about their private lives"(De Mente, August 1999).   

“Most Japanese have a compulsion to make sure every foreign visitor has a good time and leaves with a good impression of the country and its people” (De Mente, August 1999).  Most foreigners are overwhelmed by this kind gesture. When the Japanese show politeness, others think only of it in terms of material things, not what comes from the Japanese’s hearts? 

The term politeness is interpreted in different ways.  Each country has its own culture, beliefs and values; therefore the word politeness means one thing to our country and something else to another country.

Three statements and behaviors Americans use which demonstrates the values placed on politeness in U.S. culture are:

(1)  The behavior of shaking hands in America is a polite gesture of friendliness.  This value shows the person is confident and friendly.

(2)  The statement, "thank you", demonstrates a polite way to say you are pleased.  "Thank you" is a polite way to express how you feel, showing gratitude.  This value shows you have good manners and respect for others.

(3)  It is considered polite to call older people, Mr. and Mrs. before their last name, instead of calling them by their first name.  This is one of the rules my parents stood by.  According to their culture it is disrespectful for a child to call a grown up by his first name.  
I am sure times have changed some by now.  This value is also a sign of respect.

Deloise

De Mente, B. L. (August 1999). Politeness Makes Perfect. NTC/Contemporary Publishing Company.

Resolving Conflict Resolution On The Job

Conflict resolution leans towards “the problem-solving approach, which requires information exchange, looking for alternatives and reaching a solution acceptable to all” (Brewer & Lam, Fall 2009). There are successful ways to handle conflict. 

Conflict can be resolved, if you stop, listen, and think before you decide to communicate. People issues always come in the way, which will cause conflict.  Conflict can help in productivity on the job by making the relationship stronger. 

Conflict is considered normal, and is something we can prevent, if educated.  The positive and negative effects of conflict are caused by our past experiences. Resolutions in conflict will make you feel better.  Conflict comes in different ways and attitudes so you have be able to anticipate, know it can happen, and identify the conflict. 

When I worked in output coding at my last job, I was responsible for correcting errors, which would not go through the system.  After so many errors you are supposed to turn them in to the supervisor. Trying to be nice, I took the errors to my co-worker and pointed out her mistakes. She blew up!  She started yelling and screaming saying I was picking on her. We had a few words, which did not turn out to be nice.

The conflict was not handled properly, because I should have followed work procedures, by turning the errors in to our supervisor. I knew this co-worker had been making a lot of mistakes, and thought by telling her she would appreciate not getting into trouble. When I confronted her I first should have explained, why I brought the errors to her. Once she cooled off and thought about it, she apologized for reacting without thinking.

Later I found out she was jealous because I had been promoted ahead of her. The way to manage or handle conflict is by using the S-T-L-C method, and by making others feel understood, nurtured and supported.

Deloise

Brewer, B., & Lam, G. K. (Fall 2009). Conflict Handling Preferences: A Public-Private Comparison. ProQuest Communications, 1-14.

Ethical Communication in Society

The moral character within an organization is considered ethical communication.  There are certain rules and regulations which society considers as moral. “Code of ethics provides your organization with a set of guidelines that outline what constitutes appropriate behavior” (Roebuck, 2006, p. 421).  When an organizations quality of work improves, a code of ethics impacts the organization. 

By creating an ethical environment it gives the workers guidelines of what is expected whenever issues arise, right or wrong.  The code of ethics determines and explains the organizations values, concerning how members are to treat each other.  It also teaches members when and how to respond to certain situations.

Building ethical communication systems in organizations can be a challenge.  However, all organizations should strive for honesty, trustworthiness and respect towards others, within or outside of the organization.  To ensure that communication is ethical, the organization should be open to change, and new ideas,” employ realism, make a commitment, us their imaginations and communicate effectively” (Roebuck, 2006). This type of relationship will ensure a positive relationship with employees. 

Organizations should always practice the principles of effective communication daily, which will help the organization to become stronger and successful. An example of ethical communication in the workplace is when the organization encourages employees to become active in the company, treat all fairly, ask for feedback, makes sure their employees are safe, and by welcoming new ideas and changes. Good leadership will help develop good workers.  

Unethical communication in the workplace would be for someone to take credit for a report, or a new idea they did not do or create.  It is also considered unethical to use the business expense account for non-business affairs to make you look, and feel important. Being deceitful on purpose for your own gain is considered unethical.

Deloise

Roebuck, D. (2006). Improving business communications skills (4th Ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Editing for Different Media

The medium in which you are communicating your message influences your writing and editing styles, because communication is a global process reaching a diverse audience. When writing and trying to promote a service or product, you have to deal with attitudes, cultural, demographics, ethics and more. People are different and want and desire different things. 

When writing in order to reach your target audience, you have to be clear and concise; making sure your message is effective.  An example of how writing and editing for one medium might differ from another medium would be for a Lawyer, “you would focus on protecting the company from sabotage by asking questions” (Lannon, 2008) .  You would use formal communication and terminology they understand.  When writing to the public you would focus on the big picture as to what pertains to them directly, using informal communication.

One way to assure your message is received effectively is to establish your writing style before you begin, by be doing a profile on your audience, and making sure your document is edited before turning it in.  By getting prepared you will avoid unethical communication.  Your document will be written with words the audience can understand without question.

Editing is also influenced by the medium in which you are communicating because you want clarity in your writing with no errors. Making sure your English is correct, with sentences that convey the information in the fewest words.  You can use automated tools, but the best way to edit is for you, or someone else to edit your work.  Before you submit your work, always use the checklist for clarity, conciseness, fluency, word choice, and your tone.

Lannon, J. M. (2008). Technical Communication(11th ed.) Ashford Custom. New York: Pearson Longman.

Media Technology In Today;s World

Media technology is using different forms of communication to reach their audience.  The four types of media we will be discussing are: newspaper, television, internet and social.  Media helps influence the way we think, while shaping our social relationships character.  Media technology is moving at a fast pace, keeping up to date is required, or you will become lost.

    Newspaper Media 

When buying a newspaper, technology is needed to produce it.  We just pick the paper up and read.  Newspapers have reporters who write, edit, and layout the story to fit the audience.  Today’s newspaper staffs need computers, digital imaging, satellite technology and sometimes robots to produce a professional newspaper. Without these tools there would be no newspapers as we know them today. 

Newspapers, periodicals, journals, books, booklets, pamphlets, newsletters are the different types of print media used daily.  A newspaper is a package of news, comments, information and entertainment. The combination of the contents varies from paper to paper.  Newspapers are designed to meet anyone who desires to read, wants and needs. There are many sections to attract interest. The prices of newspapers are reasonable, so anyone can afford to buy them. 

 The intended target audience of newspapers vary, however the main audience for newspapers are adults.  It depends on the interest of the target audience what newspapers will publish.  Newspapers are slowly fading away. “Some newspapers are creating home pages to mark their place in cyberspace until their managers determine how to make them commercially viable” (Morris & Christine, 2006).  Other print media are thinking about moving to the Internet, fearing new technology competition. 

Newspapers are looking into finding new technology sources to remain competitive. They are now using web sites, blogging and texting messaging to deliver information to their target audiences.  Remaining competitive means newspapers have to incorporate technology into their strategy. Without making these changes, newspapers will become inactive and soon become the talk of the past.
                              Television Media 

Technology in the television industry has made many changes over the years. Unlike radio, you can watch what is going on, and listen at the same time. The original television was black and white, big and bulky, with limited channels. However, today they have colored pictures with all kinds of neat gadgets.  Now, they are slim and trim.  Large flat screen televisions are in every household, the demand is great.  

Television attracts all types of viewers and age groups. Television technology gives us the convenience of sitting back, relaxing, and pressing the remote.  The world has been altered by television. Some people are considered as couch potatoes, because they lay around and watch television all day.  Too much television could have negative effects, if taken seriously by the viewer. 

Parents should encourage their children to watch programs which are beneficial to them.  “Time spent when children are watching television takes away from important activities, sometimes the information they learn may be inappropriate or incorrect” (Children and Watching TV, 2011).  Television technology is not harmful to viewers, if they enjoy the effects of using it wisely.

 Despite the boom of the internet, television is still good for obtaining information, and entertainment.  People of all ages watch television. Most of the United States started watching television as children. Television can be entertainment, and teach children many things if not used as a substitute other activities. Television offers many channels, with news, sports, cartoons, movies and game shows.  Most people could not imagine living without a television or two in their home.
                                                         
                                        Internet Media 

“The Internet can be used as a tool for gathering news and information; trends regarding downloading of pod-casts; use of social networking sites by teenagers; and usage trends and patterns for broadband Internet access” (Technology and Media Use, 2013).   When using the internet, you can connect anywhere in the world.  With a few key strokes, you are off and running on your adventure. 

Using the internet is great; however, you can become reliant upon its convenience.  Everyone has access to internet information, which makes this technology unique.  It is your decision how far you want to travel, and how much information you want to gather.  There is no limitation to the audience for using the internet.  Men, women, old and the young have learned to retrieve information from the Internet.

It can be used for work, education, shopping, or for your own pleasure.  “The Internet's information-retrieval and information-giving features are used in ways similar to mass media channels (newspapers, television, and books and magazines” (Flanagin, 2001). The internet has exploded with information over the years covering a mass audience.  Information can be accessed at any time.  The audience definitely has to be computer literate, or willing to learn. Today children are learning how to use computers in pre-school.

Today, there are profitable sources who are now creating home pages, and websites accessing their services, or for information concerning those services. The internet is taking over newspapers.  People no longer have to go buy newspapers; they can bring the information up on the internet and read at their convenience.  No more newspapers building up in the closet for recycle.

                                          Social Media                   


The last media technology is the social media.  “Social media such as Twitter, Facebook,, MySpace, You Tube, Flickr, and others have been growing at a tremendous rate, and the adoption rate of such media has skyrocketed” (Noor Al-Deen & Hendricks, 2012).  You can log into Twitter and connect with your friends, family, news, celebrities and professionals.
  
Facebook is also used to connect to friends and family.  Facebook has united with other companies to connect their services all over the world.  Facebook is growing fast and has become number one in social media.  With YouTube you can share videos instantly.  Flickr lets you share videos and your favorite photos with others. Communication has been taken to a new level these days because of technology.  Social media is positive most of the time, however there are times when there are negative effects. 

Several negative effects caused by social media are: A false sense of connection making us unable to distinguish the difference between the media and real relationships. Cyber- bulling means we have to look out for predators wanting to hurt others.  Sometimes, using the computer at work will cause distractions which will cause a decrease in productivity.  Social media openness can cause lack of privacy.

 You should always be careful concerning the personal information you are posting on a website.  Social media has made it possible to communicate anywhere in the world.  You can meet new people and develop relationships, without leaving home.  Social media has a positive and negative affect on people, which sometimes causes distractions.  Social media is changing the communication pattern fast.



Children and Watching TV. (2011). American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families.../Children_And_Wat_54.aspx‎.

Flanagin, A. a. (2001). Internet use in the contemporary media environment. Human Communication Research, 27:. Wiley Online Library, 153-181.

Morris, M., & Christine, O. (2006). The Internet as Mass Media. Wiley Online Library, DOI: 10.1111/j.1083-6101.1996.tb00174.x.

Noor Al-Deen, H. S., & Hendricks, J. A. (2012). Social Media Usage and Impact. Lanham, Maryland: Lexington Books.

Technology and Media Use. (2013). The Pew Charitable Trust, www.pewtrusts.org › ... › Technology and Media Use‎.

Communication Matters In All Fields

           Communication skills are needed in every type of career.  Being able to communicate effectively is important in life, and in whatever career you chose.  The purpose of this essay is to show how to develop a tool kit for communication in the real world.  We will discuss the skills you need to arm yourself with, such as communication, people skills, teamwork, collectivism, and management.  Developing effective communication skills really does matter in today’s world.

            The book refers to a strategic organizational communicator as “an informed and aware organizational participant who communicates intelligently, sensitively, and competently to accomplish important goals” (Kreps, 2011, chp. 1, para. 1).   Communication skills are the key to success; because you can circulate information, ideas, goals and concerns.  When you communicate effectively you have the ability to understand like others.  A tool kit for the real world means “having a robust set of transferable skills which is essential for your career” (Motluk, 2011).  When you have transferable skills you can easily adapt to any job.  Effective communication skills will strengthen any job or organization.

            In order to communicate effectively you need people skills.  People skills are necessary because this tool helps to build relationships within the organization. You have to be able to speak intelligently as well as listen, and most important, you have to know how to resolve conflict issues when they arise.  People skills are the art of selling yourself, by getting someone to believe in you, and your ideas.  In order to become a successful communicator you have to be able to deal with others, and market yourself, if you want to become successful.

            Another tool needed in communication is teamwork skills. “Play well with others - even if they are different” (Motluk, 2011).  Teamwork involves speaking, listening and getting involved.  Being able to work with others is a must in an organization.  Working as a team helps you to come up with new ideas and ways to accomplish effective communication.  It also stops conflicts, before getting out of hand.  Knowing how to work with others is a tool needed in any organization.   

            Another tool necessary for effective communication is collectivism skills.  Sometimes accepting your identity can be a challenge.  You now realize the world does not revolve around you.  "Your job is to be an asset to the company – to help the company do well and meet its goals," (Motluk, 2011).  This means doing your best on the job at all times.  Doing whatever is necessary making sure the company has met their goals, and challenges.
 

            The last tool mentioned in the article is management skills.  People in management are the leaders of the team.  “According to the article, management is about overseeing the use of time, money, resources and personal talents to ensure they are being used in the pursuit of a common goal” (Motluk, 2011).  Leaders have strong ideas, which help the organization to obtain goals.  Managers lead their company by attaining all the key tools needed for success.

Strong communication skills are necessary in every type of organization. The type of organization I want to work for in the future would be one who help others, like charity. By having strong communication skills in a field where you help others, it will help me to be able to talk and listen to others, solve conflicts and problems, become a good leader, and work as a team member.

Communication skills are needed in any organization, or career you chose.  Being able to communicate effectively requires you to develop a set of tools to assure successful communication daily, or at work.  Once you develop all these skills, over a period of time you will be able to obtain any job in any field.  Yes, developing good communication skills is needed in any career.

  

References

Kreps, G. (2011). Communications in organizations. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.

Motluk, A. (2011). A tool kit for the real world. NewScientist.

Creating My Blog

  My assignment for this class is to set up an effective professional blog, concerning Communication Studies.  We communicate each day which is not always effective.  We communicate all the time verbally and non verbally in many different ways.  

          To communicate effectively, you have to become knowledgeable, and practice daily.  This blog will illustrate to my potential employers, students, and my professor, the knowledge and skills acquired while working on my degree.  Communication is a way of life for all.

          “Communication is a step-by-step building process” (Krep, 2011).  Once you send your message you cannot take it back. “Once you determine a purpose, then you can follow up by choosing the specific purpose of communication” (Roebuck, 2006).  Specific purpose means to recognize if the message is informing, persuading, or meant for entertainment. 

           Informing your listener lets him understand what you are saying without confusion.  Persuading your listener means wanting him to act a certain way, or changing his behavior. When communicating for entertainment, you want your audience to enjoy your message.

          It is important to choose the right design.  The design created on a blog should be unique so it can be remembered.  When designing a blog the layout determines its look. People usually scan through a site looking for information.  An effective blog will stand out from the rest, which will keep your audience coming back. 

          People do not want to just read words; they look at your blog as a complete package. Designing the layout of your blog is important so it will be easy to navigate. When deciding on the right design, you must keep your target audience in mind.

           The content in my blog will contain my current and prior assignments, and discussions posts, which are relevant to communications.  The content will be simple, but effective, while containing informative information concerning communication. Incorporating graphics in my blog will enhance my writing.

          Once my blog is complete, it will show my audience the writing and communication skills accomplished at Ashford University over the years.  Setting up a blog is my way of communicating my writings, and conveying the skills acquired in communications.  My goal is to set up a professional blog.

          The purpose of understanding communication would be to use the principles in my everyday life.  The benefit will be improving my own ability to understand why and how people communicate. We all communicate whether we want to or not.  Communication Studies, helps you to understand how and why others think the way they do. This in turn, helps you to decide which path you will take as a sender or a receiver.

          Applying these principles to my life will make communicating easier.  Pursuing a degree in Communications has enabled me to understand the process of communicating effectively with others.

Reference

Krep, G. L. (2011). Communication in Organizations. Bridgepoint Education, Inc.

Roebuck, D. (2006). Improving business communications skills (4th Ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Theory and Principles of Communication

Communication is the “transmission of information, ideas, emotions, skills, etc., by the use of symbols words, pictures, figures, and graphs” (Trenholm, 2011, p. 20).  Communication is a two-way process. You have to have a sender and a receiver.  Because of the many channels the message has to go through, sometimes the message will get interpreted incorrectly.  To become successful in communicating, effective concepts and skills must be learned and practiced.

The key principles of human communication will help to accomplish this task. “When good communication is lacking, the symptoms are predictable: conflicting objectives, unclear values, misunderstandings, lack of coordination, confusion, low morale and people doing the bare minimum required” (Cleveland, Aug, 2005).  It is important to incorporate the essential principles of communication when sending and receiving a message.

When people are informed, it will stop misunderstandings and create an environment of trust within the organization. Leaders within the organization shape the culture, while avoiding conflict.  “The usual channels apply telephone, voice mail, e-mail, intranet, instant messaging, and collaboration and conferencing tools offer enormous potential if they are available and compatible across the organization” (Cleveland, Aug, 2005).  The appropriate tools needed to communicate properly will ensure effective communication.

When communicating, leaders should practice both formal and informal communication.  There are many formats which leaders can use, such as emails, voicemails, newsletters, meetings, intranet and visual displays. The benefit is information being sent and received quickly. These channels will help filter the message effectively.

The workplace environment concerning communication should be set up according to the job or role, encouraging trust and effective communication throughout the organization. Once trust is established it encourages people to communicate.  Listening and providing feedback in communication will assure the message has been received properly. Giving others too much information at one time is not good; spread the information out, so it can be easily understood without causing an overload.

 

The benefit and the purpose of understanding communication would be to use the principles in everyday life, to improve your own ability to understand why and how people communicate.  We all communicate daily.  Communication Studies helps you to understand how and why others think the way they do.  This in turn, helps you to decide which path you will take as a sender or a receiver. I have been able to apply these principles in my studies by incorporating the knowledge I have gained into my posts and assignments.  Pursuing a degree in Communications has enabled me to become a better writer and communicator.

Deloise

Cleveland, B. (Aug, 2005). Seven Essential Principles of Effective Communication. Call Center Magazine, 30,32.

Trenholm, S. (2011). Thinking through communication: An introduction to the study of human communication. . Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

Important of Graphics

Graphics are important to layout designs because they help portray ideas, or what you are trying to explain. When dealing with graphics you have to know your audience, and what they want.

“Viewers see visuals first, which is what makes it your best opportunity to get noticed” (Marsh, 2009). People want more than just reading information; they want to be able to understand what they are looking for at a glance.  Graphics help to give you the big picture of the information so it can be reviewed easily and quickly.

The purpose is to make your information attractive and clear to your audience.  Graphics is used when you want to make a point, or to make the information easier to understand.  I recently bought a new coffee maker and it come with complete step by step instructions, describing every part, and how to use the coffee maker properly.  The instructions were clear, concise, and very easy to understand.

When you use graphics in a business presentation or document you should use visuals which are appropriate for the information given. Choosing the wrong graphics in a presentation will take away from the message, leaving the viewer confused.  The use of graphics for a carpenter might contain charts, pictures of tools, layout of a house or a blueprint explaining what needs to be done. A carpenter’s job is to build, so he will need documents to fulfill his needs to complete his job.  

A medial person would need graphics on different levels.  They could use charts, graphs, and x-rays depending on the medical background.  Their focus is on health and the graphics should be aimed at this field.

Deloise Dotson

Marsh, C. G. (2009). Strategic writing, multimedia writing for public relations, advertising and more. Boston: Pearson. ISBN: 9780205591626.

Reaching Your Target Audience

"Only members of your target audience can truly identify the benefits of your product” (Marsh, 2009, p. 116).  When your audience believe in your product, that is when they become a benefit to you. It is important to use multiple forms of communication when trying to reach a target audience, because informing and persuading requires audience awareness.  After getting to know your target audience, in order to change their behavior you first have to change their awareness, or their attitude.  

To communicate effectively plan what you want from your communication, and what you need to do to get it.  When you target your audience, you have to know their reactions, thoughts, and how they will respond to the sources of information you are presenting.  By using multiple forms of communication the writer can reach a much broader audience, ensuring the message has been received effectively.  Multiple forms can bring about audiences you never expected.

There are many forms of communications, word of mouth, television, radio, internet, brochures, and many more.  Different media appeal to different people.  All these different forms of communications are necessary to inform the various types of audiences you have to deal with.  The more forms or documents you use the better chance you have of reaching your target audience.

The risk of only using one form of media communication will limit you to one target audience.  Instead of multiple chances, you only have one chance to reach your target audience.  The people viewing your document will be limited. With only one form of media communication you run the risk of sending your message to the wrong audience, which will cost valuable time and money.  The purpose of the form is to give information which can be easily read, and produce a reaction or response from its target audience.

Deloise Dotson

Marsh, C. G. (2009). Strategic writing, multimedia writing for public relations, advertising and more. Boston: Pearson. ISBN: 9780205591626.

Why Study Communications?

My motivation for studying Communication is the process of how humans communicate, and to become successful in life.  Communicating with others properly is important because we communicate daily whether we realize it or not. 

 The purpose of the essay is to show why and how I became motivated to study Communications.  Communication Studies has changed my life in becoming knowledgeable and confident in communicating personally and publicly.

The benefits of understanding communications in my personal and business life is to improve my own ability to understand why, and how people communicate.  We must have the ability to see why people act a certain way, in order to understand the way they think. Without effective communication skills you cannot maximize your potential. 

Most people who become successful are great communicators.  After taking many classes in communications, I have come to realize deciding to study communications has become an excellent choice. Upon graduation I will be able to communicate successfully and pursue my new career with confidence.

The definition which is closest to my own personal definition of communication is “Speech communication is a human process through which we make sense out of the world and share that sense with others” (Trenholm, 2008).  

This definition explains how it is a process for humans to gain knowledge through speaking and through daily experiences.  Once this knowledge is gained it is shared with others. Talking comes natural for me, which will make communicating easier with my new skills I have acquired over the years.
 
Deloise Dotson

References

Trenholm, S. (2008). Thinking through Communication: An Introduction to the Study of Human Communication (6th ed.). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.