Effective communication among all project team members is essential for a project’s success. (Van Erp, 2011) This week a multimedia presentation did demonstrate three different types of communication that can be used by project managers. The example involved two people Jane and Mark. Jane needed a report from Mark to complete her report. Samples were given to illustrate her attempts to communicate with Mark to receive his portion of the work to be included in an overall report(http://mym.cdn.laureate-media.com/2dett4d/Walden/EDUC/6145/03/mm/aoc/index.html) The immediate request was informative but not alarming to the reader. After viewing the three samples, I understand the significance of each. The three methods include an email, a telephone call, and a video cast. The letter appeared to be the clearest form of communication which is usually expected in a formal work setting. A phone call can be professional but often is considered as a casual mode of communication. A video cast is probably the most personal form and maybe not the most cost effective for a single communication. In each multimedia example a specific purpose and message was given and a friendly personal tone apparent while staying professional. The summary was short and her appeal respectfully presented.
As I read the letter, I began with a certain amount of caution. Somehow the words in text flagged me immediately that there could be a problem, especially with the use of certain words. (e .t but) I don’t think there was a remarkable difference between the examples but think the video was more personal and in the end distracted with a smile that minimized the urgency and seriousness of the matter. I personally believe that a written statement is one way to” minimize extraneous stimuli”. (Mayer, 2010) Sometimes when I am listening, I can also become distracted by body language, or fashion that may have very little to do with the message . I can be caught off guard by language mechanics, organization or spelling errors and again the message has lost the point of impact. I don’t believe that one approach is better than another. Again the audience or the reader is taken into consideration and some may respond immediately to a phone call and just file a letter.
A video cast may be more entertaining and complicated to coordinate with a script but appeal to visuals learners. Several factors contribute to my medium of choice. Which message is easy to retrieve? Which message may get lost in a shuffle? Which message may have complications downloading? Both sides, the author and the recipient, have to be considered. Using all three examples multiplies the chances that Mark will read and respond. Seven key points are worth remembering when trying to communicate.
A series of suggestions are given for communication in a web article ”How to Communicate With People: Seven Keys to Effective Communication”. First and foremost is to stay and remain confident in communicating, stay interested, use open ended questioning rather than yes, and no, listen twice speak once, begin and end with knowledge, take risks, start small, be social. (Dorchak, 2007) The most logical key is to start small and remain confident which is evident in these examples. What I have learned with these examples is the message is important but the way the message is delivered is crucial. The components of effective communication require different approaches including verbal, nonverbal, and listening. The receiving end also has to be open to the message and the affect in which it is delivered will determine whether a quick response is given. A connotative response will respond to the message after interpreting the positive affect design or the manner in which it is given. After observing the positive affect of the project manager in voice, tone, and body language the other team members will also use a positive affect with each other.
Dorchak, D. (2007) How to Communicate With People: 7 Keys to Effective Communication Life Script
http://www.lifescript.com/Soul/Self/Growth/How_To_Communicate_With_People_Seven_Keys
Mayer, R. E. (Ed).(2005). Cambridge Handbook of Multimedia Learning. New York: Cambridge University Press.
VanErp,N.(2011) Project Management-6145-3 Resources Walden University,
Minneapolis,MN
The Art of Effective Communication
http://mym.cdn.laureate-media.com/2dett4d/Walden/EDUC/6145/03/mm/aoc/index.html
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