Improving Effective Communication

Improving Effective Communication

Points of Learning Gained From the Videos

One of the points of learning gained from the video is defining the concept. In the video, The Art of Effective Communication, the speaker begins by defining communication, effective communication, and art. The speaker defines communication as delivering information, and effective communication is when information is received by the audience (TEDx Talks, 2020). The speaker then defines art as going with the flow, being present, and adjusting as required. In the video, How can we improve workplace communication? one of the speakers defines paralinguistics as the pace and variance of intonation when someone is speaking. The speakers define these terms because they are important terms that could be misinterpreted in their conversation, hence passing the wrong message (Chicago Booth Review, 2017). While communicating in the workplace, it is important to avoid miscommunication and misunderstandings because they often result in mistakes that could affect the performance of an organization. I would, therefore, implement the skills of clarifying information by defining all important concepts and words while communicating with my colleagues to ensure that they understand what I mean. I would also encourage my colleagues to provide feedback whenever they need clarification to avoid miscommunication.

Communication Challenges and Strategies to Help Overcome The Challenges

According to Treher & Noah (2008), communication involves understandings, meanings, perceptions, and feelings because it is a human activity. The sender of the information and the receiver may have a different viewpoint on their message. It is, therefore, important to create a deep understanding of who is responsible for a specific action at a specific time to facilitate effective communication. There are various challenges that hinder effective communication, such as poor information processing, confusing information and communication, judging and choosing the wrong communication tools. Treher & Noah (2008) argue that human beings are sensitive to a variety of erroneous signals through their five senses. This enables individuals to learn and store what they learn in their memories. The rate at which individuals process information is low, but a person’s memory constrains their communication with others. Due to the discrepancy between our ability to process information and the rate at which the language is spoken, verbal communication may not be effectively comprehended. The confusion between communication and information arises when an individual provides a lot of data and information and assumes that they have communicated, yet the intended message has not been passed to the audience. Judging, on the other hand, occurs due to people’s attitudes, resulting in defensive communication. In most cases, judging influences a person’s decision to disapprove or approve of what another person says. An individual may also choose an inappropriate communication tool hence failing to reach the intended audience.

My main communication challenges are information processing and choosing an appropriate communication tool. In most instances, I take a lot of time to process information, which creates delays in providing feedback. This often occurs when processing sensitive information, such as instructions that require proper understanding and interpretation to avoid making mistakes. The most effective solution for this challenge is paying attention to only a few things at a time to avoid too much information that could slow down thinking. My second challenge is judging. I often judge the information provided to me by an individual based on my attitudes towards them. For instance, I often disapprove of information provided by my juniors, especially if it does not match with my own thinking due to the assumption that I know better than them. The most effective solution for this challenge is to engage the other person I am communicating with in the conversation to understand their rationale before determining whether the information they are providing is helpful or not.

References

Chicago Booth Review, 2017. How can we improve workplace communication?

Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn7IRWikV8Q> [Accessed 19 December 2021].

TEDx Talks, 2020. The Art of Effective Communication | Marcus Alexander Velazquez | TEDxWolcottSchool.

Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Yw6dFQBklA> [Accessed 19 December 2021].

Treher, E. N., & Noah, J. (2008). Interpersonal communication: Challenges and solutions. Laboratory Medicine, 39(5), 261-264. https://doi.org/10.1309/cquruednet7mb4rw

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Videos:

For this assignment, you will first watch two videos, ‘The Art of Effective Communication’ by Marcus Alexander Velazquez and ‘How can we improve workplace communication?’

Select the Videos section and view the videos before continuing.

After watching the videos, respond to the following questions. Your essay should be at least 2 pages, double-spaced, with proper references, and adhere to the citing format per current APA guidelines. Use at least two (2) scholarly sources with intext citations supporting your essay. Don’t forget to include a cover page, introduction, body, and conclusion for your essay.

Describe at least two points of learning you gained from the videos and explain your rationale for your selections. Identify how you would implement those skills into your current place of employment to increase your own communication process.
From your perspective, outline at least two (2) of your communication challenges and describe some strategies to help you overcome those challenges.
Ensure your essay follows the current APA format.