Efficient Communication Skills
Part A
Description of a Scenario of Effective Communication
I usually take part in community service programs developed to ensure the well-being of the neighborhood. In this instance, I was supposed to create a pamphlet discussing the dangers of water-borne interventions and the interventions that can be used. After creating the pamphlet, I was supposed to present to a parent in the neighborhood. I made the presentation to a single mother in her mid-30s. The parent showed a keen interest in the presentation as it was apparent that she was worried about sanitation issues. She was attentive as I spoke to her and I clearly described the facts in the pamphlet. He understanding of the topic was evidenced by e fact that she asked questions about the different interventions at the end of my presentation. The overall experience was beneficial to both me and the parent, At the end, we got to share some ideas about how we can improve the neighborhood’s sanitation to reduce the risk of water-borne diseases.
Description of a Scenario of Ineffective Communication
After buying a faulty electrical device, I decided to return it to the store to take advantage of its warranty card. Upon returning, I was attended by a customer service representative who was very slow and did not offer any apology for the time she wasted for customers. The representative’s used foul language that offended many people and was unkempt. She then proceeded and presented various goods to me even though I had specially stated that I was only interested in replacing the product I had bought previously. I constantly asked the representative to attend to my concern but she declined to consider my requests. I was angry that I had wasted my afternoon and my perception of the store has been destroyed. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
Examination of the First Scenario
The first scenario is an illustration of effective communication as I was able to articulate myself clearly by understanding the information I presented and I was able to foster the understanding of the woman while engaging her in a meaningful dialogue. Indeed, I knew that I had to grasp the concepts that the pamphlet I discussed to enable me to clearly and concisely explain its importance to the woman. On that account, I was communicating effectively as the woman paid close attention to my presentation to the extent that she was able to ask insightful questions. Rather than dismissing the questions, I engaged the woman in a meaningful dialogue. At the end, we were able to share ideas and I felt that I had used my time constructively. Through effective communication, I was able to pass my intended message to the woman.
Examination of The Second Scenario
The second scenario was marked by ineffective communication as the store’s representative could not understand my requests and she ended running my perception of the business. Despite constantly reminding her to attend to my needs, she did not as she was not listening keenly. Instead, she was distracted with her phone while gossiping with other employees. This scenario demonstrates that listening is a key feature of effective communication. Further, informal things like one’s dressing are a large constituent of effective communication. The employee’s inability to dress properly showed that she did not care about the perception of the customer or the company’s image. In the end, her ineffective communication ruined the image of the store to customers.
Part Two
Displaying Professionalism in an Interview
One should Speak Well
An individual can showcase professionalism by how he/she sounds. One should refrain from using slang words and informal words. Further one should pronounce words clearly and correctly, with the lack of mumbles and slurs. Besides, one should slow down his/her speech, particularly if one tends to speak fast when he/she is nervous. Lastly one should speak using powerful statements and evade wishy-washy words.
Appropriate Dressing
At times, it is hard to know how to dress for an interview. It is helpful to ask the office assistant what the usual code as one is preparing for the interview. A key thing to recall is that it is always better to be overdressed instead of being underdressed. Regardless of what one wears to his/her interview, one should make sure that his/her outfit is neat, clean, and pressed, Further, one should be well-groomed before attending the interview.
Extension of Common Courtesy
Professionalism also involves being respectful and nice. One should be kind to each person he /she meets, whether it’s the CEO, office assistant, or the janitor. Employers typically observe interviewees interacting with other staff members to determine if they are a good fit. By being kind to everyone, one demonstrates that he/she will make an effort to be part of the team. Further, it shows that one respects other people.
Implications of Selecting the Appropriate Channel and Medium for a Business Message
Enables Effective Communication
A key sign of effective communication is the feedback. By choosing the correct medium, the management can be able to solicit the viewpoints of employees regarding the issues that affect them. Consequently, productive will increase as employees will feel that their concerns are being addressed by the firm. Further, it will enable the smooth management of operations as each employee will be on the same wavelength. Lastly, it will enable the employees to be familiar with the organization’s mission and vision, which is crucial in realizing a firm’s long-term goals.
Reduces Conflict Within the Organization
One of the most significant causes of conflict in an organization is the lack of proper communication. By selecting the proper medium of communication, a manager can significantly mitigate conflicts at the workplace. Effective communication enables employees to state their grievances in a constructive manner so that solutions can be deliberated. As effective communication reduces conflict at the workplace, it creates a unifying culture whereby each employee is concerned about the welfare of his/her workmates thus creating an inclusive environment.
Illustrations of Various Barriers
Physiological Barrier
A physiological barrier is one that affects one’s mental state. For instance, if one holds the belief that he/she cannot work effectively in brightly lit room, then he/she is bound to be unproductive.
Language Barrier
The language barrier stems out of the inability to understand what another person is speaking. For example, expats going to a country speaking a different language are bound to face the language barrier in conventional settings like a restaurant as they may not be able to place meal orders in that language.
Physiological Barrier
A physiological barrier results from a physical disability. For instance, a professional football player with a broken foot cannot take part in training and play matches.