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Communication in the
Workplace
Evidence of Communication
Weakness in Business
“I’m surprised how so many people struggle with
communication.”
--Michael Rook, Production Manager
Hewlett Packard, San Diego, CA
Nonverbal Communication
Pictures/Company Logos
Gestures/Body Language
Slide 1-1
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Posture Smell
Gestures Color
Facial Numbers
Expressions Surroundings
Body Language
Time
Space
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Slide 1-3
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Basic Purposes
All workplace communication has three
basic purposes:
To inform.
To request or to persuade.
To build goodwill.
Slide 1-5
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Communication Challenges in
Today’s Workplace
Advances
Globalization
in Technology
Workforce Team-Based
Diversity Organizations
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Writing
9%
Receiving
Sending
Speaking Listening
30% 45%
Reading
16%
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Main Forms of
Communication in Business
Operational
Internal
External
Personal
Communication Networks
Formal Network
well-established, usually
along operational lines
planned
Informal Network
complex
dynamic
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Supervisor Supervisor
Operating plan
People
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Communication Barriers
Restrictive environments
Distractions
Deceptive tactics
Information overload
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Overcoming Barriers
Audience-Centered Open
Approach Communication
Ethical Efficient
Communication Messages
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Audience-Centered
Approach
Biases
Education
Age
Status
Style
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Communication Climate
Ethical Recognize
Communication Ethical Choices
Make
Ethical Choices
Motivate
Ethical Choices
Business Principles
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Minimize
Distractions
Develop
Communication
Concise Business Communication
Skills
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Adaptation
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Assessment technique
Allocate time and effort to Study Book, Selected Readings,
Text and assessment preparation
Ask questions (about your study)
Before responding to assessment requirements:
1. Read the question and think about it
2. Identify keywords (i.e. ‘what is this about?’)
3. Identify and understand action verbs (i.e. ‘what am I expected to
do?’)
4. Plan response around 1., 2. and 3.
5. Respond to the assessment task.
Do not ‘study’ past Assignments – study the course materials!
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Success!
S= f (T*E+A)
Success is a function of Time, Effort and Ability
Time management
24 X 7= 168 hrs/week
How do you spend this time?
Make an allotment for:
Work
Eating
Leisure/interests
Daily routine
Rest/sleep
Relaxation (!?)
Household duties
Relationships
On-campus commitments
Travel
Study
Everything else ___________
Total _____168_
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Time plan
Allocate the tasks/responsibilities (168 hours) to the
seven days of the week
Stick to the plan!
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