Communication

This week we are asked to evaluate the same message but given in a variety of manners. We all experience these types of communication and in some cases, miscommunication. Formal communications and informal communications need to be carefully constructed and thought about when working with stakeholders as to not flip effective communication into miscommunication.

When reading the message in the multimedia program I thought that maybe some tone of voice would help the reader understand the urgency of the message. A written message can communicate factual data very efficiently but does not allow the reader to ask questions or pick up on nonverbal communication from the author as well (Portny, Mantel, Meredith, Shaffer, Sutton, 2008 ). The media features an email but it could also be a text message in a less professional or formal setting. I believe that texts and emails would have the same disadvantages. Perhaps in order to utilize this form of communication, project managers and team members should understand that this form should be utilized for documentation and factual data sharing. I think that the message that was trying to be shared in the program would probably not be effectively shared through written communication simply because of a tone and nonverbal communication would be a benefit in getting the message across.

The message on the telephone was a bit more improved in my opinion. Unlike the email, the phone message was able to convey the tone of the message by the voice and understand that the author of the message was simply concerned about the report, not angry as I may have assumed in the email. However, like the email, nonverbal communication is not available for the message recipient to use to their advantage.

Lastly, the message in person was the most effective. Although a personal message could provide some challenges such as finding the person you wish to speak with, wasting time holding a discussion after the message is given, and the message being  undocumented, verbal communication and meeting with the individual has its advantages (Portny, Mantel, Meredith, Shaffer, Sutton, 2008 ). By meetings with the individual in question, you are providing the opportunity for the receiver to ask questions, observe nonverbal communication, as well as hear the tone of voice in the message author or communicator. This allows for the least amount of misunderstanding to take place. Even if there was a communication error in the message, the receiver could ask right away for clarification which would improve efficiency of any project.

Understanding these advantages and disadvantages of specific types of communication will allow any team member or project manager to be clearer, more effective and straightforward with stakeholders and other team members. Miscommunication can cause unrest in stakeholders, slow down progress and can prevent a project from being successful.

The Art of Communication. 2012. Walden University.

Portny, S., Mantel, S., Meredith, J., Shafer, S., Sutton, M. 2008. Project Management: Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling Projects. John Wiley and Sons, Hoboken NJ.