Communicating Effectively
In the multimedia program “The Art of Effective Communication” (Laureate Education, 2011), email, voicemail, and face-to-face constitute three types of communication modalities that characterize “effective communication among all project team members” (Laureate Education, 2011). The interpretation of those modalities depends on individual natural and cultural background; the way and how the author conveys his or her message is very important.
In fact, the text modality of communication serves as a means of keeping records for documentation and for proof. It is like keeping log to provide evidence of what has happened and for reference or research. Text enables and encourages systematic thinking and requires less reliance, however it can present misconceptions on the part of both the writer and the reader, due to some misinterpretation of words. In this particular case, Mark may not even check his email.
The audio and video modalities could disrupt the processing of important arguments, data, evidence, and may cause the receiver to focus on other source that are not directly relevant to the quality of the message (Mann, 1997).
The way I perceived the message from email to voice, to face-to-face, depended on how I interpreted what the message conveyed in terms of its accomplishment and objectives. It was important to me how Jane communicated the message. Though the message was the same, the voice modality carried more weight. In my atmosphere of tiredness Jane’ southing conversational voice promoted my willingness to receive the message, perceive it correctly, simple, direct, straightforward, open, honest, and complete communication without any arm twisting.
I find voice modality of communication to have an extremely powerful and personal effect in promoting a friendly atmosphere and growth, and encouraging trust and cooperation in business. Email modality, on the other hand, is less effective than face-to-face modality, which is more direct and personal, and allows visible intimacy for a greater impact on business cooperation. Voice communication best conveyed the true meaning and intent of the message.
From this exercise for communicating effectively with members of a project team, it is clear that the three different modalities: as written text, audio, and video reveal some of the aspects of communication technologies that influence the 21st Century communication. The most effective medium of effective communication would be the combination of all three modalities in one hypermedia system, necessary for most companies as they react in the global market.
References
Laureate Education Media (2010). The art of effective communication [Video podcast]. Retrieved March 17, 2011, from http://mym.cdn.laureate-media.com/2dett4d/Walden/EDUC/6145/03/mm/aoc/index.html.
Mann, B.L. (1997). Evaluation of presentation modalities in a hypermedia system. Computer & Education (28)2, 133-143.
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I was responding to a post by Liz in which Lelise made a comment and I was saying to them that I have observed how our cultures and socialization are impacting on how we interpret the three mediums of communication.
ReplyDeleteMy personal experience in reading the email did create a sense of confusion and this was due mainly the use of US English versus UK English. In short informal/conversations such as the email, it becomes difficult to quickly understand what was being said. The voice mail did clear up a lot for me as I was able to use Jane’s tones, pauses and pitch to understand the message. The face-to-face communication was even clearer although I found that the body language used by Jane was conflicting to the message she carried across in the voicemail. As an auditory learner, I preferred the voice mail and I had received it as a message, I would have acted on it more promptly than I would have in the email. Had Jane only approach me face-to-face, it would have taken some time for me to respond as I did not sense the need for urgency from her body language.
Mayer (2001) proposes the cognitive theory of multimedia learning to address the dual channels (auditory and visual) for processing information. Bearing this in mind, it is then necessary that we as instructional designers, use the most effective medium for delivery of information to balance the demands placed on the learner's auditory and visual channels of communication processing.
Another concern for the choice of multimedia is the audience. One of the major concepts that influence my thoughts by Dr Mayers, is that the chosen media must match the content, the audience, and the technical capabilities of everyone involved and this is a factor that must be considered. In this scenario, Jane would probably have to use the medium that she believes Mark prefers when she once again reminds him of the need for his report.
References
Mayer, R. E. (2001). MultimediaLearning. New York: Cambridge University Press.
Segla,
ReplyDeleteI agree face-to-face communication would be more personal and direct. But in this case, I thought Jane was too timid in expressing her request and she didn't express the urgency of her request with a specific timeframe in which she needed the data. Portny et al (2008) expressed the need to be specific, clear and concise in all requests, which makes it easier for the person. I also agree project teams need to communicate in different modalities as clearly and concisely as possible to limit any misconceptions or misinterpretations.
Diane McClain
I also prefer face-to-face communication; although all are effective. The only problem I have with communication through email is, people have this tendency to read further into an an than it's original purpose: an email can mean one thing but somebody will take the same email and misinterpret it's meaning.
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