Methods of communication

5. We can define a manager’s communication modes as:

Communication verbal – the written word

modes oral – the spoken word

visual – the illustration, and

numerical – the written and interpreted number,

electronic – using a computer.

Further, within the above categories, there are the

receivers of the messages. For every writer there must

be a reader, for every speaker a listener, and for every

artist a viewer.

6. We have explained that a communication is not

When does made until it is received and understood. The prime

communication essential in any form of communication is therefore

take place? to know the audience. It is important to accept the

concept that people tend to receive – to hear, to read,

to see – very largely only what they want to receive.

They seek out what is expected and what is familiar

while trying to ignore or reject what is new. Every

communication should be made with that thought in

mind. The answer is to ensure that every message is

clear, simple and- as far as possible – unambiguous.

You should also know that the taking of the message

depends on the past experience (the training) of the

recipient. It means that by departing from the well known

you move in short, simple steps towards the really new.

7. It is very important to know that for any

The Purpose of communication to be worth while, it must have a purpose-

communication and that purpose is always persuasion. This is not to say

that there are no purposeless communications: there are

too many, but they are usually of little value to anyone.

Every genuine communication seeks to influence the

recipient. It may seek to persuade him to take some course

of action, to make a decision one way or another, or merely

to apply his mind to accepting more information.

8. We have identified the fundamental principle of communi-

cation as: transmit all communications in the manner

best suited to the recipient’s understanding or in other words, write and speak clearly and simply so that the reader or listener can easily understand.

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING.

1. In what form should a message ideally be sent?

2. Why should you summarize your arguments in order to present a

recommendation?

3. How can you save the time of senior management?

4. What must a manager do?

5. What happens to organizations in which communications are poor?

6. Are formal communications the only route by which information spreads?

7. How is ‘interesting’ information defined?

8. Should a manager plug into the grapevine? Why? Why not?

9. Is such information always complementary to the manager?

10. Complete the following sentence: ‘Communication is complete if …………?

11. Is it best always to write things down?

12. On what factors does the style of communication depend?

13. Name the five modes of communication used by man.

14. What is the prime need if communication is to be effective?

15. What do people tend to read or hear?

16. What is the essential purpose of any communication?

17. What should be done in order to make a communication acceptable?

SCAN READING.

TEXT 2. Read the information below about communication (some tips) and

decide which tips are good advice and which tips you disagree with.

Do to others as you would be done by.

1. Communicate only when you have something worth while to say.

2. Don’t write or speak at greater length than is necessary to convey

the message.

3. Write in such a way that the reader will find it easy to read.

4. Read carefully, concentrating on absorbing and understanding

the writer’s message.

5. Speak in ‘the language’ of your listeners – but never talk down.

6. Listen attentively to a speaker and avoid mind-wandering.

7. Help a speaker to feel at ease; encourage him to speak.

8. Where helpful, supplement words with pictures.

9. Watch speakers and listeners for “non-verbal” signals.

10. Explain mathematical information with summaries, words and

pictures.

WRITING.

1. Read the first text again and complete the table.

What do you think is:

a) the most important about communication ………………...………………

……………………………………………………………………….…….

…………………………………………………………………..…………

b) the least important about communication modes …………………………

……………………………………………………………………….…….

…………………………………………………………………..…………

c) a “golden rule” for a good communicator …………………………………

……………………………………………………………………….…….

…………………………………………………………………..…………

2. Write a summary of the texts you have read (the Russian language is

preferable.)