Written Communication
What are the primary advantages of using email as a digital communication channel in business?
It allows for quick communication and provides a written record.
What are the key elements of the transactional model of communication (according to Lawson et al., 2019)?
Sender, message, channel, receiver, feedback, and noise.
What is meant by 'business etiquette'?
Answer: It refers to the expected behaviours and manners in professional settings.
What is active listening, and why is it important in business communication?
Answer: Active listening involves fully concentrating and responding to what is being said, crucial for understanding and collaboration.
How does miscommunication happen?
Answer: When the receiver interprets the message from the sender in a manner other than intended (possibly due to noise).
Identify two key features of effective written communication.
Clarity and conciseness (or any of the 4 C's).
How does feedback influence the transactional model?
Feedback allows for adjustments in communication, ensuring mutual understanding.
Name one protocol for effective business meetings.
Answer: Setting a clear agenda prior to the meeting.
Identify two key interpersonal skills that enhance business communication.
Examples: empathy, assertiveness, etc.
Name one strategy for avoiding miscommunications.
Answer: Active listening to understand different perspectives. Awareness of own perceptual lens, etc.
Describe how social media can be used in business communication.
Any of these: It can enhance personal branding & visibility, be used to cultivate and manage internal and external relationships with culturally diverse stakeholders in a responsible manner in order to achieve (mutual) business goals, and facilitate engagement.
Give an example of how 'noise' can affect communication in the transactional model.
Background noise, distractions, cultural or ideological differences, etc. can lead to a breakdown in communication.
Describe the importance of cultural awareness in international business communication.
Answer: It helps avoid misunderstandings and fosters respectful interactions across cultures.
What role does the receiver have in the communication process?
Answer: The receiver has an active role in the transactional model because ...
What is the most common cause of miscommunication in business settings, and how can it be mitigated?
Answer: The most common cause of miscommunication in business settings is unclear or ambiguous language. It can be mitigated by using clear, concise language, avoiding jargon, and confirming understanding through feedback.
Describe the process approach to writing texts.
Plan, write, complete. Answer must incl. a description of each step.
Discuss the importance of the channel in the transactional model of communication.
Answer: The channel can shape the interpretation of messages, influencing how they are received and understood.
What is the role of nonverbal communication in business protocols?
Sample answer: Nonverbal cues can reinforce or contradict spoken messages, affecting perceptions.
Discuss the role of tone when communicating with your target audience.
Answer: Tone influences how messages are perceived, impacting relationships and understanding.
Describe how the inappropriate use of AI tools (LLMs) could lead to miscommunication or relationship breakdown?
Answer: By generating inaccurate or contextually inappropriate responses. Additionally, using AI-generated text in personal messages or situations where a human touch is expected can come across as impersonal and insincere. To avoid these issues, it's important to verify AI-generated content and ensure it aligns with the intended message and audience, especially in contexts requiring a personal touch.
Explain the concept of 'netiquette' and its importance in digital communication. Give an example.
'Netiquette' refers to the guidelines for polite behaviour online, crucial for maintaining professionalism and respect. E.g. appropriate use of emojis.
Analyse how the transactional model can enhance team collaboration in a business setting.
Answer: It promotes continuous feedback and adaptation, fostering clearer communication and stronger team dynamics.
Explain how communication protocols impact the organization.
Answer: In org. culture, they establish expectations for interactions, influencing team dynamics and overall work environment. Also profit, productivity, efficiency.
Why is it important to tailor your communication style (incl. channel) to your audience, and what are three key factors to consider when doing so?
Answer: Tailoring your communication style to your audience is crucial because it ensures that your message is understood and well-received. Three key factors to consider are: Audience's knowledge level: Adjust the complexity of your language and the amount of background information you provide. Cultural background: Be aware of cultural differences that may affect how your message is interpreted. Audience's needs and interests: Focus on what is relevant and important to your audience to keep them engaged.
What are some common barriers to effective communication (noise), and how can they be overcome? Hint think the classifications of 'noise' or ask your teacher for a clue.
Answer: Common barriers to effective communication include language differences, physical distractions, psychological, social, cultural, and relational differences. These can be overcome by using clear and simple language, minimizing distractions, managing emotions, and seeking to understand others' perspectives.