ENG 111 Module 5: Effective Workplace Communication PDF

Lesson 5: EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IN THE WORKPLACE Time Allotment: 3hrs Learning Objectives: At the end of the lesson, the students shall be able to: 1. identify examples of the forms of communication in various workplace settings through buzz sharing; 2. interview a professional on...

Lesson 5: EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IN THE WORKPLACE Time Allotment: 3hrs Learning Objectives: At the end of the lesson, the students shall be able to: 1. identify examples of the forms of communication in various workplace settings through buzz sharing; 2. interview a professional on his/her personal challenges and strategies in communicating at work; and 3. assess work scenarios using a personal communication strategy. ACTIVITY Career Talks The teacher shows pictures of the following professions and asks the students to name some professional functions in each occupation that require effective communication skills: Medical Doctor Website Developer Police Officer News Writer Accountant Pilot The teacher also asks the students about the professional functions in their future career path that require effective communication skills. The teacher concludes the activity with this statement: There is no occupation that does not require communication. Effective communication skills are one of the essentials in every kind of work or business ABSTRACTION What makes an organization successful? What enables members of an organization to function and accomplish their tasks efficiently and productively? What can be done to establish a pleasant and professional atmosphere in the workplace? One of the key factors is effective communication. Communication in the workplace requires appropriate language, style, tone, and format. You as a future professional are expected to meet the prescribed standards and work within specific norms to achieve common goals and objectives. You must consider yourself as a relevant member of one big team. Whatever you do has an impact on how the group functions and grows. You need to keep in mind your primary responsibilities and objectives. Interacting with colleagues in the workplace means listening purposefully, responding appropriately, expressing ideas respectfully, negotiating proactively, and soling problems efficiently.  There are different forms of communication in the workplace setting: 1. ORAL COMMUNICATION. It occurs when we engage in speaking with others. It can be face-to-face, over the telephone, via Skype or Zoom, etc. This form of communication highly includes nonverbal cues, especially during face-to-face interactions. 2. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION. Whether it is an email, a memo, a report, a Facebook post, a Tweet, a contract, etc. all forms of written communication have the same goal to disseminate information in a clear and concise manner. 3. VISUAL COMMUNICATION. This includes information in graphs, tables, brochures, images, videos, etc. which are highly utilized in the workplace. Because of the digitalization of some work processes, digital communication has become an essential form of communication in the workplace that can cater the 3 forms of communication. Tips for Effective Workplace Communication (Fremont University, 2021) Communication in the workplace has dynamically progressed with recent changes in technology, leading to new standards of contacting those you work with. As a result, there are a handful of ways to improve your communication skills that pertain to your professional life. 1. Communicate face-to-face whenever possible. Since the majority of meaning during a conversation comes from nonverbal gestures and facial expressions, it is easier to decipher the meaning behind what a person says when communicating face-to-face. When gestures and smiles are taken out of the equation, recipients can get the wrong idea – especially if the person isn’t the most articulate writer. 2. Provide clear information. Plan your communication to ensure that you are passing along the correct information and the right amount so those you are communicating with understand what you are saying. 3. Combine verbal and non-verbal communication. Be mindful that your verbal and nonverbal messages are in agreement. If you are trying to convey approval of something your co-worker has said, for example, ensure that your nonverbal gestures complement your words. 4. Don’t just hear—listen. Listening is an important communication skill that many people do not possess. To learn how to listen well, paraphrase what was said to show that you are listening and to verify accuracy. This will reduce the likelihood of conflict and will help you become a more effective communicator. 5. Ask questions. Asking questions not only shows you were listening, but also confirms that you understood the other person. You can also use questions to gather additional information and help you understand the conversation. 6. Handle conflicts with diplomacy. If you feel someone misunderstood something you communicated, talk to him or her about it as soon as possible. Doing so can prevent unnecessary resentment and loss of productivity. To prevent a small misunderstanding from turning into a major crisis, handle it right away.  7. Refrain from gossip. If your co-workers have a habit of gossiping about others in the office, simply listen and smile, and get back to work. Gossiping gives people a negative impression of you and can cause problems down the line. 8. Avoid being personal with your colleagues. Be aware of disclosing too much personal information to the people you work with. Aim to be friendly, yet professional. Your co-workers don’t need to witness your hysteria over an argument with your significant other; behaving this way will give them a negative impression and cause them to avoid talking to you. 9. Avoid discussing controversial topics. Try to keep the topic of conversation in the workplace neutral. Refrain from discussing politics or other controversial topics in the office to prevent offending anyone. 10. Offer positive feedback. If your co-worker performs a task well, tell him or her. Providing positive feedback is a great way to improve workplace communication. It also helps people view you more favorably and encourages open communication. REFLECTION 1. What school activities or tasks help you prepare for the oral, written, and visual forms of communication in your future workplace? 2. Which among the tips you think you need to work much on as you aspire to become professional someday? APPLICATION Interview a professional (preferably related to your chosen degree program) and ask him/her about the following: a) Personal challenges/struggles in communicating at work b) Strategies employed in overcoming the communication challenges/struggles Answers are to be posted on a forum application (LMS, Padlet, Jamboard, Facebook, etc.). ASSESSMENT What would you do in the following scenarios? 1. Being the department head, you preside a Zoom meeting attended by the members of your department. However, 3 of the attendees have been experiencing intermittent Internet signal. They have been in and out of the Zoom while you are discussing the agenda. 2. Your colleague whose table is right next to you loves to talk about his/her life stories to you during work hours. In effect, you cannot concentrate on your tasks. 3. Your colleague has posted about the issue in your department on his/her Facebook wall. There are some comments there that are judgmental, even though they are not part of the company where you and your colleague work. References: Drexel University Graduate College. (2018). 5 types of communication. Retrieved from https://drexel.edu/graduatecollege/professional-development/blog/2018/July/Five-types-of-communication/ Fremont University (2021). Top 10 tips for effective workplace communication. Retrieved from https://fremont.edu/top- 10-tips-for-effective-workplace-communication/ Suarez, C., Perfecto, M.R., Canilao, M.L.E., Paez, D.B. (2020). Purposive communication in English. BlueBooks