Category: Communication

What are your biggest communication weaknesses? And what are your strengths in communication? Knowing your communication strengths and weaknesses can help you develop more effective communication skills.

Introduction

Communication can be simply defined as the process through which people interact to share information, ideas as well as personal feelings. The main forms of communication are written and spoken; however, there are others such as body language, signs, and mannerisms or rather anything meant to send a message. The basic communication elements include the sender, medium, and receiver of the information. Communication plays a vital role in peoples life as it is considered to be the main tool for interaction between people (Scott, 2010, p.1). Despite this, everybody is bound to have some weaknesses in communication and strengths in communication that come about due to factors such as psychological and personal differences. Communication patterns also affect ones strengths and weaknesses in communication.

My strengths in communication

Given that communication is a basic necessity for all human beings; it is evident that there are areas in which one will be perfect regarding communication. Some of my strengths in communication include the following; To begin with, is the reality that I have been endowed with very strong verbal communication skills. This is evidenced by the fact that I can spend much time chatting with friends through the internet without getting tired.

I am always willing to know what they are doing and how they are going on as I also tell them about me. This leads to my other strength of being able to communicate with many people at the same time thus saving time. This is one of the qualities that are rare among most people and most yearn to acquire it to apply it in their professions. For instance, people working in the hospitality industry are required to be able to accommodate the communication of many people at the same time without getting tired.

When it comes to written communication, my recipient would understand my message because I always ensure logic and concise are well observed during writing. It is because of this quality that I have no doubt being performing well in my academics.

My communication weaknesses

Regardless of having strengths in communication, weaknesses are also part of life and should be welcomed if any. First of all, become nervous when addressing people even in front of my class. In most instances, I end up mumbling instead of passing the information. My Inability to practice restraint because I am an honest and open person is proving to be one of my communication weaknesses.

This is because I always find myself disclosing even the privacy issues in my life or even speaking so openly about my feeling. Also, I am one person that is greatly affected by cultural and social barriers. I have difficulty communicating with people not from my tribe or country because I find it odd in the way they handle communication. Thus I am always not sure of the behavior patterns to follow. This is mostly seen when communicating with strange people or those in authority.

I have a weakness of disliking written communication based on the fact that I do not see the people I am communicating with. This is something that puts me off sometimes to effectively communicate through writing.

Grammar is also a problem when it comes to punctuating, tenses as well as wordiness, and sentence structure. Last but not least, I have also noticed that Body language is also one of my weakest points in communication. I am not able to efficiently communicate through body language since I cannot pass the message myself and not able to interpret clearly what the other people try to communicate to me.

Tip Sheet on ways to improve your weakness in communication

• Use of good eye contact.
• Listening to others before speaking.
• Tone concentration of voice during speech.
• Use of signals in non-verbal communication.
• Context consideration.
• Think before speaking.
• Improve vocabulary through much reading.
• Interacting with many people so as better communication skills.
• Avoid passive sentences during the writing.
• Preparation before giving a speech.
• Learn to appreciate other people and their cultures.
• Pay attention to non-verbal signals.
• Check out behaviors that do not correspond with their message especially in non-verbal communication (Kendra, 2011, p.1).
• Ask for help when in need.

Personalized Tip Sheet

1. Nervousness- It can be avoided through proper preparation before the issuance of any speech. Being smartly dressed also gives some confidence.
2. Grammar- More reading of literature such as magazines and novels will improve my grammar in no time.
3. Lack of restraint- I should learn to limit the things I say to other people.
4. Poor handwriting- More practice on writing skills to make it legible.
5. Social and cultural barriers- Learning to accept people and their different backgrounds and social settings.
6. Misinterpretation of body language- I should learn to properly interpret body language before reacting to it. If not able, I should ask for help.
7. Spellings- Put more practice on frequently misspelled words for example indigenous. Or rather I should have a pocket dictionary to countercheck spellings.
8. Punctuation- More practice through writing and reading literature written by professional authors.
9. Poor listening skills- I should learn to first listen to people before uttering any word. It is also important that I concentrate on what they say.
10. Shyness- This can be overcome by having good eye contact during speech presentation such that the audience will have confidence that you are not shy.
11. Fast speaker- Have a paced tone during communication so that I talk less but give the desired response.
12. Poor perception- I should make sure that I properly perceive whatever is being talked about so that I can be able to give my view.
13. Choice of words- Good choice of words will be facilitated by the increased reading of literature as well as being conversant with the message or topic.
14. Emotional influences- I should learn to avoid the influence of communication by external or internal environment causing emotions.
15. Language barrier- There are many languages in the world which I cannot understand all; however, I should look for an option whenever there are instances of a language barrier. Such options could be sign language (Hahn, 2011, p.1).

Conclusion

Having looked at communication weaknesses and possible solutions I can be guaranteed that my communication skills will be up to date thus effectiveness.

Reference List

Hahn, M. (2011). Overcoming Communication Barriers between People. 

Kendra, C. (2010). Top 10 Nonverbal Communication Tips.

Scott, E. (2010). Communicate: Improve Your Relationships with Effective Communication Skills.

When individuals from different cultural backgrounds find themselves in a community, there are always possibilities for communication conflict because each person holds diverse values, beliefs, and practices. These differences are attributed to the cultural diversity that subsequently leads to communication differences and conflicts (Almutairi, 2015).

Cultural differences in a community could be a basis for unworthy disagreements or useful energy if well handled. While interactive communications and relationships among people of the same community with the same cultural orientation are primarily simple to develop relative to relations among individuals with more diverse cultural orientations, one culture leads to a limited variety, low collaboration, and resourcefulness.

Unfortunately, conflicts due to variations in values, beliefs, and practices are bound to occur when people communicate to achieve shared objectives, complement each other, and share resources. Although cultural differences in a community can allow members to contribute ideas and information gathered from different sources, critical differences in communication will oftentimes lead to vicious conflict.

For instance, more individualist cultures tend to promote their views directly and use direct verbal communication supported by other elements of non-verbal communication to advocate their personal opinions, ideas, and achievements. Conversely, individuals from more collectivist cultures may tend to rely on indirect forms of communication styles. They tend to be less expressive, prefer group contribution, enjoy the silence, and they downplay personal achievements and contributions.

Therefore, failure to recognize and appreciate these cultural variations in communication styles may cause misunderstanding, miscommunication and eventually conflict (Campinha-Bacote, 2011).

References

Almutairi, A. F. (2015). Fostering a supportive moral climate for health care providers: Toward cultural safety and equity. NursingPlus Open, 1, 14. Web.

Campinha-Bacote, J. (2011). Delivering Patient-Centered Care in the Midst of a Cultural Conflict: The Role of Cultural Competence. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 16(2), Manuscript 5. Web.

Richard Lewis model was developed in the 90s and was based on the writer visiting 135 countries and working in 20 of them. It consists of three specific categories: linear-active, multi-active and reactive. According to his perspective, my country, the USA, belongs to the first one along with the rest of the English-speaking countries. Some of its features include planning ahead, separation of the social and the professional, politeness combined with being direct, and use of sarcasm and humor (CrossCulture, 2015; iSLCollective, 2021). I agree with some of the perspectives depicted here, however, there is one I do not fully agree with. My culture does not use sarcasm in serious or business-related conversations, I believe that this quality is most likely related to interactions between close friends rather than partners at an important meeting.

However, I do believe that my people are rather direct while combining it with politeness. This feature is rather crucial as vagueness may do more damage than good. It is important for the other side to know what you expect from them. Planning ahead and the separation of the social and the professional are two other characteristics I have noticed as well, as my compatriots usually want to set clear boundaries in business and expectations of a certain project or agreement.

Moreover, Lewis model helped me discover some facts about my communication patterns. For example, I prefer to rely on facts, and I prefer to be polite and direct simultaneously. The former helps me stay rational in everything I do. The latter ensures that the person I talk to is aware of my opinion and my perception of their actions without offending them. Thus, these two features demonstrate me as a rational but rather considerate person as well.

The gathered information will give my classmates an idea of what I am like as a person. They will know that I value honesty and prioritize facts, and this will motivate them to be sincerer as well. However, to avoid any conflicts, my classmates will inform me if I am being too harsh in my judgments. Thus, by finding the fine line between being aware of my traits and helping me amend my flaws, they will ensure proper communication between us.

References

CrossCulture. (2015). The Lewis model  Dimensions of behaviour. Cross Culture  Know culture for better business. Web.

iSLCollective. (2021). Cultural types  The Lewis model  English ESL video lesson. Web.

Communication allows people to keep in touch with others, make useful new acquaintances, achieve their goals and advance their careers. Communication is based on persuasion, so it is impossible, and not necessary, to separate them from each other. Some scholars, such as Kory Floyd, believe that communicating is to persuade (2017). People use persuasion functions both to raise children and to influence voters in presidential elections. In this critical writing the functions of persuasion and communication are examined, compared, and explored their role in social life.

It is necessary to examine what persuasion is in general. In the broadest sense, persuasion is one of the components of communication that a message addressed by one person to another induces the latter to change their views, behavior, or attitude toward a situation (Floyd, 2017). Persuasion should necessarily take place in an atmosphere of free choice so that the subject of influence, without pressure from others, may make an informed decision based on the facts presented to them.

Useful skills are the knowledge of what members of society need to do to communicate qualitatively. To do this, people need to know how to properly communicate messages to those who are our influences target. It requires the use of both verbal and nonverbal communication techniques. Babies who cannot speak already communicate their needs to their parents, e.g., by crying in different tones as a reaction to different situations: hunger, fatigue, or pain (The 6 Communication Functions and AAC, 2021). An adult, on the other hand, must choose the right style and tempo of voice for competent persuasion, one that inspires confidence. Because the primary function of effectiveness as communication is the need to influence a persons views, nonverbal skills must also be addressed. Proper gestures and the ability to convey ones feelings correctly help to create the desired effect.

Since communication is a superstructure over persuasion, it professes more general functions, far from always oriented toward direct impact on the individual. Communication processes often relate to mundane things that people encounter daily, but they can also be intertwined with the need to persuade (The 6 Communication Functions and AAC, 2021). For example, a feature such as a request often means that the request may be to buy coffee at a coffee shop or to ask for help with some business. At the same time, in some things, the request may be accompanied by a need to induce the person. A call to action, in turn, is the first of persuasion functions.

The other two communication functions are the expression of disagreement and the function of description. In the first case, a person may refuse to communicate with someone or the idea of attending an event because of changing weather through communication. With description, people can share certain details of situations or thoughts, thus creating the concept they need to know about something. In this case, the function of persuasion to convince can come to the fore (Functions of The Presentation to Persuade, 2022). A subset of the descriptive function can be considered such an important feature of effectiveness as the development of a persons tolerance for other points of view. Arguments properly presented by the narrator should contribute to achieving this goal.

The ability to express emotions is considered an important quality of communication. People can convey their pain to others or share a good mood with them. Sincerity, with the right approach, brings people closer together, making their relationship more trusting. In this context, we must again turn to persuasion functions, namely stimulation. By sincerely communicating and honestly communicating ones thoughts and emotions, one can stimulate those around him to help him in certain matters (The 6 Communication Functions and AAC, 2021). In this situation, the ability to describe the problem correctly, add a correct emotional coloring and formulate ones requests perfectly resonate (Functions of The Presentation to Persuade, 2022). It follows that many of the functions of communication and persuasion often overlap, and the ability to combine them correctly helps one in life. Communication and persuasion to increase attention to a personal or public point are important in developing healthy relationships between people in society. Communication and persuasion to raise awareness of an individual or general fact are important in developing healthy relationships between people in a community. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, for example, is actively using this to draw attention to the Russian invasion and arouse sympathy from the civilized world for the plight of the Ukrainians.

At the end of this comparison of the functions of communication and persuasion, it is important to note again that persuasion is an important part of communication but not a separate entity. Therefore, many aspects of communication and persuasion overlap in one life situation or another. Suppose an individual wants to learn how to influence others and convey their requests and points of view. People should develop communication and persuasion skills as an important part of them.

References

Floyd, K. (2017). Human communication: a critical reader (3rd Edition). McGraw Hill Education LLC.

The 6 communication functions and AAC. Communication Community. Web.

Functions of the presentation to persuade. University of Minnesota Libraries. Web.

Bias of Communication: Essay Introduction

The concept of bias of communication has attracted many scholars over the past years. The media used to communicate to a given audience determine the nature of bias. Harold also argues that some communication platforms can retain a given message for a longer period while others can last long (Kaun 82). People, especially the political class and opinion leaders often choose a given media that can help pass their message most appropriately based on its bias. This essay focuses on communication bias and knowledge monopolies.

Defining Bias of Communication

Bias of communication refers to limitations and reach of different media when passing a given message to the audience (Innis and Watson 34). Some of these media have the capacity to reach a wider audience while others are limited in terms of their geographic reach.

Time-Biased Media and Space-Biased Media

Time-biased media are channels used to pass messages and stories that can last for several generations (Friesen 78). However, their main weakness is that they tend to reach a small audience. Stone tablets, clay, parchment, hand-copied manuscripts, vellum, and oral sources are some of the examples of media that can be used to deliver a time-biased communication (Innis and Watson 41). Although it may not reach a wide audience, it can last long. Homers epic poems are perfect examples of time-biased communication. They have been in existence for centuries and are likely to last even longer.

Space-biased media on the other hand are those with wider audience reach but ephemeral in nature (Kaun 58). Unlike time-biased media, space-biased media can be used to broadcast a message nationally and internationally within a short period. Its main shortcoming is that it does not last long. Examples of such media include television, radio, and newspapers circulated in a larger geographic area (Innis and Watson 62). The social media such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram may also be classified in the group of space-biased media. Their aim is to pass a message that is relevant at that given time to a wide audience.

The Preferred Media

When passing a message to a given audience, Shipman and Shipman argue that it is necessary to select an appropriate media (38). The space-biased and time-biased media discussed above have their advantages and disadvantages. However, space-biased media has become a more preferred means of passing information. One of the reasons why the media is preferred is the geographic coverage. In the modern globalized society, it has become increasingly important to pass messages to a wide audience. As such, radio, television, and print media such as newspapers have become effective means of broadcasting messages. Kaun also notes that information keeps evolving as new facts emerge and technology keeps changing (73). As such, passing information in time-biased media has become less desirable.

Social media, which is an example of space-biased media, has become a critical socio-political and economic tool in the modern society. The media allows for instant sharing of information without having to deal with the geographic barrier. It was the preferred media during the Arab Spring because the government does not closely control it. The freedom it offers the users means that they can share sensitive issues that would be blocked by various authorities. Time-biased media is becoming less preferred because it is outpaced by the emerging technology. As explained above, its main advantage is that information can be stored for a long period. However, modern platforms of communications can also store data for a relatively long time.

Meaning of Having Monopolies of Knowledge

Monopoly of knowledge refers to the ability of a few individuals or entities to control the flow of information within a given region (Kaun 89). They define the information that goes to the masses and that which remains available only to a few individuals. Shipman and Shipman argue that universities tend to monopolize knowledge by defining a rigid method of disseminating it (133). The political class also tends to monopolize knowledge to achieve specific goals within a given society. When an entity has a monopoly of knowledge, it controls what becomes public.

Role of Communication in Monopolies of Knowledge

Communication has a critical role to play in monopolies of knowledge. According to Kaun, effective communication often tries to fight the monopoly of knowledge (57). It focuses on breaking the barrier to effective flow of knowledge. It explains why space-biased media has gained popularity over time-biased media. Space-biased media makes it possible to pass information to a wide audience within a short period. It fights the idea that only a few individuals can define what is accessible to media. Through effective communication, many people can have access to information without necessarily having to follow strict guidelines set by entities that monopolize knowledge. In the past, an individual had to go through a strict system of education to learn new concepts and practices.

Communication Bias: Essay Conclusion

Bias of communication has played a major role in the transformation made from time-biased to space-biased media of communication. In the past, knowledge monopoly was common. However, that is no longer the case as space-biased media continue to gain popularity. It is easy to access materials needed in the online platform. One can learn about religion without having to go to theological college or attending madrasa. Communication continues to empower the public, and in the process, it eliminates monopolies of knowledge.

Works Cited

Friesen, Norm. Media Transatlantic: Developments in Media and Communication Studies between North American and German-Speaking Europe. Springer, 2016.

Innis, Harold A, and John Watson. Empire and Communications. Dundurn Press, 2007.

Kaun, Anne. Crisis and Critique: A Brief History of Media Participation in Times of Crisis. Zed Books, 2016.

Shipman, Alan and Marten Shipman. Knowledge Monopolies: The Academisation of Society. Andrews UK Ltd, 2016.

Introduction

Interpersonal communication refers to the process and methods through which individuals share information, thoughts, and feelings with one another. Interpersonal communication is based on a set of indicators, including utterances, body language, eye contact, and gestures. Strong bonds in the military are built on an open and honest dialogue between members of the force. Interpersonal communication, which includes both verbal and nonverbal cues, is essential for success in the Army. Interpersonal communication is driven by the need to effectively transmit purpose and intent to achieve mutual understanding and, ultimately, the targeted outcome. Since verbal and non-verbal communication is intertwined, comprehension of both is necessary for the effective use of interpersonal communication. Army operations may benefit greatly from the employment of both forms. Military communication encompasses both the dissemination of intelligence from reconnaissance to other branches of the armed forces and the transmission of commands and instructions from superior officers to their subordinates. The army requires effective communication for the benefit of strengthened connections, raised effectiveness of operations and minimization of conflict.

Current Environment

Interpersonal skills are essential because they have an immediate impact on a leaders capacity to lead and, most importantly, communicate. Todays operating environment needs proactive communication in order to address the myriad of issues that soldiers and institutions must confront in a world that is sometimes tumultuous, unpredictable, complex, and dynamic (Bjornestad et al., 2021). Soldiers are allowed the freedom and latitude to use professional judgement within the missions direction and goal in order to properly express the aim and intent in order to achieve common comprehension. Interpersonal communication facilitates comprehension and awareness of the reality of the freedom and latitude to conduct disciplined action in accordance with army directives and objectives (Bjornestad et al., 2021). Interpersonal tact demands a comprehension of how soldiers receive and interpret instruction. In battle, telephone communication provides the necessary immediacy as a confirmation of face-to-face contact (Sanders, 2018). When operating within a global coalition, the underlying meaning of a conversation may be obscured by linguistic conventions and word choice.

Key Characteristics of Effective Communication in Army

Respect must be given for the efforts made to communicate in a second language in order to prevent the use of culturally inappropriate terms and misunderstandings (Sanders, 2018). Politeness is always needed while communicating over the phone but preparing the words in advance may help to explain ones point more effectively and leave a favorable impression on the other party. In terms of communication, listening is just as crucial as speaking. Listening attentively without interrupting the other person to prevent misunderstanding and noise-related loss of certain facts is necessary. Similarly, the recognition and occasional remarks are crucial for the speaker to know one is paying attention and not just zoning out. The tone of the voice might suggest whether a person is in agreement or disagreement, but silence can make one feel uneasy.

The ability to actively listen is a cornerstone of building and maintaining rapport with others. Misinterpretation or disregarded of verbal and nonverbal messages may lead to a hostile workplace where people feel ignored and misunderstood (Bjornestad et al., 2021). Listening attentively is a vital military skill, one that is used often in the course of operations, during developmental counseling, and while assessing dangerous or life-threatening circumstances (Bjornestad et al., 2021). Army commanders ability to recognize and discuss issues with their soldiers physical and mental well-being and their preparedness for missions might benefit from the application of active listening skills during developmental counseling (Bjornestad et al., 2021). Considering the growing anxiety about the safety and health of the active-duty, reserve, and National Guard personnel, this is a very pertinent issue.

Face-to-face contacts are the essence of interpersonal communication. These types of encounters occur in real-time without the use of technology facilitate more productive and customized interactions. Email cannot identify facial emotions and body language. Dealing with a person one-on-one enables the formation of strong social ties and the establishment of relationships based on trust and respect (Shakeri et al., 2021). This leads to a feeling of belonging and the breaking down of cultural boundaries via human connection and shared humanity. Through communication and excellent relationships, individuals may connect to the arrangement and understand how they fit in the army, which instils confidence and commitment. It also enables chiefs and leaders to examine the competence of their followers and staff in a discrete way. In contrast to digital communications, face-to-face encounters allow for the introduction of humor and expressions of emotion, therefore including the human element. Engagement in person enhances organizational knowledge, fosters trust, and facilitates teamwork.

Military Context of Communication

In addition, effective interpersonal communication ensures that all parties are aware of their individual responsibilities in producing mutually beneficial solutions to problems. Some may argue that tact is only the ability to behave professionally or with a greater degree of compassion in order to express regard for a superior (Sanders, 2018), but respect should be reciprocal and mutually advantageous. When communicating with subordinates, peers, and superiors, tact is a vital skill that must be continually cultivated and used in order to build cohesive, successful, and effective teams. Every military commander must be capable of efficient communication. Clear writing and speaking help their capacity to create and maintain personal connections. It provides them with the capacity to command powerful groups, whether in war or on the staff. It allows them to combine purpose with the task, converting squadrons, battalions, platoons, and military staff into teams.

Obstacles for Communication

Despite efforts to improve troop interactions and organizational effectiveness, there are obstacles to effective interpersonal communication across the military. Lack of fundamental language proficiency and poor listening skills might hinder interpersonal communication. People are able to communicate with ease. However, due to the hurdles that may be met along the journey, it might become perplexing and unpleasant. Physical obstacles are the first hindrance to military intergroup interaction. These may include defined zones where only authorized personnel are granted admission, locked office doors, or the construction of barrier shields that physically separate military soldiers of different ranks by splitting them into numerous units (Dixon et al., 2020). Proximity is one of the most influential elements in forming cohesive military groups (Dixon et al., 2020). Armed forces members who have personal boundaries may consider personal benefit from proximity to each other because they are able to learn and appreciate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the majority of personal conflicts in the military stem from ineffective interpersonal communication. Poor communication may result in disastrous outcomes, such as misunderstanding and the failure of a worthwhile objective. Collaboration among military people is vital. To overcome obstacles to effective communication, all military commanders must uphold the guiding principles of competence and courtesy. Because words have the power to develop or affect attitudes, they must be utilized appropriately. Active, critical, and compassionate learning approaches must be developed for successful communication. Maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships in the military requires efficient communication. Communication is crucial to the success of all Army endeavors. The objective of communication is to convey a message to others in a manner that is comprehensible to both the sender and receiver. It promotes trust and respect among teams that communicate successfully.

References

Bjornestad, A., Olson, S., & Weidauer, L. (2021). Improving officer-soldier communication through active listening skills training with Army ROTC cadets. Military Psychology, 33(3), 205-215.

Dixon, J., Tredoux, C., Sturgeon, B., Hocking, B., Davies, G., Huck, J.,& & Bryan, D. (2020). When the walls come tumbling down: The role of intergroup proximity, threat, and contact in shaping attitudes towards the removal of Northern Irelands peace walls. British Journal of Social Psychology, 59(4), 922-944.

Sanders, A. D. (2018). Assessment of Interpersonal Communication and Counseling Skills: Perspectives from NCOs. United States: Defense Technical Information Center.

Shakeri, H., Khalilzadeh, M., Raslanas, S., & Zavadskas, E. K. (2021). What do project managers need to know to succeed in face-to-face communication?. Economic Research-Ekonomska Istra~ivanja, 34(1), 1094-1120.

Language and Cross-Cultural Communication: Essay Introduction

The importance of language in enhancing effective cross-cultural interactions cannot be underestimated. Schmid (2001) argued that language is a faculty in the human brain. It enables human beings to understand their culture and that of others groups. Each country has a distinctive culture. When learning in a foreign country, cultural differences may create barriers to social integration. Solomon and Schell (2009) noted that the cultural diversity could easily cause misunderstanding in the endeavor to understand the concepts and culture of the foreign country. Language helps in addressing the cultural nuances and fosters in-depth perspectives of the foreign country.

Bearing in mind that culture forms an important aspect of interaction and the role of language in experiencing culture holistically, the following paper will explore whether learning language is necessary when studying in a foreign country. In order to establish the necessity of the language, the essay will identify the various cultural differences denoted by intercultural communication and the key aspects of language in the various concepts.

Intercultural Communication Theory

Culture involves the beliefs, language, and social habits that define a group. According to Chen (2009), culture influences the way people communicate, perceive each other and the attitudes that are propagated based on cultural orientation. Culture portrays the identity of a country. Therefore, for proper social integration, language is very crucial. Kim (2001) noted that cross-cultural communication entails the exchange of ideas between people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Language plays a critical role in the cross-cultural communication, Li (2011) noted that it generates virtuous cycle of understanding each other and unites multiple cultures.

Tochon (2009) added that language is an integral component of culture and has a unique cultural connotation. Chen (2009) argued that language promotes understanding of the ethnic identity of the other people and in exploring how different cultures perceive each other. On the other hand, Samovar and Porter (2004) noted that human beings experience and learn culture through language. As such, language acts as the key vessel in which culture is transmitted. Therefore, based on the various perspectives, language plays a critical role in fostering in-depth understanding of a country. It thus becomes a necessity to learn the language when studying in a country.

The differences in language point to the existence of obstacles that prevent exploration of cultures of the other groups. The continuum of intercultural communication is most important when exploring the nonverbal behaviors, relations and the norms that drive a given country (Beamer & Varner 2009). Despite the necessity of learning language when studying another country, the age of new media has erased the cultural boundaries that existed in the traditional societies; hence, negating the importance of language (Laponce 2003).

As a result, Beamer and Varner (2009) argued that there are many dimensions in which an identity or culture can be understood without learning the language affiliated to the culture. For instance, a countrys culture is made of symbols that can be interpreted through observations. Appiah (2006) stated that a competent intercultural communicator possesses the traits of flexibility and the capability to tolerate uncertainty. In addition, adaptability, open-mindedness is a critical component that can be applied to study the cultural meaning of a country by interpretation of the symbols.

Maloof, Rubin and Miller (2006) noted that in the intercultural communication, non-language codes supplement language. Thus, the codes provide a platform for interaction and exploration of the various meaning in a new culture. The non-language codes are related to the culture of a community; the codes help people to interpret meanings across the cultural divide without the necessity of learning the actual language.

For example in high context cultures, facial expressions, use of body language and objects that are symbolic to the specific culture help in ascribing meaning and learning the different aspects of the country. Furthermore, effective intercultural communication does not solely rely on language, but it is based on various contours of interactions (Wiseman 2003). Therefore, socialisation and application of the resources available such as the use of interpreters, ability to interpret symbols present alternatives that can be applied in fostering effective integration in a new country (Chen 2009).

Globalisation and Intercultural Communication

The world today is highly globalised; the global society is a mixture of cultures and races. According to Laponce (2003), the world has increasingly become interconnected due to technological advancement and new means of communication. Even though globalisation has not erased the cultural divergences, a multi-dimensional hybridisation of cultures has taken place across the globe. For instance, the blending of cultures has resulted in systematic cultural values that make it easy to overcome the barriers that in the past existed due to the differences in language. The globalisation has brought about cultural relativity and connections.

In the contemporary world, there is flexibility in the communication, and there are international languages that have been embraced in the various spheres of the world. The cultural integration and resulting hybridisation have been experienced at the global level and the local level (Li 2011). The globalisation driven by the efficient media has transformed the different aspects of the human society. For example, existence of multinationals that are managed by people from different countries drive the economic developments experienced in world.

The technological uptake and the onset of new media age in the 21st century have resulted in socio-cultural changes and perceptions of what society is (Tochon 2009). The new dispensation has redefined cultural interaction. Thus, there has been a birth of intercultural interaction that is not purely based on language. Therefore, the interconnectedness of the world implies that there are many dimensions, which people can communicate and foster understanding without the need to study a foreign language. The international languages provide a platform for interactions because many people speak them and it is easy to get interpreters.

Language and Cross-Cultural Communication: Essay Conclusion

Language is the medium that is applied in communication. It plays a critical role in understanding the various concepts that relate to a given community. As noted by Fisher (2008) language is a communication tool that promotes interpersonal communication. On the other hand, Solomon and Schell (2009) noted that language enhances understanding of the self and informs preconceptions. In the intercultural setting, language plays a significant role in permeating the social boundaries through seamless interactions with the locals. However, lack of knowledge about the indigenous language does not limit the interactions.

The world has become interconnected. There have been increased acceptances of a global culture driven by internationally accepted languages that are used as the basis of interactions in various international forums. Even though language plays an imperative role in cross-cultural interactions, various dimensions of globalisation and technology provide alternatives to interactions. Therefore, it is possible to study in a country without learning the language.

References

Appiah, K 2006, Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a world of strangers, Norton, New York. Web.

Beamer, L & Varner, I 2009, Intercultural communication in the global workplace, Dongbei University of Finance & Economics Press, Dalian. Web.

Chen, G 2009, Intercultural communication research, Higher Education Press, Beijing. Web.

Fisher, G 2008, Mindsets: The role of culture and perception in international relations, Intercultural Press, Yarmouth, ME. Web.

Kim, Y 2001, Becoming intercultural: An integrative theory of communication and cross-cultural adaptation, Sage, Thousand Oaks, CA. Web.

Laponce, J 2003, Babel and the market: Geostrategies for minority languages, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK. Web.

Li, Y 2011, Cross-Cultural Communication within American and Chinese Colleagues in Multinational Organizations, Proceedings of the New York State Communication Association, vol. 201, no. 7, pp. 114-131. Web.

Maloof, V, Rubin, D, & Miller, A 2006, Cultural competence and identity in cross-cultural adaptation: The role of a Vietnamese heritage language school, International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 255273. Web.

Samovar, L & Porter, R 2004, Communication between cultures, Wadsworth Press, Belmont, CA. Web.

Schmid, C 2001, The politics of language: Conflict, identity, and cultural pluralism in comparative perspective, Oxford University Press, New York. Web.

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Introduction

The COVID-19 forced drastic changes on many companies, which had to close down offices and allocate their staff to work from home. This practice significantly affected the effectiveness of communication strategies and team cohesion. Working from home puts additional obstacles between managers and workers, creating a sense of isolation and a lack of supervision and control. Communication strategies that worked in the office, thus, needed to be changed. Even though vaccines are on the way and humanity will overcome the disease eventually, it is likely for companies to keep some of their non-essential employees at home, to save on office spaces (Marlow et al., 2017). As such, the challenges of communication with virtual teams will remain relevant. The purpose of this paper is to provide solutions for the problems of worker isolation and supervision of from-home employees.

Communication Problem: Worker Isolation

Increasing employee motivation and job satisfaction are some of the objectives of communication in business. Seeing others, communicating with them, and working towards common goals is important for keeping employees satisfied, motivated, and engaged. A from-home environment significantly reduces the amount of communication and face-to-face contact between employees and managers, resulting in a loss of focus and motivation. It also increases the number of misunderstandings, as instructions given in written form or over a vocal message are often absent on small details, and communication via the internet makes it difficult to ensure the other person understood the message. As a result, employees become more dejected and more likely to suffer from burnout and a lack of motivation (Marlow et al., 2017).

Solutions to Worker Isolation

A communication strategy for from-home workers has to revolve around frequency of different types of communication to keep them engaged and feeling as part of the group. A good option would be to rely on a mix of video/verbal communication channels for different types of tasks. Video chat rooms can be open for casual talking with one another, teamworking and team-building. Conventional text-based chats can be used as a means of giving instructions and asking for feedback  text-based forms of communication have a sense of permanency and allow individuals to double-check instructions and ask for clarification if needed. Workers need to be allowed to talk to one another over small and non-work related things, to maintain a good work-life balance as well (Guffey & Loewy, 2015).

Communication Problem: Lack of Control

Another issue with communication with from-home employees is that there are very few mechanisms to control the productivity of the workers. Managers can give the initial task and require updates, but cannot ensure that the worker stays at the workplace all the time, being productive. It has been noted that employees without supervision often perform the necessary minimum and not more. Finally, quality may vary from one employee to another, as the final work can be judged only at the end of the assignment. Communicating demands becomes more difficult, and harms the company in the process (Marlow et al., 2017).

Solutions for Improving Control

Improving control over quality through communication means improving both the presence and the availability of the manager. This can be achieved through various means. Verbal communication channels will allow for connecting and asking pertinent quality-related questions, improving the speed, engagement, and delivery. Specialized workflow software allows for supervising employees and ensuring a lack of absences and slow-downs in the process. Finally, communicating the purposes of assignment, the role of individual workers, and the potential rewards can help build up a culture of trust and quality, where employees can be trusted to complete tasks with less supervision, based on motivation alone (Guffey & Loewy, 2015).

Conclusions

To conclude, all these solutions have advantages: the number of from-home workers is going to grow, communication patterns will shift and new theoretical frameworks are required.

References

Guffey, M. E., & Loewy, D. (2015). Essentials of business communication. Cengage Learning.

Marlow, S. L., Lacerenza, C. N., & Salas, E. (2017). Communication in virtual teams: A conceptual framework and research agenda. Human Resource Management Review, 27(4), 575-589.

Communication is one of the key aspects of human life, and people interact with their neighbors, friends, and family daily. The introduction of modern technologies has changed the way people communicate, and in the twenty-first century, the percentage of those who use technologies and various gadgets has dramatically increased. The general importance of communication is significant as it helps to avoid misunderstandings between people and set strong relationships (Hansen 13). Technology improves the level of communication and brings benefits to interpersonal connections. This essay will cover the key factors that changed the way people communicate. Moreover, it will present advantages and disadvantages of modern innovations which actively participate in peoples everyday lives.

With the invention of the Internet, people can share news quicker, and people who live abroad might have a chance to call their relatives and friends for free. Individuals from different parts of the world may find foreign friends by registering on specific social media platforms. The use of technologies helps to unite the world and make it better in the social aspect of life. According to Fulk, it became easier to spread important information for a short period of time using social role models like Instagram bloggers or famous TikTokers (12). Communication between businesses and customers has also become easier as marketing directors have a chance to directly contact their target audience via phone or place advertisements on social media to support B2C relationships.

Technology may play a significant role during crisis times, and the losses might become less significant. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, people could not go to their normal workplaces due to governmental restrictions. Technology became salvation in this situation as people moved to remote work using their laptops, smartphones, and one of the most famous applications called Zoom. Individuals are constantly looking for easy ways to live, and technical supplies help in achieving this goal (Murphie and Potts 23). By using technology during uncertain times can continue following their routines and maintain a high level of communication via social media platforms.

Nevertheless, technology can have both positive and negative sides, which may affect every person. For example, while it is believed that smartphones and laptops help increase the level of communication inside and outside countries, the number of people who prefer communication in real-time is decreasing. Even though technology has improved the level of interpersonal contacts, communication in the real world stays crucial. It is important to spend time outside homes, meet friends, and communicate in cafes and restaurants. Moreover, people might meet fake information posted on the Internet, and some people can use random names to cheat and conduct illegal actions for easy money. Consequently, it is crucial to evaluate obtained information and follow only reliable groups to stay sure that the intensive flow of negativity does not ruin their experience in communication.

In conclusion, communication plays a significant role in peoples existence, and it is important to understand potential threats which might bring unpleasant experiences to all technology users. When individuals understand how to use technical supplies to receive more benefits than drawbacks, the general level of communication increases, and the connection between different nations improves. However, if people cannot recognize the harmful influence of technologies and the Internet, the whole attitude to these innovations will be decreased, and the communication experience might become dangerous.

Works Cited

Fulk, Janet. Social construction of communication technology. Academy of Management Journal, vol 36, no. 5, 2017, Web.

Hansen, Anders. Environment, media and communication. Routledge, 2018.

Murphie, Andrew, and Potts, John. Culture & Technology. Palgrave, 2017.

Interpreting the actions of the Practice Educator

What must be understood is that communication and delivering a particular message is not based on verbal responses but rather extends to various non-verbal cues which range from facial expression, tone of voice, apparent interest in the conversation as well as certain aspects attributable to body language. Based on this, when examining the nonchalant behavior of the educator during the conversation one cannot help but feel that she is not even paying attention to the student worker at all. In fact it can even be said that she doesnt even care about the conversation since she seems more interested in examining her emails.

The effect of Non-verbal communication

When examining this particular case if one were to remove the aspects of the conversation involving non-verbal behavior it actually seems like the educator is really interested in what happened to yesterdays procedure. Yet when the non-verbal cues are added in the educator no longer seems to actually care about the topic at all and seems to have just stated the question for the sake of just asking. What must be understood from this particular case is that people base their interpretation of a conversation from the non-verbal cues shown.

Interpreting the non-verbal communication of the student

When examining the message of fine that the student gives in response one cannot help but notice the various non-verbal cues that indicate that things are really fine. For example the degree of hesitation, the lack of confidence in the method of delivery, the fact that the student worker seems to divide his attention between the practice educator and among other people in the room. From this it can be seen that when it comes to communication different meanings can be attributed to certain messages but it actually takes an examination of various non-verbal cues to actually understand their true meaning and context (Dixon et al., 5- 6).

Works Cited

Dixon, Tara & OHara, Martin. Communication skills: making practice based learning at work. Web.