Sunday, July 27, 2008

Getting Things Done Through Effective Communication

Executives and managers are involved in meetings, presentations, interviews, conferences, telephone conversations, memos or emails, participating in all sorts of communications methods to exchange the necessary information. In fact, when one examines an organization, it can be easily seen that many examples of verbal and nonverbal behavior exist. Some communication specialists believe that these and almost all other forms of behavior are really means of communication and conversely that all forms of communication reflect the behavior of individuals. But, is this the case? Well, if nothing else, the fact remains that in every organization, communication occurs constantly.

People who are concerned with human communication do not focus on precisely what one says or writes, but on how the persons involved perceive and translate the message they send and receive. Experts working in the behavioral sciences and related areas have contributed a great deal in recent years to the field of communication. For example, valuable work on theories of human communication has been done by psychiatrist Jurgen Ruesch. Dr. Ruesch identifies various communication networks as follows:
- The intrapersonal network is entirely within the individual and involves thinking and feeling.
- The interpersonal communication network links two or more persons.
- The group interaction network links groups of people. Because of the number of people involved, it is usually difficult to achieve effective communication with everybody.
- The final network is cultural. Here there is no specific originator or receiver of the message. Certain symbols in our society-cars, clothing, homes, morals, and the like-are part of out cultural network. It is almost impossible to correct or change the system because of its powerful and pervasive nature.

Thus, it is easy to estimate the importance of communication to managers. In an effort to attain organizational goals, they use communication to persuade, inform, and motivate people who play key roles in getting things done. Managers almost always get their jobs done through other people. They may be skilled controllers, production supervisors, or directors of engineering, but they need people to help them achieve their objectives. But the only way to get other people to do what a manager thinks should be done is through communication.

Research indicates that although monetary awards and fear of punishment might be effective motivators, these rarely work on a long-term basis. Communication, which often fulfills basic social and egoistic needs, can and does work as a positive motivator. In fact, some spoken words of praise and recognition or a look that reflects encouragement or approval may prove to be just as effective a means of communication as any written memorandum.

Source: Free Articles

Saturday, July 26, 2008

How To Choose The Right Communications System For Your Business

Businesses are opening at an ever expanding rate, making competition for customers fierce. In order to keep up with the demands in the world today new businesses need to keep in mind the importance of good communication. The most important piece of equipment you will purchase for your business is the phone.

Even before a business opens its doors the phones should be up and running and all employees need to be familiar with their use. Depending on the size of the business you can decide first what type of service will be needed to maintain excellent communication service. You need to be sure the phone service is reliable and that all calls can be answered in a timely matter.

For a small business you may only need a simple system. To start you will need at least three lines for calls. Two of the phone lines can be for use when answering the calls without a busy signal. The third telephone line should be installed for use with the fax machine.

You will most likely need to install a type of internet access. Due to the technology available it is better to go with a broadband connection rather than a phone line internet connection. With faster internet speeds it would slow your business down to have a phone line internet service, thus delaying other calls with a busy signal.

The best way to decide what type of phone service to begin with may be to work with the telephone company directly. They will be able to provide you with the best information in helping to make a decision on phone service. You can also check with other businesses that are similar in size and find out what works and what is unnecessary.

It may also be ideal to get a simple number that is easy to remember, acronyms are very popular. Before your new business is open your phone service needs to be running and all employees should be comfortable answering the calls.

When considering different phone essentials keep in mind the growth aspect. Your service may need to be upgraded periodically to continue to fit your needs.
Your phone service is the heart of any good business, so it is never recommended to use a cell phone as your business phone. They are still unreliable and you will put your client base at risk. Communication needs are expanding very quickly and it's important to have a good system in place. Learning to use your phones and phone system to maximize service will only help your business to grow and expand.

Good communication is the key to success. A phone that is reliable is a key to good communication for your new business.

Source: Free Articles

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

What Else Can You Do With A Communication Degree?

The ability to communicate effectively is often cited as the skill rated number one for career advancement across all professions. Unless you leave alone in an island which is disconnected from the rest of the world, else you will need to communicate with other people either on personal stuffs or on the business needs. If you are a working individual or a businessman, a good skill in communication and the success of using communication techniques are keys to ensure the success of your career advancement. Everybody knows the important of communication, but what else can you do with a communication degree?

Career Opportunities

There are many potential career opportunities available for those people with communication studies degrees. Among the communication careers are business, sales, human relations, customer service, social services, management, public relations, advertising, media, fund raising, law, politics, consulting, and publishing. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, nine of the possible career paths mentioned above will be the biggest generators of new jobs over the next ten years.

It may surprise you to discover exactly who holds a communication degree. There are many success people who have both studied in the discipline and received degrees in communication. To name a few, David Boreanaz, actor on the T.V. series Angel, holds a communication degree; Evan Bayh, Indiana Senator studied debate and other communication-related courses at Indiana University; successful broadcast journalists who hold degrees in communication include network news anchor, Connie Chung, shock-jock radio personality, Howard Stern, and television news host, Bob Costas.

The communication qualities such as listening, speaking, creative thinking, decision making, problem solving, reasoning, self-esteem, sociability, self management, integrity, and honesty are the major skills which you will gain from a communication degree. According to the Department of Labor states, the above skills are among the most important qualities for high job performance and these are the key elements of success in almost all job professions.

Communication Degrees Are Available Online

Seeing the high market demands and the need of communication skills in all professions, there are many universities offer communication as one of their major degrees. And online communication degree has also make available for those busy individual who want to enhance their communication skills for career advancement. If you are in the category of "busy people" who want to pursue communication degree, you may consider online universities such as AIU Online, University of Phoenix Online, Capella Universities, DeVry University Online and Ellis College. These prestige online universities offer communication degrees with a few specialization areas, you could choose the one that best suit your needs; and pursue your communication degree online while continue with your current lifestyle and career.

Summary

Communication studies majors and minors find opportunities in the positions mentioned above and in many other types of positions and industries. The writing and communication skills gained in communication studies, prepares you for future employment in almost any field of interest.

Source: Free Articles

Interpersonal Communication Secrets that Work Every Time

Interpersonal communication is something most of us do on a daily basis, although we may not be aware that is what it is called.

Interpersonal communication differs from other forms of communication in various ways. It is also very important in development.

The following list outlines what interpersonal communication is and what some of the characterizes are. It also explains why we need it.

1. What is it?

Interpersonal communication involves a close group of participants. It is basically the everyday conversations you carry on and it includes speeches, general friendly exchanges, arguments and basically anytime you speak to someone.

2. How is it different than other forms of communication?

Interpersonal communication involves face to face encounters. You are talking in person not over a computer, phone or through written information. You can get immediate responses.

You are also able to benefit from body language. You hear a voice where you can pick up on different dialects and speech patterns.

3. How does interpersonal communication vary?

The variances in interpersonal communication involve the people and situations. You communicate differently with someone you know well verses a stranger. You will have different topics of conversation when talking to your preacher or your best friend.

These variations make interpersonal communication flexibility important for difference circumstances.

4. How do we use interpersonal communication?

We use interpersonal communication for a variety of reasons. You use it to learn new information, such as when asking questions. You use it to share information, such as when telling a story. You use it to define yourself, such as when giving a speech.

You also use it to fulfill the natural need for contact with other people. Interpersonal communication is how we develop from infant to adult. We learn about different cultures and languages through interpersonal communication as well. It gives you a human element, a real nature that other forms of communication can not provide.

5. Why is interpersonal communication important?

Interpersonal communication is important because you need it to develop throughout the stages of life. You get so much from interpersonal communication.

You learn, teach and get an identity through interpersonal communication. You also share with others who you are. You need interpersonal communication to learn how to pronounce words correctly, how to speak properly in certain situations and how to communicate in general.

Interpersonal communication has taken a back seat to other forms of communication in recent years. More people than ever are using the internet to exchange information and make contact with others.

We must also be sure to keep interpersonal communication in our lives. Without it babies will never learn to talk properly and we can never expand our language abilities through learning form others speech. The spoken word should never have its importance underestimated.

Source: Free Articles