Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Essential Communications
Skills for Managers,
Volume II
A Practical Guide for
Communicating Effectively
withAll People in All Situations
Walter St. John
Ben Haskell
Dedication
We dedicate this book to all the managers
who are committed to achieving excellence,
at all times, when communicating
with people on the job.
Abstract
The purpose of this book is to provide practicing and aspiring managers and students of management a practical and comprehensive reference
source for communicating on the job with all people in all situations. This
how-to book provides readers with the essential knowledge, attitudes,
and skills to perform the communicating aspects of their routine and
special duties. The information is presented in two volumes. Each topic is
divided into Things to Know and Things to Do.
The topics are divided into five sections:
Sending Effective Messages
The Four Methods of Communicating: Speaking, Listening,
Writing, and Reading
Planning and Conducting Productive Meetings
Communicating Skills for Dealing with Special Situations
Communicating Attitudes and Techniques for Coping
Competently with Difficult Employees
Keywords
Communicating Effectively, Communicating for Managers, Communicating in a Crisis, Communicating in the Workplace, Communicating
with Employees, Communication, Communicating Strategies, Communicating under Stress, Communication Effectiveness for Managers,
Communication Fundamentals, Communication Guide for Managers,
Communication Mistakes, Communication Reference Guide for Managers, Communication Skills, Conflict Resolution, Diversity Communication, Gender-Neutral, Listening Tips, Managerial Performance,
Management Skills, Managerial Communications, Persuasive Communication, Reading Tips, Speaking Confidently, Speechmaking, Workplace
Communications, Workplace Situations, Writing Tips
Contents
Acknowledgments....................................................................................xi
Section 1
Topic 1
........................................................................................ 1
Sending Effective Messages................................................1
Section 2
Topic 2
Topic 3
Topic 4
Topic 5
Topic 6
Topic 7
Topic 8
Topic 9
Topic 10
Topic 11
Topic 12
Topic 13
Section 3
Topic 14
Topic 15
Topic 16
Topic 17
Topic 18
Section 4
Topic 19
Topic 20
Topic 21
Topic 22
x CONTENTS
Topic 23
Topic 24
Topic 25
Topic 26
Topic 27
Topic 28
Topic 29
Topic 30
Topic 31
Section 5
Topic 32
.................................................................................... 199
Communicating Attitudes and Techniques for
Coping Competently with Difficult Employees..............199
Index..................................................................................................211
Acknowledgments
Our sincere thanks to those who helped with this book along the way.
Typist Janice Gromm
University of Maine Reference Library
Husson University Reference Library
Interviews with six experienced and successful managers
The writings of authorities on communication and management
Friends, associates, and professional colleagues
SECTION 1
TOPIC 1
A. Things to Know
1. Content Factors to Consider
A message is defined as the content or information that you
are communicating.
Messages must meet three requirements for you to get the
results you desire: (1) be understood; (2) be believed; and
(3)be accepted.
Be certain that the message you send actually says what you
intend to say.
The message you send isnt necessarily the same message
people receive, so never assume you have been understood.
Secure prompt feedback to determine how well your message
has been understood and accepted.
People are more likely to respond favorably to a message you
send them when it is received in a setting free of noise and
distractions.
The status or importance of the sender of a message also
influences how a message is responded to.
There is frequently a difference between the information
managers sent to employees compared with the information
employees want to receive.
B. Things to Do
1. Factors to Consider When Preparing Your Message:
Plan all important communications carefully before sending
them to people.
Think before deciding on the content of your message.
Emphasize important information by repeating words, using
different words, and pausing to let your listeners digest what
you have said.
The first step is to decide on the specific purpose (this should
be clear to both the sender and receiver).
Analyze your image, credibility, and relationship with your
target group.
Decide on exactly what you need to say and how to best say it.
Pay attention to both the facts and feelings contained in your
message.
Identify the target group for your message and adapt the
content to their backgrounds, knowledge, and interest in the
subject of your message.
Predict the possible reactions and consequences of your
message before you send it.
Read your message aloud to see how it sounds and to spot
mistakes and then modify your message as needed.
Obtain knowledgeable peoples opinions about the content
before finalizing and transmitting any sensitive, controversial,
or highly important messages.
Study the content from the point of view of the target group
and how it could be interpreted by the group.
Determine the best method and time to send the message.
What and who. Clearly state what action you desire and who
should do it
How and wheremake this sound easy
Whendate that the action is needed
Whyshow how the target group benefits
Include anything negative before the last paragraph
Repeat the most important ideas that were presented
End on a positive friendly note.
3. Selecting the Best Media for Your Message
A. Things to Know
Choosing the correct media to carry your message is critical. It can determine the success or failure of what you intend to accomplish with your
message. The subject matter as well as the intended recipient of your message will dictate the most appropriate medium to use. Some important
points to consider before you select your media:
The medium used can, in and of itself, impact the
effectiveness of the message.
Important information should be communicated by more
than one way. This could be verbal, written, and visual.
Use more than one method to send important messages
andbesure to include the method that most appeals to your
receiver.
Keep in mind that writing can be cumbersome taking more time and effort than is necessary.
Even in todays high tech world the face-to-face method
of communication is still preferred by many. However,
distance (global) and time restraints today have made the
Internet the first choice for everyone, private or corporate.
With videoconferencing on the Internet or Face Time on
smartphones people can communicate across the planet
face-to-face.
There are countless media available. Listed below are most commonly
used in the designated category of verbal, written or visual.
1. Verbal Teleconferencing
Face-to-face small and large meetings
Oral presentations
Radio and Television programming or announcements
Cell phones
In-house PA systems or intercoms
Informal water cooler chats or even the grapevine
can be used
2. Written E-mail
Formal letters (still very important)
Social media, especially Facebook
Linkedin and Twitter
Memos, pamphlets
Newsletters
Surveys
Newspapers and magazines
Press releases
Public service announcements written for radio & TV
Internal organizational directives written and
disseminated in print or verbally
3. Visual Videoconferencing
One-on-one with Internet or smartphone (for
example, Skype, Go to Meeting, or Zoom)
PowerPoint presentations
Use of broadcast television to reach a larger audience
Video presentations
Posters
Charts and graphs
Exhibits and static displays
Tour of facilities
B. Things to Do
Try to select a medium that will appeal to the receiver,
while recognizing the importance of both advantages and
disadvantages of the various media.
Consider using more than one medium to strengthen your
message. This would include written, verbal, and visual media
(photos or video).
After determining the objective of your message, choose the
most appropriate media for the subject or situation, the time
frame, and the person or persons who will receive your message.
Before choosing the appropriate media consider these criteria:
?? Availability
Cost
Efficiency
Length of time to reach intended receiver
Keeping a record of the message
Feedback and interactive capabilities.
Regardless of the media used, it is critical that the sender of the message
follow up with the intended receiver to be sure there is no misunderstanding concerning its content.
4. Choosing the Optimal Time for Sending
A. Things to Know and Things to Do
1. The timing of messages
A timely message is one that employees receive in time to derive
maximum benefit from it.
For all things there is a right and wrong time to do it.
The goal of managerial communication is to ensure the sharing
of the right information with the right people at the right time
in the right way.
It is imperative to communicate regularly in both good and bad
times rather than only when there are problems.
These are two common complaints employees have about
managerial communications:
1. NETMAnobody ever tells me anything
2. Managers communicate too often according to the mushroom theorykeep them in the dark and feed them lots of
manure.
Provide employees information on important matters well
in advance so they can plan their work ahead of time and to
minimize the circulating of rumors.
Respond promptly to employees requests for information.
Allow employees sufficient time to respond to your messages so
they wont feel pressured or rushed. Make sure all employees in
the same work unit get the same news at the same time. Strive to
send important messages when you and the target group are not
preoccupied with more urgent matters.
10
11
A. Things to Do
1. Specific Methods Available to Managers to Save Time When
Communicating
Having his/her office assistant control the managers appointments
by making them only tentative and subject to the managers
confirmation. Drop by spur-of-the-moment conversations should
be discouraged. However, discussions without appointments
should be permitted for important matters.
Instruct your office assistant to tactfully screen phone calls
and visitors to save your time.
Have your office assistant screen incoming mail and sort it
out in this manner:
1. Types of messages managers want to have referred directly to
him/her for immediate attention
2. Communications the manager wants to look over at his/her
convenience
3. Those to be sent to a subordinate to handle
4. Those to be immediately discarded.
12
13
Index
A
Behaviors, 179
Body language, 105
basic things to understand, 6162
factors to consider, 6466
gestures, 37
movement, 37
nonverbal communication,
6263,63
position, 36
posture, 36
sending nonverbal messages, 6364
Closing paragraphs, 45
Clustering, 93
Coaching
conducting phase, 171172
employees, 170172
kinds of, 170
preparation phase, 171
Collecting information, 19
Communication
attitudes and techniques, 199207
with disabled workers, 186188
with diverse group of employees,
177187
face-to-face, 121
with male and female employees,
188193
male style of, 188
managers, 192
with men, 191
with older employees, 185186
oral and written methods for, 72
specific methods available to
managers, 1113
styles, 192193
systems, 98
two-way, 145146
way of, 188189
written, 70
Competent writers, 68
Comprehending messages, 5859
Compromising to reach agreement,
159160
listening tips, 161
Conducting meeting
cutting off participants, 108109
encouraging participants
involvement, 109110
212 INDEX
Daydreaming, 54
Defensive behavior, 167
Delivering your speech
acknowledging your introduction,
2526
beginning, 2425
effective delivery style, 29
introducing your subject, 2627
presenting effective conclusion, 28
speakers attitude, 25
speech content, 2728
suggestions for delivery methods,
2934
timing factors to consider, 3536
using body language, 36
visual aids, 3435
Delivery methods of speech
articulation and pronunciation, 33
audience questions, 3334
improving your voice, 3132
loudness and projection, 32
maintaining eye contact, 3031
pitch and inflection, 3233
rate of speech, 2930
using pause, 30
Difficulty, determining levels of,
147148
Directive interview, 121
Disabled workers, communicating
with, 186188
Diverse employees, 181182
Diversity, effective management of, 177
E-mail, 173
content of, 80
description of, 7879
distribution of, 81
keeping copies of, 8182
responding to, 82
writing, 7981
Editing techniques, 8384
Effective employee discussions, 139
Effective introductions, 48
Effective managers, 170
Effective negotiating, 152, 157158
Effective questioning, 126
Effective writers, 68
Effective writing, standards for, 6971
Emotions, 199200, 202203
Employee
behavior of, 200201
communicating attitudes and
techniques, coping with,
199207
discussions with, 202
feel compassion for, 165
orientation of. See Orientation of
employees
work-related/personal problems
of,201
Employee performance evaluation
attitude of evaluators, 165
conducting session, 166169
description of, 162163
evaluation standards, 163164
planning session, 165166
policies and procedures, 163
standards, 163164
subjects to discuss during, 168169
timing factors to consider, 168
Employee training, 137
attitudes and beliefs regarding, 137
best time to discuss, 137
sources of, 138
types of, 138139
Employment interview, purpose
of,121
Ethnic minorities, 182184
Evaluation conference, 167
Eye contact, 3031
INDEX
213
Kinesics, 61
Know-it-all attitude, 205206
214 INDEX
Managers
to coach subordinates, 170
communication, 192
negotiation, 154155
planning, sequence and steps for,
144145
reading needs of, 8788
responsibility of, 199
to save time when communicating,
1113
silence, 67
writing attitudes for, 70
Managing diversity, 177
Meeting participants
attitudes for, 113114
making helpful comments,
114115
paying attention, 114
responsibilities of, 113
Meetings
beginning of, 105
conducting. See Conducting Meeting
moderators to control, 106107
one-on-one, 116117
participants. See Meeting
participants
planning. See Planning meetings
primary reasons for holding, 97
purpose of, 106
Mental movie of speech, 20
Mental vacations, 24
Messages
frequency of, 1011
timing of, 910
Minorities
ethnic, 182184
racial, 182184
Moderators
to control meetings, 106107
responsibilities of, 104105
Movement, 37
Mutual interest, discover points of, 17
INDEX
215
Paragraphs
closing, 45
opening, 4
Perceptive writers, 68
Performance indicators, 143
Performance objectives, 140141
managers responsibilities
regarding,141
obtaining employees
commitment,142
selecting goals and priorities,
141142
standards for, 143144
Physical attributes, 198
Pitch, 3233
Planning meetings, 9798
equipment needed for, 103
factors, 98103
information to list on agenda, 99
meeting site factors to consider,
101102
number of participants, 101
seating plan considerations,
102103
types of participants, 100101
Planning your speech
collecting information, 18
essential steps for developing,
1820
items to consider, 1516
knowing and creating rapport with
audience, 1618
pre-speech check out of speaking
site, 2223
preparing speech to be read, 2022
timing adjustments, 22
using notes effectively, 20
Position, 36
Posture, 36
Scanning rate, 87
Second interview
list of suggested questions,
127128
planning and conducting,
125128
procedures, 125
process, 126
Seek communications, 189
Sending effective messages
choosing optimal time, 911
content factors to consider, 13
guidelines for organizing your, 45
216 INDEX
preparing, 3
selecting media for, 59
Setting priorities of goals, 147
Sex fair language
definition of, 194
general tips to avoid sexist
problems, 195196
goals of, 195
important facts about, 194
methods for learning, 196
standards for, 195
types of sexist problems, 196198
Sexual harasser, 206
Sexual harassment, 190
workshops, 206
Skilled listeners, 55
Skimming, 87, 9293
Social communication, 174
Social media, 174
Soft news, 174
Sources of information, 125
Speaker anxiety, 4243
attitudes by speaker, 44
body movement helps to relieve
tension, 4546
breathing properly, 4647
gain confidence by relating to
audience, 47
methods for relaxing, 45
prepared and organized, 4445
standards of effective speech, 43
Speaker, attitude, 25
Speaking, effective style of, 43
Speech
content, 19, 2728
delivering. See Delivering your
speech; Delivery methods of
speech
interactions with guest speakers,
5051
mental movie of, 20
planning. See Planning your speech
standards of, 43
types of, 43
Standards of performance, 163
Style of delivery, 19
Submissive employee, 167
Verbal media, 6
advantages, 78
disadvantages, 8
Video interview, 121
Videoconferencing, 118120
Visual aids
types of, 34
using, 3435
Visual media, 6
Voice, 3132
coaches, 16
communication, 118
Well-organized message, 4
Win-win attitude, 153
Writing
attitudes for managers, 70
being brief and direct, 76
e-mail, 7980
effective style, 71
goal of, 68
important facts to, 6869
organizing message content, 7377
purpose, 7273
standards for, 6970
structure, tips on, 7374
tailoring message content, 7677
times to put things in, 7172
tips for clear, 7475
Written communications, 70
Written media, 6
advantages, 7
disadvantages, 7
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