Overview of Week Three

Overview of This Week’s Assignments

This week you will develop the Problem Statement section of your Final Project using principles of effectively communicating “negative news”. We will discuss the unique language, beliefs, and values that matter to your organization and its clients. Finally, we will also determine when it is most effective to utilize various channels of communication.

Overview of This Week’s Content

You can become a more effective communicator by understanding yourself and how others view you: your attitudes, beliefs, and values; your self-concept; and how the self-fulfilling prophecy may influence your decisions. Perceptions are influenced by how we select, organize, and interpret words and ideas. Our perceptions are influenced by our individual differences and preconceived notions. To better understand your audience, learn about their demographic traits, such as age, gender, and employment status, as these help determine their interests, needs, and goals. In addition, become aware of your perceptions and theirs, and practice fairness in your communications. Part of being an effective communicator is learning to receive messages from others through active listening and reading.

Delivering negative news involves a buffer or cushion statement, an explanation, the negative news itself, and a redirecting statement. Whether you choose a direct or an indirect approach, the message should be delivered clearly and concisely, with respect for the receiver and the organization.