The Comedic Side to Ineffective Communication

            Ineffective communication can be extremely frustrating.  Individuals interpret messages according to their personal experiences and mental set, and sometimes two individuals cannot come to the same understanding.  Conflict has a tendency to rise out of misunderstandings, and conflict, much like communication, is inevitable.  I like to think when I come upon an impossible and equally frustrating communication debacle that I will take the experience in stride and remember there is a comedic side to ineffective communication.  Please enjoy the video below, and I hope you get a laugh just as I did.

Career Options for Communication Studies

Communication is an inevitable process that affects virtually all aspects of life.  Even  when we remain silent in all forms of messaging, i.e. speaking, writing, texting, signing, communication still takes place.  Often times one can express more in a single look than explain in words.  “The very attempt not to communicate communicates something. Through not only words, but through tone of voice and through gesture, posture, facial expression, etc., we constantly communicate to those around us” (King, 2000, ¶1).  Regardless of the myriad of circumstances surrounding communication, the essential principles remain constant.  Effective listening, being aware of non-verbal cues, adapting to the audience, and applying meaning to messages while simultaneously acknowledging others may interpret messages differently are communication skills essential to professional success.  The knowledge and experience gained from studying Communication has proved to be a valuable skill in a diverse range of careers.  The following five occupational summaries offer a glimpse of the opportunities available in Media and Communications-Related Careers.  With a little imagination, we can take what we love, Communication Studies, and relate it to a career worth waking up for every day.

Technical Writer

Technical writing involves translating technical information and industry specific jargon into clear messages comprehensible by a large and diverse audience.  The majority of technical writers work in information-technology-related industries, such as engineering and computer science, but the field may also extend into graphic design and marketing-related fields (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010).  Technical writing appears on everyday objects, and the importance of the writing often goes unnoticed.  If you’ve ever purchased an over-the-counter medicine package and used the dosage directions included, you have read technical writing.  Employment as a technical writer requires a college degree, and most employers prefer applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, or English.  Solid computer competency and experience with other technology also stands out to potential employers, and some specialized fields may require additional experience within the selected field.  Employment for technical writing fares better than the average growth for all occupations, and the median annual wage in this field was $61,620 in 2008 and the highest annual wage was over $97,460 in 2008 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010).  Since the writing in this field focuses on specialized industries, potential growth is limited to technical writing occupations and not much else.

Dispatcher

Although dispatching technically falls outside media and communications-related occupations, the skills learned in Communication Studies carry over and prove valuable in this field.  Employment as a dispatcher requires the minimum of a high school diploma and up to six months of on-the-job training; a college degree and related experience would significantly improve chances of employment.  Organizations that employ vehicle fleets or respond to service-related situations use dispatchers.  The most widely recognized dispatchers work as emergency responders for local and surrounding police, fire, and medical agencies.  Employment as a dispatcher is expected to grow faster than the national average growth for all occupations, and the median annual wage in this field was $33,670 in 2008 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010). 

Broadcasting

Broadcasting is one of the oldest media occupations, and the field remains highly competitive.  Employment in broadcasting requires a college degree in Broadcasting, Journalism, or a related field, and previous experience in the field greatly increases chances of work as employers look for applicants who can perform immediately (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010).  With the majority of media outlets making transitions that follow the evolvement of technology, progression into satellite and online platforms seems natural for radio broadcasting.  The field of broadcasting presents a variety of employment opportunities, ranging from internships to part-time and full-time positions.  Employment in the broadcasting industry is expected to grow steadily over the next few years, although the expected growth should be slower than the overall average for all occupations.  The median annual wage in this field was $40,896 in 2008 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010).  Initial experience in this field typically comes from college radio or unpaid internships, and advancement within the field often requires frequent relocation to develop more experience and industry contacts.

Editor

Editors usually begin their career as writers, and those with the aptitude for recognizing writing talent often move on to editing.  Editors review, correct, and rework the writing drafts of other writers.  Employment as an editor requires a college degree, and most employers prefer a bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, or English (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010).  Because the majority of editors start out as writers, achieving reputable writing accomplishments and being published by prominent publications supports advancements in this field.  Employment in this field is expected to grow at the same rate as the average, and the median annual wage for salaried editors was $49,990 in 2008 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010). 

Photographer

Photographers provide art direction, create and capture images, and conserve images to ensure the integrity of the art form.  Photography represents a more artistic side of media and communications-related occupations; originality and creativity are essential to career success.  Employment as a freelance photographer requires only technical proficiency, but employment as a photojournalist or scientific photographer requires a college degree in photography.  In addition to technical requirements, physical necessities include good eyesight, good hand-eye coordination, creative direction, patience, and compassion (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010).  Although the growth rate for photography is the same pace as the average, competition for employment may stifle as this field continually grows even faster in popularity.  The median annual wage for salaried photographers was $29,440 in 2008 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010). 

Resources

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2010). Occupational outlook handbook (2010-11 Ed.). Retrieved August 4, 2011, from http://www.bls.gov/oco/

King, D. (2000). Four principles of interpersonal communication. Pellissippi State Community College. Retrieved August 6, 2011, from http://www.pstcc.edu/facstaff/dking/interpr.htm

Bad News With Tact

            The following case study was presented to me with the challenge of creating an effective and equally constructive approach.  In conflict situations, first instincts urge communicators to speak or take action without thinking through the consequences, ethical implications, and the responses of other individuals.  After reading the study, take note of your first instincts, and then take a moment to read the study again before deciding what approach to take. 

“You are a department manager in a mid-sized company that provides technology support services.  You have ten employees who are required to maintain a high level of technical expertise and deliver excellent customer service.  One of your employees, who has been with the company for two years, is performing at a substandard level and you have received numerous complaints from customers and coworkers.  In addition, this employee has displayed confrontational behavior which has created a hostile environment.  You must now meet with this employee and deliver an ultimatum regarding the need for immediate improvement or dismissal.” 

"Bad news comes with very strong emotions." 



Listening respectfully to your employee’s responses and offering positive reinforcement to balance out the context of the message provides the greatest opportunity for a positive outcome.  One technique to deliver bad news tactfully is to establish the perspective of the employee as a guideline for proceeding.  “Explore perceptions before you try to define reality” (Sittenfeld, 1999, ¶8).  Before discussing an ultimatum and issues designated as negative contributions, ask the employee how they feel about their current performance.  Allowing them to explain may offer insight to underlying issues or refute the acknowledgement of performance problems. 

Another technique to deliver bad news with tact is to employ positive reinforcement.  Whether the employee discloses knowledge about a substandard performance or denies the existence of negative behaviors, leading the conversation with positive remarks eases the reception of impending bad news.  List at least three qualities you value in the employee from a manager’s standpoint, because recognizing and verbalizing the employee’s positives attributes places you on the same side instead of taking on an adversarial position.  Present the changes that must be made to ensure the highest level of performance for the team.  If the employee demonstrates the desire to make changes, you can proceed with the review and implement the changes in the work environment.  If the employee is unwilling to make changes, or fails to show improvement within a set period of time, the employee must be let go.  

Lastly, show consideration and legitimize the emotions that arise while delivering bad news.  “Bad news comes with very strong emotions—and you must always acknowledge those emotions.  A good, empathic response acknowledges not only someone’s feeling but also the reasons for those feelings…It legitimizes emotions in two ways:  as a response to the situation, and as an item on the conversational agenda” (Sittenfeld, 1999, ¶13-15).  Even if your first instinct says, “Just fire the employee,” stepping back from the situation and creating a constructive and effective approach ensures better communication between managers and employees while minimizing conflict issues and bad news in the future. 

Resources

Sittenfeld, C. (1999). Good ways to deliver bad news. Fast Company Magazine. Retrieved July 30, 2011, from http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/23/buckman.html