The context of the message while communicating is very important. While developing the communication strategy the context of the message must be put into consideration to ensure the message is delivered effectively. Most often the context which looks at issues such as the tone of the message well determines how the recipient reacts to the message. Messages with a strong tone would indicate priority and urgency in response and therefore affect the communication strategy in a certain manner. Therefore for one to ensure effective communication they must assess the background and perspective of the message and make necessary adjustments to these depending on the recipient. This will impact the overall communication process being undertaken
Technological advancements in the last 30 years have been quite tremendous. This trend has in no doubt affected the way communication takes place. Business communication especially has tapped into these advancements to ensure efficient and effective communication. The written document or letter and telephone were once unmatchable forms of communication as close as 30 years ago. However, the computer revolution has brought in changes that have made the use of facilities such as chat and email to make communication clearer and more realistic. These facilities can ensure that the sender and receiver of the message are virtually in contact regardless of the distance separating them. We cannot conclusively talk about communication today without mentioning the greater role the internet is presently playing in the overall communication process providing a dynamic backbone for the transfer of messages in various formats.
However, with the reliance on the internet and the computer have also arisen issues on security and confidentiality of the messages.
Visual aids as a form of communication is very powerful when properly applied. The saying that a picture is worth a thousand words just goes to lengths to show how a clearly illustrated visual aid can impact communication. However, the visual aid must not be ambiguous but specific and clear portraying a single view by the recipient. The textual format used must allow for clarity eliminating any conflict arising from any misinterpretation. The fonts used for example must be legible while the diagrams in use must be well labeled and related to the subject of communication.
There are two basic categories of non verbal communication namely the non verbal messages that are produced by the body normally referred to as body language and the non verbal messages produced by the broad setting which includes space, silence and time.
Non verbal communication is the sending and receiving of messages without word and typically includes the following touch, eye contact(gaze), proximity, gestures, dress, posture, volume, facial expression among others. Touch relates to the use of our hands or other parts of our body to make contact with the intended recipient of the message. One in fits of rage can simple slap the offender instead of shouting at them, touch is being used in this case as non verbal communication. Eye contact sometimes called gaze indicate the weight and authenticity of the message being passed across. A genuine conversation focuses on eye contact as an important indicator. Proximity between the parties in communication will determine the response. While it’s vital to maintain personal space because it may hamper or promote communication, the message and party involved will determine proximity.
Gestures are also used as form of non verbal communication. A typical indication of a frustrating situation would be for instance one throwing up their hands or a hushing gesture, a finger over the mouth to silence an intended communication. The volume while is talking is an example of non verbal communication, a shout which is high volume may be an indicator that the message is urgent and needs to receive attention. Posture so often is an indicator of whether the recipient of a message is willing to receive it or not, crossed hands on one’s chest maybe an indicator otherwise. We all use non verbal communication a lot to strengthen our verbal communication. Non verbal communication therefore serves to support verbal elements. The biggest impediment in non verbal communication arises due to cultural difference where various people will perceive and interpret these forms of non verbal communication differently resulting in different responses.
The table below summarizes the six differences between high and low context communication
Whether high or low context communication largely depends on the environment or relationship and circumstances.
A crisis communication plan should always be an option readily used whenever information reaches the public domain but this information or message has a negative impact on the source. There will be elaborate ways to counter the effect or damage already done while analyzing the response. On realizing the negative message has reached the public domain, a quick response to the message (corrective step) is necessary. The mode of delivery must be carefully thought out where the use of a spokesperson who is clear and elaborate on the matter is desirable. Besides avenues such as the internet can be used to quickly assess the audience and evaluate their response using feedback methods.
Finally a monitoring plan as concerns the crisis response success levels must be established.