UNIT 10. COMMUNICATION

 

STARTING POINT

Task 1▐ Discuss the questions.

·          Is the world a better place with communication technologies? Why / Why not?

·          What communication technology could you personally not live without? Why?

·          What can be considered as effective communication skills?

·          Are there any barriers to effective communication?

 

READING

Task 2▐ Read the blog post summary about ICT in business world. What communication technology do you use most often?

 

How has Technology Evolved Communication in Businesses?

By editor, rcademy.com

 

1. Impact of Email and Instant Messaging on Corporate Communication.

Email and instant messaging have revolutionized business communication, replacing phone calls and in-person meetings. These tools make communication faster, more efficient, and accessible over long distances. Emails allow for quick dissemination of information, while instant messaging enables real-time conversations.

2. Revolutionizing Collaboration with Digital Workplace Tools.

Digital workplace tools, such as project management software and cloud-based file sharing, have transformed collaboration. These technologies replace in-person meetings and lengthy email threads, making teamwork more efficient and seamless.

3. The Rise of Video Conferencing and Virtual Meetings.

Video conferencing and virtual meetings have changed how businesses communicate. They save time and money by eliminating travel, allowing teams to connect from anywhere. This enhances collaboration and inclusivity, enabling remote workers to participate fully. Despite challenges like connectivity issues and screen fatigue, these tools have made business communication more efficient and sustainable.

4. Cloud Computing and its Role in Streamlining Communication.

Cloud computing has streamlined business communication by allowing access to data and applications from anywhere. This flexibility supports remote work, improving efficiency and productivity by ensuring seamless connectivity to emails, documents, and collaboration platforms.

5. Mobile Technology and Its Influence on Business Connectivity.

Mobile technology keeps employees connected regardless of location. Smartphones and tablets allow access to emails, documents, and virtual meetings on the go, enhancing productivity and flexibility in the fast-paced business environment.

6. Automation and AI in Communication Processes.

Automation and AI have made business communication more efficient by handling routine tasks like email responses and customer inquiries. This frees employees to focus on strategic initiatives, though it also introduces challenges such as job displacement and privacy concerns.

Conclusion. Technology has significantly evolved business communication. Innovations in email, instant messaging, digital workplace tools, video conferencing, cloud computing, mobile technology, and AI have improved efficiency, collaboration, and productivity. Embracing these advancements leads to better performance and cost savings for businesses.

 

Task 2▐ Two Truths and a Lie.

Think of two true statements and one false statement related to your communication experiences in business. Share the statements with the rest of the class, and others shoud guess which is the lie.

 

VOCABULARY

Task 3▐ Match 1-7 to a-g to make phrases.

 

1)               instant 2)               real-time 3)               digital workplace 4)               video 5)               cloud 6)               mobile 7)               routine

a)                conversations b)               tools c)                technology d)               computing e)                conferencing f)                 tasks g)               messaging

Task 4▐ Fill in the blanks with the correct words.

There are a number of ways of communicating. The most common methods used in business are: letters, emails, text messages, phone conversations, meetings, presentations, videos, and social media.

 

1.   A __ is a formal written document that is usually word-processed and sent via the post or attached electronically to an email.

2.   __ is a formal or informal written document that is used to communicate both internally and externally with a range of stakeholders.

3.   A __ is a brief written message used both internally and externally.

4.   A __ is a verbal means of communication used both internally and externally.

5.   A __ is a formal or informal gathering of people to exchange information verbally.

 

GRAMMAR USE ▐ Suggestions and Giving Advice

Modals are auxiliary verbs that express various meanings, including making suggestions and giving advice. They convey degrees of possibility, necessity, or recommendation. Understanding how to use modals for making suggestions and giving advice is essential for effective communication in professional settings.

Common Modals for Making Suggestions and Giving Advice:

Should: Used to give advice or make recommendations (e.g. You should consider investing in employee training).

Could: Used to suggest options or possibilities (e.g. We could explore new marketing strategies).

Might: Used to suggest a possibility or potential course of action (e.g. We might need to revise the project timeline).

Would: Used to make polite suggestions or recommendations (e.g.  Would you like some feedback on your presentation?).

 

Task 5▐ Complete the sentences with the appropriate modal verb (should, could, might, would).

1.                 You __________ review the contract before signing it.

2.                 We __________ consider outsourcing the project to meet the deadline.

3.                 The team __________ conduct market research before launching the new product.

4.                 You __________ explore alternative financing options for the project.

5.                 It __________ be beneficial to attend the industry conference next month.

6.                 The company __________ invest in upgrading its technology infrastructure.

7.                 We __________ schedule regular team meetings to improve communication.

8.                 You __________ seek feedback from clients to enhance customer satisfaction.

9.                 It __________ help to delegate tasks to streamline the workflow.

10.            The manager __________ provide training sessions for new employees.

 

VIDEO Task 6▐ Watch the video about miscommunication [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1omBPLsAHzot93XwR3H1xDQVZLx_Do2O8/view?usp=sharing] and tell what causes poor communication for you repsonally and what barriers to effective communication does one can face (poor explanations, incorrect language, technology issues, technical language, etc).

 

DISCUSSION

Task 7▐ Discuss the changes that communication technology has brought about in your job / company / industry. Share your results.

 

Positive changes	Negative changes

 

WRITING

Task 8▐ Imagine you are a communication consultant tasked with identifying and addressing barriers to effective communication in a business setting. Write a report outlining the common barriers to effective communication that organizations face and propose strategies to overcome these barriers.