In evaluating the message that was conveyed to Mark in 3 different modalities I believe that the face-2-face disclosed a greater sense of urgency. Since we can see the body language of the person it gives us a different perspective on the need for the data in the report. I believe that the face-2-face communication is important because the recipient can see the expressions and energy of the person communicating. If someone approaches me face-2-face I will also feel a greater sense of obligation and urgency to respond favorably based on the persons delivery.
In reading the email my interpretation of the communication was that it was delivered professionally. The tone was respectful, sincere and showed consideration for the other tasks that Mark may have on his plate. By Jane asking Mark to just provide her with the data that she needed if he was unable to produce the entire report shows her understanding of any constraints Mark may be simultaneously managing. By communicating in writing (via email) the information can be presented efficiently, the words can be carefully chosen to minimize misunderstandings, and historical records of the email can be shared with other team members (Portny et al. 2008). Some of the challenges with written communication particularly emails is the sender may not know if the recipient received the email and read it.
The tone of voice in the voicemail communication portrays an urgency for Mark to provide the missing report in a timely manner. The requestor shows professionalism and consideration for Mark again by just asking for him to specifically provide the data she needs. However, a concern with the voicemail is will Mark check his voicemail messages and respond in a timely manner.
I believe that it may be important to engage other key stakeholders that Mark may respect when communicating and this may prompt Mark to respond favorably to the request and in a timely manner (Laurate, n.d.).
References
Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.). Practitioner voices: Strategies for working with stakeholders [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu
Portny, S. E., Mantel, S. J., Meredith, J. R., Shafer, S. M., Sutton, M. M., & Kramer, B. E. (2008). Project management: Planning, scheduling, and controlling projects. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Professional ePortfolio by Leslie Nicole Harmon 
Hi Leslie,
In response to: “Since we can see the body language of the person it gives us a different perspective on the need for the data in the report. I believe that the face-2-face communication is important because the recipient can see the expressions and energy of the person communicating” (Harmon, 2016).
Face-to-face interaction is one modality that outweighs written and audio an many ways. It helps to physically see the person whenever possible. Body language can be visually shared. Dr. Stolovitch mentions in the video, Communicating with Stakeholders, effective communication is influenced by:
• Spirit and attitude
• Tonality and body language
• Timing
• The personality of the recipient.
References:
Harmon, L. (2016), Blog Assignment: Communicating Effectively, Walden University.
Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.). Communicating with stakeholders [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu
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Agreed! Good points.
Leslie
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Leslie,
I agree that f2f communication is more effectively because you can see the person’s body and relate that to what is being said. With f2f, this is a quick way to get immediate feedback or clarity on something that was said.
However, as week 3 video resource suggested, you should always following-up in writing (Laureate Education, n.d.); this covers you in the long run. Even if the communication is informal, a follow-up email can be sent as a friendly reminder. On my job, we are multitasking with 3-4 different assignments at once; so it is a habit for us to follow up with one another with a friendly reminder email.
Barbara
References
Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.). Communicating with stakeholders [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu
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Hi Barbara,
I definitely agree that a follow-up email is a good way to cover your tail. However, I have worked with people who do not read their emails because they are so busy in meetings and trying to meet deliverable deadlines. But the email trail allows you to show that one has made a continuous effort to communicate with their co-workers.
Leslie
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Hi Leslie,
Great post!
I agree with you that when someone talks with you in person that you feel that sense of obligation to execute the desired need as soon as possible. I also believe that face to face communication is the most effective for the reasons you mention. However, in the face to face multimedia program, I felt that Jane’s body language didn’t display the urgency of her request. It was almost like “mixed signals” to me. (I don’t know – maybe it was the acting)
Thanks, Lillian
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Lillian,
I totally agree with you when you wrote ‘I felt that Jane’s body language didn’t display the urgency of her request. It was almost like “mixed signals” to me. (I don’t know – maybe it was the acting)’. I also did not get a clear sense of the message that was trying to be conveyed from the video. In fact the body language is what was unclear to me. Perhaps it was the acting :-).
Leslie
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Thank you for your post. You stated “By communicating in writing (via email) the information can be presented efficiently, the words can be carefully chosen to minimize misunderstandings, and historical records of the email can be shared with other team members (Portny et al. 2008). Some of the challenges with written communication particularly emails is the sender may not know if the recipient received the email and read it.” Do you believe that carefully chosen words will always minimize misunderstandings without being able to hear the tone behind them? My experience with email is that it can be interpreted wrong based on personal interpretation. I do agree that emails can be time stamped and tracked to make sure they are received, but just because they are received does not mean they are read in a timely manner. In this case if the email is not read in time, the deadline can be missed. If the matter is important and their are time restraints, speaking directly to someone will minimize misunderstanding and risk of missed deadlines. Thanks!
Melissa
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Hi Melissa,
Thank you for responding to my post. You bring out a great point when you asked ‘Do you believe that carefully chosen words will always minimize misunderstandings without being able to hear the tone behind them?’ (Burr, 2016). Personal interpretation does determine how the email communication is translated. In the case where a person may be experiencing a personal issue not related to their job, but they may react unfavorably to an email do to the personal challenge they are experiencing. However, I believe that if one has established a solid professional and sometimes personal relationship with the person they are communicating with the translation and communication can be received favorably and hopefully yield a timely response.
Leslie
References
Burr, M. (2016, January 24). Re: Communicating Effectively [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://worldofid.wordpress.com/2016/01/22/communicating-effectively/#comments
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Hi Leslie,
You brought up some great points about the different pros and cons of the three different types of communication (email, voicemail, face-to-face).
As you mentioned, when writing an email or leaving a message on someone’s voicemail, you take the risk that the receiver might not read/hear the message on time, which means that sending the message was entirely useless. Talking to a colleague face-to-face can prevent such complications. However, nowadays, people from all over the world work together, and it is not always possible to step into someone’s office to talk to him. Luckily, there are tools for video conferencing (e.g. Hangouts, Skype, Facetime). Do you think that these tools have the same advantages and disadvantages as face-to-face communication, or do you think there are differences between the two?
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Hi Sarah,
Thank you for responding to my blog post. Today many organizations operate in a global market so it is not always possible to stop by your co-workers desk and have a conversation to discuss an email or anything work related. I do believe that the video conferencing tools are effective and help bridge the time and space gap that divides global organizations today. I have participated in Skype interviews that I believe were very effective. This allowed all participants to see the person that they have probably shared several emails with and perhaps spoken to over the phone. The video conferencing allows one to observe the body language and it also facilitates essential communication for all participants.
Leslie
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