Step 1: Design a Communication Experiment
Consider upcoming communications that you have with others that could be done via different communication technology channels (i.e. email, phone, text, in-person, video, etc.). Create a plan to deliver the same general information to multiple others using different communication technologies (Note: The key is that the general content of the message is the same, the only difference is the mode in which you are delivering the communication). For example, you may have a summary from a client you need to share with your team. Consider sharing it with one person via email, one person via conference call, one person via phone, etc.
Communication Experiment Plan:
General Information:
I will share a project update with three team members regarding the status of our current marketing campaign.
Recipient 1:
Communication Technology: Email
Plan: Draft a detailed email outlining the progress of the marketing campaign, including key metrics, challenges, and next steps. Attach relevant documents and visuals to provide comprehensive information.
Recipient 2:
Communication Technology: Phone Call
Plan: Schedule a phone call with the second team member to discuss the project update verbally. Prepare talking points in advance to ensure clarity and coherence during the conversation. Encourage open dialogue and invite questions or feedback.
Recipient 3:
Communication Technology: Video Conference
Plan: Arrange a video conference with the third team member using a platform like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Share my screen to present slides summarizing the project update visually. Engage in interactive discussions and encourage active participation from the recipient.
Step 2: Conduct Your Communication Experiment
Using your plan, deliver your communications to multiple others using different communication technologies and take notes on how the communication unfolded.
Recipient 1 (Email):
Sent the detailed email outlining the project update.
Received a response after a few hours acknowledging receipt of the email.
No follow-up questions or comments were provided.
Recipient 2 (Phone Call):
Scheduled a phone call and discussed the project update verbally.
The recipient asked clarifying questions and expressed concerns about a particular aspect of the campaign.
Had a productive discussion and addressed all queries raised during the call.
Recipient 3 (Video Conference):
Conducted the video conference and shared slides summarizing the project update.
The recipient actively engaged in the discussion, asking questions and providing insights.
Visual aids facilitated understanding and enhanced communication effectiveness.
Experienced minor technical issues with audio lag, but they were quickly resolved.
Overall Observations:
Each communication technology offered unique advantages and challenges.
Email provided a formal and detailed overview but lacked immediate feedback.
Phone calls enabled real-time interaction and discussion but relied solely on verbal communication.
Video conferences combined visual aids with interactive dialogue, promoting engagement and comprehension.
Reflection:
The choice of communication technology should align with the nature of the message and recipient preferences.
Leveraging a combination of communication channels can enhance communication effectiveness and cater to diverse communication styles.
Flexibility and adaptability are essential when navigating different communication technologies to ensure optimal message delivery and reception.
Step 3: Write a Reflective Memo on your Insights
Incorporating the insights gained from your experiment, write a 3-4 page (double-spaced 12 pt Times New Roman) reflective memo that incorporates at least 3 references from our Module 6 resources and/or external sources that address the following questions:
What was your communication experiment? Briefly describe what you did and how you did it.
How did the communication technology you used impact you as a message sender? How did it impact the message receiver?
What did you learn about considering communication-technology fit from this experiment?
How can you continue to enhance your ability to effectively leverage technology in communicating with others in the future?
**Module 6 resources (2 other resouces are attached as files):
https://www.forbes.com/sites/rhettpower/2019/07/21/how-to-communicate-in-the-digital-age/?sh=285df59f7f0c
https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/five-ways-to-improve-communication-in-virtual-teams/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/solrogers/2019/10/15/the-role-of-technology-in-the-evolution-of-communication/?sh=5dce0bf1493b
https://trainingindustry.com/articles/leadership/its-not-just-about-technology-understanding-virtual-leadership/
