Communicating Effectively

When the message changed from one modality to the next, I appreciated how each modality gave a slightly different feel which could lead to a different interpretation.  For example, in the email, I felt a sense of formality that forced me to respond because it is date stamped with a signature. The downfall with written communication is that the sender never really knows if or when the receivers read the information (Portny, Mantel, Meredith, Shafer, Sutton & Kramer, 2008). Listening to the phone message allowed me to feel more comfortable because I could hear the tone of the caller’s voice.  The in person communication was also formal but required more planning than all of the modalities.  The in person communication best conveyed the true meaning and intent of the message with sincerity and meaning regarding the necessity of producing the report. In person communication also allows time for questions and distribution of brief handouts that summarize the key points identified in message (2008).  Whether the communication is formal or informal, project managers should prepare and plan so their messages are received and correctly interpreted by project audiences (2008). Communication addresses performance, problems and progress if done effectively to support one another in any given project.

Reference:

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.