Business Communication - Assignment Solution

Question No.1                                                                                                        (5)

Which theory of communication do you prefer from three theories of communication present in your course and why?

Answer:

I prefer “Rhetorical Theory” because of following:-

1. It is not linear, but circular.
2. It is not just sending a message to be received, but producing a response.
3. It is not static, but dynamic.
4. It is more effectiveness for the business communicators.

Question No.2                                                                                                        

(a)        Describe the traits of a good communicator.                             (5)

Following are the traits of good communicators:

• Perception

• Precision

• Credibility

• Control

• Congeniality

Perception: They are able to predict how you will receive their message. They anticipate your reaction and shape the message accordingly. They read your response correctly and constantly adjust to correct any misunderstanding.

Precision: They create a ‘meeting of the minds’. When they finish expressing themselves, they share the same mental picture.

Credibility: They are believable. They have faith in the substance of their message. You trust their information and their intentions.

Control: They shape your response. Depending on their purpose, they can make you laugh or cry, calm down, change your mind or take action.

Congeniality: They maintain friendly, pleasure relations with you. Regardless of whether you agree with them. Good communicators command your respond and good will. You are willing to work with them again, despite their differences.

(b)       What is the role of proximity and artifacts in non verbal communication?  (5)

Proximity (Use of Space)

• Proximity means nearness, in terms of physical space. How people use their personal space and that of others communicates a message. This response to spatial relationships in formal, informal and intimate setting indicates how that person perceives and feels in that space.

• People also use their height and weight to convey a message. If you tower over other people in a way that intrudes on their personal space you may cause their discomfort and withdrawal.

• Personal space varies according to:

• Gender

• Status

• Roles

• Culture

• Research has shown that Australians speaking to acquaintances or work colleagues leave about an arm’s length of space between themselves and the other person. People speaking to friends and family leave about half an arm or an elbow’s length between themselves and others. People in intimate relationships allow direct and close contact when speaking to each other. The use of space reflects the way people feel about others.

Artifacts

• Artifacts are objects used to convey nonverbal messages about self-concept, image, mood, feeling or style. For example, perfume, clothes, lipstick, glasses and hairpieces project the style or mood of the wearer. Many artifacts are common to the group but we also use artifacts, particularly clothing, as an individual form of communication.

• Appearance and cloth are important and highly visible parts of nonverbal communication. Consider the different between the clothes you wear to the beach and the clothes you wear to a job interview. The choice of clothes reflects your mood and your attitude to the occasion. Other people note and place their own interpretation on your dress.

• Even if you decide you will not bother about personal appearance or clothes, others will read this message as part of your nonverbal communication.