Communication and Negotiation - L2

Question 1

Please define what communication is?

Answer 1

The imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium.

Question 2

What are the main types of communication?

Answer 2

• Verbal communication means using speech to share information with other people.
• Nonverbal communication means exchanging information face to face without using speech. I.e. smiling, hand gestures and posture.
• Written communication means exchanging information with other using words and numbers. Writing creates a permanent record of the information exchanged for future reference.
• Visual communication uses aids such as graphs and charts to communicate information to people. They complement other forms of communication by adding context and depicting the meaning of information in a difference way.

Question 3

Please provide some advantages of written communications?

Answer 3

• Complex and technical information can be communicated in a precise and explicit manner.
• It creates a record of the communication and can serve as a legal document.
• A reliable way to formalise verbal agreements.
• Information can be circulated to multiple parties, very quickly.

Question 4

Please provide some disadvantages of written communication?

Answer 4

• Written communication is less personal than oral communication, making it less ideal for emotional messages.
• It may be unclear if the recipient has received the message (e.g., the letter was lost in the post, or the email was not opened).
• The language and/or tone might be misconstrued and therefore places a difference emphasis on the communication.
• You will not know if the recipient has fully understood the communication.