Eng/221 Workplace Communication Comparison

University of Phoenix Material

Workplace Communication Comparison

Complete the following matrix. For each communication method, list its purpose in the workplace, whether it is a technical or expository form of written communication, and why you classified it as such.

|Written communication method |Purpose in the workplace|Technical or expository|Why the classification was chosen |
| | |writing | |
|E-mail |Exchange information |Expository and |Emails are to provide information to |
| |between individuals or |Technical |another individual regarding a workplace |
| |outside parties | |matter. Email communication is both |
| | | |expository and technical depending on the|
| | | |audience. If the email is intended to |
| | | |provide a personal opinion, the writing |
| | | |is expository; if the email is to provide|
| | | |instructions or present information, the |
| | | |writing is then technical |
|Memo |Formal communication of |Expository |Memos are used to communicate information|
| |information, provide | |to a specific audience. A memo can |
| |announcements and other | |announce a policy change, encouragement, |
| |information to employees| |or any number of other announcements. The|
| | | |reason this form of communication is |
| | | |expository is that the audience has no |
| | | |previous knowledge of the information. |
|Letter |Correspondence to an |Expository |Letters are used to request information |
| |outside party, request | |(quotes, services, etc.) from outside |
| |for information, letter | |parties. Letters can also provide |
| |of recommendation | |information to a business or entity |
| | | |regarding a specific subject. |
|Manual |Provide information on a|Technical |Manuals are used to provide information |
| |specific topic | |on a specific item or topic. Whether the |
| | | |topic is workplace conduct, or a training|
| | | |manual for new employees, the format of |
| | | |the information is in presentation style.|
| | | |The layout of the writing is designed for|
| | | |easy comprehension and is usually |
| | | |separated into several sections. |
|Website |Advertising, sales, |Technical and |Websites provide a wide range of |
| |educating customers, |Expository |information in both casual and technical |
| |product support, gain | |formats. The support section of a website|
| |customers | |may provide user manuals and product |
| | | |details; whereas, the main screen of the |
| | | |website provides product information and |
| | | |sales support. |
|Other | | | |

Answer the following questions:

• What is the most common form of written communication in your workplace or in a workplace with which you are familiar? Is expository writing or technical writing the most common form of written communication in this workplace? Who is responsible for most of the technical writing in this workplace?

The most common form of written communication in my workplace, Costco Wholesale, consists of brochures and coupon books. For employees, there are safety handouts and annual reviews that provide information on an individual’s performance. Most of the writing at my workplace is expository in nature as it is designed to provide information to the employees and customers that they would not otherwise know. Most of the safety manuals and technical writing in my workplace is the responsibility of the corporate office. Other forms of technical writing at Costco include training manuals for various positions. For example, Costco maintains training manuals for forklift drivers.

• What are some common issues you have seen with written communication in the workplace?

Some common issues that I have seen with the written communication at my workplace include a failure to disburse the information in a timely fashion. Much of the information between employees and managers is verbal communication. Rarely will management write an announcement or provide a written procedure list. Some of the policies change on a monthly basis, but there are no written notices regarding the change.

• How can an organization benefit from well-written communication?

• How do written communication skills differ from verbal communication skills? What are the challenges a skilled verbal communicator might encounter when performing technical writing?

Written and verbal communication skills are important in any field. The main difference between written and verbal communication skills is the way in which the information is portrayed. A person who is skilled in written communication may have an easy time designing a training manual; whereas, a person with verbal communication skills will find it easier to tell another person the information. One of the main challenges a skilled verbal communicator will encounter when performing technical writing is the use of passive tone. Speaking information to an audience largely involves body language and tone. In order for a speaker to appeal and relate to the audience, the tone of the speech is more passive in nature. Additionally, the audience is able to ask questions for clarification if the speaker failed to provide enough information. When performing technical writing, the author needs to assume the audience has little to no knowledge of the subject; therefore, the purpose of the writing needs to remain clear throughout the document. This will allow the audience to understand and comprehend the information the author presents.