Page 329 - Foundations of Learning, 4th Edition (Revised)

Communication Methodology

The Communication Methodology breaks down the process of communication into a series of steps and
provides a useful framework for improving your performance.

This methodology is especially useful in more structured or formal communication situations. You do
not necessarily need to use the Communication Methodology with every form of communication. For
example, during a friendly or informal conversation, several steps are done instantaneously without
thinking. However, whenever there is a breakdown in communication, even with informal situations,
walking through the steps of the Communication Methodology can help to identify and remedy the
problem.

As a reminder, the benefits from simply reading a methodology are minimal compared to the benefits
gained when a methodology is practiced many times with assessment (or self-assessment) feedback.

METHODOLOGY

Step Explanation

1 Identify the audience Define the characteristics of your audience.

2 Select a topic(s) Define the topic or topics, the purpose, and scope of your
communication.

3 Set objectives and criteria Set objectives to measure the outcomes and effect of your
communication.

4 Gather information Find resources and gather information for your
communication.

5 Select a medium Decide what you will use to deliver your communication.

6 Develop the structure of Create your message and determine how it will be best
the message communicated.

7 Test and revise the Practice, test, and revise the communication.
communication

8 Deliver the communication Send the communication.

9 Assess the message and Assess the received message and the communication process.
process

Chapter 12 — Communication and Teamwork 323