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Essay on Communication in the Workplace

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The average worker spends two-thousand and eighty hours a year at their place of employment. Communication within the workplace is often overlooked or not given as much importance as most people should allow, given the amount of time that is spent there. Beyond the more basic verbal speech, one must be aware of the nonverbal symbols and noise that can have an effect on communication. There are also cultural, environmental and internal factors that can effect communication and how successful it can be. The various perceptions that an individual has developed over their life can also effect communication. One’s ability to communicate effectively will determine the success and enjoyment that is to come from their job. …show more content…

For this reason, it is important for any communicator to be aware of the nonverbal symbols that are being given during any communication. Nonverbal symbols are “ways we communicate without using words; they include facial expressions, gestures, posture, vocal tones, appearance, and so on.” (Hybels & Weaver, 2007, pg 10). These nonverbal symbols are very important for positive, successful communication. “Nonverbal communication is everything that's not a word," says Navarro, author of Louder Than Words, (Bruzzese, 2010). If a client or co-worker is giving back negative nonverbal gestures, such as crossing their arms or rolling their eyes, it may be time to re-explain the point or move on to a new point. If this nonverbal symbol is missed and the communicator continues, this could result in a poor relationship with a co-worker or even worse, a missed sale with a client. If the feelings are strong enough it could lead to a long-term, negative relationship.

There is also noise that effects all communication. Noise is defined as the “interference that keeps a message from being heard” (Hybels & Weaver, 2007, pg. 11). The more obvious form of noise is the external noise that can be heard around you, like other people speaking, a dog barking, etc (Hybels & Weaver, 2007, pg. 11). But external noise can be things that are not heard, but felt. For example, if you are

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