Factors Influencing Oral Workplace Communication

Name: Factors Influencing Oral Workplace Communication
Author: Maureen Chisholm

Learn how to plan and prepare your oral communications

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Course: On-Demand

(uplifting music) Welcome to "Factors Influencing Oral Workplace Communication." These lessons will explore the factors that influence the successful exchange of oral communication in the workplace. Being able to speak effectively requires preparation and analysis of the audience and environment in which the exchange will take place. It's also necessary to speak to engage using clear articulate language. Oral communication requires preparation. The better prepared you are, the more confident and effective you'll be, regardless of your purpose or the audience involved. When possible, prepare your environment and prepare yourself to face your audience. In a more formal setting like an annual meeting, you would hopefully have enough time to practice your speech, making sure that your facts are accurate and that it's understandable for your audience. In addition to knowing what you want to say and how you'll say it, it's important to prep any visual aids you intend to use with your presentation. Dressing for success is also a good idea. If you spruce up your attire before you begin your presentation, you'll give off an aura of professionalism and confidence. When prepping, try to anticipate the questions you think you'll receive and prepare your answers ahead of time. If you know the material a well, and if you've given the same speech before, you can anticipate the types of questions you'll get. Also make note of the questions you've been asked in the past and be prepared to answer them if asked again. But what if you're asked a question and you don't have the answer? It's okay not to know where everything, but addressing the question is still paramount. You can tell the person who asked the question, I don't know, but I'll find the answer and get back to you. If possible, do so during a break and answer them right away. If not, find the answer later and get back to them with it, either through a follow up email or during the next meeting. Now, what if you're in a situation where you haven't had time to prepare? Imagine that you're sitting at a meeting and suddenly someone asks you a question or for your opinion. You have no time to prepare your answer. All eyes are on you waiting for your response. Will you be able to express yourself effectively and accurately? As a manager or a representative for your department, it's crucial to be able to speak up when asked and add to the conversation in a meaningful way. The same is true if you were called into a last minute meeting where there was no time to prepare. Being confident enough to speak in a meeting is a key skill. Think on your feet, respond to possibly unexpected questions, supply information when asked, try to project confidence in the information you're sharing, but also in your ability to explain yourself in a clear, concise way.

Beginner Provider : Maureen Chisholm 6 Lessons · 20m in Arabic, German, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Urdu, Chinese

Course Description

Being able to speak coherently is one thing, but a speaker must also consider their environment, who they will be communicating to or with, how to engage others, and how to articulate clearly when speaking. This is all part of the preparation phase of speaking. Planning what you want to say is important, but a speaker must also consider their audience and their needs, the environment in which the conversation will take place, and how to be engaging. There will be times when little to no preparation is possible, but when time is allowed, the speaker should consider these elements to prepare and deliver the most meaningful and effective message possible.

In these lessons on the Factors Influencing Oral Workplace Communication, you’ll learn everything you need to know to facilitate successful oral communication. We’ll go over how your physical environment factors in, how to consider your audience, and how to speak for maximum engagement. In addition, you’ll learn how to speak in a clear, articulate way to best convey your message.

What You'll Learn

Explain the purpose of preparation when delivering a speech or presentation
Determine your delivery based on the audience's needs and preferences
Identify ways to engage your audience
Assess how the physical environment factors into oral communication
Speak in a clear, articulate way to best convey your message

Key Takeaways

Effective oral communication requires preparation that goes beyond simply speaking coherently.
A speaker should consider the audience, the environment, engagement, and clear articulation as part of the preparation phase.
Planning what you want to say should account for the audience's needs and the setting in which the conversation takes place.
There will be times when little to no preparation is possible, but when time allows, considering these elements helps deliver the most meaningful and effective message.
Delivery should be tailored to the audience's needs and preferences to maximize engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this course cover?

This course covers the factors influencing oral workplace communication, including how your physical environment factors in, how to consider your audience, how to speak for maximum engagement, and how to speak in a clear, articulate way to best convey your message.

What topics are included in the lessons?

The lessons cover Preparation, Environment, Audience, Engagement, Clarity and Articulation, and a Test Your Knowledge section.

What will I be able to do after taking this course?

You will be able to explain the purpose of preparation when delivering a speech or presentation, determine your delivery based on the audience's needs and preferences, and identify ways to engage your audience.

Why is preparation important for oral communication?

Planning what you want to say is important, but a speaker must also consider their audience and their needs, the environment in which the conversation will take place, and how to be engaging, so that they can prepare and deliver the most meaningful and effective message possible.

Professional Certifications and Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM®)

Professional Development Credits (PDCs): 0.5

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Leadership & NavigationBusiness AcumenConsultationGlobal MindsetEthical PracticeRelationship ManagementAnalytical AptitudeCommunicationDiversity, Equity & Inclusion

KnowledgeCity is approved by SHRM as a Recertification General Provider to offer SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP professional development credits (PDCs). By taking the courses approved by SHRM, KnowledgeCity can award SHRM Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for HR knowledge and competency programs related to the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge™ (the SHRM BASK™).