Rationale of Blogs

            Chancing communications in a professional context would be risky:  each element of a written platform will communicate something to its reader.  A blog is no exception.  Whether it is color, content or captions, every aspect of a quality blog would be intentionally selected.  Readers gather overall impressions from the look and tone of a piece.  Viewers notice small details.  Conclusions about the blog are drawn from all aspects.  Purpose, design, content, and being conscious of the audience are all relevant to the creation of an excellent blog.

            A purpose statement is a first essential element to determine.  Colloquial wisdom such as “wherever you go, there you are” suggests that a person will communicate something, whether intentional or not; therefore, to be successful it is critical to first decide what the purpose is of the communication.  Is the purpose to persuade, to sell, or to educate?  Is it to inspire, to build confidence or to express one’s opinion regardless of how it is received?  As a person considers the finer points of these possible purpose areas, there are distinctions.  A blogger may have multiple purposes in mind.  It would be important to identify a primary purpose, or goal, so as to be able to select when choices emerge that would lead a person down differing paths.  This way, the primary objective is always served as the blog is designed and implemented. 

            Design follows purpose.  “Begin with the end in mind,” runs a second element of common sense.  Consider what elements of design would best convey the purpose.  For example, if the goal is to provide academic content to inform a reader, then the design could lead to the reader being able to search, access and digest large amounts of text or numbers of website links.  With the purpose being to impart knowledge, it would be essential that the design support the ability of the reader to access the content.  This would take primary importance in the design, and be more important than the variety of graphics or beauty of the color scheme.  However, a strong design will remain true to its purpose while also managing multiple design details well.  From the selection of color, to graphics that highlight key content or draw in a reader, to the font selection, details around the design are plentiful and should be considered.  In responding to a reader’s need for academic content, for example, a simple, predictable, easy to view design could be selected.  This way the design itself does not distract from the content, but supplements it by helping the reader find information.

            Choosing content carefully in a blog will help ensure its success.  A reader will return to a blog that reliably delivers the information or experience desired.  By focusing content in this manner trust will be built by readers.  Content will need to be focused, intentional with its communications, and interesting.  Content would ideally bring a fresh twist or new perspective to provide something unique.  Content can be provided in a variety of formats, which would help readers who learn in different styles.  For example content could be provided in an interactive framework, to help tactile readers:  questions could be posed to readers in the form of survey questions, and then readers could click on the answer to the question to learn the content piece intended.

            Audiences vary as widely as there are different types of people:  research about and loyalty to an audience will help a blog be successful.  Given the intended purpose of the blog, an author would learn as much as possible about the audience.  How does the audience like to receive information?  What is the audience’s purpose for viewing the blog?  What are the demographics of the audience and what would that tell the author about preferences?  It is important to find concrete ways to draw the reader into the blog and to return to the blog.  Including an email notification, so that a reader receives an email each time a blog is updated, is one method for helping drive returning readers back to a blog.  Remaining true to the purpose with consistent content is also essential; if the content and purpose are aligned with the audience, and then the blog is launched and remains consistent to the plan, it has a good chance of being successful.

            Like other communication forms, blogs provide a mechanism for a variety of communication goals.  Whether it is to personally express emotion or opinion, to sell a product or to build a grass roots political movement, blogs can be efficient and effective tools.  By carefully considering purpose, design, content and audience in a comprehensive communications or public relations strategy, the author can find success.           

References

Martin, M. (2010, June 26). 7 Elements to Make Your Blog Look Great. Pro Blog Design. Retrieved February 13, 2011, from http://www.problogdesign.com/design/7-elements-to-make-your-blog-look-great/

Wakeman, D. (2010, February 4). 7 Essential Design Elements for Great Business Blogs. Social Media Examiner. Retrieved February 13, 2011, from http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/7-essential-design-elements-for-great-business-blogs/

Perspectives on Communication

I believe the psychological perspective is extremely relevant in the way people communicate with one another.  I feel that when people are communicating with one another they perceive information differently based on their beliefs and experiences.  These beliefs and experiences will affect the way someone thinks about or responds to the information they have taken in.  For instance if someone has been raised in a church environment and they are engaged in a conversation about faith, then they will have very specific ideas and responses in communication with another.

The social constructionist perspective is an interesting way of looking at the communication process.  In a very real sense most of us do learn about our world through communication.  We do not necessarily experience the world on a first hand basis.  Our ideas and thoughts can be shaped by interactions from those around us and our peer groups.  Communication in our direct environments gives us or reality of the world we live in.  Most Americans have the general idea that we should expect to lead a happy and fulfilling life; therefore, Americans should be happy with the line of work they choose and the family life should be fulfilling.  These types of ideas would be difficult to convey too many people of different countries; thus, they perceive you work to provide immediate needs such as food and your family members create more work and food opportunities.  These ideas contribute to the happiness of Americans, since the message is one of self fulfillment and family happiness.

I can see how the pragmatic perspective exists and is followed by many.  In a very interesting sense we all engage in communication with others; thus, our responses have to be thought out, similar to that of you next move in a game.  If someone takes a conversation in a certain direction, the person on the other end of the conversation has to decide if they want to manipulate the flow of the interaction in another direction, or to let it continue to flow in the same direction.  It of course is different from a game in that most of us are not trying to manipulate our everyday interaction with others and our environments do play a role in communication.  Communications do involve our surroundings and groups and is not just between two people as a game would suggest.

A researcher who takes the cultural studies perspective would study the effect of mass appeal or popular culture.  For instance, popular television shows have given many underlying political messages that people may take their own viewpoints from.  For instance a researcher may see a popular show such as “All in the family” and dissect and expose the racism and sexism that is being fed to the general populous.  The cultural studies perspective researcher will uncover and decipher popular messages that may help other to ask questions and have alternative responses to the originators intended response.

I would have to say that the psychological perspective would probably be the closest to how I view my communication process.  I take in the information, formulate my response and do get distracted by noise and outside sources.  I am sure that I could probably identify with a few of the others on some level; however, the psychological approach seems to fit my process.

Reference

Trenholm, S. (2008). Thinking through communication: An introduction to the study of human communication (5^th ed.). New York: Pearson

Technical Communication & Writing

Technical communication and technical writing seem to be one of the same for many; however, technical writing and technical communication differ from one another in many aspects.  Technical communication can simply be communication between office staff and employees in a company.  This can be any type of company where written communication happens between employees.  Technical writing differs in that it is more specific about who the audience may be intended for.  For instance, technical writing will occur between doctors when communicating about a mutual patient as shown in our text Technical Communication, in figure 3.3 (Lannon, 2008, p. 29). 

Technical communication is useful information that is conveyed to a diverse audience for many different purposes.  These purposes range from work documents, such as written communications to product manuals for the general populous.  Technical writing is a component of technical communication.  Technical writing is the writing done for the purpose of creating easy to access information for the purpose of operating or using many differing types of products, or even for the understanding of  research between peers.  Technical writing is also used to create inter-office documents that peer and other co-workers understand without having to use laymen terms. 

Technical communication and technical writing are used together as well as separately.  They seem to work together, yet they clearly work on their own as well.  Technical communication happens at many levels with communication within offices, hospitals and other organizations through daily work routines.  Technical writing happens at different degrees with varying complexity depending upon the audience.  Both communication tools are essential and commonplace in the workplace and other genres. 

Reference

Lannon, J. M. (2008). Technical Communication (11^th ed.). New York: Pearson.

Blogging and Communication

What Makes a Good Blog

                 Like many media forms, a good blog will incorporate all important elements of a written communication piece.  While a blog is an emerging technology, the “tried and true” old-fashioned advice applies:  for example, in blogs and in communication historically, it is important to make a good first impression.  It is essential to know the audience.  Authors should provide a visually appealing presentation.  The author needs a mechanism to keep the reader returning.  The content needs to be interesting, easy to access, and relevant to the reader.  All of these elements of sound communication practice apply in the realm of social media formats including blogs.

            A good first impression, in a blog, begins with a graphic header.  A graphic header is commonly a horizontal box across the top of the page.  An effective graphic header will include the name of the blog, the author, a tagline, and clues as to the tone or style of the blog.  For example, Mari Smith provides a blog about Facebook which includes a sparkly, turquoise color element which provides a sense of the author’s personality (Wakeman, 2010).  The tagline provides a first opportunity to answer the central question as to why the reader should select this blog.  A tagline could be a provocative question, such as “Why Facebook?” or offer other information about the blog’s content.  Some blogs, such as http://stevenhurffsblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/introduction.html. provides the author’s name as its title.  This is also an option.

            Several blogs reviewed provide visually appealing design elements to provide a good first impression.  One student blog provided an example of matching design to intended audience; this person, Traci Fields, appeared to have had two distinct purposes or themes emerging in the design choice http://www.bdd-divaclub.blogspot.com/.  This runs the risk of creating a confused first impression:  at the beginning it can be unclear as to the purpose of the site.  In addition, the reader may find an inconsistency on the site when having two types of information.  Consistency of information, which builds a trust through reliably delivering the content expected by the reader, is an important element of a successful blog.  An example of a consistently presented blog which makes a good impression can be found in Robyn Owen’s blog, at http://chalktalkinterchange.blogspot.com/.  This blog catches the eye as soon as the page opens.  There is a very impressive layout and color choice.  The blog makes a strong first impression.

            A strong blog needs to be able to know its audience and provide relevant content in an easily digestible format.  Elements that help a reader access information quickly include an “About Me” section, so that the reader can learn about the author easily.  Having a fair amount of white space enables the reader to find desired content, see headings and subheadings, and skim quickly to find desired information.  An example of a blog that does this well is Rosemary Austin’s, at http://speakitliveitloveit.blogspot.com/.  This is a blog that draws a person in with the first post, as the author articulates positive aspirations to be a writer.  It is uplifting. 

            To generate repeat business, by encouraging readers to return to the blog, is an additional central element.  One important way to do this is by having an email subscription form.  This option provides an email update to readers, which is a common way to remind a reader to return to the blog.  A second way is by having a variety of interactive options which readers enjoy and therefore make the blog stand out.  One blog that achieves this is Lydia Adeleke’s, at http://neeceesnuggets123.blogspot.com.  This blog provides an impressive amount of content with a variety of interesting options.  The reader has the opportunity to participate by rating posts, taking a poll, and watching video, all of which are interesting features.

            Reviewing these elements of key blogs provides me with the realization that I have some key design flaws.  I intend to return to my blog to add some additional elements.  I plan to add video.  I will add my name, near my title, in more of a prominent way.  I see that I could add more content to provide more reason for my reader to come back.  I could also benefit from adding an email subscription form option to generate repeat readership.  All of these ideas would improve my blog both in content, visual appeal, and in readership generation.

            Blogs are a newly emerging strategy that builds upon sound communication methodology.  Through a visually appealing experience, a consistent delivery of information a readership desires and through quality communication a blog author would be able to communicate well with readers around the world.

            

References

Adeleke, L. (2011). Neecees Nuggets 123. Retrieved February 13, 2011, from http://neeceesnuggets123.blogspot.com/

Austin, R. (2011). Speak it, Live it, Love it. Retrieved February 13, 2011, from http://speakitliveitloveit.blogspot.com/

Fields, T. (2011). BeDazzle-Do-DIVA Club. Retrieved February 13, 2011, from http://www.bdd-divaclub.blogspot.com/

Hurff, S. (2011). Creative Communicator. Retrieved February 13, 2011, from http://stevenhurffsblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/introduction.html

Martin, M. (2010, June 26). 7 Elements to Make Your Blog Look Great. Pro Blog Design. Retrieved February 13, 2011, from http://www.problogdesign.com/design/7-elements-to-make-your-blog-look-great/

Owen, R. (2011). Chalk Talk Interchange. Retrieved February 13, 2011, from http://chalktalkinterchange.blogspot.com/

Wakeman, D. (2010, February 4). 7 Essential Design Elements for Great Business Blogs. Social Media Examiner. Retrieved February 13, 2011, from http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/7-essential-design-elements-for-great-business-blogs/

      

Delivering Bad News Tactfully and Effectively

Conflict is inevitable in any organization because there are always people with differing opinions and personalities; therefore, approaching conflict constructively and creating a positive or a win-win is a must to overall moral and organizational communication.  “Conflict can be described as a process that occurs when individuals, small groups, or organizations perceived or experience frustration in attaining goals and addressing concerns” (Shockley-Zalabak, 2009, p. 295).

In my interaction with an employee who was not meeting organizational goals, I would be specific about details and examples where the employees’ work was substandard.  I would anticipate the employee to resist and deny any substandard work.  I would also expect the employee to argue any wrong-doing with employer/customer communication.  I would cite that several customers and employees have spoken to me regarding the employee’s confrontational attitude and give some specific instances.  I would also state that other employees have a higher workload as a direct result of the substandard work effort.  Since the issue was with one person and not the entire staff, I would use an assertive communication model; this is a direct and frontal approach to pursue with the individual (Cahn & Abigail, 2007, p. 66).  I would state the company policy and state the specific problems.  The employee in question would hear in detail what the problems were and how these problems affected the organization.  This approach allows me as the manager to cite concrete examples and give an ultimatum for improved performance. 

I would consider any opportunity to enhance the ability of the employee to listen and effectively receive the information.  “It is human nature to jump to conclusions – to accept blindly what we want to hear and to reject without thinking what we don’t want to hear.  And the more ego involved we are with an issue – that is, the more we have a personal stake in the outcome – the more likely we are to lose our objectivity by not listening or by distorting the message.” (Trenholm, 2008, p. 59).  Visuals, such as examples of clients’ files who have expressed concern, may help as people respond to visual imagery (Trenholm 65).  Providing specific reasons to listen helps; in the situation of an employer communication this may be self-evident, but if the employee senses it is not a priority for me or the company they may be less likely to listen actively.

It is important to use the problem for the basis of defining opportunities.  The problems represent a unique opportunity to open dialogue without necessarily having to initiate an agenda from out of the blue, so to speak.  It allows an opportunity for the receiver in either case to understand the cause and potential for correction given the circumstances.  It is an opportunity for me, the sender to define the problem and apply a communicative forum for both myself and receiver.  After clearly defining the problems, the ultimatum for improved work performance along with improved customer/employee relations would be cited.  Either the employee improves and thrives within the organizational structure or the employee would be let go.  This clearly defines what is expected of employee performance and organizational communications, both internal and external.

It is important to address this situation directly.  Choosing to overlook, minimize or avoid the issue would likely communicate the wrong message to other employees and cause the behavior to fester or increase.  One employee who communicates poorly can hurt the entire office morale and affect the organizational structure and profit. 

 References

Cahn, D. D., Abigail, A. A. (2007). Managing Conflict Through Communication (3^rd ed.). Boston: Pearson.

Shockley-Zalabak, P. S. (2009). Fundamentals of Organizational Communication: Knowledge, Sensitivity, Skills, Values (7^th ed.). New York: Pearson.

Trenholm, S. (2008). Thinking Through Communications: An Introduction To The Study Of Human Communication (5^th ed.). Boston: Pearson.

Culture and Diversity in Communication

The article titled “The Ten Commandments of Intercultural Communications” provides some key elements towards intercultural communication that can be applied in many situations.  I feel that I can communicate with any group or culture effectively; however, when holding differing values and views on issues, it is inevitable that values will affect communication.  If someone comes from a culture that holds the cow as sacred, and I eat beef, then this will affect when and where communication happens.  What I mean by this statement is that we certainly will not meet at a steakhouse and/or talk about cuisine.  This person would find these places or communications offensive; therefore, it would be appropriate to show respect for their cultural beliefs and understand what is acceptable and what is not.

Given a situation where one may be traveling to another country with differing languages and customs, it would be appropriate to study the customs and traditions in advance.  This is important because different cultures may see our actions or greetings as rude.  It is important to understand how cultures view body language and actions.  For instance, Former President George W. Bush was well advised on how to interact with the Saudi Arabian King.  During a visit to Saudi Arabia, the President walked with the Saudi King while holding his hand.  In the United States this was ridiculed; however, in Saudi Arabia, this was seen as respectful and culturally aware.

In the United States I think many value politeness and/or etiquette; however, this is not universally practiced nor are there etiquette rules to follow.  “Traditional Indonesian society considers the giving of refreshments to guests a very important display of respect and politeness” (Whitfield III, n.d., para. 3).  In America, this is typically practiced as well.  When someone attends a business meeting they may be offered refreshments; however, many times this depends on the length of the meeting and the setting.  Also, in the American setting, it is not considered rude or inappropriate to refuse the offered refreshments.  In Indonesian culture one should take the offered refreshment, even if they do no want it; to refuse refreshments is considered an insult.  In this case it would be important to be aware of the difference in social values placed on such an interaction and or setting. 

It is also important to understand the importance of gestures, body language and/or greetings with differing cultures.  For instance, Japanese consider bowing to be an important part of greeting, with many types of bows that can be hard to interpret in America.  The length, timing and number of bows have meaning.  “When one party wants to emphasize the salutation and holds the pose for an unusually long period of time - while intoning appropriate remarks - the recipient must continue to make short bows, usually of gradually lessening degrees, to properly acknowledge the other person's action” (De Mente, 1999, para. 8).

References

De Mente, B. L. (August, 1999). Politeness Makes Perfect. Retrieved on February 2, 2011, from http://www.apmforum.com/columns/boye29.htm

Hahn. M. (n.d.). The Ten Commandments of Intercultural Communications. Retrieved on February 2, 2011, from http://ezinearticles.com/?Ten-Commandments-of-Intercultural-Communication&id=120247

Media Technology Blog Posting

There are many forms of media technologies that exist in our world today.  For the purpose of simplicity, I will summarize only four of these technologies.

Radio.  “Speed and mobility are the special attributes that make radio unique among the major media” (Cameron, Wilcox, Reber & Shin, 2008, p. 259).  Messages can be delivered quickly and efficiently.  The fact that radio can reach audiences in a car, home or work makes this media technology very important.  Radio messages can be broadcast and heard from many most locations.  Unlike some media technologies, radio messages can convey urgent messages quickly and reliably.  This media is considered vital in case of an emergency or natural disaster.

Radio is a flexible media technology and can be used in many fashions to convey messages.  One such way the radio is used is to broadcast music from radio stations to listeners.  Many people listen daily to these types of radio broadcast.  Radio is also used to broadcast news and/or talk shows.  These types of programs can be radio only or replications of a television broadcast.  Radio can also be used to broadcast upcoming community events as well as public service announcements. 

Radio has a long history as a reliable media technology.  Radio signals have been used to send telegraph signals and can be found on battlefields even today.  During times of war, the radio has been a vital source to soldiers as well as civilians for vital information.  The radio has allowed communication through the worst of circumstances; therefore, it not only has endured newer technologies, but it continues to be a trusted communication source.  This tried and true technology is still a vital media source and outlet to this day.

Blogs.  Blogs are like web-sites in the sense that they may contain similar messages and that they are located on the internet.  However, blogs can be much more personal in nature, expressing a person or organizations point of view.  Blogs are regularly updated statements that viewers or subscribers can read and/or follow.  This technology can be used by professional writers for the purpose of allowing readers the opportunity to view their works.  Writers who use this forum are often referred to as bloggers.  A blogger is a person who runs this type of website and supplies the content that appears with-in.  “The word blog is a contraction of two words, Web and log” (Cameron, Wilcox, Reber & Shin, 2008, p. 285).  This type of media technology has become a staple in the technology realm. 

A blog can be used as a tool for a writer to showcase their work to a specific audience or the general public.  It can be used for peer to peer communication through blog interaction and feedback.  A blog can also be used by students to present their work to peers and professors alike; therefore, the fellow students and professors can provide feedback of the blog content.  Blogs are similar to web-sites in that they both reside on the Internet; however, a blog can be simple to create and requires virtually no understanding of computer programming.  A blog, simply stated is an online diary that is shared to an audience.  Often the blog will allow user comments, thus making the blog interactive with the audience. 

Newspaper.  This form of media is an age old form of communicating to large or small audiences.  Newspapers will communicate local news as well as national news with in-depth coverage of topics that can not be duplicated or communicated in many other media forms.  “Newspapers have a broad appeal among adults and are effective a handling complex or in-depth material that television cannot adequately cover” (Cameron, Wilcox, Reber & Shin, 2008, p. 254). 

Newspapers are one of the oldest forms of media communications and hold a distinct advantage over other media technologies; virtually anyone can read a newspaper any time and anywhere with no devices required.  Newspapers are effective at getting in depth and covering issues in great detail.  Newspapers also continue to keep readers informed on current events, not only locally but worldwide in great detail.

While many of a younger audience may prefer different technologies for content, the newspaper still holds broad appeal to most audiences for specific details.  Newspapers still hold the older generations as captive audiences and have found ways to stay relevant to younger audiences as well.  The newspaper provides local content that is relevant and effective for the community.  This relevant news can be in depth coverage of specific issues or calendar events, such as town hall meetings.

While many may prefer to get information from other sources, the newspaper is still a vital media communication tool.  Newspapers are continuing to evolve and will stay relevant through the use of mixing of technologies.  Most newspapers have a presence on the Internet and allow readers to use their sites much like a newspaper, only virtually.

Television.  A television is a device that allows programming for news and entertainment.  The television is perhaps one of the most influential forms of media technologies.  The television can broadcast messages to many differing types of audiences in small segments.  Television can allow for messages to be delivered to the preferred audience by targeting different time slots and/or different television programming.  “The enormous impact of television on daily life has increased visual orientation, with many people now obtaining virtually all of their news from their TVs (Cameron, Wilcox, Reber & Shin, 2008, p. 244).  With so many people obtaining all or most of their news from a television, the importance of this media technology should not be understated.  This is perhaps the most effective and persuasive media technology available to mankind. 

Television has a broad appeal and can cast a large net, so to speak, to a variety of audiences with differing media needs.  There is a multitude of rich content with multiple options available to television viewers.  This content is effective and persuasive to many.  Television provides entertainment, news and education for many viewers.  Because of the broad appeal, many people own a television; therefore, it is an important factor for people to glean important and relevant information.  With the continued enhancements of technology, television will continue to provide an important media technology to a global audience.  Television and the Internet will continue to evolve and coexist with one another, making the television more relevant in tomorrow’s world as well as todays. 

            Communication and media technologies will continue to evolve and comingle; therefore, media technologies will need to continue to evolve and stay current. 

Reference

Cameron, G. T., Wilcox, D. L., Reber, B. H. & Shin, J. H. (2008). Public Relations Today: Managing Competition And Conflict (1^st ed.). Pearson: Boston

Creating a Blog

When creating a blog, it is important to understand who the audience will be.  Knowing the audience for a blogger is important in communicating effective and understandable entries.  A blog should continue to keep relevant and abundant content on the page as to keep the readers interested.  Without proper content, readers will not continue to view the blog.

The appearance of a blog should hold and maintain a proper balance.  “A good design is easy to take in. It allows your eye to glide around the page naturally, without being continually drawn to a certain area of the page” (Martin, 2010).  Keeping a proper balance will allow the content to flourish and not be overpowered by clutter.  Choosing the proper color scheme within the page design is also important to balance of the page design.

A blog should strive to maintain clarity and functionality.  Readers need to be able to navigate a blog effectively.  It a blog has clarity of content; readers can appreciate the functionality of the blog and interact with the authors intended purpose in mind.  Clarity and functionality are important and allow the author to not overwhelm the readers with many distractions.  “Ample whitespace is a favorite tactic for achieving this. It lets your design breathe, preventing readers from being overloaded and confused” (Martin, 2010). 

An effective author should consider all elements and details when creating and maintaining a blog.  It is important for a blogger to remember every step and to consider content and purpose of the blog.  With these elements achieved and maintained, content and purpose will be understood by the reader.

References

Martin, M. (2010, June 26). 7 Elements to Make Your Blog Look Great. Pro Blog Design. Retrieved February 13, 2011, from http://www.problogdesign.com/design/7-elements-to-make-your-blog-look-great/

Wakeman, D. (2010, February 4). 7 Essential Design Elements for Great Business Blogs. Social Media Examiner. Retrieved February 13, 2011, from http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/7-essential-design-elements-for-great-business-blogs/

Getting Started

This blog will provide a sampling of my communications studies coursework.  I look forward to sharing my postings.