Page 59 - DENG102_COMMUNICATION_SKILLS_II

Communication Skills-II

notes 3.2 informal conversation

E-mail, intranets, faxes, voice mail-they’re fine for accelerating the transfer of factual information.
But when your communication involves any emotion – such as the expressing of different
opinions – a face-to-face meeting is by far the best bet, with a traditional, interactive, phone
conversation a distant second choice.
Informal communications is the casual communication between the employees in an organization.
It builds relationships among staff members, and the face-to-face interaction is the primary way
people communicate informally.

3.2.1 informal communication networks

Informal communication networks are patterns of interaction based on friendship, shared
interests and proximity. Some consider informal networks to be the most important means of
communication in an organization. Functions of informal networks within organizations may
include:

1. Confirming a formal communication.
2. Expanding on information conveyed formally.
3. Expediting messages that arrive more slowly via formal channels.
4. Contradicting formal messages.

Example: A friend in accounting may disclose that the deadline for purchases on this
year’s budget is not as firm as what was conveyed in the comptroller’s recent memo.
5. Circumventing official channels.

Example: A tennis partner who works in duplicating might give priority to a rush job
instead of putting it at the bottom of the pile.
6. Supplementing formal communications.
Informal networks are faster and sometimes more dependable than formal channels. In fact,
networking – the process of strategically meeting people and maintaining contacts to get
career information, advice and leads – has been recognized as a key skill in the development
of managers. Those who informally network tend to be successful and progress more in their
careers compared with those who do not.

3.2.2 importance

Why is face-to-face communication so important? As we get more efficient at communicating
facts electronically, we tend to forget how much emotion we convey through body language and
voice tone.

Example: As I say with words that I disagree with someone, my tone, my posture, my
smile, and my eye contact may at the very same time be saying, “I value and respect your opinion
and enjoy working with you … even though I disagree with you on this point.”

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