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Communication Skills-II
notes the organization
It has been said that an organization is only as good as the individuals who comprise it. It could
also be said that an organization communicates only as effectively as do its individual members.
Business has been blamed for many of the problems facing society. Such issues as the effects
of automation upon employment and discrimination in hiring must be addressed by people
speaking for business organizations. The energy crisis, product liability, and the use of nuclear
energy represent other important problem areas. Much anti-business sentiment is due to public
unawareness of the business position on such matters. There is a need in business for people
who can effectively present the organizational viewpoint to the public. The average business
organization does a poor job of acquainting the public with its contributions to society.
From a communication standpoint, it does not matter how pure the motives of the organization
are. What the matter is, what the public knows about such things and how the public responds
to this knowledge of a company’s activities. Unless the public is made aware of what business
is doing and why, the best of intentions on the part of business will be of no avail. Only through
effective external communications can business present the information that is most likely to
result in a desirable image. One of the most important and effective formats in which to present
that information is the public speech.
the society
We live in a society in which the free expression of ideas is not merely tolerated, but encouraged.
Issues are analyzed and point-of-views are presented in many different formats. Newspaper
editorials, town hall meetings, and discussions (or arguments) are a few settings in which opinions
are aired on those subjects about which the participants feel strongly. Our society thrives on
this free expression of ideas, for it is through such interchange that a balanced perspective is
maintained. When a certain point of view ceases to be expressed, however, perhaps for the lack
of someone willing and able to speak out, that viewpoint no longer influences society. It is often
through public speaking that ideas are presented for public evaluation. This was as true in the
preliminaries to the Declaration of Independence as it is today in election campaigns at all levels.
It is as evident at an annual meeting of stockholders’ as at a monthly union local meeting. For lack
of an effective speaker, a good idea may fail to get consideration. A lack of articulate opponents
may result in the passage of legislation of little merit. Continuation of our free society requires
willing and articulate people of every view.
self assessment
State whether the following statements are true or false:
16. Persons who have natural skill in speaking need no preparation to deliver a good speech.
17. Being able to organize your thoughts and give a public speech is a significant determinant
of your personal and professional success.
1.6 summary
l Oral communication means spoken communication or communication through speech. A
person learns to speak much before writing.
l The Barriers or negative forces may affect the effectiveness of communication by acting
upon any or all of the basic elements of communication process and sender/receiver/
channel.
26 lovely Professional university