Business communication changes brought by technological advancement
The value of effective communication in shaping one’s success, particularly in the career world cannot be overemphasized. With the advancement and permeation of technology into the current society, communication is gradually changing. This essay elucidates on the importance of honing one’s presentation skills, the importance of understanding an audience, as well as how the writing process can be applied in presentation preparation. The essay also demonstrates how the advancement in digital age affects employment communications and illustrates the strengths and shortcomings of using social media as a primary means to screen applicants. Analysis shows that perfecting one’s presentation is fundamental to charting one’s career path, hence the need to understand how to overcome presentation anxiety and fear.
There are several reasons why an individual should hone their presentation skills. When one has exemplary presentation abilities, they have an added advantage over a less polished competitor in matters related to public speaking (Moment, 2015; Guffey & Loewy, 2018). When promotion opportunities arise, especially in positions that require frequent and quality communication, the person with better presentation skills may be considered. Superiors are also likely to notice and consider the confidence that one exhibits during their presentation. It is important to hone ones presentation skills as such skill is opined to be a soft skills which is becoming increasingly important for job applicants.
Anxiety and fear of speaking publicly may shut down opportunities to change minds or advance in one’s career. To overcome such anxiety, Moment (2015) posits that positive self-talk can help one get over public speaking anxiety. Additionally, one should prepare thoroughly and rehearse as many times as needed until they gather the confidence needed (Guffey & Loewy, 2018). A presenter should also avoid memorizing information without necessarily taking the time to understand what it (information) means (Moment, 2015). Lastly, visualizing ones success, dressing appropriately for the audience, as well as listing and addressing the specific worries that may hinder ones effectiveness during presentation are approaches proven to be effective (Moment, 2015). This may be simple approaches, but they are increasingly effective in addressing public speaking anxiety.
To perform exemplarily during presentations, it is important to analyze the audience. Such an analysis is fundamental to understanding their presentation needs such as the level of language required and also informs on the type of presentation approach that one should employ. One learns how best they can capture the audience’s attention as well as anticipate the type of audience that one will face (Guffey & Loewy, 2018). Audience analysis also helps the presenter understand what content appeals to the audience and curate their information to reflect the same. I can apply the 3*3 learning process to my presentations by prewriting my presentation content, drafting it and then revising the same. In the first stage, I will analyze my audience and anticipate their response, choose the best channel to present to them and adapt my techniques and messages to what the analysis reveals. In writing, as Guffey and Loewy (2018) advise, I will collect the data and information needed, organize the information in order of importance and then compose my initial draft. In the last phase, I will revise the draft, proofread and eliminate errors and ensure that my message meets the intended purpose. I can apply the information learned on writing business reports, plans, and proposals to understand how to design my presentation. For instance, having known the difference between formal and informal reports as well as the contents of proposals, I am cognizant of the colors, graphics, and other visual aids that I will employ in a presentation. This will ensure that my presentation meets the identified audience needs.
The digital age has brought a dramatic shift to job searches, the hiring process, and other communication aspects in the workplace. These changes have affected the employment communications such as in resumes and interviews. For instance, resumes today are tailored to be brief and concise. Guffey and Loewy (2018) however, note that while a resume is still important, it is no longer the most important document in a job search. It only comes after the candidate has established that they possess other skills as required in the requirements stipulated. Resumes today are also submitted and read digitally as opposed to the conventional print form (Guffey and Loewy, 2018; Baabu, 2016). Interviews have also changed, where some are held online. Also, as Guffey and Loewy (2018) note, since recruiters are usually overwhelmed with the number of people showing interest, they prefer resumes to be easy to scan and skim through. Communication during interviews has also changed where an applicant may be required to demonstrate their qualifications in form of videos or other digital content. Today, interviews can be held when the two parties are located in two different countries. Some employers also use tracking systems to select resumes and rank candidates as well as generate and send interview requests (Baabu, 2016; Guffey & Loewy, 2018)). The digital age has therefore cut down much of the conventional communication that characterized the earlier years. The inclusion of messages or statements demonstrating my soft skills or my technical skills can be employed when seeking employment. For example, I can include links to digital content that I may have created. Baabu (2016) also advises that one can mention and, where possible, demonstrate the possession of skills such as teamwork, effective communication, meeting deadlines, and presentation skills. These are some forms of messages that one can include to capture the attention of potential employers.
Companies are increasingly embracing social media background checks as a way of learning more about their potential hires. Using such checks as the primary method to screen applicants has some advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, these checks may reveal information demonstrating why a person may be an unsuitable hire (Brooks, 2016). For instance, a person who posts racist remarks or badmouths their current employer may not be a suitable hire. Such information may not be revealed in other forms of background checks. Social media checks can be helpful in eliminating some candidates because when people post content online, most are being their honest selves. Also, one gets to learn what the candidate is passionate about, how they behave during work, their view of bosses and employees and other pertinent issues and habits. However, relying on this approach has some shortcomings. For instance, some people’s posted content may not necessarily reflect who they are. One may be an unsuitable employee, yet their social media profiles may fail to reflect the same as these individuals are aware that potential employers sometimes conducts social media background checks. They may therefore exercise caution or even create pseudo accounts. Further, an employer may misinterpret what a potential candidate posts on their social media platforms and end up missing on a perfectly suitable and qualified candidate (Brooks, 2016). Also, a candidate’s religion, race, sexual orientation or age may deliberately or subconsciously influence the potential employer’s decision. If the candidate can prove that discrimination occurred based on a defining characteristic, legal issues may arise.
To ensure that I thrive in the current digital environment, I will nurture my presentation skills, as well as practice on the different forms of business writing. I am cognizant of the impact that my social media content has and, therefore, I will endeavor to be ethical and respectful. Even when I speak my mind, I will remain aware that the content I post may influence my career opportunities. Further, I will familiarize myself with the different platforms where I can post my resume while still ensuring that my personal information is safe. I will also ensure that I keep updating myself on how technology impacts the hiring, selection and job search processes. All the lessons gained from this course is invaluable.
Summarily, technological advancement has changed numerous aspects of business communication. Presentations skills are becoming more important, hence the need for one to hone them and learn how overcome the fear of public speaking. It is also clear that the hiring and job search processes are changing. One therefore needs to orient themselves with that works, as well as how to increase their chances of finding a job or being hired. Lastly, this essay has demonstrated that social media background checks are becoming more popular and hence, one needs to be cautious about what they post online. Employers should also realized that relying solely on such backgrounds to screen applications can see them miss an opportunity to hire a perfectly qualified candidate when the content they post does not necessarily reflect them. Employers may also misjudge content and hire a poor candidate when they fail to conduct other forms of background checks.