Module 1: Communication

Communicationone, if not, the most importance aspect in our everyday lives. How can
we convey our beliefs, interests, values, mission, and goals if we cannot communicate?
Communication is not only the transferal of a message, but the receiver must also understand the
message in order for it to be considered effective communication. There are many different types
of communicationsome of which we wouldnt immediately consider communication. Firstly,
there is formal communication which is a means of communication established to relay messages
with regards to professional requests, actions, and questions, such as the time I met with you to
discuss the Stanford MBA Program. Secondly, there is informal communication which is a
means of communication that we, as individuals, choose to partake in with regards to a topic of
your choice, such as conversations with my friends.
There is the direction of communication: downward, upward, and lateral. Downward
communication is the flow of communication from a higher level to a lower level. There are
many different ways in which it could be used, but it is very important to note that one must
explain themselves and not simply state themselves. Studies have shown that it can increase
employee dedication as well as increase the chances of agreement with the decision. In order for
it to be truly effective, it is best for the higher level to communicate through an array of media as
well as repeat oneself in order to ensure clarification. Downward communication does have
limiting features; it is generally directed one-way, from a high position to a low position, and
there is usually no input coming from the lower position, which brings me to my next point
upward communication. Upward communication is when communication is directed to the
higher level. Speaking from personal experience, it tends to be the hardest form of
communication as the higher position tends to be very busy as well as intimidating. However, in
order to partake in it effectively, it is best to minimize disruptions, be direct and specific, have
supporting actions, and have an agenda. Lateral communication is the last form in terms of
direction of communication which occurs when people of the same level communicate. Lateral
communication can be best used in the workforce for facilitating cooperation among groups.
This past summer I had the opportunity to experience all of these communication channels. My
manager, Greg, exemplified downward communication to me every time he spoke to me. The
first day he asked me to create a binder to give to his new boss, but he did not explain the reasons
behind it or what purpose it would serve. I was very confused and not 100% committed to the
project. Once he realized that, he explained what exactly he wanted and why. I was then able to
fully engage myself and produce a quality product.
Aside from the direction of communication, there are three forms of transferal of
communication: oral, written, and nonverbal. The advantages of oral communication is the speed
in which one can transmit a message and receive a reply in seconds. However, the problem with
oral communication is that messages can be distorted the more people that get involved. Written
communication is essentially a physical record of a message between the communicator and
receiver. An advantage of written communication is that you can accurately articulate yourself
through a thoughtful and logical process, but a disadvantage is that it takes time and you wont
receive an immediate response. Nonverbal communication can sometimes be more important

than what is actually said. Nonverbal communication consists of body movements, voice
inflections, facial expressions, and actual distance. During my internship, I had a mid-summer
evaluation where my manager gave me feedback on my performance and progress. His review
was very complimentary, but his only negative comment was in my nonverbal communication as
well as my lack of communication in meetings. He told me that I needed to establish a bigger
presence in meetings by sitting up straighter and uncrossing my legs. As well as that, he said I
needed to work on my voice inflections where I should try not to speak like I am proposing a
question, but rather be more assertive in order to get my point across.
While there is so much more to say with regards to the topic of communication, I think
one of the most important messages conveyed by this module is that the more transparency, the
more effective communication is. Therefore, on both an individual and organizational level, it is
important to remember to be as clear, direct, and specific as possible.