the oldest problem: communication in a digital age
DESCRIPTION
“The newest computer can merely compound, at speed, the oldest problem in the relations between human beings, and in the end the communicator will be confronted with the old problem, of what to say and how to say it.” - Edward R. Murrow Murrow was writing in an age that had not yet imagined the multitude of communication tools that are available today. Despite this he is uncannily prescient as to the impact of all of the tools that the information age has given birth to; they compound, at speed, the oldest problem of what to say and how to say it. Beyond some broad categories of types of communications, the question of what to say is beyond the scope of this conversation. There is a vast array of literature, courses, and online advice on how to be a more effective communicator. What is lacking are good guides for how to effectively choose the right tool for your communications. This presentation proposes a set of key characteristics to consider when choosing how, when, or where to communication. It also rates the most common methods of communicating based on them. The notes pages contain additional information from the presentation. Enjoy!TRANSCRIPT
THE OLDEST PROBLEMCommunication in a Digital Age
The newest computer can merely compound, at speed, the oldest problem in
the relations between human beings
In the end the communicator will be confronted with the old problem, of what to
say and how to say it
SYNCHRONICITY Coincidence in time;
contemporaneousness; simultaneousness
IMMEDIACY The state,
condition, or quality of being
immediate
EFFECTIVENESS Producing the intended or expected result
PERSISTENCE Continued
existence or occurrence
EFFICIENCY The ability to accomplish a
job with a minimum
expenditure of time or effort
ACCESSIBILITY Easy to approach, reach, speak with, or use
RELEVANCE Having direct bearing on the matter at hand
Synchronicity Immediacy Effectiveness Persistence Efficiency Accessibility
Face to face Most
Telephone
IM
Chat Groups/Forums
Blogs
Email Least
COMMUNICATION SCORECARD