Written Communication Essay

1366 Words3 Pages

Communication is a basic human skill that is exploited in day to day life, whether it is conscious or subconscious. However, poor communication can often have damaging effects for those involved, while effective communication can lead to an array of efficacious outcomes. It is in this juxtaposition that the basis of this essay was formed, wherein the most effective modes of communication in the workplace were explored in an interview with a health professional, and further through research on the different communication skills involved in effective communication. In this interview, the health professional that assisted me discussed the importance of rapport building and the effectiveness of written communication over verbal communication. …show more content…

As a result, her policy is to always write information down and pass it on through email, or through another form of written communication, so she can not only keep track of it herself, but ensure that the person she is passing it on to, receives it and understands the information she is giving. I too have found that written communication is key to effective communication in a workplace. In my own work setting, there are over 20 staff members and there is no way information can be retained when addressed verbally. So we have opted to have a diary where we write down incidents, complaints, customer feedback, or just general information, so all staff members can stay up to date and view this information at any time, which is the sole reason for her adamant use of written communication in her workplace. I have found this particularly helpful if a customer comes in as a follow up to ask about a specific item and I was not working the first time they were …show more content…

However, similar research by a different group of researchers displays the opposite, it noted that verbal communication is key in a workplace such as a hospital as nurses and doctors are able to quickly pass on key information and patient updates without the formalities of writing it down and sending it. They noted that written information is used to track patient care while verbal communication between staff, patients, families, and others involved ultimately allowed quick synopsis of the patient’s current state and the best mode to move on from that point, (Jefferies, Johnson & Nicholls, 2012, p. 129). Though this opposes the belief of the interviewee, there are some ties between the two. Amanda spoke briefly about how quick run throughs of patient status are important in her current work placement as she often has to hand patients over to emergency staff and does not have time for a written report of the

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