Topic 4: Non-Verbal, Visual, & Electronic Communication
Lesson 4: Electronic Communication – Part 2 (Videoconferencing & The Internet)
Advanced electronic tools facilitate rich, real-time interaction and access to vast information resources.
Videoconferencing:
- Definition: A live, visual connection between two or more people in different locations, simulating a face-to-face meeting.
- Technology: Uses internet protocols (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype).
- Advantages:
- Reduces Travel: Saves significant time and cost.
- Preserves Non-Verbal Cues: Allows for seeing facial expressions and gestures.
- Facilitates Remote Collaboration: Enables teamwork across geographies.
- Recordable: Sessions can be recorded for those who cannot attend.
- Best Practices:
- Test technology beforehand.
- Use a professional background and dress appropriately.
- Minimize background noise and distractions.
- Use mute when not speaking in large meetings.
The Internet and World Wide Web:
- The Internet: The global infrastructure of interconnected computer networks.
- World Wide Web (WWW): A service on the internet consisting of interlinked hypertext documents (websites).
- Business Applications:
- Company Websites: For marketing, branding, and customer service.
- E-commerce: Buying and selling goods and services online.
- Social Media: For marketing, customer engagement, and employer branding (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook).
- Research and Competitive Intelligence: Access to unlimited information.
Social Media Communication:
- A double-edged sword for businesses.
- Opportunities: Direct customer interaction, brand building, crisis communication, recruitment.
- Risks: Public relations crises, negative viral content, employee misconduct online, information leaks.
Requires a Clear Policy: Guidelines for what employees can and cannot post regarding the company.