Course Content
Introduction to Communication
Offers basic defintions, objectives and principles of effective communication. Describes the major barriers to effective communication. Describes the different methods of communication, formal and informal communication styles, systems and devices.
0/6
Foundations and Definitions
Objectives and Strategic Importance in Business
The Communication Process Model and Its Components
Forms, Flows, and Networks in Business Communication
Barriers and Guidelines for Effectiveness
Quiz 1
00:45:00
Written Communication & Business Correspondence
Business correspondence, often written, forms an important part of the communications process for accounting or business professionals
0/6
Fundamentals of Written Communication
Channels and Internal Written Documents
Business Letters and Correspondence
Report Writing and Proposals
Handling Business Correspondence & Mail Management
Quiz 2
00:45:00
Oral Communication & Presentation Skills
This topic helps the learner understand and navigate the requirements of any oral communications in a corporate environment
0/6
Fundamentals and Channels of Oral Communication
Key Oral Interactions: Meetings and Interviews
Presentation and Public Speaking Skills
The Critical Skill of Listening
Communication Ethics and Overcoming Barriers
Quiz 3
00:45:00
Non-Verbal, Visual, & Electronic Communication
Communication is not always oral or written. Non-verbal, visual and electronic communication is equally important in any social environment.
0/6
The Power of Non-Verbal Communication
Visual and Audio-Visual Communication
Electronic Communication – Part 1 (Email & Digital Tools)
Electronic Communication – Part 2 (Videoconferencing & The Internet)
Mechanical Barriers, Noise, and Integration
Quiz 4
00:45:00
CPA Communication Skills

Topic 4: Non-Verbal, Visual, & Electronic Communication

 

Lesson 5: Mechanical Barriers, Noise, and Integration

 

For all its power, electronic and visual communication faces significant technical and human obstacles.

 

Mechanical and Technical Barriers:

 

  • Definition: Obstacles arising from the machinery or instruments used for communication.
  • Examples:
    • Hardware/Software Failure: Crashed computers, software bugs.
    • Network Issues: Poor connectivity, bandwidth limitations, server downtime.
    • Incompatibility: Files or software that cannot be opened by the receiver.
    • Power Outages.

 

Noise in Communication:

 

  • Definition: Any interference that distorts or disrupts the message during transmission.
  • Types:
    • Physical/Environmental Noise: Actual sound (traffic, chatter), poor lighting, bad seating.
    • Semantic Noise: Caused by words themselves (jargon, ambiguous language, different interpretations).
    • Psychological Noise: Prejudices, emotions, closed-mindedness in the sender/receiver.
    • Physiological Noise: Biological factors (hearing loss, hunger, fatigue).

 

Overcoming Barriers and Noise:

 

  • Redundancy: Sending the same message through multiple channels (e.g., follow-up email after a call).
  • Simplicity and Clarity: Using plain language and confirming understanding.
  • Technical Checks: Testing equipment before important meetings.
  • Active Listening and Feedback: To catch and correct misunderstandings early.
  • Choosing the Right Medium: Matching the channel to the message’s complexity and urgency.

 

Integrated Communication Strategy:

 

  • No single channel is perfect. The most effective communicators use an integrated mix:
    • Use email for formal, non-urgent records.
    • Use the phone for quick clarification and personal touch.
    • Use videoconferencing for remote team meetings.
    • Use face-to-face for sensitive issues, negotiations, and relationship building.
    • Use visual aids to support and clarify complex points in any medium.

 

Mastery of non-verbal, visual, and electronic communication is essential in the modern digital workplace. It involves not just knowing how to use the tools, but understanding their strengths, limitations, and the ethical implications of their use to build clear, effective, and professional interactions.

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