Audience Paper and Communication Release

Audience Paper and Communication Release

BCOM/275

November 25, 2011
Michael Mynek

    In business communication, there are often sensitive issues that need to be addressed. With this in mind, certain considerations need to be made in order to ensure the credibility of the communication source and the privacy and respect of those whom are affected. In short, pragmatics, or making sure that the communication is appropriate for the circumstances and the relationships, needs to be taken into account (Cheesebro, O’Connor, & Rios, Chapter Language, 2010).
    One action that needs to be taken before communication is delivered is to make sure that all sources have been verified. Any incorrect information can be grounds for lawsuits and whoever reported that misrepresentation is held liable for that communication.
    Another action that should be taken before any communication is delivered is to communicate with all involved audiences. This is important because miscommunications can very easily occur if it’s not done. For example, in the Chilean mine collapse, if the reporters had not made sure that the victims’ families were aware of the incident and had complete details, they could have had issues with privacy and sensitivity. One of the ways in order to be sensitive to the needs of the families is to not disclose any more information than is absolutely necessary for the communication. Any additional information could make the families feel as though their loss is not significant and is only a tool to be exploited. In choosing the language for the communication, this is an area to pay special attention to: “a more common concern rests with how much of the language you use lacks clarity and purposefulness” (Cheesebro, O’Connor, & Rios, 2010, Chapter Language). Language should always be chosen carefully and specifically, especially in dealing with such sensitive issues.
    While keeping the needs of the families at the forefront, another audience to consider...