9609 · 7.2.2
Methods of communication flashcards
Revision flashcards for Cambridge 9609 Methods of communication (syllabus 7.2.2). Flip, recall, then mark a real past-paper question.
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Verbal pros/cons?
Fast, nuanced; no permanent record, easily misunderstood.
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Written pros/cons?
Clear record, can be detailed; slow, no immediate feedback.
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Visual pros/cons?
Quick to grasp trends; can oversimplify or mislead.
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Electronic pros/cons?
Instant global reach; tech failure, informal tone risks.
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Sensitive HR issue?
Face-to-face verbal first — not public email.
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Legal contract change?
Written, signed — verbal alone insufficient.
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Complex data to board?
Written report + visual charts in presentation.
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Remote teams?
Video + shared documents; supplement with periodic face-to-face.
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What is meant by 'communication richness'?
A measure of a communication medium's ability to convey information and facilitate understanding. Face-to-face communication is very 'rich' as it includes verbal, non-verbal cues, and allows immediate feedback. A formal notice is 'lean' as it lacks these elements.
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State two advantages of using written communication for a company-wide policy change.
1. It provides a permanent and official record that all employees can refer back to, ensuring consistency. 2. It allows for complex details and procedures to be clearly and accurately explained, reducing ambiguity.
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Why might a manager choose video conferencing over a simple telephone call for an international team meeting?
Video conferencing allows for the sharing of visual aids (e.g., presentations, sales data) and enables participants to see crucial non-verbal cues (body language, facial expressions), leading to richer communication and better engagement than an audio-only call.
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Define 'information overload' as a barrier to communication.
A state where an individual receives too much information to process effectively, leading to an inability to prioritise tasks and make decisions. It is a common disadvantage of electronic methods like constant emails and instant messages.
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Give a business example where visual communication is the most appropriate primary method.
Presenting quarterly financial performance to shareholders. A series of line graphs, bar charts, and pie charts can quickly and clearly communicate sales trends, profit margins, and market share, which would be dense and difficult to understand in a purely written report.