The direction of flows of communication within an organisation
must be downward, upward and sideways.
Decisions on what to communicate should bear in mind the must-
know priorities and distinguish them from the should-know or
could-know lower priorities.The best method for must-know items
is face-to-face backed by the written word.
Two-way communication should be used and encouraged to:
- Communicate plans/changes/progress/prospects
- Give employees the opportunity to change/improve management
decisions (before they are made) - Use the experience and ideas of employees to the full
- Understand the other side’s point of view.
Summary and six-month follow-up test
Summary
i) Personal reminders
Effective speaking – six key principles:
1 Be clear
2 Be prepared
3 Be simple
4 Be vivid
5 Be natural
6 Be concise
Practical presentation skills require you to:
- profile the occasion, audience and location
- plan and write the presentation
196 The John Adair Handbook of Management and Leadership