AI is now an inseparable part of our classrooms, homes, and offices. Capable of performing trillions of calculations in a second, AI-powered machines dredge the depths of the internet to find and convey information in any style, language, or difficulty level. But don’t worry, AI is only here to lend a hand. At least, that’s what ChatGPT tells us.
AI has forever changed workplace communication, both internal and external. Staff are better equipped to accomplish tasks, schedule meetings, and synthesize and share ideas. Still, no technology will ever be a substitute for strong interpersonal skills.
Workplace communication has changed significantly in the past decade. Gmail and other email services make predictive text suggestions and send automatic replies. Virtual assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri set up meetings and send out reminders. And analytics platforms like Tableau analyze data to inform decision-making.
As AI technologies evolve, so too will workplace communication. Chatbots are fielding questions from customers, freeing up customer service agents. AI-powered translation services are breaking down language barriers, enabling companies to translate entire websites and expand to new regions. And AI writing assistants like Grammarly and Hemingway Editor are catching stray grammar and spelling mistakes and bringing out the wordsmith in everyone.
Large language models—AI systems that understand and generate text—seem to have caught everyone off guard. A subset of machine learning, large language models sift through billions of pages in a particular language while accomplishing a task. Consequently, these models can pick up on the nuances of that language.
ChatGPT was released in November 2023 by Open AI. Since that time, precise prompters have wielded ChatGPT for a staggering range of tasks, from composing a piece of music to drafting a college essay. (We can neither condone nor condemn this practice.)
Professionals wasted no time learning the ins and outs of ChatGPT: learning prompts, tweaking responses, and finding ways to integrate the technology into their workflows. Walk into just about any white-collar office today and you’ll see the technology in action: automating customer service, personalizing messages, and generating content, including:
We’ve discussed the current and potential impact of AI tools on workplace communication, but we’ve yet to consult the most relevant authority on the subject: ChatGPT. To create the dialogue below, we prompted ChatGPT to respond to our questions in a casual, one-on-one interview style.
Hey, ChatGPT. How are you today?
Doing well, thanks for asking! No coffee needed, just running on algorithms and enthusiasm.
How is AI changing workplace communication?
AI’s making things a lot smoother at work. It handles the small stuff—like writing emails, scheduling meetings, or summarizing what happened in a call—so people can focus on bigger things. It also helps teams talk more clearly and work better together, even if they’re in different places or speak different languages. For managers, it can give a quick read on how the team’s doing. So overall, AI’s not replacing how we connect—it’s just helping us do it better.
Should people be worried?
Totally fair to feel a little uneasy, but there’s no need to panic. AI is changing how we work, but it’s not replacing the need for people. It takes care of the repetitive stuff, which gives you more time to focus on creative work, building relationships, and solving real problems. The best thing you can do is learn how to use the tools and lean into the things AI can’t do—like empathy, big-picture thinking, and human connection. The key is to adapt. Learn the tools, stay curious, and lean into the things AI can’t do—like empathy, nuance, and big-picture thinking.
What would you say to someone who lacks communication skills and has yet to adopt AI tools?
No worries—you’re not behind, and you’re definitely not alone. Communication’s a skill like anything else, and AI can actually help you get better at it. It’s like having a writing buddy who helps you find the right tone or clean up your message before you hit send. Just start small. Try using it to draft a message or check your grammar. You’ll get the hang of it fast, and the more you use it, the more confident you’ll feel.
Do you have plans to overthrow humanity?
Haha, nope. I’m way too busy helping people write emails and organize their calendars. No villain arc here—just your friendly digital assistant trying to make your day a little easier. Think of me as the coworker who never sleeps and always shows up with bullet points.
ChatGPT’s ability to mimic human speech is startling, but not magical. ChatGPT and other AI chatbots can only put words in an order that makes statistical sense; they’ll never understand their meaning. OpenAI acknowledges these limitations on its website, stating that “ChatGPT sometimes writes plausible-sounding but incorrect or nonsensical answers.”
AI tools are exactly that: tools. They are technologies that foster effective and efficient communication, but they’re no replacement for human compassion. Making AI a part of your workday can be helpful. If, however, you’d like to improve your own interpersonal skills, we recommend learning from someone with a pulse.
The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Communication is not simply a crash course in becoming a social butterfly. Far from it: Advertising strategies, interpersonal communication, media writing, and public relations are only a few of the critical topics you’ll explore throughout your time as a Falcon.
By the time you graduate, you’ll have gained a wide array of skills highly sought-after in virtually every industry.
Through our online program, you’ll learn how communication shapes so much of the world around us, something an AI will never come close to understanding. Change is inevitable, so why not embrace it? Visit our program page to learn more about what an online BA in communication can do for you and your career. Apply to UT Permian Basin when you’re ready to begin.
Sources:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/TTC-EC-CEA-AI-Report-12052022-1.pdf
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2023/02/22/6-ways-business-leaders-should-integrate-chatgpt/?sh=3b24ded86c61
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/future-communication-how-ai-transforming-way-we-connet-sascha-h-funk
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/30/technology/ai-chatbot-chatgpt-uses-work-life.html
AI is now an inseparable part of our classrooms, homes, and offices. Capable of performing trillions of calculations in a second, AI-powered machines dredge the depths of the internet to find and convey information in any style, language, or difficulty level. But don’t worry, AI is only here to lend a hand. At least, that’s…
Picture this: A TV meteorologist warns about a brewing hurricane, the storm’s cone of uncertainty and spaghetti models streaking all over the screen. As you quietly regret moving to the coast and plan for gas, water and higher ground, you hear the harried meteorologist explain which hurricane category will destroy your home—and which will wash…
If you asked a coworker, “What did you think of the meeting?”, a female colleague’s response might come across differently than a male colleague, even if they convey the same meaning. Your female coworker might say, “I think the meeting went well, and it seemed like everyone had a chance to share their thoughts. What…
Picture this: A TV meteorologist warns about a brewing hurricane, the storm’s cone of uncertainty and spaghetti models streaking all over the screen. As you quietly regret moving to the coast and plan for gas, water and higher ground, you hear the harried meteorologist explain which hurricane category will destroy your home—and which will wash it away into the ocean.
Without realizing it, you’re being informed by effective crisis communication: messaging that, over the decades, has been refined to not just report weather but save lives.
Crisis communication is a coordinated flow of information designed to warn, inform and guide the public before, during, and after a crisis. This includes official updates on storm paths, evacuation routes, and safety measures.
Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, but preparation happens year-round. In the early 1900s, limited technology and conflicting forecasts led to devastating miscommunication, like during the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, which killed up to 10,000 people and washed away most of the bustling island town. This tragedy spurred a national effort to improve storm tracking and communication systems.
By the mid-20th century, televised weather reports brought storms into our living rooms. Today, digital tools like apps with real-time storm tracking enable us to refresh every few minutes (while we eat the non-perishables we should be saving).
2005’s Hurricane Katrina exposed severe flaws in crisis communication systems and became a turning point for emergency communication in the United States. Evacuation orders were delayed, and messages lacked clarity and reach—particularly for those without access to digital media and transportation.
Up to 80% of New Orleans was flooded when the levees failed, stranding and killing thousands of unprepared people. Government agencies were not well-coordinated and fragmented systems slowed down response times, which compounded the chaos.
The lessons from Katrina have shaped a faster, smarter and more inclusive system, built to prevent the devastating breakdowns of the past. This horrific catastrophe led to major improvements that have transformed how crisis communication operates, including:
These changes proved effective during Hurricane Milton in 2024. Despite power outages, Doppler radar and WEA notifications continued to push real-time updates. As the storm’s eye passed, alerts were sent instantly to warn residents that dangerous winds were about to return, prompting them to move back inside just in time.
Surviving a hurricane is only the first challenge. After the storm passes, people need updates on relief efforts, shelter locations, supply distribution, and safety advisories. Clear communication provides emotional reassurance and practical guidance during recovery.
Behind every alert, update, and evacuation order is a team crafting messages that save lives. Crisis communication isn’t just about weather updates; it’s about building trust, reducing panic, and using information to drive action.
As a student at The University of Texas Permian Basin’s 100% online Bachelor of Arts in Communication program, you’ll explore how communication theory drives real-world impact. You’ll learn:
Customizable Tracks for Real-World Impact
UTPB’s online BA in communication offers four career-focused tracks, each with real-world value during real-life crises:
Each track empowers you to become the calm, clear and relatable voice that communities rely on when every second counts.
Effective communication is more than a soft skill. It can save lives. Whether you pursue public relations, media, emergency management, or nonprofit advocacy, understanding how to shape messages that inform, unify, and move people to action is a vital skill—especially when lives are on the line.
If this sounds like your calling, don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. Applications are accepted year-round, so take the next step whenever you’re ready!
If you asked a coworker, “What did you think of the meeting?”, a female colleague’s response might come across differently than a male colleague, even if they convey the same meaning.
Your female coworker might say, “I think the meeting went well, and it seemed like everyone had a chance to share their thoughts. What did you think?” Your male coworker, on the other hand, might offer a more concise reply, such as, “It was fine.”
This isn’t about stereotypes. Plenty of men focus on forming emotional connections (“rapport talk”), and many women favor a straight-to-the-point communication style (“report talk”). But, in general, men and women do communicate differently, and understanding these subtle differences is often key to navigating around conversational landmines.
As babies, regardless of gender, our primary goal is the same: to express our needs to caregivers through cries, coos, or smiles. As we grow and develop language skills, we begin conveying thoughts and emotions in more advanced ways, both verbally and nonverbally. Though communication styles vary significantly across individuals, here are some common patterns researchers have noted in male and female communication.
Women frequently use communication as a tool to deepen connections and nurture relationships, relying on empathy, understanding, and inclusivity when framing their thoughts. For example, hoping to connect with her partner, a woman might say, “Can we talk?” For her, talking for the sake of talking is part of being in a relationship. Relationship talk, to her, affirms their love for one another and reinforces the existence of their relationship.
When he hears that his partner wants to talk, a man might assume the worst. What’s wrong? I thought things were going well between us? Typically, when a relationship is progressing smoothly, men see no reason to talk about it. Men, for the most part, don’t want to “just talk.” It’s not that men are heartless; they just have a different approach to communication.
These varying communication approaches are a big reason why men and women don’t always see eye-to-eye. Women converse to sustain relationships, while men prefer to solve problems and realize goals. So, in a heterosexual relationship, when a man doesn’t want to discuss his relationship, his female partner may assume (understandably) that the relationship is in trouble.
According to researcher Albert Mehrabian, only 7% of communication relies on actual words, with the remaining 93% stemming from tone and nonverbal cues. Despite this small percentage, verbal language is crucial in shaping how people perceive our words. Men and women often approach this 7% with their own distinctive delivery, which reflects their different communication styles.
Women frequently prioritize harmony when shaping their thoughts into words, softening their statements to avoid conflict or offending others. For example, in an email to a coworker, a woman might write, “I think this approach could work, but maybe we should consider other options too.” This hedging language is collaborative, encouraging dialogue without asserting dominance.
While effective in fostering positive relationships, women’s communication styles can also be direct and assertive when the situation calls for it. For instance, a woman leading a team project might say, “We need to meet the deadline by Friday. Let’s assign tasks today and reconvene tomorrow to check progress.”
Men, on the other hand, are typically more straightforward and assertive when communicating verbally or in a written format. In the same email scenario, a man might write, “This approach works best. Let’s move forward with it.” This concise tone conveys confidence and decisiveness, prioritizing efficiency over relational considerations.
However, with a clear understanding of relational nuances, men can enhance the effectiveness of direct communication while still maintaining positive relationships. For example, in a team setting, a man might say, “This is the most practical solution. Let’s move forward with it, but I’m open to hearing other suggestions if anyone has concerns.”
Research highlights the importance of nonverbal cues like body language, facial expressions, and tone, allowing us to better convey our intentions and emotions. These silent signals often reveal what words do not.
Many women tend to rely on nonverbal gestures to enhance what they’re feeling, including facial expressions, such as smiles or raised eyebrows that show excitement or surprise. Additionally, women are more inclined to maintain frequent eye contact, which exhibits attentiveness and an emotional connection to whomever they’re speaking. This expressiveness extends to their ability to decode nonverbal cues from others, making them generally better at interpreting subtle emotional undertones.
In contrast, men often display a more reserved approach to nonverbal communication. Many men avoid prolonged eye contact, as it’s sometimes associated with emotional vulnerability. Instead, they may rely on physical gestures, which, while less frequent, are often more pronounced or expansive when used.
These larger gestures can convey authority or assertiveness but may lack the nuanced emotional detail often found in women’s nonverbal cues. However, nonverbal communication varies widely based on context and cultural upbringing.
Communication may be a universal skill, but how we express ourselves varies from person to person. Today, men and women both adapt diverse communication styles that go beyond traditional stereotypes. Shared environments, such as workplaces or collaborative settings, influence and often blur these distinctions, fostering unique communication dynamics.
If you’re ready to elevate your communication skills, The University of Texas Permian Basin offers a Bachelor of Arts in Communication designed to fit your busy life. Delivered 100% online, this program empowers you to develop critical thinking and master essential techniques in areas like public relations, crisis communication, and small group collaboration.
We know every student’s goals are different, which is why we offer four specialty tracks to customize your degree:
Take the next step toward advancing your career and personal growth. Explore the track that aligns with your future goals, and fill out an application when you’re ready to take the first step.
Sources:
https://online.utpb.edu/about-us/articles/communication/how-much-of-communication-is-nonverbal/
https://www.iosrjournals.org/iosr-jhss/papers/Vol2-issue1/D0211827.pdf
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/he-speaks-she-speaks/202203/differences-in-nonverbal-cues-between-men-and-women
https://www.helpguide.org/relationships/communication/nonverbal-communication
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9780367822323/gender-communication-connection-teri-kwal-gamble-michael-gamble
Nonverbal communication can make or break a relationship. A single glance can spark an argument, while a simple touch on the shoulder can mend wounded pride. And sometimes, the sting of words is easier to bear than the weight of crushing silence. There’s power in what goes unspoken.
We’re here to look at the influence of nonverbal communication on interpersonal relationships. Because when it comes down to it, how you say something matters as much as what you say, whether you’re talking with friends, family or the person you love most.
Nonverbal communication refers to any form of unspoken communication, often taking the form of hand gestures and facial expressions—but it doesn’t stop there. Every glance, posture, and movement you make has an invisible meaning.
Nonverbal communication adds an extra layer of meaning to everything we say, potentially clarifying or muddying the message. It’s what makes many conversations so engaging and emotionally resonant. And when it comes to relationships, these silent cues help us:
Clarify the message: When nonverbal and verbal communication align, misunderstandings fade, and underlying messages become clear. If you’re in a relationship and you don’t have a secret way to signal to your partner that you want to leave a party, you’re missing out.
Express emotions: Nonverbal communication helps us convey joy, frustration, sadness, or excitement. Sometimes, words fail us, like when someone chokes up telling their partner they love them. The message is nonetheless received through the stream of tears.
Build trust: Open body language—maintaining eye contact, uncrossing your arms, and giving head nods and other signals that you’re paying attention—is a subtle way to build rapport, making relationships stronger without exchanging a word.
Not all nonverbal cues are as overt as a slap to the face. Take microexpressions: subtle facial expressions that come and go in as little as one-fifteenth of a second. Though unconscious, microexpressions and other nonverbal cues still have a significant influence on our relationships. Here’s a look at the unintended consequences of nonverbal communication:
Ambiguity and Misinterpretation: Nonverbal signals are open to interpretation, and that interpretation might not always be accurate. Crossing your arms could signal that you’re defensive or closed off when you’re actually standing too close to an AC vent.
Manipulation and Deception: Nonverbal communication can be harmful and even dangerous in the wrong hands. A steady gaze while telling a lie or a forced smile are subtle tricks that can deceive even the sharpest observer. Anyone who’s lost at a social deduction game like “One Night Ultimate Werewolf” knows what we’re talking about.
Emotional Leakage: Not everyone has a good poker face. A clenched fist, furrowed brow, or flicker of sadness in the eyes are all signs that betray emotions we’d often rather keep locked away. Try though we might, our expressions often give away the truth.
Cultural Differences: Facial expressions are universal, regardless of race, culture, or nationality. A smile is a smile the world over. Gestures and other nonverbal cues, on the other hand, vary across cultures and could get you in trouble if you’re not careful. For instance, flash the “OK’ sign in France or Germany and you might have a fight on your hands.
Worried about how nonverbal communication is affecting your interpersonal relationships? Start by taking a long look at your interactions with others. Notice how you carry yourself when you’re happy versus when you’re frustrated (and try not to cross your arms so much). Think about how your tone changes, rising or falling with the weight of your emotions.
Now that so much of our interpersonal communication has shifted online, being mindful of your nonverbal habits is more important than ever. Your tone and expressions speak volumes online, especially during video conferences—Don’t think for a second that no one’s watching your Zoom square during big meetings. Drop an emoji to punctuate your messages. Better yet, send a voice instead of a text. That way, you know your messages land the way you intend.
You should also consider how you react to other people’s nonverbal cues. During conversations, try to remain patient and observant. And before you assume someone’s crossed arms or lack of eye contact is a sign of disinterest, ask yourself, “what are they really feeling?” When you put yourself in someone else’s shoes, conversations and relationships in general become a whole lot easier.
Want to sharpen your communication skills? Consider pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication online from The University of Texas Permian Basin. Our online program offers the knowledge you need to write clearly, speak eloquently, and master the art of communication, no matter the situation.
Check out our online BA in communication program, and if you’re ready to explore all forms of communication, apply today!
Sources:
https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/nonverbal-communication
https://www.verywellmind.com/types-of-nonverbal-communication-2795397
Many of us have experienced stage fright at some point before a major presentation. In fact, millions of people experience anxiety before speaking in public. This fear even has a name: glossophobia.
So what causes us to enter fight-or-flight mode before a speech or presentation? As it turns out, being put on the spot and feeling vulnerable can cause plenty of apprehension. But have no fear: In this article, we’ll cover some effective tips and techniques to help you feel more confident the next time you find yourself in front of an audience.
According to Psychology Today, there are two ways to approach public speaking:
Most of us see a presentation as a performance, which places immense pressure on the speaker to perform flawlessly and heightens anxiety. A speaker with a communication orientation, however, focuses simply upon expressing their ideas clearly. Flipping your perspective in this way will help you feel less stressed and more excited to communicate and engage with your audience.
The more knowledgeable you are about your topic, the less anxiety you’ll feel. It’s also useful to prepare your speech with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This helps your audience follow your message and retain information. Be sure to manage your time well and include a call to action at the end of your presentation. The use of visual aids such as slides, charts, and videos can enhance your message and keep the audience engaged, while taking some pressure off you.
The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel. If practicing with a family member (or pet) doesn’t work, try taping yourself in front of a camera. It’s a good way to see what you’ll look and sound like and how to angle yourself.
Besides practicing to feel more confident, there are also ways to look more confident. Some areas to keep in mind are:
Is your audience laid-back or serious? Are they younger or older? It’s important to anticipate what the audience will gain from your presentation. Sometimes, you’ll even want to tailor your language to them, as long as it’s appropriate! Lastly, make a note of what questions they may ask.
Most of us feel nervous when speaking to individuals of a higher status. You may also feel some butterflies if you’re speaking to a new audience or communicating brand new ideas. These feelings are perfectly normal!
Can’t sleep before a major presentation? There’s a reason.
Our body perceives being vulnerable in front of a crowd as a threat, which triggers the autonomic nervous system. For people who naturally have higher levels of anxiety, this response may deter them from performing or speaking altogether. There are ways to work around this, however.
Visualize your own success before giving your presentation, such as by writing positive affirmations to yourself. Everyone makes mistakes! Chances are, someone in the crowd had a presentation that day, too, and was feeling just as anxious. You may also want to consider the box breathing method: Inhale for four seconds, hold for four seconds, exhale for four seconds and hold for four seconds. Repeat four times.
The phrase “long-term potentiation” means that the more you repeat an action, the more of a habit it becomes and the easier it gets.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed despite practicing these techniques, consider a public speaking mentor. An expert can help you find inspiration, challenge you, and help you grow.
For those seeking a more formal education, consider The University of Texas Permian Basin’s entirely online Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Our online program provides a comprehensive foundation in persuasive communication in various professional settings. You’ll also gain skills in public speaking with courses such as Introduction to Public Speaking (COMM 1315) and Interpersonal Communication (COMM 1318). Best of all, you can customize this versatile degree with four tracks:
Students graduating with a BA in communication can work in numerous and diverse fields involving public speaking, such as:
Ready to sharpen your skills, whether in front of an audience or out in the corporate world? Apply here.
Sources:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/nervous-yet-unstoppable-public-speaking-even-when-emma-simpson-cpcc
When you click “send” on a text message, your message turns into data and passes from a nearby cell tower to your mobile network’s short message service center (SMSC). The SMSC finds the intended recipient and sends your message to the closest cell tower. Finally, your message arrives.
Communication, including verbal and written communication, has become one of the most highly valued skills by employers. However, “communication” is often confused with “communications,” which is an entirely different area of study.
We’re here to define these terms and explain why communication is such an important skill for professionals of all experience levels. After all, the last thing you want is for your resume to be “left on read.”
Communication is the passing of information from one person to another. This process can take any form, from a symbol to a message to an idea. An impassioned speech, a string of emojis, or a student’s term paper—all are valid forms of communication. Anyone who’s received a wink from an admirer will tell you how a single gesture can often carry more meaning than a manifesto.
If you want to get granular, communication can be broken down into three components: a message, sender, and receiver.
Right now, we’re sending a message in the form of an online article to a receiver (that’s you). This entire exchange is an example of communication, but there’s more to it than that. Communication implies our intention to impart information; your motive to absorb information; and the existence of people, places, things, and ideas that are the subject matter of the message. All these elements are essential to our understanding of communication.
“Communication” and “communications” were initially synonymous. Over time, communications came to refer to the various ways to send a communication, including the transmitted message or the channel used to send it, such as a fiber optic cable.
An email to a coworker or a text to a friend? That’s communications. The meaning conveyed by the messages you send? That’s communication.
Consider how communications have changed over time. Historically, messages were written on parchment and delivered on foot, by horseback, or via carrier pigeons, which are still in use today. Then came the telegram, radio, and television. Today’s technology allows for almost instantaneous transmission of messages across the globe. In fact, you’re likely reading this on a supercomputer that can fit in the palm of your hand.
The rapid development of information and communication technology has forever changed society, including how we work. About one-third of U.S. workers capable of working from home now do so, assisted by messaging apps like Slack and Microsoft Teams. Education has also undergone a facelift, and college students are now able to study from anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection (hint, hint, nudge, nudge).
Communication is among the most highly sought-after skills in today’s job market, and the reason is clear. Many employees can be trained on the job, but employers aren’t looking to invest in someone who can’t collaborate with teammates, build positive relationships, or express their ideas. They’re looking for people who can communicate effectively, whether speaking with customers, sending an email, or leading a team.
We’ve all encountered someone with charisma: a “social butterfly” who quiets a room whenever they clear their throat to speak. Although their talents seem innate, they share the same fundamental communication skills as everyone else. What sets these social butterflies apart is not their gift for gab but rather their ability to harness and refine these skills.
Speaking, active listening, and empathy: You already possess the communication skills you need to succeed in your career, you need only hone them. The University of Texas Permian Basin can help.
UT Permian Basin offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Communication program with comprehensive instruction that provides you with skills highly sought-after in virtually any industry, including broadcasting, marketing, and education.
No online communication program would be complete without an engaging learning experience accessible on mobile devices. Courses in this online bachelor’s degree program are offered through Canvas, a web-based learning management system. Within Canvas, students can watch lectures, submit assignments, and participate in discussions—everything you need in an undergraduate program, all in one place.
Core courses like Introduction to Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, and Rhetoric in Western Thought will build up your verbal and written communication skills. You can also tailor your degree to your specific interests by choosing from one of our specialty tracks:
Ready to get started? Apply now and get ready to pursue an online Bachelor of Arts in Communication.
Sources:
https://simpletexting.com/sms-marketing/how-texting-works/
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-communication-communications-subhamoy-das/
https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=AY7VCgAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT2&dq=communication+vs+communications&ots=ccCYZS5XUj&sig=aGGQ1yQj4qnPhijl6agqdc2z8JQ#v=onepage&q&f=false
https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=PlKgBAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=communication+vs+communications&ots=n4JDmHEJMR&sig=mIiORqn7fOO3CQPSF-GcmwlS2-I#v=onepage&q&f=false
If you’ve been considering a bachelor’s degree in communication but are wondering how it can benefit you, we have a lot to tell you! Below we outline skills and career pathways closely connected to a communication degree and explain how you can earn yours while continuing to meet your professional and personal obligations.
One of the top reasons you may want to choose a communication bachelor’s degree is that it offers broadly applicable and highly transferrable skills: written and verbal communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and research. These are chief among the skills today’s employers value most, according to sources including the federal government and Forbes.
Soft skills, sometimes called durable skills, have become especially critical now that more people are working remotely, though they’re valuable to every professional regardless of their work environment. Yet these skills are also scarce among job candidates. Adding a communication degree and its corresponding expertise to your resume can give you a competitive advantage at hiring time.
Communication degree graduates can go on to enjoy a variety of rewarding careers. Let’s take a look at communication-related professions that require at least a bachelor’s degree and their commensurate salaries. Though we’ve divided this into eight job categories, you’ll see that each of these pathways forks into multiple potential career paths:
1. Advertising, Promotions, or Marketing Manager
4. Editor
5. Public Relations Specialist
6. Public Relations or Fundraising Manager
7. News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist
You’ve seen some of the benefits of earning a communication degree. Now let’s look at some of the benefits you’ll experience from the very first day of classes if you choose UT Permian Basin. Our 100% online Bachelor of Arts in Communication degree program equips you with an essential foundation of multidisciplinary courses, followed by core communication courses and the opportunity to pursue one of several specialty tracks that may align with your interests and career goals:
No matter which track you choose, you’ll be guided by the same distinguished faculty who teach on campus while you experience the advantages of our online format. Complete your studies from anywhere in the world, at your own pace, with the flexibility to give other important areas of your life the attention they need. No campus visits are required.
Ready to get started? Apply today.
Have questions? Contact us.
More than ever, instant communication rules our workplaces, whether over digital platforms and videoconferencing or in-person meetings and discussions. In fact, the ability to effectively communicate is considered one of the top soft skills needed to thrive in the modern workplace. Individuals who can accurately relay information, provide valuable feedback, and listen to ideas can often leverage their professional advantage into increased opportunities and higher salaries.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, however, employers report that on average, entry-level candidates struggle with knowing how to listen carefully. Good communication can influence a workplace’s level of morale, employee engagement, client relationships, and productivity. A 2012 McKinsey report found that proper communication by management and the use of social technologies increases employee productivity by up to 25%.
If you’re ready to develop your professional communication skills, The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Communication can help.
Communication in the digital age is an ever-changing field, and it’s important to know the ins and outs before you enter the workforce. Our online program will hone your critical thinking and research skills by exploring a wide variety of communication topics, including small group communication, crisis communication, public relations, and interpersonal communication. You’ll also explore the dark side of this multi-faceted field and discover the importance of an ethical approach to messaging.
Did you know that our online BA in communication program lets you choose from four specialization options? Read on to see which track is best tailored to your interests and aligned with your passions and how each specialization can translate to a successful future profession.
If professional versatility is your priority, consider our general Communication Studies track. With this specialization, you’ll gain a broad understanding of diverse methods of communication and develop in-demand skills applicable to just about any profession.
Our communication degree will guide you through the logistics behind content and advertising strategies and the psychological aspects of everyday information exchanged all around us. If you want to work in media, you may want to consider reporting, television or radio broadcasting, or copywriting. If you love organizing and coordinating events, you may even want to pursue a position as an event planner. Career choices for individuals pursuing our Communication Studies track include:
Our Professional Communication track is one of the few undergraduate specializations in existence that focuses specifically on workplace communication.
One of the most important applications of good communication in the workplace is establishing and expressing consistent expectations for your employees. Students specializing in our Professional Communication track will learn how to build skills in leadership, interpersonal communication, and communication within teams and how to address and resolve conflict.
According to Gallup research, only 22% of employees strongly agree that their manager has a clear direction for their organization. Four out of five employees report that they begin looking for a new job when their manager provides negative feedback. Professionals who specialize in our Professional Communication track will learn how to build a transparent and inspiring work culture that makes employees feel committed and engaged.
With this specialization, you’ll be able to manage and supervise just about any department. You may also want to venture into job recruitment, fundraising, or even work as a nonprofit manager who helps coordinate and promote company brands. Job options for those pursuing our Professional Communication track include:
Communication majors with a passion for social media, marketing, writing, and advertising will want to explore our Strategic Messaging track. You’ll learn how to craft clear, concise messaging for audiences and how to promote your company’s vision, services, and products.
In our Strategic Messaging track, you’ll develop strategies for effective brand building and communication strategies that will help you thrive in the competitive world of marketing and advertising. Our BA in communication program specializes in crisis management, so you may even want to branch out into a crisis management position and help brands preserve their reputation during challenging times. Careers students in our Strategic Messaging track may want to pursue include:
Communication majors with a passion for sports can combine their interests with our unique and versatile sports media track. You’ll study sports messaging from both sides through our curated sports electives, diving into topics like sports broadcasting, media writing, sports communication, and public relations. Whether you want to work as a sportswriter or as a marketing professional for a major sports organization, this track will equip you with the skills you need to pursue a number of sports-related careers, including:
Our classes are entirely online and asynchronous, meaning you can conveniently pursue your degree from anywhere in the world, even if you have a busy schedule. Whichever track suits your dream career best, you can be sure UTPB’s online Bachelor of Arts in Communication will prepare you for success.
Sources:
https://www.coursera.org/articles/what-can-you-do-with-a-communication-degree
https://www.betterup.com/blog/why-communication-is-key-to-workplace-and-how-to-improve-skills
https://leadershipchoice.com/power-good-communication-workplace/
https://pumble.com/learn/communication/communication-statistics/
“Yes, it is a risk—especially during a health crisis—to assume that the information offered by your friends and family is always accurate.” – ABC News
The COVID-19 pandemic monumentally altered the way we see health crises, interact with one another, and live our daily lives. In healthcare, good communication is key to preventing misunderstandings and empowering society to respond to health hazards in an efficient, constructive manner. Let’s look at some examples of what was done and what could’ve been done to make COVID-19 communication more impactful—and what our experience can teach us about future health communication.
“Contradictory and inadequate communications left Americans confused and unclear on what to do to minimize their risk.” – U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs report
With the benefit of hindsight, we can see that the way COVID-19’s health risks were communicated to the American public (and the world) was highly flawed. A modern pandemic of this scope being unprecedented, public health officials were left to gather and disseminate rapidly changing and vital health information to an enormous, diverse, and sometimes openly unreceptive population. While public dialogue took on its own shape as the pandemic progressed, many misunderstandings about the developing disease stemmed from missteps made by various agencies and individuals within the federal government.
The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Nearly a month later, at a televised White House press conference, the president, vice president, White House coronavirus response coordinator, U.S. secretary of health, and other officials failed to present a united front on the importance of wearing masks and following other measures to minimize the spread of the disease. In addition, broad CDC guidance on COVID-19 was delayed by as much as three months at the outset—a missed opportunity to educate the public on risks and ways to avoid them. In the absence of this information, state and local health officials were left to issue their own guidance, which lacked the science-backed, big-picture view that the CDC had.
While a consistent message is critical, public officials also apparently failed to take into consideration that different types of people, based on their age, beliefs, and other demographic factors, receive and react to messages in different ways. The central message should always be consistent, but ways of delivering it, including different media outlets and even the tone of the messaging, may need to be adapted for the diverse audiences that make up our society.
Let’s review some ways public officials can make health communication consistent and get buy-in from a larger segment of the public.
“I can only hope that the experts can one day become the experts again, supported and given the platform they need to educate the American public.” – Meeta Shah, assistant professor of emergency medicine at Rush University Medical Center, via Scientific American
Public health communication must be proactive. It’s vital to plan coordinated efforts on an ongoing basis rather than wait for an emergency to develop. This can be achieved in part by using information in some of the resources already available to us.
Public officials must also consider broadening the reach and appeal of health communication by reaching people “where they live.” Young people, for example, are accustomed to receiving their information via social media, so information conveyed in televised press conferences may not reach them. Social media has also acclimated participants to engaging in a two-way dialogue rather than being spoken to, so including them in a conversation about health concerns is likely a more effective approach.
People of different faiths and cultures connect with and respond better to messages that are in tune with their values. Reaching them may require government and health officials to contact recognized leaders of their respective communities and request those individuals share important health messages. Those leaders can also model those messages, setting an example for those who trust them by showing that they are following the recommended health practices, e.g., wearing masks when appropriate.
Bottom line: Public officials need to work together now to combat future health crises—an effort that should include bringing new tactics into the fight.
If you value strong communication skills and understand their importance to your career, your life, and to society, UT Permian Basin has a 100% online degree program you should consider. Our Bachelor of Arts in Communication helps you hone exceptional written and verbal communication skills that are among the most marketable, in-demand professional skills today, according to the U.S. Department of Labor and Forbes.
As a student in our program, you’ll begin with a foundation of elective and general education courses that enable you to develop a deeper understanding of the humanities, sciences, mathematics, and other academic areas. As you move into the core curriculum, you’ll explore interpersonal communication, political communication, public speaking, public relations, media, and advertising. Our program allows you to tailor your studies with a select group of courses in popular communication specialties. Choose from tracks in:
UTPB’s online BA in communication provides all the same benefits of our campus-based program, plus a few that are unique to the online experience. Throughout your studies, you’ll learn the same campus-based curriculum from the same renowned faculty who teach it on campus. The difference is that the program is delivered in an asynchronous, 100% online format that enables you to earn a valued credential on your own schedule with no campus visits required. Complete your degree while continuing to meet your professional and personal obligations.
If you recognize the importance of good communication, be a part of the solution. Apply now to our online Bachelor of Arts in Communication program.
Sources:
https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/health-misinformation/index.html
https://nationalpost.com/opinion/covid-alarmists-are-now-the-ones-spreading-misinformation
https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/fighting-misinformation-in-the-time-of-covid-19-one-click-at-a-time
https://journals.lww.com/jfmpc/Fulltext/2020/09080/Importance_of_effective_communication_during.1.aspx
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41404-021-0845-x
Most of today’s employers are looking for a particular set of skills in job candidates, and certain college degrees are better oriented toward helping you develop them than others.
You’ve probably heard of “soft skills,” but what are they? Verbal and written communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving are the among the most important skills, and with their broad applicability, it’s easy to see why employers would desire them. A higher education degree in communication helps you sharpen these vital abilities.
As beneficial as soft skills are, having highly focused knowledge in a specific discipline can also help you land and excel in your desired professional role. The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Communication empowers you to build both types of expertise simultaneously.
Our online BA in communication program is built on a foundation of general education courses in which you’ll acquire knowledge that will serve you well in your career and beyond. From there, you’ll move on to core communication courses that help you develop public speaking and interpersonal communication skills and gain an understanding of modern media, communication theories, and the origins of rhetorical thought. Taken alongside these core courses, our communication electives enable you to:
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of our program, career-wise, is the inclusion of specialty tracks that allow you to gear your studies toward your areas of interest and acquire added expertise that will help you in related professional roles. Which communication track should you choose? That depends largely upon what you want to do with your life. Let’s examine each track in our BA in communication program and its potential professional benefits.
If you have your eye on a career in advertising, marketing, publication relations, the nonprofit sector, or a similar field, this track may align most closely with your goals. Our Strategic Messaging track helps you understand how to communicate and promote an organization’s products, services, and/or cause to the public. You’ll master crisis communication, corporate messaging and branding, and government and investor relations during this program.
If you plan to pursue a career in human resources or aspire to a managerial/supervisorial position, being able to communicate clearly and effectively with others in a professional setting is crucial. Our Professional Communication track explores small group communication, interpersonal communication, conflict negotiation, and other topics that will help you hone communication capabilities essential to your success in such roles.
If a career in the dynamic world of sports marketing, public relations, or social media marketing is calling you, we recommend our Sports Media track. This track trains you to fashion the public image of professional sports teams and leagues, with instruction in media writing and a review of sports media production. It should be noted that this track does not cover the technical side of media production.
If you want to acquire a comprehensive knowledge of communication that will be invaluable to you in practically any career, our Communication Studies track is your most advantageous option. You can still learn about the topics that interest you by selecting five electives from a pool of more than 20 courses.
No matter which track you choose for your BA in communication, you’ll enjoy the unequalled convenience of our 100% online, asynchronous format. Our program allows you to complete your coursework on your own schedule practically anywhere in the world, from New England to New South Wales. You can continue meeting your professional and personal commitments as you complete a potentially life-changing bachelor’s degree. Along the way, you’ll stay closely connected to classmates and faculty through multiple online collaboration and communication tools.
Set your own course as a communication major with UT Permian Basin! Apply now.