Workplace Communication Comparison
Complete the following matrix. For each communication method, list its purpose in the workplace, whether it is a technical or expository form of written communication, and why you classified it as such.
Written communication method
Purpose in the workplace
Technical or expository writing
Why the classification was chosen
For both external and internal use. This form of communication can be used for writing close friends, and family. This may also be used within a company via co-workers as well as communicating with customers and other business contacts.
Expository Writing.
I chose E-mail as an expository form of writing because the purpose is used for the purpose of explaining and describing the writers point to the reader. This can also be classified as technical, but only if the sender was giving information on services.
Memo
This is meant for internal use, this is largely used to communicate with fellow employees.
Expository Writing
Again, this form of communication is utilized to provide information on what is being conversed.
Letter
Outside use, meant to reach a contact outside of the corporation.
Expository Writing
This form of communication gives relays information of another individual.
Manual
This can be used for training as well as a company guide book.
Technical Writing
This form of communication is designed to explain a task and how to complete it.
Website
Various uses. E-commerce, intranet, training.
Expository Writing/ Technical Writing
This form of communication is based solely upon the usage of it. It may be considered technical if the company site had a step by step manual explaining the process of downloading a virtual manual that explains how to edit an email distribution list from a user desktop. On that note it may also be considered expository if it’s just an article the company may want you to read.
Answer the following questions:
What is the most common form of written communication in your workplace or in a workplace with which you are familiar? Is expository writing or technical writing the most common form of written communication in this workplace? Who is responsible for most of the technical writing in this workplace?
At my workplace the most common form of writing would be expository. Being the I.T coordinator at a fashion company I tend to see a lot of my emails containing updates and fashion show summaries. All of this information being relayed heavily via email and a small portion via interoffice memos. When it comes to the technical writing, the majority of this is tasked to me due to my involvement with software manual formalization and new user acceptance criteria forms.
What are some common issues you have seen with written communication in the workplace?