Geography of Professional Communication
written Analysis Notes:
In the situations depicted in the video I am often communicating with colleagues from multiple departments internally, and a variety of organizations externally.
The context of my communication varies wildly, and is often switched, or adapted depending on who I am communicating, and about what. If I am talking to my colleague in video production our conversations are usually a lot more relaxed because we speak the same industry language. However, when I am talking to anyone else, especially externally, I have to adapt and change industry jargon for more layman’s terms to make the information I am providing more easily digestible.
They typically want to know how marketing materials/video products will be impactful, and the expected results of generating and posting that content.
Often the people I am working with don’t need to know the details of what I am doing to create marketing materials or content, but rather evidence has to how it will be effective to achieve the goal they are hoping to reach.
Writing skills and strategies I have are using clear language, that is easy for anyone to understand, and also working under the assumption that the person I am talking to might not know what it takes to do the work that I do and produce creative content.
I can improve my ability to be more understanding in moments of miscommunication with people who are asking for things, but don’t understand what goes into making it happen.
Making sure everyone feels inlcuded in my communication is critical to the work that I do.
Written Analysis ChatGPT:
Effective workplace communication requires a deep understanding of the audience, the purpose behind the message, the context in which it occurs, the strategies used to convey information, and the ethical considerations that ensure inclusivity and respect. Based on Paul V. Anderson’s framework, the communication practices described in the provided scenario reflect a nuanced, adaptive, and audience-aware communicator who recognizes the shifting dynamics of professional interaction and the importance of clarity and inclusion.
Audience
A central element of Anderson’s framework is understanding the audience, which is clearly demonstrated in this communicator’s approach. The professional often engages with colleagues across multiple internal departments and external organizations. This diverse audience necessitates the ability to adjust tone, language, and content based on who is receiving the message. For instance, conversations with the video production colleague are more relaxed and filled with industry-specific language, recognizing a shared professional vocabulary. Conversely, communication with those outside the industry, particularly external stakeholders, is more deliberate and stripped of jargon to ensure accessibility. This illustrates a strong grasp of audience needs and expectations—an essential component of effective communication in the workplace.
Purpose
Another key aspect Anderson highlights is defining the purpose of communication. In this case, the purpose is often to convey the impact and effectiveness of marketing materials or video products. Rather than focusing on technical or creative processes, the communicator centers discussions on expected outcomes—what the content will achieve. This is particularly important in marketing, where stakeholders are typically more interested in performance metrics and strategic value than the production process itself. Understanding that the audience seeks evidence of effectiveness rather than an explanation of effort allows for purposeful, results-driven communication.
Context
The communicator’s reflection also shows a strong sensitivity to context. Anderson defines context not only as the physical or organizational setting, but also as the situational and relational environment in which communication occurs. The ability to switch between different communication styles—more casual and technical with creative colleagues, more formal and simplified with external partners—demonstrates a high level of contextual awareness. The communicator recognizes that effective communication is not static; it must evolve in real-time based on changing dynamics, goals, and relationships.
Strategies
Strategically, the communicator employs several effective techniques. They use clear, jargon-free language tailored to the audience’s level of understanding and assume that not everyone knows what goes into creating content. This anticipatory mindset helps bridge knowledge gaps and builds trust. The strategy of simplifying complex processes and focusing on outcomes is particularly effective in cross-functional or interdisciplinary environments. However, there is recognition that this strategic clarity can be enhanced further—particularly in moments of miscommunication. The communicator acknowledges the need to improve understanding and patience when dealing with stakeholders who may not fully grasp the creative or technical aspects of the work. This self-awareness is a crucial step toward improving communication strategies even further.
Ethics and Inclusion
In Anderson’s framework, ethical communication involves being fair, inclusive, and respectful of diverse perspectives. The communicator notes that making everyone feel included is critical to their work. This reflects a deep commitment to ethical communication, where the goal is not just to transmit information, but to create a shared understanding that respects everyone’s contributions and perspectives. The ability to adapt language and tone to ensure inclusivity and comprehension across different groups is not only strategic but also ethical. It builds collaborative relationships and fosters a more equitable work environment.
Conclusion
Using Paul V. Anderson’s framework, this communicator’s approach is highly effective in most areas: they are audience-aware, purpose-driven, context-sensitive, and ethically grounded. Their strategic use of clear language and focus on impact over process demonstrate a solid understanding of how to communicate across boundaries. As noted, the main area for growth lies in building more empathy and patience in moments of misalignment—particularly when dealing with individuals who may not understand the behind-the-scenes effort involved in content creation. Strengthening this area will help elevate their communication even further, leading to more collaborative and productive outcomes in a multifaceted work environment.