Communicating in the IT industry

   This unit is about communication skills which are needed by people who work in the IT industry. Some of these skills are specific to the IT industry, such as the use of specialist methods of communication, for example there use of video conferencing. But other skills such as being able to give clear verbal explanations are relevant to working in any industry. Communicate is the central to almost every aspect of business and privet life, so being able to communicate clearly and effectively, by speaking, writing and other methods, is a very useful skill.

   It also looks at the impact on social life. Over the last 40 years IT has changed the way we do many things. It has brought many advantages such as keeping in touch, using email and mobile phones. Not all changes are good, there are also negative effects. IT has provided new ways for criminals to break the law.

MSN

For: Easy to communicate with multiple friends and family.

Against: If you add/accept someone you do not know or someone is pretending to be someone else. It can be dangerous if you are not careful.

Facebook

For: Another easy way to talk to friends and family, but you can also arrange meetings, birthdays and post photos and videos.

Against: If you have not sorted your security settings correctly, anyone could be allowed access to your profile and view your page. This would give them information on where you live and what you look like.

Texting

For: Quick and easy to text your friends and family. They also have access to the internet.

Against: The cost can be pretty high unless you get a good contract.

Email

For: Send large files to your work or collage. Also can be sent to your friends.

Against: If someone figures out your password they can then send email from your to other people that you wouldn’t want to be sent.

   In the IT industry, communication can have special challenges because of the technical nature of the sector. IT is also widely used at home and in business by non-technical people, who can find the use of terminology very confusing. As professionals you need to learn to communicate as effectively as possible with the It users your work with and support.

 

   One to one. This is probably easiest because you can see the person and judge whether they are following what you say. If you are explaining something or doing something, you can usually show the person as well as tell them

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   In person with an audience. When you are giving a presentation or training session to a group of people, you have to consider the needs of many people may be following you. For example some people may be following you but others may not understand you.

   Over the phone. This can be more difficult because you don’t have the visual cues which tell you whether the person you are talking to understands you. You will not be able to show that person what to do, and verbal explanations can be complicated and difficult to follow.