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Lesson 9: Virtual Communication
Virtual Communication
Communicating between people is difficult at the best of times. When it passes through a virtual filter, it may become even more difficult. Virtual Communication Technology (VCT) allows individuals and groups to communicate across distance, time and culture, but at a cost. As the VCT becomes less and less rich, more communication information is filtered out or restricted. Imagine the difference between watching a sporting event live; watching it on television (without instant replay), listening to it on a radio or having someone text you about what is happening. At the sporting event you are able to direct your attention whereever you want - at the game, at the crowd, even at a single individual. If you are watching on television you are restricted to the images shown and the dialogue of the commentators. The radio only allows you to listen to the game being broadcast. Finally, imagine that you cannot hear or see anything, but must rely on a written description of someone watching the game. This illustrates just how the ability to collect information is restricted at each level, how the interaction is delayed, and how much information is lost.
On a GV team a piece of communication is filtered out and the richness of the communication is reduced as members switch from one VCT to another. Moving from a real time, in presence, experience to a verbal or written description requires different skills. Verbally one must be able to clearly pronounce words and speak at a pace that keeps others attention and clearly describes what you want or need. Writing with clear, descriptive language becomes even more important. As VCTs develop, the nature of cross-cultural communication across distances changes. What was previously science fiction is moving toward reality.
The purpose of this lesson is to describe the four major obstacles of virtual communication. It will provide information on how you may overcome those obstacles by:
- helping to make a virtual team feel less isolated and more unified,
- identifying clear project and communication plans,
- working across multiple time zones, and
- overcoming challenges associated with technology.
