Basic Communication Skills for Technology
Communication skills are vital in order to take advantage of the full capacity of modern technology. It may sound odd, but reading skills that you were taught at school through books or the ability to give short and clear commands are useful for routine operations and even for troubleshooting and programming. No matter how complicated a technological task is, a few basic communication skills can help you cope.
Other People Are Reading
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Read and Understand
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Apart from reading Internet pages, books and other documents, computer users regularly have to cope with issues related to the computer's function, such as problems with non-existing programs and viruses on the system. These problems are typically mentioned through error windows, while the solution for them is located on the help guide of the operating system. Users must have the ability to read the on-screen text, comprehend the problem and search for the corresponding solution.
Write Concise Commands
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Writing is widely used to communicate with friends and relatives through technology, such as text messages and online messaging services, but it is also used to make technology work. Programming is a typical example of professionals who must give simple commands for computers to follow, via algorithms. However, all users have to enter commands when, for example, they need to format their operating system or even when doing advanced online searches.
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Memorize Terms
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The ability to memorize information is essential in our communication with others, as it enables us to understand more about them and respond in an appropriate manner. The same applies with technological devices, such as computers and cell phones, operating systems and individual programs. All of them use specific terms, like "hyperlink," "backup" and "firewall." Without knowledge of these terms, or at least the capacity to learn them, even fluent speakers can have problems with new technology.
Nonverbal Messages
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Devices cannot make facial expressions or use body language, but there are still methods to describe errors or points that need attention without using words. A cell phone can make a specific sound when it is about to shut off due to a low battery, many faxes have a blinking red light when the paper has run out and computers use "stop" signs or exclamation marks for errors. Users must learn to identify these nonverbal messages and act accordingly.
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References
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