Introduction
The presentation of an idea is mainly done through various means of communication (Kasper and Kellerman, 2014). As such, in case the speaker is not careful, it is easy that the ideas being presented will become one directional. Having efficient and sound communication strategies is crucial to ensure one achieves the objectives as they address an audience. Through this, they can either change their opinions or simply strengthen an already existing view they earlier had in relation to the matter.
Summary
On August 2013, AOL’s CEO Tim Armstrong called for meeting for his employees. The meeting saw an attendance of more than 1000 employees (Peterson, 2013). The main reason behind this meeting was that AOL had a plan to reduce the number of Patch Websites. Since AOL is a web portal and online based service provider, it was bound to make most employees uncomfortable for it would mean that some would have to be laid down. As such, Armstrong being the CEO, he had the responsibility of sharing such vital information with his employees. The meeting was aimed at boosting the morale of the employees and discussing the future trends of the firm including the employees now that it was downsizing the number of its websites. However, as the meeting was progressing, Armstrong ended up firing Abel Lenz, Patch Creative Director in front of all the employees. Four days later, after firing Lenz, he sent out an apology to AOL employees for his actions, but it still did not have any positives effects to employees (Peterson, 2013).
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Mistakes with Communication
Armstrong did not own up to his mistakes nor did he take ownership for his actions. When apologizing for his mistakes, Armstrong indicated that he is the CEO of the company and his efforts were made due to the long-term interest of the enterprise and its employees. Armstrong stated that Abel's photographs which were posted on the company's website gave away the game plan of the company to its competitors. He said that Abel had previously been warned not to film any private meetings in the firm and thus his actions had a justification (Peterson, 2013).
Firing of Abel in a meeting which was aimed at boosting the morale of the employees due to the firm shutting down its websites is wrong. The CEO called for a meeting that was supposed to give the employees a motivation that they would not lose their jobs, instead he needed up firing one of their one. In such a case, there is no motivational being passed on to the employees. In case an employee is fired because of taking photographs, it is evident that they will be fired once the websites start being closed.
Revised Persuasive Campaign
Vivid, evocative and metaphorical language can be used in creating memorable images when addressing an audience. In the case of Tim’s message to the employees, he would not just address the fact that the company was downsizing its websites but it means employees will not lose their jobs. Rather he should paint a vivid picture to the plight of the employees. This includes stating that despite downsizing the number of staff, the world is run into a digital village which indicates that the number of people requiring online services is increasing each day. As such, the employees will still have their jobs as the number of users continue to grow.
When delivering a speech that aims at persuading people about agreeing to a particular situation or idea, it is important for one to appear rational. This means that one must first establish their personal credibility in that, one should sell oneself before selling the message (Kasper and Kellerman, 2014). In the case of Tim, he should first become committed to the goals and ideas in his speech and about hat he is saying. When delivering an apology, instead of owning up to his mistakes, Tim rather gave excuses on why he had to fireable indicating he was not sorry for his actions.
Conclusion
It is important for an individual to have effective and efficient communication skills (Kasper and Kellerman, 2014). Having poor communication skills can cost one professionally and personally. Despite an individual's levels of education, commitment or ambition, the probability of their success is low in case they have no proper skill for interacting with others. This means that, even though one might have a major idea that might change the lives, thoughts or actions of others, the message being brought forward will fall on deaf ears.
References
Kasper, G., & Kellerman. (2014). Communication Strategies: Psycholinguistic and sociolinguistic perspectives. London: Routledge
Peterson, H. (2013, August 14). AOL CEO Tim Armstrong Apologizes to Staff Publicly for Firing Creative Director Abel Lenz. Daily Mail . Retrieved 6 July 2017, from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2392815/AOL-CEO-Tim-Amstrong-apologizes-staff-publicly-firing-creative-director-Abel-Lenz.html.
