The All-important Message - Brief Article

Internal Auditor, Dec, 2000

Modern technology gives us daily opportunities to communicate almost without concern to where we are or what we're doing. E-mail, cell phones, and videoconferencing are just a few of the technology tools that have not only changed the way we communicate but also have increased the volume of our communications at least tenfold in the last live or so years. With that in mind, it now is more necessary than ever that we deliver our messages logically and clearly. Good communication isn't about what's written or what's said, it's about what's read and what's heard. It's about the audience. It's about making sure those who are reading or listening understand the message you're trying to convey. Regardless of how poetic the words or eloquent the speech, if your audience doesn't "get it," your efforts are wasted.

In this issue, many of the features and departments will help you work toward the goal of achieving understanding. In "Back to Basics," William Greishober suggests organizing your material, being clear and concise in your presentation--whether its verbal or written--and not substituting e-mail for face-to-face conversations. Leonard Murray explains how important it is to be honest in your communications as he outlines his work with a "systems learning team." This month's "Risk Watch" points out that a common language can help you and your audience reach shared goals in a timely manner. James Loss writes in "In My Opinion" that his solution to good communication is to develop a "contract" with his clients to ensure that everyone at least begins on the same page. Reiterating the best-practice advice given by Basil Orsini in "Improving Internal Communications," Loss also suggests that one of the most important functions of a communicator is to listen to the audience's feedback.

Communication has never been more important in the internal audit process. As auditors, when you conduct control self-assessment workshops, you tap your facilitating-and-listening skills to help those with the problem become active participants in finding the solution. When assessing risk, what you don't know can hurt you, so good internal communication--or the lack thereof--can literally mean the difference between organizational success and failure. And certainly, when internal auditors provide consulting services to management and others within the organization, their ability to communicate clearly is a must. Misunderstandings due to poor communication are commonplace; auditors must regularly challenge themselves to ensure clarity and complete comprehension.

Joanne L. Hodges

Editor In Chief