PHL 458 Week 5 Troubleshooting Communication

Troubleshooting Communication

PHL/458

Troubleshooting Communication

Introduction

I recall many times, an individual or group presented a creative solution to a problem, but

failed to convince their target audience to accept the proposed solution. They failed to

persuade the audience because of some mistakes made during presenting their argument

and proposed solution. These mistakes can be analyzed and fixed to ensure that it does

not happen next time to perform a successful persuasive presentation.

Instance

The instance in which an individual presented a sound and creative solution to a problem

is when I noticed a problem with their proposed solution, and how they can assemble a military

style DRASH tent. I had the ideas in my head, and approached the higher ranked sergeant with

the solution since I have, since I have set up and inventoried these tents numerous times. He said

he saw where I was coming from, but he dismissed it as if it was not a good idea. I have failed to

present this sound and creative solution to the higher ranked sergeant. After analyzing what I did

wrong, and how I can improve my presentation, I can present the problems and solution him

again.

The problem is the vast number of parts that the tent is composed of and the lack of

people we had to assemble it. It comes back and hurts us because we must listen and obey the

orders given to us by higher ranked sergeants or we will face the consequences later, even

though I know I am right. So, we give another try to assemble it with the lack of the correct

amount of people to help assemble it. Another problem is that we cannot hold the section and

stake it into the ground without it falling over. One more problem that was presented is the

amount of wind that blowing the tent over and making it hard to keep in place.

I once again presented to him these problems, and their perspective solution, and he is

aware of these problems. The way I presented this was when he called me over to discuss

some of the options that were presented to him. I started by sitting down, looking away

from him, and naming of all the problems that we have with the tent and the minimum amount of

people we would need to complete it. This was not a good way to present the

problems, as he did not seem to understand. I then presented the solutions the same way

by sitting down in front of him, and not keeping eye contact. The solutions were creative

and sound as I suggested that we simplify the erection process, and get better results with

more than three people. This way we will spend less time assembling the tent and have

more time to finish other tasks, in doing so leaving on time or even early for the day. We

can even reevaluate our plan to assemble the tent so it would not go past five in the

evening. I did not present this properly as my body language showed him that I was not

ready to present this to him.

The way I presented the solutions could have been better. I could have scheduled a time

to sit down with him and higher ranked sergeants in a conference room, and take the time to do a

proper presentation that presented the issues individually, and a solution for each. Showing him a

projected time to complete it with our current state of helping able bodies and the time projected

to complete it with the proper amount. I also could have stood up, and spoke to them directly by

keeping eye contact, and listening to what they had to say about it. It is important to address

these problems and solutions verbally, visually, and professionally. It is also important to know

your audience, and already have addressed objections that you think that they may have. This

way you are prepared to agree with their objections, but then show them or persuade them that

this is the best solution available because it fixes these problems, and allows the task to be

completed in a quick precise manner.

Conclusion

Now that I know what I have done wrong in the presentation of persuasive problem solving.

I can explain to my higher-ranking sergeant that I was not ready to present the problems and their

respective solutions, and that he should hear me out by setting up a time with him and the senior

sergeant to try presenting again. Ultimately, it is all about being prepared. I was not prepared for

this persuasive presentation, so I failed at getting my point across to the sergeant, but I will try

again, knowing that I must be engaging.

References

Ruggiero, V.R. (2012). The Art of Thinking: A Guide to Critical and Creative Thought (2006) Retrieved From: University of Phoenix Library