Phillip G. Clampitt Ph.D.

Hall of Shame

Exactly what not to do

The "Hall of Shame" documents incidents in which key communication principles were violated. The purpose of this page is two-fold:  1) To provide examples of what to avoid, and 2) to instruct students about key communication principles that are critical for any communicator’s long-term success. The focus is on the incident, not the student(s). For that reason, I have not included any names. We all make mistakes and we can all learn from those miscalculations.

• ---

• A group member was elected to act as spokesperson during a simulated crisis involving a professional sports team. There were rumors of fan protests and unruly behavior if a certain player (wearing #4) took the field. The spokesperson repeatedly used the term “terrorists” to describe potential protestors during the press conference.  When questioned about the language choices, it became clear that the group members had not agreed to use this particular term.
  

  ---

  A group member presented facts during a case presentation that were not accurate. When confronted with contradictory evidence during the cross-examination period, the student  attacked the credibility of two professors and refused to back down from the original claims. Despite given the opportunity to retract statements, the student continued to make the incorrect assertions and then complained about "being attacked."

  • ---

  • In the Interviewing class, students routinely discussed each other's strengths and areas of improvement during performance appraisal exercises.  One student quickly dismissed an improvement  idea by saying "I already knew that and I can't change it." What opportunity did this student miss? 

    ---

    One group, part of a class of 80 students, had extensive training on the SMCR model and proper channel selection. They chose to turn in their final group paper (30 + pages) by e-mailing an attachment to the professor. What principle did they violate?

• ---

• One group was given a case involving communication problems at a paper mill. One recommendation involved transmitting daily briefings over a public address speaker system. What principle did they violate?

• ---

• One student repeatedly fell asleep during a discussion class despite the professor’s private warning. What principle did he violate?

---

During a presentation in the Information Technology class, the presenter snapped his fingers as a way to signal his group member to change slides. The class and professors found this funny the first time but found it less so after it repeatedly happened. What principle did this student violate?