Who’s On First: A Resource on Workplace Communication

Abstract

In this article, we present a witty and relevant resource for students to learn and apply communications concepts to assess barriers to communication and tactics for overcoming such barriers. Leveraging the humor of a classic Abbott and Costello comedy routine, we challenge students to analyze the clip and to identify best practices in communication. We also contrast other communications exercises with this resource to demonstrate that it is an easily implementable and valuable tool to help students learn basic workplace communication concepts.