Business Communication

Business Communication: Communication to facilitate commercial transactions with the intention of generating profits.
- Language used in business communication should be simple and clear, and reveal complete meaning without ambiguity.

Characteristics

1. A two-way, ongoing process
2. Essential to all kinds of organizations and at all levels of management. 
3. Create mutual understanding by giving/ seeking information and persuading/ influencing others and eliciting actions. 
4. Communication consists not only of facts but ideas and emotions. 

Means of Communication

1. Verbal Communication
1. Oral
2. Written 
3. Visual
4. Audio-visual 
2. Non-verbal 

Choosing means and mode of communication depends on various factors:

1. Organisational size and policy 
2. Cost factor 
3. Nature of message 
4. Distance involved 
5. Resources 

Process of Communication 

Sender --> Message --> Encoding --> Receiver -->  Decoding --> Message --> Feedback

(Feedback: Reversal of roles)

Noise causes communication failure most of the time. 

Seven Cs of Effective Communication

• Clarity of expression 
• Completeness of information 
• Conciseness of message 
• Concreteness in presentation 
• Courtesy towards recipient 
• Correctness of facts 
• Consideration for the receiver 

Guidelines to ensure effective communication

1. Choose the right means and mode 
2. Own your messages - take responsibility 
3. Offer Complete and relevant information 
4. Obtain feedback 
5. Think of the recipient 
6. Verbal and non-verbal congruence 
7. Repeat if necessary 

Types of Communication - internal and external. 

Barriers to Communication

1. Lack of Planning 
2. False Assumptions 
3. Ambiguity 
4. Distortions 
5. Passing Judgements 
6. Implied Meanings 
7. Lack of Trust