What is Business Communication Interaction in a work

What is Business Communication? Interaction in a work place Can be verbal, non verbal or graphic Facilitates multi-tasking at work Provides better insight into our personalities

The communication process Consists of seven elements: Sender-(encodes idea)present information from a unique vantage point Message-transmittal of idea Receiver –decodes idea Feedback – response, links communication with understanding & discussion Communication channel - medi Context – board meeting, business lunch etc. Noise – leads to communication barriers/misunderstandings

Factors that affect communication Culture & values Education & skills Beliefs Environment Attitudes

Communication channels Internal channels External channels Reports Media-electronic & E-mails print Data–collection interviews Business letters Job application Cover letter Memos Meetings Telephone Surveys/questionairres Data–collection interviews

Flow of communication Horizontal channels Communication with colleagues/peers Vertical channels Communication with supervisors & juniors

Barriers to Communication Cultural differences/backgrounds Inappropriate channel/words Inadequate feedback from receiver Poor layout and presentation

How to communicate successfully Be aware of ethics in internal and cross-cultural communication Show empathy Become an active and responsive listener Value feedback Choose the right channel to communicate in a business environment Plan & organize information before communicating it

The Communication Climate Consultative processes- network building strategies Interpersonal assertive styles-The ‘I’ message Problem –solving strategies Appraise and build relationships

Real world communication Role-play- Personal styles of communication a) Stand up and move around the room. b) Greet everyone nonverbally, with a smile, handshake or any other means of nonverbal communication. c) Sit down and as part of the group, introduce yourself and discuss what you would like to gain from this course. d) Also, share with the group how you are similar or different from each other.

- Effective workplace relationships For a team to be effective it needs to: understand accept common goals have open communication and an equal distribution of work load have a system for giving and receiving feedback have the tools, equipment, time, information etc to do the best job have members who are skilled and experienced have members who recognise each other’s strengths and weaknesses

A team will be ineffective if: it has too many or too few members it operates without good leadership there is an environment of mistrust and disrespect there is no cooperation there are no procedures / forums for issues of concern to be heard.

Research activities Ethics in communication Channels of communication Cross-cultural communication barriers