Effective communication

Business communication is carried out in a variety of mediums from face-to-face meetings, presentations to email and messaging. The manner of communication must be appropriate to the medium. Communication is a two-way process. Active and empathetic listening is as critical to communication as talking or conveying a message. In this way understanding other people’s points of view is key to improving the quality of relationships.

Communicate clearly and concisely in a manner that is well suited to your audience. Your message should flow and the overall tone should be consistent and relevant to the topic. Ensure that your message conveys a concrete picture of what you are trying to convey and that it does not contain anything that might confuse a listener. Your message should be comprehensive and complete, fully informing your audience and enabling them where applicable to take relevant action. Tone and body language are also important to effective communication. Be aware of posture and voice inflection. Be mindful of the way in which you pose questions, ensuring they are delivered in a positive manner which builds trust and encourages discussion. Experiential learning team building activities and business games help in modelling effective communication.